Computer-based training for visual processing deficits in schizophrenia.

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26860959
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Psychiatric science
• Research Institution: National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: IKEZAWA SATORU 国立研究開発法人国立精神・神経医療研究センター, 病院, 医員 (30444623)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 認知リハビリテーション / Visual Backward Masking / 統合失調症 / 認知機能障害

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Schizophrenia is associated with visual processing deficits, which is underlying their cognitive symptoms. In this study, we developed computer-based training to try to improve visual processing in schizophrenia, and explore its efficacy and tolerance. Participants were patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder recruited from our institute. After consenting to study procedures, participants will be assessed with their symptoms, neurocognition, and emotional perception. In one month, they will have repeated assessments, then 20 sessions of visual processing training, lasting roughly 1 hour each. Repeated assessments were required after 20 session and 4 weeks after the completion. After completing the training, 4 participants had improves scores on measures of "attention and information processing speed" at 4 weeks after the completion. While this was an extremely small sample size, improvement of visual processing deficits may improve their cognition.

Free Research Field

精神科リハビリテーション