Computerized cognitive remediation therapy (CCRT): investigating change in the psychosocial and cognitive function of adolescent psychiatric patients.

• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2047/D20213354

Cognitive rehabilitation therapy been has been established as an efficacious treatment for adult psychotic disorders for over 40 years (McGurk, Twamley, Sitzer, McHugo, & Mueser, 2007). Research has shown that Computerized Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy can reduce the impact that cognitive deficits associated with psychotic disorders and other serious and persistent mental illnesses when using the PSS Cognitive Rehabilitation software (Kurtz & Mueser, 2008). Few studies investigating the effects of CCRT in adolescent populations have been published. The current study analyzed extant data collected during the evaluation of a 27-week pilot, adolescent CCRT treatment program available within a state psychiatric hospital. Analysis and interpretation of available data suggest that two out of four participants experienced cognitive stability and three out of four participants experienced favorable changes in psycho-social function during CCRT. Limitations of the study include instrumentation and study design issues that could be improved during the next CCRT program implementation with increased administrative oversight.