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Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia: the great unmet need

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 December 2015

Ralph Aquila  and
Leslie Citrome
Ralph Aquila*
Affiliation:
Fountain House, New York City, New York, USA Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
Leslie Citrome
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
*
*Address for correspondence: Ralph Aquila, Sidney R. Baer Jr. Center, 347 West 37th Street, New York, NY 10018. (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is present in almost all persons with the disorder and can be a substantial obstacle to efforts in the recovery process. In clinical research, cognition is assessed through neuropsychological testing as well as by different types of structured instruments focusing on function. Although nonpharmacological interventions such as cognitive remediation have been therapeutic, particularly in combination with vocational rehabilitation and supported employment, these modalities are not always easy to access. Pharmacological interventions are in development and have principally focused on the dopamine, glutamate, and acetylcholine neurotransmitter systems, aiming to target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and its interactions with other brain regions.

Keywords

Cognitionimpairmentpsychosisreturn to functioningschizophrenia
Type
CME Review Article
Information
CNS Spectrums , Volume 20 , Issue S1: CME SUPPLEMENT , December 2015 , pp. 32 - 40
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 

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Footnotes

This activity is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from FORUM Pharmaceuticals, LLC.

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