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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00507988

Complex Problem Solving Training in Schizophrenic Patients

The primary purpose of the study is to assess whether a planning and problem-solving training is more effective in improving work therapy performance in patients with schizophrenia than traditional training programs addressing basic cognitive functions.

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Key information

Conditions

Schizophrenia Mental Disorders Psychotic Disorders Schizoaffective Disorder Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders

Age range

18 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

SRH Klinikum Karlsbad-Langensteinbach

Karlsbad, 76307, Germany

About this study

In patients with schizophrenia, cognitive deficits often lead to an impairment in daily life. This observation has led to the development of cognitive training packages aiming a improving these deficits. However, it is far from clear which level of cognitive functioning provides the best target for cognitive interventions. Traditionally, training has aimed a basic cognitive functions like attention and memory. In the present study we aim at a higher-level of function, namely planning and problem-solving skills, which are trained using the software package Plan-A-Day. The primary hypothesis is that complex problem solving training improved functional capacity more than traditional training programs addressing basic cognitive function.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients with schizophrenic or schizoaffective Disorder (DSM IV)
  • Remitted positive symptoms (PANSS positive all ≤ 4), clinical stability
  • Native German speaker
  • Verbal IQ > 80
  • Visual acuity normal or corrected to normal

Exclusion criteria

  • Concurrent Axis-I disorder
  • Drug abuse during last 2 months
  • Neurological or medical conditions potentially affecting cognition

Treatment and study plan

Complex Problem Solving Training

Behavioral

10 sessions of 45 minutes complex problem solving training over 3 weeks (including 30 minutes of computerized planning and problem-solving training with Plan-A-Day and 15 minutes group session for transfer to everyday situations)

Basic Cognitive Training

Behavioral

10 sessions over 3 weeks of 45 min basic cognitive training (including 45 min computerized training of attention, processing speed, memory)

Primary outcomes

  1. Functional Capacity as assessed by Osnabrücker Arbeitsfähigkeitsprofil "learning ability" subscale

    Time frame: 3 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Functional Capacity as assessed by the Osnabrücker-Arbeitsfähigkeitsprofil summary score

    Time frame: 3 weeks

  2. BADS Zoo Map Score (Neuropsychological Test)

    Time frame: 3 weeks

  3. Planungstest (Tower of London) Summary Score (Neuropsychological Test)

    Time frame: 3 weeks

  4. Plan-A-Day S Solution Time (Neuropsychological Test)

    Time frame: 3 weeks

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Heidelberg University

Other

Collaborators

  • German Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2007
Primary completion
2009
Study completion
2009
First posted
Jul 27, 2007
Registry last updated
May 15, 2009

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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