Pilot study on The Role of Computerised Cognitive Stimulation in Schizophrenia: Effects on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder frequently associated with cognitive impairments that negatively impact patients’ functional outcomes and quality of life. Standard pharmacological treatments primarily address positive symptoms, while cognitive deficits remain insufficiently targeted. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of computer-assisted cognitive stimulation therapy (CCST) in improving cognitive performance, psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: We conducted a prospective, comparative observational study involving two groups of clinically stable patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The studied group (n=5) underwent a 6-week individualized CCST program using RehaCom software (12 sessions, twice weekly), while the control group (n=5) received no cognitive training and had no psychiatric conditions. Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI), and RehaCom cognitive screening across nine domains. Results: Participants in the studied group exhibited noticeable improvements in multiple cognitive domains (particularly in alertness, distributed attention, and working memory) as well as enhanced scores on psychiatric and quality of life assessments. Conclusions: Computer-assisted cognitive stimulation may serve as a promising complementary intervention to enhance cognitive function and psychosocial well-being in patients with schizophrenia. The individualized nature of the training supports its applicability in clinical settings. Further randomized studies with larger samples and extended follow-up periods are encouraged.