%0 Journal Article
%T The Integration of Cognitive Remediation Therapy into the Whole Psychosocial Rehabilitation Process: An Evidence-Based and Person-Centered Approach
%A Rafael Penad¨¦s
%A Rosa Catal¨¢n
%A N¨²ria Pujol
%A Guillem Masana
%A Clemente Garc¨ªa-Rizo
%A Miquel Bernardo
%J Rehabilitation Research and Practice
%D 2012
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2012/386895
%X Cognitive remediation therapies seem to ameliorate cognitive impairments in patients with schizophrenia. Interestingly, some improvement in daily functioning can also be expected as a result. However, to achieve these results it is necessary that cognitive remediation is carried out in the context of broader psychosocial rehabilitation involving the learning of other communication, social, and self-control skills. Unfortunately, little is known about how to integrate these different rehabilitation tools in broader rehabilitation programs. Based on both the neurocognitive behavioral approach and the action theory framework, a hierarchical flowchart is represented in this paper to integrate CRT with other evidence-based psychological therapies in outpatient settings. Finally, some evidence is provided in which cognitive abilities need to be targeted in remediation programs to improve functioning. In summary, to improve daily functioning, according to these studies, cognitive remediation needs to include the teaching of some cognitive strategies that target executive skills. 1. Introduction Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) has been defined as a behavioral training-based intervention that aims to improve cognitive processes (attention, memory, executive function, social cognition, or metacognition) with the general aim of durable benefits in community functioning (Cognitive Remediation Experts Workshop, Florence, April, 2010). Nonetheless, the majority of empirical findings on cognitive remediation therapies, including the meta-analysis, challenge the assumption that simply improving cognitive functioning in schizophrenia will spontaneously lead to better psychosocial outcomes. Moreover, the results of previous studies suggest that cognitive recovery is probably the best option to optimize the response of some patients to psychiatric rehabilitation programs. So CRT is not likely to be implemented as a stand-alone therapy but as a part of a broader psychosocial rehabilitation program. Unfortunately, little is known about how to integrate the different rehabilitation tools in a broader rehabilitation program. Regrettably, they are neither standardized nor available in routine care in the majority of clinical settings. The aim of this paper is to provide an evidence-based, person-centered method for integrating CRT into the psychosocial rehabilitation process in outpatient settings. 2. Effects of Cognitive Remediation on Cognition and Functioning Fortunately, convincing data about CRT efficacy in cognition and functioning can currently be found in
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/rerp/2012/386895/