Neuroimaging predictors of response to cognitive remediation and social skills training: A pilot study in veterans with schizophrenia

Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging. 2019 Nov 30:293:110988. doi: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2019.110988. Epub 2019 Oct 8.

Abstract

Neuroimaging may predict response to cognitive remediation therapy and social skills training (CRT + SST) in schizophrenia. Identifying biological predictors of response is crucial for treatment decision making given not all patients respond to such interventions. Nineteen veterans with schizophrenia enrolled in an 8-week trial of CRT + SST. Ten participants completed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at baseline. Baseline fractional anisotropy (FA) in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and overall average FA predicted improvements in visual-spatial working memory, and social cognition, respectively. Neuroimaging may be useful in identifying therapeutic targets in schizophrenia.

Keywords: Cognitive remediation; Diffusion tensor imaging; Schizophrenia; Social skills training.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Anisotropy
  • Cognitive Remediation*
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Memory, Short-Term / physiology
  • Nerve Net
  • Pilot Projects
  • Schizophrenia / diagnostic imaging
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • Social Skills*
  • Veterans
  • White Matter