The implementation of cognitive remediation interventions in Campania

Cognitive impairment is considered a core aspect of schizophrenia and an important therapeutic target for its negative impact on real-life functioning of affected people. Psychotropic drugs commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia do not improve and might even worsen cognitive dysfunctions. In contrast, cognitive remediation (CR) was found to improve cognitive deficits and real-life functioning of subjects with schizophrenia. The present paper aims to provide a brief review of the theoretical basis of different CR programs and to illustrate the implementation of two such programs in Campania. In particular, the Social Skills And Neurocognitive Individualized Training (SSANIT) and the Computerized Interactive Remediation of Cognition - Training for Schizophrenia (CIRCuiTS) will be illustrated. SSANIT is an integrated program, including individualized computerized CR and social skills trainings. CIRCuiTS is a stand-alone computerized CR program targeting the development of metacognitive skills. Factors informing the choice of a specific CR program for individual subjects are also illustrated.