Effectiveness of Computerized Programs in Cognitive Rehabilitation of Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective.
The cognitive de
fi
cits present in schizophrenia have been intervened through cognitive rehabilitation,
and the use of computerized software is a current trend. This intervention has been the focus of attention of
several studies, so, this investigation aims to give an account of the effectiveness of computerized software in
the cognitive rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia.
Method.
To do this, the databases of MEDLINE,
PUBMED, ASSIA, PsycINFO and Journals@Ovid were examined from 2005 until 2017, in a search for
papers that include in their keywords virtual platforms or computers software and cognitive rehabilitation
or neuropsychological rehabilitation and Schizophrenia.
Results.
Of a total of 356 research papers, only 20
of them met inclusion criteria. These studies included cognitive rehabilitation that uses software improved
attention, memory, processing speed, executive functions, as well as social cognition, and affective functioning.
Conclusion.
Even though the use of software in cognitive rehabilitation had proved to improve general cognitive
functioning of patients with schizophrenia, it is not clear that this kind of intervention assures the transfer of
learning and generalization of this improvement in the daily life of patients.