How are Neurocognitive and Social Cognitive Factors Related to Daily Functioning in First Episode Psychosis?-Presentation Slides

Presentation Slides

Pdf Summary

This document summarizes a presentation on the relationship between neurocognitive and social cognitive factors and daily functioning in individuals with first episode schizophrenia. The presentation was part of the Clinical Support System for Serious Mental Illness (CSS-SMI) initiative implemented by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The presentation discussed the domains of neurocognition and social cognition and their impact on community functioning. It also highlighted brief neurocognitive and social cognitive assessment tools, as well as treatment approaches used to improve cognitive skills in individuals with schizophrenia.<br /><br />Neurocognitive difficulties were identified as an important feature of schizophrenia, present even before diagnosis and relatively stable over time. They were found to predict work and social outcomes. Neurocognitive domains such as short-term memory, attention, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, reasoning and problem-solving, and processing speed were discussed.<br /><br />Several assessment tools, including the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool for Schizophrenia (B-CATS) and the Cognitive Assessment Interview (CAI), were highlighted as useful in measuring cognitive functioning and informing treatment and rehabilitation planning.<br /><br />Cognitive remediation, which involves computer-assisted or skills-based training, was discussed as a way to restore or compensate for cognitive difficulties caused by schizophrenia. Commercial programs like Posit Science's BrainHQ and CogSMART were mentioned as examples of cognitive remediation programs.<br /><br />The presentation also touched on the importance of social cognition in schizophrenia and its impact on daily functioning. Social cognitive difficulties, such as facial/emotion perception, voice perception, mirroring, affect sharing, and mentalizing, were discussed. The role of social cognition in community functioning was emphasized.<br /><br />Lastly, the presentation mentioned the availability of computer-based social cognition training programs, such as SocialVille, as a way to improve social cognition skills in individuals with schizophrenia.<br /><br />Overall, the presentation provided valuable information on the relationship between neurocognitive and social cognitive factors and daily functioning in first episode schizophrenia. It also highlighted assessment tools and treatment approaches that can be used to improve cognitive and social cognitive skills in individuals with schizophrenia.

Keywords

neurocognitive

social cognitive

daily functioning

first episode schizophrenia

assessment tools

cognitive skills

cognitive remediation

community functioning

social cognition

treatment approaches