This study will investigate whether computerized training might help people with schizophrenia lessen their symptoms and learn new thinking and problem-solving skills. All participants will receive a baseline evaluation of clinical, neurocognitive, and quality of life measures.

Principal investigator: Sophia Vinogradov, MD

Study end date: 2009

Location San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Study Design All participants will complete either computer-based training exercises or play control graphics-based computer games for 75 minutes per day, five days per week, for eight weeks. (This is fun!) After these eight weeks, participants will undergo a second evaluation of clinical, neurocognitive, and quality of life variables. Six months after completion of the intervention, each participant will be asked to return to the laboratory for a third evaluation of clinical, quality of life, and neurocognitive measures.

Participant Requirements

Persons eligible:
18-60 years old
diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
achieved clinical stability, defined as outpatient status for at least three months prior to study participation
stable doses of psychiatric medications for at least one month prior to study participation
in good general physical health
use English as first language

Persons not eligible:
history of neurological disorders
using mood stabilizers and/or on antidepressants
history of psychoactive substance abuse in the past six months

Payment You may receive up to $510 for nine weeks of participation that will include initial assessments, sessions of the computerized training program or the computer games, and final assessments, in addition to the evaluation after six months.

Contact Christine Holland, Clinical Research Coordinator
Contact Phone 415-221-4810 x5488