Improving Attention in a Person with Schizophrenia

The efficacy of cognitive training of attentional deficits was examined in a young adult with chronic schizophrenia. The study employed a single subject experimental design to explore the impact of Attention Process Training. Prior to training, multiple assessments were administered. These included measures of the subject's information processing ability, attention skills and general level of functional performance. During the training, attention tests were administered at the completion of each rehabilitation component. A functional evaluation through interviews and outcome measures of information processing ability were conducted after the training was concluded. The results of the study demonstrated improvements and normalization of attention and memory. Descriptive data regarding functioning suggest generalized gains in performance in living, social and working environments. The results suggest that cognitive training of attention was effective with this subject. Direct and systematic replications to establish generalizability are recommended.

Improving Attention in a Person with Schizophrenia Journal Articles