Study launched to test possible preventive intervention for schizophrenia in young people
The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has recently awarded a grant to study whether a program of computer-based training exercises can help prevent first-episode psychosis in young people (age 16–25) at high risk of developing schizophrenia. The program is based on principles of brain development and resilience, and an understanding of the processes that go awry in schizophrenia.
In a 16-week study, researchers will assess and compare cognitive performance in:
- a group of mentally healthy young people who have completed 80 hours of computer-based training exercises
- a group of young people who are at ‘ultra high risk’ for developing schizophrenia – that is, those showing early symptoms of the illness but who have not yet been diagnosed – who have also completed the training exercises
- a control group of ‘ultra high risk’ young people who have not completed the training exercises
Previous studies have shown that these types of computer-based training exercises can help improve some aspects of learning and memory in adults with chronic schizophrenia. The researchers anticipate that the exercises may help offset some of the symptoms of developing schizophrenia, and possibly prevent the onset of first-episode psychosis.
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