Review article
COGNITIVE DEFICITS, COGNITIVE RESERVE AND PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION IN PSYCHIATRIC OFFENDERS: A STUDY ON A SAMPLE OF PATIENTS INCLUDED IN REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
Antonella Vacca
; Mental Health Department, ASL TA, Grottaglie – Manduria (TA), Italy
Maria Vincenza Minò
; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center "Don Tonino Bello" - Assoc. M.I.T.A.G. - Onlus, Brindisi, Italy
Antonella Litta
; Mental Health Department, ASL TA, Grottaglie – Manduria (TA), Italy
Roberto Longo
; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center "Città Solidale", Latiano (BR), Italy
Mario Vetrano
; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center "Città Solidale", Latiano (BR), Italy
Giovanna Lucisani
; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center "Villa dei Pini", Avellino, Italy
Barbara Solomita
; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Center "EPASSS", Grottaglie (TA), Italy
Debora Benazzi
; Neamente Association, Mercogliano (AV), Italy
Andreana Franza
; Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari Italy
Francesco Franza
; Cen.Stu.Psi., Provaglio d'Iseo (BS), Italy
Abstract
Background: This study explores the relationship between cognitive deficits, cognitive reserve (CR), and rehabilitation outcomes in psychiatric offenders and non-offenders. The objective is to analyze how neurocognitive functioning, impulsivity, and CR influence the duration and effectiveness of psychiatric rehabilitation. Methods: Fifty-five patients from rehabilitation centers in Southern Italy were assessed using standardized psychiatric and neuropsychological scales. Participants were divided into offenders (n=19) and non-offenders (n=36). Assessments included BPRS, BIS-11, CRIq, T.I.B., and TMT A/B. Statistical analyses involved Pearson's correlation and t-tests using JASP. Results: Significant correlations were observed between months of rehabilitation (MoR) and TIQ in non-offenders and CRIq in offenders. A significant correlation between MoR and TMT was observed only in offenders. Offenders with more than 24 months of rehabilitation showed lower impulsivity scores (BIS-11). These findings indicate distinct rehabilitative trajectories and neurocognitive responses in the two groups. Conclusion: Cognitive reserve and neurocognitive assessment can inform individualized rehabilitation strategies in forensic psychiatric populations. Offenders may particularly benefit from longer and more targeted interventions to mitigate impulsivity and enhance cognitive functioning.
Keywords
cognitive reserve; psychiatric rehabilitation; forensic psychiatry; impulsivity; neurocognitive assessment
Hrčak ID:
344149
URI
Publication date:
20.9.2025.
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