Review article

Preserving Cognitive Abilities in Schizophrenia Patients

Martina Rojnić Kuzman
Dina Bošnjak Kuharić

Abstract

Despite numerous new methods and treatments, schizophrenia is still considered one of the most severe of mental disorders. The cognitive symptoms are central and already appear in the premorbid phase of the disease, then gradually increase in later phases. The symptoms show the greatest resistance to current treatment options and determine the overall outcome. Depending on the stage of the disease it is necessary to preserve cognitive abilities as long as possible and prevent advancement of symptoms. In the prodromal phase, cognitive abilities are maintained through a healthy lifestyle, prevention/treatment of (mis)use of cannabis, physical exercise, timely treatment with non-pharmacological methods (psychotherapy and sociotherapy), and if required, the rational use of psychopharmaceuticals, which may also include low doses of new antipsychotics. In first-episode psychosis and early stage of the disease, the principle of rational psychopharmacology is applied, with the introduction of atypical, long-acting antipsychotics, antidepressants, and the exclusion of sedatives. It is necessary to implement a multimodal sociotherapeutic and psychotherapeutic approach, which has an indirect effect on protecting cognitive abilities through improving adherence and reducing negative and depressive symptoms. In treating cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in later stages, rational psychopharmacotherapy is still required, but with the omission of sedatives. Regarding non-pharmacological methods, the use of metacognitive training, cognitive remediation, and psychosocial methods including familial intervention is recommended. Exercise is important in every stage of the disease, as it has a direct effect on the development and preservation of cognition.

Keywords

schizophrenia; cognitive symptoms; , treatment; exercise

Hrčak ID:

308614

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/308614

Publication date:

9.10.2023.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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