コンピュータトレーニングを用いた認知機能リハビリテーション―神経心理学的機能は改善するか

Effects of Cognitive Rehabilitation with Computer Training on Neuropsychological Function in Schizophrenia

抄録

　認知機能リハビリテーションが統合失調症患者の中核的な障害である認知機能に及ぼす影響を調査した。研究参加者32名は同意のもとで，無作為に介入群と待機群に割り付けられた。認知機能障害に対し，週2回(うち1回は認知機能トレーニングのみ，もう1回はトレーニング後に約60分の言語グループを行う)，全19回の介入を行った。その前後に神経心理学的評価，精神症状評価，社会生活機能評価を実施した。結果として，神経心理学評価総合点において有意な改善を認めた。今後の課題として，神経心理学的機能とともに，社会的機能を向上させる介入技術が必要と考えられた。

　Cognitive deficits have been reported to be the core characteristics of schizophrenia and are related to long-term social functioning. This study investigated the effects of cognitive rehabilitation on neuropsychological function in schizophrenia.

　Thirty-two outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia (ICD-10) were assigned randomly to a cognitive training intervention group or waiting list group. Nineteen sessions conducted according to Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Cognitive Remediation (NEAR) comprised computer-mediated cognitive tasks (approximately 19 h) and verbal group session (9 h).

　Before and after the treatment period, subjects were rated on the basis of their neuropsychological, psychiatric, and social functions.

　The results showed significant improvement in neuropsychological function that was evaluated using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) composite score, further, this is consistent with previous reports suggesting that cognitive functions could be improved by cognitive rehabilitation.

　There remains room for further investigation of cognitive rehabilitation techniques that can help promote social functioning and quality of life, and improve cognitive function.