Auditory training improves cognition in early- and adult-onset schizophrenia

Auditory training improved cognition in both early-onset schizophrenia and adult-onset schizophrenia, according to results of a secondary analysis published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

“There is currently limited but growing evidence that [cognitive training] can improve cognition when administered early in the course of schizophrenia,” Olga Puig, PhD, of the department of child and adolescent psychiatry and psychology at Hospital Clinic of Barcelona in Spain, and colleagues wrote. “A recent meta-analysis of [cognitive training] in early schizophrenia concluded that the overall pattern of improvement in cognition after [cognitive training] was similar to that observed in chronic schizophrenia, but with smaller effect sizes. However, these studies included mixed samples of adolescents with [early-onset schizophrenia] and young adults with early- and adult-onset schizophrenia, making it difficult to determine the effects of [early-onset schizophrenia].”

The researchers examined the effects of onset at age 18 years or older vs. onset at younger than age 18 years in predicting response to cognitive training in schizophrenia. They collected data of 84 outpatients with schizophrenia who were included in two randomized trials that examined the cognitive effects of neuroscience-informed auditory training in schizophrenia. Of these patients, 26 had early-onset schizophrenia and 58 had adult-onset schizophrenia.

Results showed a significant effect of time in all cognitive domains (P < .002). Early-onset schizophrenia effect was only significant for verbal learning and memory (P = .018). Adult-onset schizophrenia increased the mean change score by 5.7 points in this domain; however, early-onset schizophrenia showed no change (P = .025). After control for multiple comparisons, the difference between these forms of schizophrenia was no longer statistically significant. In the adult-onset group, shorter duration of illness was associated with greater improvement in problem solving (P = .04).

“Results thus far support the efficacy of the [neuroscience-informed auditory training] intervention for improving cognitive functioning in both early- and adult-onset schizophrenia,” the researchers wrote. “These results are consistent with previous meta-analytic results. If future studies confirm that there is a reduction in [verbal learning and memory] to [this intervention], some adaptations could be considered to boost treatment benefits for [early-onset schizophrenia].” – by Joe Gramigna

Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.