Cognitive Remediation Therapy in a Patient at Ultra High Risk for Psychosis
- May 19, 2022
- Posted by: rsispostadmin
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue IV, April 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Cognitive Remediation Therapy in a Patient at Ultra High Risk for Psychosis
Wafa Abdelghaffar, Amal Ajili, Nadia Haloui, Asma Ben Ammar, Rym Rafrafi
Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis el Manar
Mental Health Department at Mongi Slim Hospital
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunctions are core symptoms in patients with Ultra High Risk (UHR) of psychosis and can impact social functioning. Non pharmacological treatments are recommended in these patients such as Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT). This therapy is still not widely used. Most studies about this topic were performed in western countries using computer based CRT. Our study details the cognitive assessment and management of an UHR patient from Tunisia using paper based CRT protocol. A better knowledge of cognitive impairment profile can help improve patients outcome. Cognitive symptoms interact with social and cultural environment. There is a need for studies from various countries that are under-represented in the scientific literature such as Arab Countries. This could help to depict cognitive profile of UHR patients. The paper and pencil based therapy can be performed in low and middle income countries and help widen the use of CRT worldwide.
Background
Schizophrenia and related psychoses are severe mental illnesses with heavy life burden for patients, families and society (1). They also have high economic cost. Early detection and management of patients are key elements to improve outcome (2). Detection before disease onset is highly recommended at the stage of high risk mental state. Hence, all mental health professionals should try to screen for people at high risk for developing psychosis and offer them adequate follow up in order to prevent or delay transition to psychosis (3). Guidelines recommend to use non pharmacological treatments rather than antipsychotics since these persons are usually adolescents or young adults and they are not yet ill, it is a risk state (4,5). Usually, people with Ultra High Risk (UHR) of psychosis report symptoms such anxiety, depression or school dropout (6).
