Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Which demographic benefits from Cognitive Remediation Therapy?
Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is effective when combined with the usual treatments for mental health disorders. CRT can be beneficial for those living with a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to:
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Schizophrenia
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
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Bipolar Disorder
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Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Anorexia Nervosa
How long should I expect to be in CRT for?
The exact amount of CRT sessions needed varies depending on the individual's personal circumstances and needs. Typically most CRT programs involve anywhere between 3 to 6 months of therapy. The average length of treatment is about 16 weeks. Individuals with more severe deficits or with comorbid mental health diagnoses may need more sessions before they begin to see positive changes, although that is not necessarily always the case.
How well does CRT work for adults experiencing schizophrenia?
Many controlled trials have used CRT on adults experiencing schizophrenia, and demonstrated effectiveness in improving various cognitive domains including attention, memory, planning, and problem-solving. Some researchers have also speculated that cognitive deficits are more amenable to remediation during earlier, rather than later, phases of schizophrenia. Therefore, CRT is strongly encouraged as a key component in early intervention programs which seek to produce long-lasting functional changes when in the early courses of schizophrenia. Some studies have suggested that CRT approaches lead to farther-reaching effects (i.e., improvements in other domains of cognition), but further research must be done in order for this claim to be properly supported.