Addressing executive functioning and cognitive rehabilitation in the treatment of schizophrenia.

ABSTRACT. Schizophrenia spectrum disorders are currently viewed as having a neuropsychological basis included in the etiology. Cognitive deficits that occur in schizophrenia are primarily observed in the areas of attention–concentration, memory, and planning. These abilities are commonly viewed under the broader spectrum of executive functioning. Research has shown that these executive functioning skills can be improved through the use of cognitive rehabilitation interventions. This article includes a case study documenting the use of cognitive rehabilitation strategies with a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who possessed documented deficits in executive functioning. The discussion illustrates the possible progress that may be made in the treatment of schizophrenia when this additional tier of intervention is used. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)