Cognitive Remediation in Schizophrenia: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects

Abstract

Cognitive impairment is a core symptom in schizophrenia that has a significant impact on psychosocial function, but shows a weak response to pharmacological treatment. Consequently, a variety of non pharmacological interventions have tried to find out suitable out come in patients with schizophrenia.
Objectives: The present study aims to review the existing scientific literature on cognitive remediation in schizophrenia. Specifically, it highlights the major structured cognitive remediation protocols developed for schizophrenia and summarizes findings from recent meta-analyses.
Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in the PubMed and Google scholar database for studies published in year 2015 to 2025. All relevant meta-analyses and review articles on cognitive remediation in schizophrenia were included.
Results: Numerous intervention programs have been developed and evaluated to enhance cognitive functioning in individuals with schizophrenia. Several quantitative reviews have demonstrated that cognitive remediation effectively reduces cognitive deficits and improves functional outcomes. Moreover, current evidence supports its applicability and usefulness during the early phase of schizophrenia and in high-risk populations.
Conclusions: Cognitive remediation represents a promising therapeutic approach for enhancing real-world functioning in schizophrenia and should be regarded as a crucial component of early intervention strategies in psychotic disorder.