This project will conduct a confirmatory efficacy trial to examine the efficacy of Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) and Enriched Supportive Therapy (EST) for the treatment of schizophrenia patients with significant and persistent negative symptoms. A total of 90 stabilized schizophrenia outpatients with moderate-to-severe persistent negative symptoms will be randomized to 18 months of CET or EST. Comprehensive data on persistent negative symptoms, social and non-social cognition, and functional outcome will be collected prior to treatment and at frequent 6-month intervals to (1) confirm the efficacy of CET and EST for improving persistent negative symptoms; (2) confirm the impact of cognitive target engagement on reduced negative symptoms; and (3) examine the short-term durability of CET and EST effects on negative symptoms and functioning.
This project will conduct a confirmatory efficacy trial of two novel psychosocial interventions, Cognitive Enhancement Therapy and Enriched Supportive Therapy, for the treatment of persistent negative symptoms in schizophrenia.