Improving cognitive function to help with negative symptoms in schizophrenia

Cognitive Enhancement for Persistent Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10655377

This study is looking for ways to help people with schizophrenia who struggle with low motivation and social withdrawal by using fun computer and group exercises to boost their thinking skills and improve their daily lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10655377 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on addressing the persistent negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as lack of motivation and social withdrawal, which are often unresponsive to current treatments. The approach involves Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET), which utilizes computer and group-based exercises to improve cognitive abilities. By enhancing both social and non-social cognition, the study aims to provide new treatment options for individuals struggling with these debilitating symptoms. Participants will engage in structured cognitive exercises designed to foster improvements in their daily functioning and quality of life.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience persistent negative symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or those whose negative symptoms are adequately managed by existing treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new therapeutic options for patients with schizophrenia who suffer from negative symptoms that are currently difficult to treat.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary analyses from previous randomized controlled trials suggest that cognitive remediation approaches like CET have shown promise in reducing negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Mental disordersMental health disordersPsychiatric DiseasePsychiatric Disorderpsychological disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.