Meta-cognitive skills training enhances computerized cognitive remediation outcomes among individuals with first-episode psychosis

Aim: Meta-cognitive skills training (MST) is a frequent component of cognitive remediation programmes for individuals with psychosis. However, no study has investigated whether incorporating such activities produces increased clinical benefits compared with computerized cognitive remediation alone. Methods: Individuals with first-episode psychosis who completed computerized cognitive remediation with concurrent meta-cognitive skills training (CCR + MST) were compared with a historical control group who received computerized cognitive remediation alone (CCR) and did not differ from the CCR + MST group with regard to pre-intervention cognition, diagnosis, age, duration of psychotic illness or sex. Participants completed assessments of cognition and real-world functioning before and after 6 months of treatment. Results: Individual receiving CCR + MST experience greater gains in cognition and real-world functioning than individuals who received CCR. Conclusions: MST may be an important component within cognitive remediation programmes for first-episode psychosis.