A narrative review of treatment interventions to improve cognitive performance in schizophrenia, with an emphasis on at-risk and early course stages

Cognitive dysfunction is a core feature of schizophrenia (SCZ), which unfavorably affects SCZ patients' daily functioning and overall clinical outcome. An increasing body of evidence has shown that cognitive deficits are present not only at the beginning of the illness but also several years before the onset of psychosis. Nonetheless, the majority of treatment interventions targeting cognitive dysfunction in SCZ, using both pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches, have focused on chronic patients rather than individuals at high risk or in the early stages of the disease. In this article, we provide a narrative review of cognitive interventions in SCZ pa-tients, with a particular focus on pre-emptive interventions in at-risk/early course individuals when available. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges for these pre-emptive treatment interventions and provide some suggestions on how future work may ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in these individuals.

Automated summary

Cognitive dysfunction is a key characteristic of schizophrenia, which has negative effects on patients' daily functioning and overall clinical outcomes. However, research has shown that cognitive deficits can be present several years before the onset of psychosis. Most treatment interventions for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia have focused on chronic patients, neglecting those at high risk or in the early stages of the disease. This article provides a review of cognitive interventions in schizophrenia patients, with a specific focus on preemptive interventions for at-risk/early course individuals, and discusses current challenges and suggestions for future improvements.