Computer training may give small overall gains and a bigger gain in social skills.

The review

1. 01

   Who took part

   The 16 trials included 805 adults with schizophrenia or a related illness, with average ages of about 20 to 50. The paper's group sizes add up to 848, not the 805 it gives, so the total is unclear.

2. 02

   What they did

   Each trial used computer exercises to train thinking skills, lasting 3 to 104 weeks. The other groups got usual care, a placebo, a job programme alone, or another real treatment such as supportive therapy. Some trials also added group therapy or work therapy.

3. 03

   What happened

   Compared with the other groups, the training gave small gains in attention, memory and speed, and a bigger gain in social understanding. Visual memory and problem solving did not change clearly. Training aimed at one skill did not help it more than others, and the test was too small to be sure.

What the review found

1. HelpedFocus

   Computer training helped attention and alertness tests more than other groups did.

   • Action: Train attention and memory with exercisestested

   Pooled analysis of 6 studies · vs people on usual care, a placebo or other treatments

2. HelpedFocus

   Computer training improved tests of holding things in mind more than other groups did.

   • Action: Train attention and memory with exercisestested

   Pooled analysis of 8 studies · vs people on usual care, a placebo or other treatments

3. HelpedOther outcomes

   Computer training improved scores on all thinking tests more than other groups did.

   • Action: Train attention and memory with exercisestested

   Pooled analysis of 17 studies · vs people on usual care, a placebo or other treatments

4. HelpedOther outcomes

   Computer training improved reading faces and feelings more than other groups did.

   • Action: Train attention and memory with exercisestested

   Pooled analysis of 6 studies · vs people on usual care, a placebo or other treatments

Source