A Comparison of Two Cognitive Batteries in People With Schizophrenia

Summary

The investigators will compare the test-retest reliabilities of two cognitive batteries in people with schizophrenia: Cognitive Drug Research Computerized Cognitive Assessment System ("CDR") and MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery ("MCCB"). The investigators hypothesize that there will be a statistically significant difference in the test-retest reliabilities between MCCB and CDR. In addition, the investigators hypothesize that each of the two batteries will better measure certain areas of cognition. The investigators also hypothesize that scores from both batteries will correlate with quality of life scores, and that there will be a significant difference between the correlations of MCCB and CDR. The investigators hypothesize there will be a significant difference in patients' self-reported tolerability and satisfaction of the MATRICS versus CDR assessments. Lastly, the investigators hypothesize that there will be a significant difference in the MATRICS versus CDR batteries with respect to an administrator-rated score of practicality.

Approximately 32 subjects will enroll in the study. Following consent and eligibility screening (visit 1) and baseline clinical assessment and training in the use of the CDR battery (visit 2), subjects will be randomized into one of two groups for visits 3 and 4. One group will complete the CDR and then MCCB in visit 3, as well as the Tolerability Scale for each battery. The other group will complete the batteries in reverse order during visit 3. Each group will complete both batteries again in reverse order for visit 4. Randomization will be done in blocks of 2. After completion of every 4 subjects, study administrators will complete the Practicality Scale for each battery.

Conditions

• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective Disorder

Interventions

OTHER

CDR Computerized Cognitive Assessment System

Cognitive Drug Research Computerized Cognitive Assessment System consists of performance tasks that measure reaction time, numeric and spatial working memory, word and picture recall and recognition, and episodic secondary memory. CDR is a single, unified battery that can be stored and administered using a laptop computer.

OTHER

MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery

The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery measures functioning across various cognitive domains, such as attention, working memory (verbal and nonverbal), learning (verbal and visual), reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. Its measurements are based on timed paper-and-pencil, computerized, and orally-administered tests, as well as spatial tests using geometric cubes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• North Suffolk Mental Health Association

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• A. Eden Evins, M.D., M.P.H. · Massachusetts General Hospital

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Masking

NONE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2007-12-31

Primary Completion

2009-03-31

Completion

2009-03-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations