Cognitive Remediation Therapy in Schizophrenia: Effects on Epigenetics

This study is a randomised and controlled trial that aims to investigate whether Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) can modulate epigenetic mechanisms by changing methylation levels of BDNF gene in patients with Schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) can modulate epigenetic mechanisms by changing methylation levels of BDNF gene. It also aims to test whether BDNF valine-66-methionine (Val66Met) polymorphism influences CRT treatment outcome among people with schizophrenia. SAMPLE AND METHODS: A randomized and controlled study will be carried out with two groups: patients receiving CRT and patients in control condition without any cognitive intervention and receiving Treatment as Usual (TAU). Methylation levels of BDNF gene at different sites will be contrasted before and after treatment. Additionally, neurocognition profile, level of symptoms and psychosocial functioning will also be tested. CRT outcomes will be investigated in a mixed model for repeated measures.