Cognitive Remediation Therapy for patients with psychosis and its application in forensic settings: A Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA)

A Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was conducted to address the following research question: What are the reported effects of Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) for people diagnosed with psychotic disorders, what is the most effective method of delivery and how can it be applied in forensic settings? Two databases (Scopus and National Library of Medicine) were used to search for relevant articles, and these were assessed against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using the criteria, 243 articles were retrieved. Duplications were removed and articles were excluded for various reasons. After a full review, 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. Key findings from this Rapid Evidence Assessment were: CRT is generally effective in improving cognition for non-forensic and forensic populations with psychosis, showing enhancements in global cognition, and specific areas including verbal memory, visual memory, attention, and problem solving. However, improvements in psychotic symptoms and social cognition are mixed. CRT has had some implementation in forensic settings and findings indicate it has been successful in improving cognition for patients in forensic settings with psychosis, however, research in forensic settings is limited. CRT is able to be delivered in individual, mixed (individual sessions and group discussions), and group environments with positive outcomes for participants. The therapeutic relationship between the therapist and service user influences CRT delivery.