Description
Inclusion Criteria:
- Inclusion criteria will be evaluated longitudinally in a 4-week evaluation period. Patients will be included if they are outpatients and:
- 1. are between 18-60 years of age;
- 2. have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder confirmed by the SCID;
- 3. have a clinical history of persistent negative symptoms lasting at least 3 months as identified from the medical record;
- 4. have observed persistent negative symptoms at the beginning and end of the 4-week evaluation period;
- 5. have been stabilized on antipsychotic medication at the beginning and end of the 4-week evaluation period;
- 6. have stabilized depressive symptoms at the beginning and end of the 4-week evaluation period;
- 7. have mild or absent extrapyramidal symptoms at the beginning and end of the 4-week evaluation period;
- 8. have had changes to their primary antipsychotic medication within the previous 3 months;
- 9. have current IQ \> 80; and
- 10. are able to read (sixth grade level or higher) and speak fluent English. -
Exclusion Criteria:
- Exclusion criteria are intended to avoid likely treatment confounders and contraindications and include:
- 1. the presence of organic brain syndrome;
- 2. comorbid medical disorders producing cognitive impairment (e.g., mild brain injury, previous concussions with loss of consciousness);
- 3. persistent suicidal or homicidal behavior;
- 4. significant clinician-estimated medication non-adherence; and
- 5. SCID-verified substance use disorder.
Ages Eligible for Study:
18 Years to 60 Years (ADULT)
Sexes Eligible for Study: ALL
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
No