Abstract

Introduction: Schizophrenia is considered a multifactorial brain disorder, as both biological and psychosocial factors are implicated in its etiopathogenesis. It is characterised by a distortion of reality, prominent disturbances in perception as well as the structure and content of thoughts, symptoms across all mental functions as well as cognitive deficits. Cognitive deficits, along with the leading and accompanying symptoms of schizophrenia, are responsible for the significant difficulties patients face in their occupational, social and interpersonal functioning and prevent patients’ smooth social integration. A key hypothesis is that improving patients’ cognitive deficits would contribute to a better quality of life and would improve their functioning and autonomy. Purpose: The literature review at hand aims to investigate computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation in patients suffering from schizophrenia. In recent years, interest has shifted to the use of various programs for cognitive rehabilitation as a key method in the rehabilitation and reintegration of these patients. Method: The method used consisted of searching and reviewing literature generated on the PubMed platform using the keywords “computerized OR computer assisted AND cognitive rehabilitation OR cognitive remediation AND schizophrenia NOT elderly”. Results: Forty four articles published between 2010 and 2021 from all over the world were selected. The results indicated that 3410 patients between the ages of 18 and 50 had participated in the studies and were administered computer-based cognitive rehabilitation tests through computer software. Study Results: The results suggest that computer use constitutes an interesting proposal for cognitive rehabilitation. It seems to have a positive effect and to improve cognitive deficits in attention, logic, memory, executive functioning and social skills.