Does the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale Predict Response toCognitive Remediation in Schizophrenia ?

Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) has emerged as a viable treatment option for people diagnosed with schizophrenia presentingdisabling cognitive deficits. However, it is important to determine which variables can influence response to CRT in order to providecost-effective treatment. This study’s aim was to explore cognitive insight as a potential predictor of cognitive improvement afterCRT. Twenty patients with schizophrenia completed a 24-session CRT program involving 18 hours of computer exercises and 6hours of group discussion to encourage generalization of cognitive training to everyday activities. Pre- and posttest assessmentsincluded the CogState Research Battery and the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS). Lower self-certainty on the BCIS at baselinewas associated with greater improvement in speed of processing (𝑟𝑠=−0.48;𝑝<0.05) and visual memory (𝑟𝑠=−0.46;𝑝<0.05).The results of this study point out potential associations between self-certainty and cognitive improvement after CRT, a variablethat can easily be measured in clinical settings to help evaluate which patients may benefit most from the intervention. They alsounderline the need to keep investigating the predictors of good CRT outcomes, which can vary widely between patients.