Cognitive and Social Rehabilitation in Schizophrenia-From Neurophysiology to Neuromodulation. Pilot Study.

Renata Markiewicz,Beata Dobrowolska

doi:10.3390/ijerph17114034

Abstract

The aim of this pilot study was to analyse the influence of Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) Biofeedback training in a group of 18 men with schizophrenia at the remission stage. The results were verified according to: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Self-efficacy Scale (GSES), Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS) scales, Colour Trial Test (CTT-1, CTT-2), d2 psychological tests, Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG) Biofeedback, auditory event-related potentials (ERPs), and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The results were compared in the same patients after 3 months. Statistically significant changes were noted in results for the variables on the PANSS scale. For the BDNF variable, a statistically significant increase occurred, indicating that GSR Biofeedback training may influence serum levels of the neurotrophic factor. Statistically significant changes were noted in results for the variables on the BCIS, AIS, and GSES indicating an improvement in the cognitive and social functioning. Changes were noted for results for theta/beta and theta/Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) ratios, which indicate an improvement in concentration and attention. Changes were noted for the N1 wave amplitude in the frontal brain region (F-z), and for the P2 wave latency in the central brain region (C-z), which indicates an improvement in the initial perceptual analysis. The use of GSR Biofeedback in a group of patients with schizophrenia gives interesting results, but requires further in-depth research.

Highlights

Schizophrenia is a disorder with a negative effect on the social functioning of affected patients
The aim of the study was to determine whether Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)-BF training leads to neurophysiological changes in the subjects and whether these changes affect their cognitive and social functioning
The convenience sample of 18 men with schizophrenia enrolled in the study underwent therapy that was based on the GSR-BF

Summary

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a disorder with a negative effect on the social functioning of affected patients. Productive symptoms predominate during the period of disorder exacerbation, while deficit symptoms prevail during its remission. Both positive and negative symptoms result from the disrupted activity of different areas of the brain [2]. Published reports indicate an important role of the frontal and temporal regions, limbic and medial structures, and of the basal ganglia [1,3,4]. Dysfunctions in the prefrontal region are associated with working memory, concentration, emotions, and executive functions [1,5,6], which influence patients’ functioning and quality of life [1,5,7,8,9,10]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion