Neuroimaging Predictors of Response to Cognitive Remediation and Social Skills Training: A Pilot Study in Veterans with Schizophrenia

Abstract Neuroimaging may predict response to cognitive remediation therapy and social skills training (CRT+SST) in schizophrenia. Identifying biological predictors of response is crucial for treatment decision making given not all patients respond to such interventions. Nineteen veterans with schizophrenia enrolled in an 8-week trial of CRT+SST. Ten participants completed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at baseline. Baseline fractional anisotropy (FA) in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and overall average FA predicted improvements in visual-spatial working memory, and social cognition, respectively. Neuroimaging may be useful in identifying therapeutic targets in schizophrenia.