Brain Biomarkers to Improve Cognitive Rehabilitation in Veterans with Schizophrenia and Chronic Psychosis Observational Study at VA San Diego Healthcare System

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to improve cognitive rehabilitation for Veterans living with chronic psychosis, including schizophrenia and related disorders. Cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia affect daily functioning and are not fully addressed by standard antipsychotic treatments. The study seeks to develop brain-based tools to identify which Veterans might benefit most from therapies targeting cognitive function, potentially leading to better life quality and functional outcomes. The study is observational and involves Veterans with chronic psychotic disorders as well as healthy Veterans in good general health. There are two phases Phase 1 focuses on optimizing neurophysiologic biomarkers using electroencephalography EEG during two test visits spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart. Phase 2 validates these biomarkers by assessing their changes before and after one hour of computerized cognitive training in Veterans with schizophrenia. Participants will undergo detailed neurophysiological, clinical, cognitive, and functional assessments. Researchers will measure the reliability of brain biomarkers over one week, evaluate cognitive training performance, and assess symptoms and quality of life. The study includes screening for eligibility, multiple assessments, and uses EEG to record brain activity. Participation lasts through both phases with repeated evaluations to understand how brain measures relate to rehabilitation outcomes.

Neurophysiologic Biomarkers for Cognitive Rehabilitation