Realidade virtual e integrated psychological therapy na reabilitação cognitiva de pessoas com esquizofrenia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the impact of a Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (using Virtual Reality and Integrated Psychological Therapy -IPT) on the development of cognitive competencies in people with schizophrenia. In this context, 14 participants, with schizophrenia diagnostic, took part in a 9 month Cognitive Rehabilitation Program. This program includes an individual intervention using virtual reality, and a group intervention methodologically based in the Brenner's IPT model (1994). In order to assess the program impact it was applied (pre and post) the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, some sub-tests of WAIS-III, Stroop Test, and The Subjective Scale to Investigate Cognition in Schizophrenia. Results identified significant differences (p<0.05) between pre and post tests in the subjective and objective assessed cognitive dimensions. The results point out that virtual reality technology and IPT may be a significant resource and intervention methodology in the promotion of cognitive competencies in people with psychiatric disabilities.