The Role of Cognitive Rehabilitation in Reduction of Executive Function Deficits and Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in Schizo-Obsessive Patients

Objective: Some studies have found that schizo – obsessive patients have more deficits in cognitive functions. "Pathophysiological double jeopardy" theory suppose that in schizo – obsessive patients, cognitive impairments of obsessive – compulsive (OC) disorder are added to cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was determining that is there inter – relationship between OC symptoms and executive functions (EF)? If so improvement of EF may result to improvement of OC symptoms. Materials & Methods: Thus in a exploratory study and by a multi case design with multiple baseline, 4 inpatient with schizo – obsessive diagnosis were treated by cognitive rehabilitation to improve EF. Their clinical and cognitive changes were measured weekly. Results: The results demonstrated that cognitive rehabilitation reduced OC symptoms in at least two patient and improved their performance on EF tests. Furthermore a significant association was observed between the rate of improvement in EF and reduction OC symptoms. Conclusion: The results provide evidence for supporting of inter – relationship of OC symptoms and EF