Brain Training
People experiencing psychosis can have trouble with how the brain learns, remembers and processes information (also called cognition). Some describe it as their brain is slowing down or foggy and unfocused. If this sounds familiar, here’s what you can do about it.
Just like building a muscle in the body, the brain learns through repetition.
In the same way that we have to make a habit of exercising before we see results, repetition is the key to creating new pathways in the brain (new ways of processing information). Specialized exercises for psychosis are often prescribed via smartphone, tablet or online apps.
Brain processing challenges with psychosis can include:
- ability to focus
- speed of processing information
- memory
- reasoning and abstract thinking
- learning / absorbing information
- deciphering social cues (body language, facial expressions)
It’s important to address cognitive challenges in the early stages of psychosis because they are often the biggest roadblock to getting back to class/work and relationships. If you don’t have access to cognitive training in a specialized psychosis treatment program, you can check out Brain HQ’s online offering (the basic level is free).
Additional resources:
- Cognitive enhancement therapy (CET), a computer-based brain training therapy. For CET clinical trials, click here.
- Research labs focused on brain training for psychosis and schizophrenia (some studies offer remote participation):
- The science behind brain training: Cognitive Rehabilitation in Schizophrenia.
Up next: