Abstract
The aim of our project is to design methods useful in clinical research and practice as well. The study is focused on schizophrenia patients which cognitive functions are affected by psychotic attacks.
Various methods mainly paper-pencil tests are used to assess cognitive deficit in psychotic patients, which is very complex and variable. To prepare more ecologic valid method, we have developed a screening virtual test of spatial cognition called The Hidden Goal Task (HGT) using Unreal Tournament 2003 game engine.
The task of the subject is to search for a hidden target position in an enclosed circular arena and remember it using 3 visible orientation marks. After ten training trials the target position is changed for each three trials to test the flexibility of learning and working memory function.
In view of the fact, that cognitive deficit affects the social life of psychotic patients; equally important as assessment is the cognitive remediation of weakened abilities. Currently, many virtual rehabilitation methods are offered to older people or children with attention deficit.
However, therapy of psychotic patients demands individual long-term approach. To achieve this we are creating online cognitive rehabilitation interface.
Patients can train their abilities in various flash games according to advice of their therapist and if in trouble they simply contact him using interface messages. This interface allows the patient and also his therapist to see his progress in graphs and tables.
This way the therapist can guide his patients through the ?home? therapy