Relation of Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Genotype and Response to Cognitive Remediation Schizophrenia

Cognitive deficits play a crucial role in both the pathogenesis and prognosis of
schizophrenia. The COMT gene is functionally expressed in neural systems considered
important in a range of healthy brain functions and brain disorders, including
schizophrenia. The COMT Met allele has been shown to be associated with a lower activity
form of COMT, and with better performance on neurocognitive tests, while the COMT Val allele
is associated with poorer executive cognition. This study will investigate the relationship
of COMT polymorphism in patients with chronic schizophrenia with the response to CRT
targeting visuospatial processing, attention, and cognitive flexibility using MATRICS
Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) developed by the NIH-MATRICS initiative.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participation in the active arm of the neurocognitive remediation program

2. Age 18 - 55

3. Inpatients

4. DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia (all subtypes) with illness duration >5 years

5. Auditory and visual acuity adequate to complete cognitive tests

6. Stable dose of oral atypical antipsychotic for at least 4 weeks

7. Total PANSS score > 60

8. RBANS total score ≤ 80

9. MMSE score of greater than or equal to 24

10. Good physical health determined by physical examination, laboratory tests

11. Capacity and willingness to give written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Inability to read or speak English

2. Documented disease of the central nervous system

3. History of intellectual impairment pre-dating onset of symptoms of psychosis (e.g.
mental retardation)

4. Clinically significant or unstable cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal,
pulmonary or hematologic conditions

5. HIV +

6. Patients diagnosed with substance dependence

7. Currently participating in another experimental study, except for the parent study.