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Psychopathology and Pharmacotherapy

Vol. 32: Issue 1 - March 2026

Cognitive Impairment Associated with Schizophrenia: insights and treatment perspectives

Authors

Key words: CIAS, cognition, cognitive remediation, evidence-based, physical exercise, psychosocial interventions, schizophrenia
Publication Date: 2026-02-19

Abstract

Cognitive Impairment Associated with Schizophrenia (CIAS) is a major determinant of clinical outcomes and everyday functioning in schizophrenia. As such, it represents a field of research that is currently showing a consistent and ever-growing intertest. A comprehensive assessment of CIAS is crucial for effective management of schizophrenia. In this regard, several validated assessment tools are now available; among these, the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia are the most strongly recommended. An emerging and clinically meaningful paradigm in CIAS assessment is the systematic identification and treatment of potentially reversible contributors to secondary cognitive impairment, which may substantially improve real-world outcomes. Treatment should begin with the optimization of pharmacotherapy, followed by evidence-based non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive remediation and aerobic physical exercise, both supported by strong evidence. Further research and more effort are currently needed to raise awareness on CIAS and to foster the dissemination and the implementation of evidence-based approaches to its management and treatment.

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Authors

Gabriele Nibbio - Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

Antonio Baglioni - Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

Lorenzo Bertoni - Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

Irene Calzavara-Pinton - Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

Nicola Necchini - Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

Stefano Paolini - Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

Andrea Zucchetti - Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

Anna Ceraso - Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

Jacopo Lisoni - Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

Giacomo Deste - Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Vallecamonica, Brescia, Italy

Stefano Barlati - Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

Antonio Vita - Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy

How to Cite
[1]
Nibbio, G., Baglioni, A., Bertoni, L., Calzavara-Pinton, I., Necchini, N. , Paolini, S., Zucchetti, A., Ceraso, A., Lisoni, J., Deste, G., Barlati, S. and Vita, A. 2026. Cognitive Impairment Associated with Schizophrenia: insights and treatment perspectives. Journal of Psychopathology. 32, 1 (Feb. 2026). DOI:https://doi.org/10.36148/2284-0249-2147.
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