Cognitive dysfunction in mental illness

Mental illness affects many people, but what most do not realize is that it does not just cause emotional problems – it causes cognitive problems too. People with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, obsessive compulsive disorder and other psychiatric disorders may find it difficult to think clearly, pay attention and remember. For some, the cognitive problems are only evident during the episodes of illness. For others, the cognitive problems are more persistent. If psychiatric illness is managed well, the person can lead a more productive life and have longer periods of stability.

At Columbia Presbyterian 60^th we offer state of the art treatment for the cognitive symptoms of mental illness . People who are having cognitive problems can sign up for groups that will give them the skills to improve their thinking skills.

More about Cognitive Skills Training Groups at Columbia University Medical Center

Cognitive Skills Training groups are groups where you work on specific neuro-cognitive exercises to improve your attention, planning, memory and other cognitive skills. We offer different types of groups at 60^th Street, but typically 5-6 people are in a group. These are some of the groups that are offered to treat cognitive skills:

1. Everyone works at their own computer on tasks identified as helpful for them. Each participant works at their own pace, so while it is a group of people working, it is different from a group where everyone is doing the same task at the same time. These groups offer highly individualized training using the widely recognized NEAR model ( Neuropsychological and Educational Approach to Remediation).

2. Some groups are verbal groups where there is a group discussion about strategies for improving cognitive skills. In these groups we bridge the cognitive exercises to everyday tasks that you perform. Discussions highlight strategies for using your cognitive skills more effectively in everyday situations.

3. Some groups focus on social cognition, which has been defined as consisting of the cognitive skills used in social interactions. These groups help people be more accurate in perceiving the intentions and dispositions of others.

4. Some groups are task oriented, and people work on projects that they have been having difficulty completing on their own. For example, someone may want to bring in a resume or application, so that they can receive guidance and feedback as they complete the task

How do you know if these groups would be right for you? 

There are different mental illnesses and they affect cognition differently. Furthermore, not every person is affected in the same way. These are some of the problems people often experience:

	Ability to pay attention
	Ability to remember and recall information
	Ability to process information quickly
	Ability to respond to information quickly
	Ability to think critically, plan, organize and problem solve.
	Ability to initiate speech

How can cognitive dysfunction be treated?

At 60^th  Street we treat cognitive dysfunction in three ways:

(1) Your psychiatrist will make sure that your medications  are providing the best care for  your overall condition, including the cognitive problems you may be having.

(2) We offer cognitive skills training groups for people with different diagnoses. Since each disorder may affect cognition differently, it can be helpful to work with people who share similar problems. We offer groups for people with ADHD, psychotic disorders, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, affective disorders and early onset dementia.

(3) We offer education and information so you will be informed about your condition and how to best treat it.

Staff

Financial Information

Cognitive Skills Training is a fee-for-service clinical program.

Contact

To schedule an appointment, make a referral, or for further information,
please call : (212) 326-8441

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Columbia University Medical Center Eastside
16 East 60 Street
New York, NY 10022