Targeting social cognition to improve functional outcome of patients with schizophrenia: Clinical evidences

Social cognitive deficit is a key feature of schizophrenia, highly contributing to determine the functional impairment associated to the disease. Given the absence of effective pharmacological treatments, over the years several rehabilitative interventions targeting social cognition have been developed, with positive effects on patients' daily functioning and quality of life. In this Manuscript we will discuss rehabilitative interventions adopted and designed at IRCCS San Raffaele Turro (Milan), with a specific focus on training targeting social cognition. Clinical evidences indicate that combined rehabilitation of both social cognition and neurocognition in schizophrenia deficit is able to lead to better improvements of the two components of cognition and functional outcome. The identification of all factors influencing functioning and outcome of rehabilitation, and the personalization of rehabilitative programs according to patient's cognitive and clinical profile will allow to maximize interventions' efficacy and to promote functional remission, which represents the ultimate goal of the treatment of schizophrenia.