Special Supplement Introduction: The Fourth Kraepelin Symposium-Cognitive Dysfunction in Schizophrenia: Origins and Innovative Treatment

This Special Supplement presents reports from working groups meeting at the Fourth Kraepelin Symposium in Munich, Germany, in September 2014. It covers the origins and therapy of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. Cognitive deficits are core symptoms of schizophrenia being decisive for the long-term prognosis only improved moderately by antipsychotic treatment, however, showing more evidence for cognitive remediation. The authors refer to neurobiological and psychological underpinnings of cognitive deficits and to innovative treatment interventions aimed at improving cognitive dysfunction in order to improve outcome and to support coping with the illness. Therapeutic approaches include aerobic exercise, cognitive training, psychoeducation, cognitive therapy, noninvasive brain stimulation and pharmacotherapy in acute to post-acute patients. The supplement also presents novel diagnostic tools for early recognition, such as biomarkers, as well as cognitive training to prevent worsening of symptoms in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis. In recent years there has been progress in basic science and outcomes research as well as psychopharmacological and psychological treatment options. Despite of this, treatment of cognitive deficits needs significant improvement and further research is needed.