Program Overview

The focus of Course 1 is on defining areas of cognitive dysfunction in people with psychotic disorders and helping learners to recognize how cognitive problems manifest in everyday life. The ability to identify areas of cognitive impairment and the functional impact of cognitive deficits is necessary for effective treatment planning. Upon completing this course, learners will understand the current research on the prevalence, severity, and course of cognitive dysfunction in people with psychotic disorders, the causes of cognitive impairment, the impact of cognitive deficits on real-world functioning, and the role of psychoeducation in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction. Didactic material and illustrative case examples highlight the importance of cognitive health as a focus of intervention and for improving quality of life.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for mental health professionals from the fields of psychiatry, psychology, social work and occupational therapy who are involved in the clinical care of people with psychiatric disorders.

Learning Objectives

  • At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be better able to:
  • Identify cognitive deficits in people with psychotic disorders and their impact on real-world functioning.
  • Describe the prevalence, severity and course of cognitive dysfunction in psychotic disorders.
  • Identify the causes of cognitive impairment in people with psychiatric disorders.
  • Identify the role of psychoeducation in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.

Professor of Medical Psychology

Alice Medalia, Ph.D.

Director of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Clinical Director, NY State OMH Cognitive Health Services

Assistant Professor

Alice Saperstein, Ph.D.

Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Associate in Clinical Psychiatric Social Work (in Psychiatry)

Enid C. Gertmenian-King, L.C.S.W.

College of Physicians and Surgeons Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Cognitive Dysfunction in People with Psychotic Disorders

    • Cognitive Dysfunction in People with Psychotic Disorders

    • Background and Phenomenology

    • Check your understanding: Background and Phenomenology

    • The Prevalence, Severity, and Course of Cognitive Dysfunction

    • Check your understanding: The Prevalence, Severity, and Course of Cognitive Dysfunction

    • Causes of Cognitive Deficits

    • Check your understanding: Causes of Cognitive Deficits

    • Impact on Functioning

    • Check your understanding: Impact on Functioning

    • Psychoeducation

    • Check your understanding: Psychoeducation

    • Test

    • Recommended Reading & Sources

Additional Courses