Cognitive functions in focus: Occupational therapist intervention with a group of patients in first episode psychosis

Abstract

Introduction: The First Psychotic Episode is the initial part of a picture of psychotic symptoms. Therefore, there are several cognitive changes, especially attention, working memory, and executive functions. Objectives: To analyze the cognitive functions of patients in First Episode Psychosis with an Occupational Therapy group. Method: This is a case study, with a descriptive and quantitative approach, carried out at the First Psychotic Episode Outpatient Clinic of a university hospital in Recife, PE. The final sample consisted of three volunteer participants. There was evaluation through a sociodemographic questionnaire, Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination - revised version and Hotel Task, participation in eight group interventions and re-evaluation with Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination - revised version and Hotel Task. Results: The answers to the sociodemographic questionnaire show that most of the participants are men, 24 years old, living in the metropolitan region, with varied schooling and unemployed. After reassessment, the mean increase in the Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination - revised version was 10.10% and in the Hotel Task was 45.83% and 54.28%. Conclusion: There is a deficit in functions such as working memory and executive functions, in addition to the importance of the practice of Occupational Therapy in this context and for this public.