CRT — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateRehabilitationCRTMRCPsych Paper B

A woman with treatment-resistant schizophrenia is receiving care from a rehabilitation service. Her positive psychotic symptoms are stable on optimised medication, but neuropsychological assessment shows persistent deficits in attention, working memory and executive function. These are the main barrier to her progress with vocational rehabilitation. Which adjunctive intervention most directly targets these deficits?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Cognitive remediation therapy

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · D = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as D · C = shown as E

Cognitive remediation therapy (D) is a manualised intervention specifically designed to improve cognitive functions such as attention, memory and executive skills. NICE recommends considering cognitive remediation alongside vocational rehabilitation for people with complex psychosis, and evidence supports improvements in cognition and, particularly when integrated with broader rehabilitation, functioning. CBT for psychosis primarily addresses distress, appraisals and coping related to psychotic experiences rather than directly remediating neurocognitive deficits. Family intervention targets communication, support and relapse prevention within the family system. Social skills training focuses on interpersonal and behavioural competence, although cognitive impairment may affect participation. Art therapy may help engagement, expression or negative symptoms but is not a targeted treatment for attention, working memory or executive dysfunction.

Reference: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Rehabilitation for adults with complex psychosis (NG181), recommendation 1.8.13 and definition of cognitive remediation intervention, 2020. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG181/chapter/recommendations