bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PW01-130 - Effects Of Positive And Negative Affect And Emotional Suppression On Short-Term Life Satisfaction
Authors: Yamasaki K. , Sasaki M. , Uchida K. , Katsuma L.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

We examined the effects of affect and emotional suppression (ES) on short-term life satisfaction (LS). In doing so, we considered the dimension of activation for positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA).

Methods

The final sample included the data collected from 398 students (184 men and 214 women). The mean ages were 19.15 yrs for men and 19.84 yrs for women. Participants answered six questionnaires two of which were used for another study. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule was utilized for assessing activated PA and NA, two subscales of the Multiple Mood Scale to measure deactivated PA and NA, respectively, one subscale of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for gauzing ES, and the Short-term Life Satisfaction Scale for LS. All of them were Japanese versions, answered on the past week.

Results

Results showed that LS was positively associated with PA and negatively with NA, but that its positive association was stronger in activated PA than deactivated PA while its negative association was stronger in deactivated NA than activated NA. The interaction between deactivated NA and ES was significant in men, whose post-hoc tests suggested that deactivated NA was more negatively associated with LS when ES was higher.

Conclusion

This study suggested that activated and deactivated affect differ in their relations to life satisfaction. Moreover, it is likely that the detrimental effect of NA on life satisfaction is larger when the expression of NA is more strongly suppressed.
PW01-131 - Predictive power on therapy engagement in personality disorders: SWAP- 200 versus SCID-II
Authors: Blueml V. , Loeffler-Stastka H.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

On the road to DSM-V, instruments are demanded which provide clinically meaningful information, e.g. predictions about psychotherapy utilization. One interesting and promising personality assessment method is the Shedler-Westen-Assessment Procedure-200 (SWAP-200) providing dimensional and prototypical assessment possibilities for personalty disorders.

Objectives

The study compares the predictive power of the Shedler-Westen-Assessment Procedure-200 with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV on engagement in (psychoanalytic) psychotherapy.

Methods

297 patients with personality disorders were assessed with both instruments in a 4-year-follow-up study. Multinomial logistic regression showed small differences between the prediction rates in the cross-validated data.

Results

Both instruments showed clinically useful prediction rates for treatment rejecters: SWAP scales led to correct predictions with dysphoric traits as semi-stable predictors for rejecters, while SCID scales led to correct predictions with Negativistic, Depressive and Schizotypal PD as stable predictors.

Conclusions

Results are discussed under the aspect of advantages and disadvantages of the SWAP-200 diagnostic procedure, which includes the assessment of affect-experience, defence-organisation, and object-relation-style.
PW01-135 - Usefulness Of Likert Format In Assessment Of Referential Thinking
Authors: Senín-Calderón M.C. , Rodríguez-Testal J.F. , Fernández-Jiménez E. , Benítez-Hernández M.M. , Fuentes-Márquez S. , Valdés-Díaz M.
Published: June 2010

Antecedents

We created an experimental adaptation of the REF scale (Lenzenweger et al., 1997), in a Likert format for discriminate between frequency and intensity of referential thinking (Rodríguez-Testal et al., 2008).

Objectives and hypotheses

We try to verify if the Likert format of the REF discriminates between controls and patients, and also in patients with different diagnoses. We predict that there will be differences in frequency and intensity between patients and controls.

Methods

Participants: 108 subjects, 40 patients from a private center of clinical psychology, 55% women, mean age = 35.70 (SD = 12.42) and 68 controls selected from the normal population, 50% women, mean age = 36.35 (SD = 12.99).

It was applied a cross design for a correlation method of comparison between groups. All the analysis were accepted at p< .05.

Results

No differences in referential thinking between patients and controls with Likert format in frequency (t = 1.496, P = 1.14), although there were differences in intensity (t = 2.30, p =.023). No significant differences in referential thinking between types of diagnoses with the Likert format (X2 = 6.63, p =. 249).

Conclusions

The Likert format of the REF scale adequately discriminates between patients and controls in intensity but not in frequency. This format doesn't discriminate between different diagnoses. The Likert format induces and overestimates the response.
PW01-136 - Systematic Parametric Assessment Of Attentional Functions Based On The €Theory-Of-Visual-Attention€ Ii: Discriminating Adult Adhd-Patients From Healthy Controls
Authors: Schwarzkopf W. , Henning-Fast K. , Müller U. , Finke K.
Published: June 2010

In order to systematically specify the affected and preserved attentional components in adults with ADHD, we used an assessment tool (Finke et al, 2006) based on Bundesen's ‘theory-of-visual-attention’ (TVA) to compare two groups of adults with ADHD (medicated and unmedicated) and a matched healthy control group. TVA provides four quantitative, mathematically independent parameter estimates: visual perceptual processing speed (elements/s), working memory (WM) storage capacity (number of elements), spatial distribution of attentional weights, and top-down control. All parameters are assessed with highly similar stimuli (letters) and response requirements (verbal report), imposing comparable demands on perceptual and motor skills. Performance is assessed in terms of accuracy at certain exposure durations instead of response latency, avoiding confoundation with motor dysfunction (e.g. hyperactivity). The WM storage capacity was reduced in unmedicated ADHD patients, was significantly higher in medicated patients but was still significantly worse compared to normal controls. The spatial distribution of attentional weights is altered in that unmedicated ADHD patients did not show the normal preference for the left visual hemi-field (‘pseudoneglect'). Perceptual processing speed and top-down control of attention were comparable across groups. In conclusion, the attentional core deficit in ADHD seems to consist of a reduction in WM storage capacity, i.e. in the amount of information that can be maintained in parallel. Since no deficits in speed and top-down control have been found, slow and variable performance in response-based task might rather reflect impairments in the initiation, execution and inhibition of motor responses than impairments on the level of perceptual processing.
PW01-137 - A Model Of Accreditation Developed To Support Nhs Boards In Scotland Acheive Standards For Integrated Care Pathways For Mental Health
Authors: Thomson D. , McKechnie L. , Fleming M.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Having been tasked with developing Standards for integrated care pathways for mental health (ICP), successfully publishing in 2007, NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS) now supports NHS Boards in developing and implementing these standards. Support is available via three National ICP Coordinators and local ICP facilitators.

The main objective is for Boards to achieve ICP accreditation, resulting in demonstration of a robust and responsive mental health system through implementation of their local ICPs supporting continuous cycles of quality improvement embedded in a culture that ensures delivery of person-centred care and reflective practice.

Methods

A model of and process for accreditation was developed considering: § Developing the project plan§ Reaching consensus on the goal of the accreditation initiative.§ Defining incentives for stakeholders in having ICPs accredited § Reviewing literature on existing accreditation systems in UK and internationally § Developing a range of options§ Carrying out an option appraisal§ Agreeing one preferred option § Obtaining NHS QIS and Scottish Government approval for preferred option§ Further development of support mechanisms and implementation of a longer term accreditation framework

Results

A phased and incremental accreditation system was developed.

The first phase - “foundation level” - focuses on ensuring that appropriate infrastructures are in place to support full ICP development and implementation in NHS Board.

Conclusions

All 14 NHS Boards in Scotland achieved foundation level accreditation.

Reflection on this first phase are helping to inform NHS QIS on how best to structure future levels of accreditation and ongoing support over the next few years.
PW01-140 - Three Levels Of Rater Performance In Standardized Panss Training
Authors: Lo G. , Yavorsky W. , Opler M. , Defries A.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

The importance of rater training for reliability and validity in clinical trials is well documented. In this study the authors examined data from several large training events that used standardized training procedures and raters with similar levels of education and experience to determine if there were any differences between rater performance at baseline (before training) and endpoint (after training) that emerge independent of these factors.

Methods

Results from multiple training events held internationally were analyzed to determine if differences between baseline and endpoint scores were significant. Raters scored videotaped interviews of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results

Three subgroups of raters emerge based on concordance with gold-standard ratings: raters that score high at baseline and endpoint; raters that score fair at baseline and good at endpoint; raters that do not appear to improve. For the stronger initial raters that continued to perform well after training there was a less substantial change (t(96)=2.953, p< .005) than those raters that did less well at baseline but improved after training (t(160)=4.037, p< .001).

Conclusion

Within training groups there appear to be three groups of raters that emerge independently of rater qualification and training received: those that performed well initially and well at endpoint; another group that performed marginally at the beginning of training and showed improvement by the end; and a third group that did not improve as a result of training. Analysis of ICCs suggests targeted training for individuals that perform less well at baseline could be beneficial.
PW01-142 - Abnormal Amygdala Response In Women With Eating Disorder: A Fmri Study
Authors: Anta Tejado L. , Molina-Ruiz R. , Tajima-Pozo K. , Yus M. , Casado A. , Carrasco-Perera J.L. , Diaz-Marsá M.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a neuroimaging technique increasingly used for both patient care and clinical research. This techniche provides a space-time high-resolution able to detect small changes in regional brain activation.Ojbectives: the aim of this study was to compare patterns of regional brain activation in patients with eating disorders (ED) and healthy volunteers during emotional stimulation.

Materials and methods

A group of 13 young female ED outpatients was selected using DSM-IV criteria and 13 young healthy female volunteers with no significant differences in sociodemographic or environmental data. fMRI was used to examine the neural responses after visual stimulation with neutral and fearful images, taken from the IAPS (International Affective Picture System) and selected a region of interest (ROI) aproach to examine the function of the amygdala in emotional processing.Data processing and higher level analysis were carried out using FSL (fMRI's Software Library).

Results

ED patients showed significantly greater rigth amygdala activation to the fearful images versus neutral images than healthy control subjects (p < 0.02)

Conclusion

A higher right amygdala response to processing of fearful stimuli was observed in ED patients compared to healthy volunteers. This emotional dysregulation in the affective response to unpleasant stimuli would correlate with a maladaptative response and therefore justify disruptive behaviours in this patients.
PW01-146 - Neuronal Correlates Of Working Memory Deficits In Patients With Schizophrenia And Their Relatives
Authors: Karch S. , Leicht G. , Giegling I. , Lutz J. , Kunz J. , Buselmeier M. , Hey P. , Jäger L. , Meindl T. , Pogarell O. , Hegerl U. , Rujescu D. , Mulert C.
Published: June 2010

Studies of schizophrenia with functional MRI showed hyper- and hypoactivations in various brain regions including the prefrontal cortex. Functional abnormalities have also been reported in first-degree relatives of schizophrenic patients. The aim of this study was to examine working memory related brain functions in healthy subjects, schizophrenic patients and unaffected relatives and to determine the influence of psychopathology on these processes.

A parametric n-back working memory task and functional MRI were used to examine 61 schizophrenic patients on antipsychotic medication, 11 nonpsychotic relatives of schizophrenic patients and a comparison group of 61 healthy subjects. The task difficulty was incrementally increased using a parametric task (0-back, 1-back, 2-back, and 3-back) to examine the relationship between working memory load, performance, and brain activity.

The results indicated that during the attention task (0-back) behavioral responses of patients and healthy subjects hardly differed but BOLD responses were considerably enhanced in schizophrenic patients. With increasing task difficulty differences between groups in BOLD responses diminished whereas behavioral deficits of patients increased. The examination of attention-independent working memory-functions (2- vs. 0-back) produced hypoactivations in patients, especially in frontal, temporal and subcortical brain regions. Behavioral performance and neural responses of unaffected relatives of schizophrenic patients were intermediate between schizophrenic patients and controls indicating slight brain dysfunctions. In addition, compensatory strategies were demonstrated.

These findings suggest that the genetic risk for schizophrenia is accompanied by neural inefficiency which is associated with cognitive deficits, especially in difficult tasks.
PW01-147 - Diminished Limbic Activation Associated With Face Perception In Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Kawasaki Y. , Furuichi A. , Nakamura K. , Takahashi T. , Suzuki M.
Published: June 2010

Objective

The authors evaluated cerebral blood flow response in schizophrenia patients during face perception to test the hypothesis of diminished limbic activation related to emotional relevance of facial stimuli.

Method

Thirteen patients with schizophrenia and 17 comparison subjects viewed facial displays of happiness, sadness, surprise, anger, fear, and disgust as well as neutral faces using the Japanese and Caucasian Facial Expressions of Emotion and Neutral Faces (Matsumoto and Ekman, 1988). Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure blood-oxygen-level-dependent signal changes as the subjects alternated between tasks of discriminating sex with an interleaved reference condition.

Results

The groups did not differ in performance on the task. Healthy participants showed activation in the bilateral fusiform gyrus, medial temporal structures, occipital lobe, and inferior frontal cortex relative to the baseline condition. The increase was greater these regions in the right hemisphere than those in the left hemisphere. In the patients with schizophrenia, minimal focal response in the right fusiform gyrus, medial temporal structures, and occipital lobe was observed for the facial perception task relative to the baseline condition. Contrasting patients and comparison subjects revealed voxels in the left medial temporal structures, occipital lobe in which the healthy comparison subjects had significantly greater activation.

Conclusions

Impaired activation was seen in patients with schizophrenia for detection of facial attributes such as sex. Impairment in the medial temporal structure such as amygdale may lead to misunderstanding of social communication and may underlie difficulties in social adjustment experienced by people with schizophrenia.
PW01-152 - Altered Amygdala Volume In The Social Anxiety Spectrum
Authors: Machado-de-Sousa J.P. , Trzesniak C. , Freitas-Ferrari M.C. , Santos-Filho A. , Jackowski A. , Borduqui T. , Chagas M. , Hallak J. , Lacerda A. , Bressan R. , Crippa J.
Published: June 2010

Objective

The diagnostic boundaries of social anxiety disorder (SAD) are still controversial and recent evidence suggests that the condition could be better understood as a continuum of severity, rather than a strictly circumscribed entity. Current neuroanatomical theories on SAD support the involvement of limbic structures in its pathophysiology, with an emphasis on the amygdala. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the hypothesis of volumetric alterations in the amygdala of subjects in different points of the social anxiety spectrum.

Method

The sample consisted of patients with generalized SAD (n=17), subthreshold SAD (increased social anxiety without avoidance; n=13), and healthy controls (n=15). Participants underwent structural magnetic resonance scans and the volume of the bilateral amygdala was manually determined.

Results

Significantly greater volumes of bilateral amygdala were found in socially anxious individuals. Amygdala volumes of subthreshold SAD participants fell between the values found for generalized SAD and healthy controls.

Conclusions

Individuals suffering from SAD have greater amygdala volumes compared to controls and this difference seems to be in agreement with the theoretical conception of SAD as a severity continuum and not as a circumscribed nosological entity.
PW01-154 - Brain Activation During Irony Tasks In Euthymic Bipolar Patients - A Functional Mri Study Of Social Cognition
Authors: Simon M. , Varga E. , Hajnal A. , Orsi G. , Tényi T. , Fekete S. , Herold R.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Deficits of social cognition are a relevant predictor of functioning and outcome. Several studies have found that euthymic bipolar patients perform worse in social cognition tasks than healthy controls. Some data show a higher relapse risk in bipolar patients with concomitant mentalization deficits. However, relatively little is known about the neurobiological base of these deficits.

Methods

12 euthymic bipolar I patients and 14 age- and IQ-matched healthy controls underwent event-related functional MRI study while performing 15 irony, and 15 control tasks (auditory stimulus) in the scanner. Both within group (irony versus control task) and random effects between group analyses were performed on fMRI data.

Results

Bipolar patients were significantly compromised in their ability to appropriately answer irony tasks. Bipolar patients showed a reduced activation in right cingulate, right anterior paracingulate cortex, right precuneus, left superior parietal lobule, left hippocampus, left insula in comparison to healthy controls. However, bipolar patients brain activation was significantly increased in the left inferior frontal gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, and left secondary somatosensory cortex.

Conclusions

The findings of this neuroimaging study suggest that euthymic bipolar patients are restricted in their ability to mentalize fully. They show less activation in brain regions involved in mental imaginery, emotional processing and self-representation. Therefore, bipolar patients have difficulties in understanding others’ intentions and emotions, which impacts on interpersonal relationships and the functional outcome.
PW01-155 - Seasonal Alterations Of Serotonin-1a Receptor Binding In The Healthy Human Brain
Authors: Spindelegger C. , Stein P. , Wadsak W. , Fink M. , Mitterhauser M. , Moser U. , Savli M. , Mien L.-K. , Akimova E. , Hahn A. , Willeit M. , Kletter K. , Kasper S. , Lanzenberger R. ,   Functional Neurolmaging Group PET & fMRI
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Serotonergic neurotransmission plays a key role in seasonal changes of mood and behaviour. Higher serotonin transporter availability in healthy human subjects in times of lesser light has been reported in recent studies. Furthermore, seasonal alterations of postsynaptic serotonin-1A receptors have been suggested by a recent animal study. Following that, this study aimed at identifying seasonal alterations of serotonin-1A receptor binding in the living human brain.

Methods

Thirty-six healthy, drug-naïve subjects were investigated using PET and the specific tracer [carbonyl-11C]WAY-100635. Regional serotonin-1A receptor binding (5-HT1A BPND) was related to the individual exposure to global radiation. Furthermore, the subjects were divided into two groups depending on individual exposure to global radiation, and the group differences in regional 5-HT1A BPND were determined.

Results

Correlation analysis controlled for age and gender revealed highly significant positive correlations between regional postsynaptic 5-HT1A BPND and global radiation accumulated for 5 days (r=.32 to .48, p=.030 to .002). Highly significant differences in 5-HT1A BPND binding between subjects with low compared to high exposure to global radiation were revealed (T=-2.63 to -3.77, p .013 to .001). 20% to 30% lower 5-HT1A BPND was found in the subject group exposed to lower amount of global radiation.

Conclusion

Seasonal factors such as exposure to global radiation influence postsynaptic serotonin-1A receptor binding in various brain regions in healthy human subjects. In combination with seasonal alterations in serotonin turnover and 5-HTT availability revealed in recent studies, our results provide an essential contribution of molecular mechanisms in seasonal changes of human serotonergic neurotransmission.
PW01-156 - Exploration Of Irony Appreciation In Schizophrenia: A Functional Mri Study
Authors: Varga E. , Hajnal A. , Schnell Z. , Orsi G. , Tényi T. , Fekete S. , Simon M. , Herold R.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Irony is a form of speech used to convey feelings in an indirect way. Patients with schizophrenia demonstrated an impaired irony processing, associated with poor theory of mind.

Aims

We used fMRI to examine neural circuitry underlying deficits in understanding irony in schizophrenia.

Methods

11 right-handed patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 11 right-handed healthy subjects were studied. Participants were asked to listen short scenarios. The 15 irony condition consisted an ironic statement, and the 15 control condition was physical causality. We used an event-related design. Every scenario started with a two sentences long context, followed by a 2-4 s (jittered) inter-stimulus interval. The third, critical ironic sentence appeared next, and finally a simple yes/no comprehension question followed. Between trials an inter-trial interval of 5-7 s (jittered) were used.

Results

The schizophrenic group performed significantly worse in the irony condition than the control group (p=0.0008). Ironic statements resulted in significant activations in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and insula, right superior and medial frontal gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, posterior division of right superior and left middle temporal gyrus, left lingual gyrus, left cuneus and right inferior parietal lobule in the schizophrenic group. The control group showed significantly greater activity in the left IFG and insula compared to the schizophrenic group.

Conclusions

Among schizophrenic patients we found a significant underactivation in the left IFG and insula during irony comprehension, which may contribute to the impairements of social behavior in schizophrenia.
PW01-160 - Burden Of Chronic Insomnia Characterized By Nighttime Awakenings Among Diabetes Patients
Authors: Bolge S. , Joish V.N. , Kannan H. , Drake C.L.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Quantify the burden of chronic insomnia characterized by nighttime awakenings (CINA) among diabetes patients.

Methods

Database analyses of National Health and Wellness Survey, an annual cross-sectional study of U.S. adults. Data were collected across the U.S. through self-administered, Internet-based questionnaires. Patients included in this study self-reported physician-diagnosed diabetes. From this cohort, subjects were categorized as CINA patients if they experienced nighttime awakenings, but did not experience difficulty falling asleep or sleep apnea. Controls did not experience sleep difficulties, sleep apnea, or symptoms of insomnia in the past twelve months. Outcomes included resource utilization in the past six months, work productivity and activity impairment as measured by validated WPAI questionnaire, and summary scores of the SF-8. Regression models were developed to assess independent effects of CINA on outcomes, adjusting for demographics and physical and psychiatric comorbidity.

Results

Among diabetes patients, 150 experienced CINA; 2,437 experienced no insomnia (projected 0.56MM adults with CINA and diabetes). After adjustments, diabetes patients with CINA had 1.9 (p< 0.001) more provider visits, 11.8% (p=0.013) greater work impairment (among full-time employed) 17.0% (p< 0.001) greater activity impairment, and SF-8 physical and mental summary scores that were 5.2 and 5.2 (p< 0.001 for both) points lower than those without insomnia, a projected $33MM in direct costs and a loss of nearly six weeks of work productivity per year.

Conclusions

Among patients with diabetes, CINA in relative isolation was associated with a significant negative impact on healthcare utilization and its associated costs, work productivity, and health-related quality of life.
PW01-164 - Neuropsychological Assessment Of Cardiac Rehabilitation Following Cardiac Surgery - Preliminary Results
Authors: Szwed K. , Bieliński M. , Kaszewska A. , Hoffmann A. , Borkowska A.
Published: June 2010

Background

Cognitive functioning involves all aspects of perception, thinking, reasoning, and remembering. Cardiac surgery is associated with a decline in cognitive functions. The incidence of this complication ranges from 3% to 80%. Cardiac rehabilitation is a treatment programme designed to help heart patients manage their condition, improve their health and recover their quality of life after a cardiac event.

Objectives

To evaluate the influence of cardiac rehabilitation on neuropsychological parameters of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

Neuropsychological data were gathered from 20 patients (M=11,F= 9; mean age 66,5 ± 11,7 years) who underwent a four week cardiac rehabilitation program. To examine patients cognitive functioning following tests were utilized: Trail Making Test A and B, Stroop test A and B, FAS test and Digit Span Test (DST). Patients were qualified into two groups: Group - I after heart valve surgery. Group II - after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

Results

In TMT A and B both groups demonstrated similar improvement, though the results were below appropriate age norms. In part A of the Stroop test both groups improved their results, yet the improvement of the I group was greater. In part B of the Stroop test and in DST the results of group I improved, while the results of group II worsened. In the FAS test both groups improved their results, yet the improvement of group II was greater.

Conclusions

The group of patients who underwent heart valve surgery demonstrates greater improvement in processes associated with prefrontal cortex.
PW01-166 - Agmatine Enhances The Anticonvulsant Effect Of Lithium Chloride On Ptz-Induced Seizure In Mice: Involvement Of L-Arg-Nitric Oxide Pathway
Authors: Bahremand A. , Ziai P. , Kabiri T. , Payandemehr B. , Dehpour A.R.
Published: June 2010

For more than 50 years lithium is the vital part in the treatment of mood disorders. In addition to its anti manic and anti depressive effects, lithium also shows some anticonvulsant properties. On the other hand Agmatine has been shown to potentiate the anticonvulsive effect of different antiepileptic agents. While the underlying mechanisms of actions of lithium are not yet exactly understood, using a model of clonic seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in male NMRI mice, we investigated whether Agmatine can also enhance the anticonvulsant effect of lithium. Acute administration of a single effective dose of lithium chloride (30mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased the seizure threshold (p< 0.01). Moreover, the anticonvulsant effect of a sub effective dose of lithium (10 mg/kg) was significantly potentiated by pre treatment with low and per se non effective dose of Agmatine (3 mg/kg). L-NAME [non-specific NOS inhibitor] (1 and 5 mg/kg), 7-NI [specific nNOS inhibitor] (15 and 30 mg/kg) augmented the anticonvulsant effect of sub effective dose of lithium (10mg/kg i.p.) and Agmatine (1mg/kg) together; Whereas several doses of aminoguanidine [inducible NOS inhibitor] (20 and 40 mg/kg) failed to alter the seizure threshold of the same combination of lithium and Agmatine. On the other hand, pre-treatment with the per se non-effective dose of L-ARG [substrate for nitric oxide synthase] (30 and 60 mg/kg) inhibited the potentiating effect of Agmatine (3mg/kg) on lithium (10 mg/kg). Our findings demonstrated that Agmatine and lithium chloride show synergistic anticonvulsant properties which may be mediated through L-ARG-nitric oxide pathway.
PW01-54 - Correlation Of A Set Of Gene Variants, Life Events And Personality Features On Adult Adhd Severity
Authors: Chiesa A. , Müller D. , Mandelli L. , De Luca V. , De Ronchi D. , Jain U. , Serretti A. , Kennedy J.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Increasing evidence suggests that symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could persist into adult life in a substantial proportion of cases. The aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of 1) adverse events, 2) personality traits and 3) genetic variants chosen on the basis of previous findings and 4) their possible interactions on adult ADHD severity in a sample of 110 Caucasian patients.

Methods

One hundred and ten individuals diagnosed with adult ADHD were evaluated for occurrence of adverse events in childhood and adulthood, and personality traits by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Common polymorphisms within a set of nine important candidate genes (SLC6A3, DBH, DRD4, DRD5, HTR2A, CHRNA7, BDNF, PRKG1 and TAAR9) were genotyped for each subject. Life events, personality traits and genetic variations were analyzed in relationship to severity of current symptoms, evaluated by the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS).

Results

Genetic variations were not significantly associated with severity of ADHD symptoms and life stressors displayed only a minor effect as compared to personality traits. Indeed, symptoms’ severity was significantly correlated with the temperamental trait of Harm avoidance and the character trait of Self directedness.

Conclusions

The results of the present work are in line with previous evidence of a significant correlation between some personality traits and adult ADHD. However, several limitations such as the small sample size and the exclusion of patients with other severe comorbid psychiatric disorders could have influenced the significance of present findings.
PW01-167 - The Emergence Of Neural Stem Cells As Example For “Kuhnian” Revolution In Biology Or Misconception Of The Scientific Community?
Authors: Benninghoff J.
Published: June 2010

In a thought experiment we want to test how the emergence of adult neural stem cells could constitute an example for a scientific revolution in the sense of Thomas Kuhn. In his major work, “The structure of scientific revolutions, 3rd edn, University of Chicago Press, Chicago”, Thomas Kuhn, states that scientific progress is not a cumulative process, but new theories appear by a rather revolutionary sequence of events. Kuhn built his theory on landmark events taken from chemistry and physics, lacking examples from biology. Beginning with Ramon y Cajal's famous quote, “no new neurons after birth”, from the early years of the twentieth century, and Reynolds and Weiss's conflicting finding in 1992 of adult neural stem cells giving rise to new neurons, we will test how the finding of neural stem cells in the adult brain matches with Kuhn's theory. The pivotal problem of defining a paradigm will be our main focus, since the emergence of adult neural stem cells has been acclaimed by the scientific community as the rebuttal of Ramon y Cajal's paradigm.
PW01-261 - Betahistine (HistaleantTM) Safely Mitigates Olanzapine Induced Weight Gain
Authors: Barak N. , Albeck J.H.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Patients treated with olanzapine may experience substantial weight gain. This may result in metabolic abnormalities and contributes to lack of compliance. Recent findings indicate that the weight gain associated with Olanzapine is mediated by hypothalamic blockade of the Histamine H1 Receptor. Betahistine (Histalean™) is a centrally acting Histamine 1 receptor agonist used for the treatment of vertigo. We herein report the effect of Betahistine on Olanzapine induced weight gain.

Aims

To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics of this drug combination.

Methods

48 healthy women were randomized in a double blinded manner to receive Betahistine 144 mg/day or matching placebo. One week later, all subjects began 3 weeks Olnazapine (7.5 mg or 10 mg/day) treatment period.

Results

Overall the combined treatment was well tolerated. No difference was observed between treatment and placebo groups in adverse events rate or type. In the ITT population, the average weight gain in the Betahistine group was 1.2±1.3 Kg and 1.9 ± 0.9 Kg in the placebo group (p=0.0489). 52% of the placebo group gained more than 2.0 Kg versus only 23% in the treatment group (p= 0.043).

Conclusions

These results indicate that Betahistine is safe and effective in preventing Olanzapine associated weight gain.

[Absolute Weight change (kg) per visit, by Treatmen]
PW01-262 - Influence Of Age On Effectiveness And Tolerability Of Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Damm J. , Eser D. , Schuele C. , Obermeier M. , Möller H.-J. , Rupprecht R. , Baghai T.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

The effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in pharmacotherapy resistant major depression and schizophrenia has been shown for all age groups. Nevertheless, age specific side effects such as greater cognitive impairment and higher somatic risks due to medical comorbidities and concomitant medication may be limiting factors in geriatric patients.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 4457 treatments in 380 patients. Clinical variables, treatment modalities, ictal and postictal neurophysiological parameters were analysed. For modelling the influence of age on these varibles of interest, linear regression models, if necessary logistic regression models, were performed (statistical software package R 2.8.1).

Results

We found a considerable clinical improvement over all age groups. Higher severity of disease at admission came up with a better clinical response. In comparison of the whole patient sample versus the elderly over the age of 60, there were no significant differences in need and number of concomitant psychotropic, but in medical co-medication. Ictal and postictal EEG parameters were only in part predictive for clinical outcome, but age had a significant influence on most of them. Cardiovascular side effects and cognitive disturbances were more frequent in the elderly but were only transient, and in most cases there was no need for any specific treatment.

Conclusions

The outcome results show excellent effectiveness and tolerability of ECT in all age groups. The very old are more prone to adverse events, but nonetheless tolerate ECT well and are likely to benefit.
PW01-173 - Object Visual Processing In Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Authors: Feusner J. , Moody T. , Hembacher E. , Hoffman J. , Moller H. , Bookheimer S.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by a preoccupation with misperceived defects in appearance. Neuropsychological studies and neuroimaging studies of face perception suggests visual processing abnormalities in individuals with BDD, which may involve focus on details at the expense of configural elements.

Objective

The objective of the current functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was to determine whether individuals with BDD have abnormal patterns of brain activation when visually processing non-face objects (houses).

Methods

Fourteen medication-free subjects with BDD and fourteen matched healthy controls engaged in a matching task of photographs of houses that were

a)

unaltered,

b)

high spatial frequency (high detail elements only), or

c)

low spatial frequency (low detail elements only).

The main outcome measure was group differences in blood oxygen level-dependent fMRI signal changes.

Results

BDD subjects demonstrated lesser activity relative to controls in left parahippocampal gyrus, left lingual gyrus, and bilateral precuneus for low spatial frequency images and relatively greater activity in the frontal pole, left superior frontal gyrus, bilateral anterior cingulate gyrus, and bilateral paracingulate gyrus for high spatial frequency images (Figure 1).

Conclusions

Individuals with BDD have abnormal brain activation patterns when viewing houses for both detailed and configural/holistic visual elements. These results suggest general abnormalities in higher- and lower-order visual processing in individuals with BDD, beyond that for appearance-related stimuli.
PW01-176 - Schizotypy Clusters In Nonclinical Individuals
Authors: Barrantes-Vidal N. , Lewandowski K.E. , Kwapil T.R.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Correlational methods, unlike cluster analyses, cannot take into account the possibility that individuals score highly on more than one symptom dimension simultaneously. This may account for the inconsistency found in the correlates of schizotypy dimensions. This study explored the clustering of positive and negative schizotypy dimensions in nonclinical subjects and whether schizotypy clusters have meaningful patterns of adjustment in terms of psychopathology, social functioning, and personality.

Methods

Positive and negative schizotypy scores were derived from the Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales for 6.137 college students and submitted to cluster analysis. Of these, 780 completed the NEO-PI-R and Social Adjustment Scale-self report version, and further 430 were interviewed for schizophrenia-spectrum, mood, and substance use psychopathology.

Results

Four clusters were yielded: low, high positive, high negative, and mixed (high positive and negative) schizotypy. The positive-schizotypy cluster presented more psychotic-like experiences and schizotypal and paranoid symptoms, had more affective and substance abuse pathology, and were more open and extraverted. The negative-schizotypy cluster had more negative and schizoid symptoms, worse social adjustment, high conscientiousness and low agreeableness. The mixed cluster was the most deviant on almost all aspects.

Conclusions

Our cluster solution is consistent with that of few previous cluster analyses in schizotypy and schizophrenia, indicating that meaningful profiles of schizotypy features are present in nonclinical populations. The clusters provide construct validity to the schizotypy types defined. The phenomenological similarity between schizotypy and schizophrenia in terms of their underlying dimensions and associated correlates in a general population sample supports the fully-dimensional conceptualization of schizotypy.
PW01-181 - Economic Consequences Of Medication Nonadherence In The Treatment Of Schizophrenia: 36-Month Results From The Soho (Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes) Study
Authors: Hong J. , Novick D. , Haro J.M. , Knapp M.
Published: June 2010

Objective

To estimate costs associated with medication non-adherence over a 3-year follow-up period in the treatment of schizophrenia in routine clinical practice in Europe.

Methods

SOHO is a 3-year, prospective, observational study of 10972 outpatient participants across 10 European countries. Data were collected at baseline and at 6-month intervals up to 36 months. Medication adherence was assessed at each visit by participating psychiatrists during 4 weeks prior to the visit as: (1) not prescribed medication; (2) always adherent; (3) partially adherent; and (4) never adherent. In this post-hoc analysis, multivariate analyses were performed to compare the costs of resource use (inpatient stay, day care, psychiatrist visits and medication) in patients who were adherent, partially adherent, and non-adherent, using a log-link function. Adherence status was included as a time-varying variable, and other baseline patient characteristics were adjusted for. UK unit costs were applied to resource use.

Results

Out of 5364 patients who were prescribed medication prior to baseline, 5.9% were non-adherent while 77.1% and 17.0% were adherent and partially adherent, respectively, at baseline. The average 6-month cost incurred by non-adherent patients was £2505 while that for adherent and partially adherent patients was £2029 and £2130 respectively. This difference was mainly due to inpatient costs. The inpatient costs incurred by non-adherent patients (£987) were almost double those for adherent patients (£475).

Conclusion

Non-adherence in schizophrenia was likely to incur more inpatient services, which may indicate poorer clinical prognosis. A study limitation is that adherence was assessed by investigators using a single-item measure.
PW01-183 - Relationship Of Personality Disorders To The Symptoms Of Schizophrenia
Authors: Karslioglu E. , Ulusoy Kaymak S. , Manisali Erkek B. , Özalp E. , Cankurtaran E. , Soygür H.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

It is well estabhished that the frequency of all types of personality disorders are increased in schizophrenia. Stable personality traits influence the progress of the illness. The aim of this study was to investigate comorbid personality disorders and their relations with positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients.

Materials and methods

Data belonging to 27 female and 23 male schizophrenic patients (n=50) followed-up in our outpatient clinic constituted our series. Any patients having a history of mental retardation, head injury, prior neurological illness, alchohol or substance abuse were excluded. All patients were in a clinically stable phase of illness, and having no changes in medication for at least three months. Having obtained informed consent, patients were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) as well as the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), Hamilton Axiety Scale (HAM-A), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM III-R Axis II Personality Disorders.

Results

Thirty-six schizophrenia patients had at least one kind of comorbid personality disorder (72%) while 14 (28%) had not. Comparing the patients having personality disorders to the rest of our patient population, we have found no statistically significant differences in age groups, clinical variables and functioning.

Discussion

We have shown that approximately three fourths of our series accompanied by at least one type of personality disorders, a finding consolidating and concordant with some of the previous works.
PW01-185 - Genetic Profile Of Schizophrenic Patients In Pakistan
Authors: Kumar D. , Shad K.F.
Published: June 2010

Background

Schizophrenia is a brain disease that has distressed human kind since the beginning of the written history. Firm knowledge about this illness is limited to certain areas including cognitive, risk genes etc. Basic question remains unanswered about the diagnostic heterogeneity and tissue neurochemistry. Several lines of evidence focus on direct involvement of glutamergic system in the pathophysiology of psyhosis.

Methods

The pilot study measured the difference between the plasma serine recemase level of normal and schizophrenic patients and estimated the D-isomers excreted in the urine using gas chromatography and Gas chromatography and mass selectivity (GCMS) respectively.

Results

Plasma and urine samples of normal and schizophrenic patients from UAE shows that the level of serine recemase and D-serine respectively is lower in schizophrenic pateints than that of the normal subjects.

Discussion

The hypofunction of the glutamate N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) has been proposed as a model of schizophrenia in humans using molecular marker and also due to evidence suggesting modulation of glutamate cicuitries after antipyschotic administration. In this regard there is increasing evidence from pharmacological and genetic studies that suggest that D-serine an endogenous co agonist to the NMDA subtype glutamate receptor, may be implicated in schizophrenia (SCZ). Although an association of genes for D-serine degradation such as D-amino acid oxidase and G72 has been reported, a role of recemase in SCZ is unclear.
PW01-187 - Treatment Of Insight In Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Piolino P. , Lalova M. , Baylé F.
Published: June 2010

Background

Schizophrenia is the psychiatric disorder in which the awareness of pathology is most frequently altered. This merits particular attention, because related to medication compliance and clinical outcome.

Objectives

To improve the level of insight in stabilized schizophrenia patients by means of two cognitive remediation techniques: Cognitive remediation program for patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disease - ReCoS and autobiographical memory program - RemAu.

Methods

The study is based on the results of neurocognitive and insight evaluations before and after treatment of two groups of ten patients with RemAu and twenty patients with ReCoS. The level of insight is evaluated using the SUMD and the PANSS scales. For cognitive capacity we test their concentration level (Trail Making Test, TMT, Stroop), executive functions (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, WCST), memory (CVLT), autobiographical memory (TempAu) and their global cognitive capacity (WAIS III).

Results

The results have enabled us to highlight the beneficial effects of the RemAu autobiographical reminiscence program on these patients’ insight. Although the ReCoS program does not significantly improve the level of insight, it produces results which are most satisfying with regard to the cognitive profile of each patient.

Conclusions

The patients who have most benefited from the program are those who already had a reasonable cognitive capacity before the treatment. This allows us to conclude that we should deliver a treatment which is directed simultaneously at persistent cognitive disorders and autobiographical memory in order to obtain optimal effect on the level of insight in this pathology.