bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary results of the validation study of the italian version of the nature relatedness scale 6 items
Authors: Rogier G. , Zobel S. Beomonte , Tambelli R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The construct of nature relatedness (NR) has received a growing attention in the last decades. Past research suggest that NR may be involved in both positive (e.g. well-being) and negative (e.g. technological addictions) psychological outcome.

Objectives

In addition, some evidences suggest that the construct may be tightly related to emotion regulation capacities. Despite Nisbet et al. (2009) recently developed a short measure to investigate the construct, this has not been still validated in the Italian context.

Methods

We performed three studies to validate the Italian version of the NRS-6 and to extend the nomological network of the construct. In the first study, we tested, throughout Structural Equation Modelling, the factorial structure of the instrument and gender invariance. In the second study, construct validity of the instrument was tested examining correlation pattern between NRS-6 scores and scores obtained on the Connection to Nature Scale, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and the Ways of Savoring Checklist. Finally, a longitudinal study tested the temporal stability of the measure and the predictive role of NR on technological addiction.

Results

Data documented a good factorial structure of the instrument, satisfying invariance proprieties and a good test-retest reliability. Also, analyses supported the good convergent and predictive validity of the instrument.

Conclusions

The Italian version of the NRS-6 appears a reliable and useful tool that can be used in future research. Our studies extend the nomological network of the construct shedding light on the tight relationship of NR with the capacity to regulate positive emotions.
Measuring COVID-19 anxiety among russians: Examining the psychometric properties of russian translations of the covid-anxiety scale and the fear of coronavirus-19 scale
Authors: Lewis C.A. , Sinelnikova E. , Malik J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Both the COVID-Anxiety Scale and the Fear of Coronavirus-19 Scale have been recently developed to facilitate research on COVID-19 anxiety.

Objectives

To examine the psychometric properties of Russian translations of the COVID-Anxiety Scale and the Fear of Coronavirus-19 Scale.

Methods

In order to examine the psychometric properties of Russian translations of the COVID-Anxiety Scale and the Fear of Coronavirus-19 Scale, a total of 341 Russian adults completed both measures.

Results

First, a high level of COVID-19 anxiety was found in the sample. Second, confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the Russian translations of both the COVID-Anxiety Scale and the Fear of Coronavirus-19 Scale had satisfactory psychometric properties, with both scales having a hypothesised one-factor structure. Third, a significant positive association was found between both the COVID anxiety scales. Fourth, higher COVID anxiety scores were associated with being female, and being older.

Conclusions

These findings provide initial evidence for the satisfactory properties of the Russian translations of the COVID-Anxiety Scale and the Fear of Coronavirus-19 Scale. Further research is suggested that examines the prevalence and psychological correlates of COVID-19 anxiety.
Drug utilization of paliperidone in adolescent schizophrenia patients: A retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Dong S. , Zhang T. , Wu T. , Zhang L. , Sun H. , Dong W. , Wang H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In China, the indications of paliperidone extended in schizophrenia adolescents (12-17 years) was approved by National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in 2017. But, the utilization of paliperidone in this group needs to be further investigated.

Objectives

To assess paliperidone utilization in schizophrenia adolescents.

Methods

The study employed the electronic medical records (EMRs) database from a psychiatry specialized hospital (PH) and a general hospital (GH), respectively. General information, including birth date, gender, visit date, diagnosis (inpatient and outpatient) with ICD-10 coding, drug characterize, prescription date and dosage, was de-identified and standardized for analysis. Schizophrenia adolescents (ICD-10: F20.x) received at least one prescription of paliperidone between 2018 and 2019 were included in this study. Index date was defined as the date of first identified paliperidone prescription. The patients were followed up until the end of 2019 with the last record, or upon reaching 18 years. The database was analyzed based on days of supply, administration frequency, and daily dose.

Results

Overall, 112 and 117 eligible patients were included in the present study from PH and GH, respectively. The median drug supply was 179.0 days and 44.0 days, respectively, during which median number of prescriptions patients received was 6.0 and 3.0. Paliperidone was mostly initiated alone (57.1% and 88.9%) with frequency of once daily (97.3% and 88.9%), and the median of average daily dose during follow-up was 5.7 mg/day and 6.0 mg/day, respectively.

Conclusions

The duration of paliperidone usage was very different in two hospitals, but the dosages in both hospitals were generally agreed with prescribing information.
Thirteen year follow up of long term treated psychotic disorder: Personality aspects
Authors: Fagerberg T. , Gustavsson J.P. , Agartz I. , Jönsson E.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Psychotic disorders often cause a drastic change in the life situation of the affected individual. Personality is an aspect that can affect the symptoms and social function in psychotic disorders.

Objectives

No study has examined stability of personality traits exceeding five years in patients with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the stability of personality traits over a 13-year period among patients with psychotic disorder and healthy individuals and to evaluate case-control differences.

Methods

At three occasions during a 13-year period patients with psychotic disorders (n=28) and non-psychotic individuals (n=57) completed Swedish universities Scales of Personality (SSP). For all the individuals within- and between-subject analyses were performed at three occasions for all 13 subscales and the three overall factors of SSP. Correlations, means and SDs were calculated.

Results

Tests of within-subject correlations showed differences in two subscales: Lack of Assertiveness, which were influenced by age and Physical Trait Aggression, where patients ratings were stable, whereas controls rated themselves less aggressive at higher age. Between-subjects correlations showed differences regarding any of the parameters diagnosis, time, age, gender or age x gender in nine of the 13 subscales as well as in factor Neuroticism.

Conclusions

Long term follow-up showed a generally high stability of personality traits measured with SSP, especially among patients. Between-subject analyses over the 13 years showed that patients differed compared to controls for the SSP factor Neuroticism as well as the subscale Detachment, which is in accordance with previous studies.
Is treatment resistant depression a different subtype of depression?
Authors: Fiorillo A.
Published: February 2022

Major depression is a serious, disabling, often chronic or recurrent mental disorder affecting over 350 million people worldwide. Treatment of major depression is now conceptualized as proceeding through three phases: the acute phase, the continuation phase, and the remission phase. Patients not achieving remission after several treatment trials are defined treatment-resistant, but a debate is ongoing regarding how many trials must fail before a patient can be defined as “treatment-resistant”. It must be acknowledged that depression is a heterogeneous disease, and several personal, socio-cultural and clinical factors should be taken into account in order to develop a personalized management plan for patients with major depression. A new concept of “difficult to treat depression” has been recently proposed. According to this concept, when a complete control of the disorder is not feasible, the treatment should aim at minimizing the impact of symptoms and the side effects of treatments on patients’ daily lives. Moreover, the concept of difficult to treat depression includes the presence of co-occurring problems/ behaviours/ disorders/ situations, which can worsen the course or management of depression. The management of patients with treatment resistant depression includes the optimization of disease management, in terms of symptom control, improvement of daily functioning and of quality of life. However, an approach aiming to personalize treatment of patients with major depressive disorder and focused on the specific clinical features of each patient can be valuable for optimizing the treatment of patients with resistant depression.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Depression and quality of life in schizophrenia-spectrum
Authors: Smaoui N. , Elleuch S. , Bouali M. Maalej , Omri S. , Feki R. , Charfi N. , Zouari L. , Thabet J. Ben , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The coming out of depressive disorders seems to be associated with severity of schizophrenia’s disease and with poor quality of life (QoL).

Objectives

The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between depression and QoL in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional and analytical study including stabilized patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder followed up in the outpatient psychiatry department at Hedi Chaker hospital university of Sfax (Tunisia), between August and October 2019. We used the Calgary Depression Scale (CDS) to evaluate depression and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-SF) to assess QoL.

Results

We recruited 37 patients with a mean age of 49.14 years and a sex ratio of 4.66. Seventy-three (73%) of patients were followed for schizophrenia and 27% for schizoaffective disorder. They were married in 43.2% and 35.1% of patients had a regular work. According to CDS, 18.9% of patients had depression with a mean score of 2.27 (SD 2). QLESQSF mean score was 65.51. Depression was negatively correlated with Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction (r=-0.59, p<0.001). We did not find a significant difference in depression according to the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents or the clinical features of the disease.

Conclusions

It is clear that depression in patients with schizophrenia is associated with significant functional disability. Strategies to overcome the burden of depression may instil hope for functional recovery.
The universe of brief psychosis
Authors: Rocha T. Coelho , Cunha J. , Torres S. , Lopes A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Nowadays, ‘Acute and transient psychotic disorders’ in ICD-10 and ‘Brief psychotic disorders’ in DSM-5 are both classifications of the same clinical entity. Over the years, several concepts have been formulated to define the same syndrome.

Objectives

To explore the historical evolution of brief psychotic disorders and relate them to current nosologies.

Methods

Literature review, using the most relevant papers, with the keywords “brief psychosis”, “bouffée délirante”, “cycloid psychosis”, “psychogenic psychosis”, “atypical psychosis” and “holodysphrenia”.

Results

Initially, in 1896, Kahlbaum coined the term ‘dysphrenia’, a group of severe form of psychosis that remitted without showing the typical sequence of disease states and without leaving a lasting alteration. Later, Kraepelin included this kind of disorder in manic depressive illness, which he first named as ‘periodic delirium’ and then as ‘delirious mania’. Magnan, in the pre-Kraepelinian era, created the term ‘bouffée délirante’, a sudden onset of delusional ideas with rapid evolution and intense symptomatology with complete remission usually followed after a short time. Later on, Henry Ey grabbed this entity and renewed it, contrasting it to the defined concept of schizophrenia. Other psychiatric schools have proposed numerous designations: ‘cycloid psychosis’ by Kleist from the German school, ‘psychogenic psychosis’ by Wimmer of the Scandinavian school and ‘holodysphrenias’ by Barahona-Fernandes from the Portuguese school. Cultural variants are also observed, as ‘amok’ seen in Malaysia or ‘shinbyung’ in Korea.

Conclusions

The intensity and polymorphism of brief psychosis present a clinical challenge. The historical evolution may be helpful on recognizing this entity in current clinical practice.
COVID-19 and psychiatric training: Results from the efpt country surveys
Authors: Nobels A. , Migchels C. , Seker A. , So C. , Trančik P. , Zaja N. , Stercu G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Several studies link COVID-19 and the associated lockdown and social-distancing measures to adverse mental health outcomes. In order to address this increase in mental health problems, adequate training of mental health care professionals is of the utmost importance. Objectives: To measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychiatric training in Europe and beyond. Methods: The European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT) represents more than 20 000 trainees from over 30 European countries. Every year, country representatives, complete the ‘Country Report’, which contains detailed information on psychiatric training in every (member) country. Results: In July 2020, representatives of 34 European and 9 non-European countries completed the survey. In 73% of countries, psychiatric trainees were assigned to COVID-19 wards, in 43% to emergency wards. In 25% of countries, trainees did not receive any training on COVID-19 prior to their assignment. Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, trainees reported a decrease in clinical supervision in 65% of countries. In 51% of countries, (parts of) formal psychiatric training was cancelled. Psychotherapy training was cancelled in 25% of countries. In the majority of countries both formal and psychotherapy training were given online, however in 56% trainees experienced difficulties to attend. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an extensive impact on psychiatric training in Europe and beyond. The EFPT calls upon policy makers and supervisors to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on psychiatric training in order to provide psychiatric trainees with adequate skills to deal with the mental health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Attitudes of relatives of patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Lajmi I. , Omri S. , Bouali M. Maalej , Smaoui N. , Feki R. , Thabet J. Ben , Zouari L. , Charfi N. , Maalej M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Investigating family member’s attitudesabout schizophrenia is an important step in its management. They likely influence the family’s help-seeking decisions and affect both adherence with biomedical interventionsand social integration of the patients.

Objectives

Describe families’ beliefs about the symptoms and the treatments of schizophrenia.

Methods

We led a transversal study including 32 relatives of patients with schizophrenia (DSM 5). We collected data for both patients andrelatives. We asked relatives to respond by “yes/no/I am not certain” to the questionnaireincluding items dealing with symptoms and optimal cures forschizophrenia.

Results

The mean age of the relatives was 60.8 years; 71.9% were parents; 37.5% were illiterate; 46.9% reported having another family member with a mental disorder (MD) and 15.5% of relatives were able to label the term “schizophrenia”. Nine participants (28%) believed that the patient makes shame to the family’s member and 72% of them was convinced that patient is dangerous.The majority of participants (90.6%) provedthe need for drugs and 65.6% attested the utility of psychotherapies.However, they believed innon-medical practices such as reading Holy Koran verses (87.5%), charity and exorcism (62.5%). Family history of MD was correlated to traditional practices (p=0.038). The belief that patient is dangerous and that he makes shame were associated with advanced age of relatives (p=0.000 and 0.037 respectively). Significant correlationwas found betweennon medical practices and erratic follow-up (p=0.043).

Conclusions

This study points outthe need to improve the psychoeducation of family members of persons with schizophrenia.
Therapeutic implications of structural and functional neuroimaging findings in delusional disorder: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Fucho G.F. , González-Rodríguez A. , Pedrero A. Alvarez , Guàrdia A. , Delgado L. , Cobo J. , Acebillo S. , Monreal J.A. , Vidal D. Palao , Labad J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Several neuroimaging studies on psychosis spectrum have been published in the last decades, most of them based on schizophrenia. In the context of neuroanatomical dysfunctions, clinical and prognosis implications have been reported. Nevertheless, only a few studies have been focused on delusional disorder (DD).

Objectives

To present the case of a patient diagnosed with DD who suffered from two cerebrovascular events after the onset of the psychiatric disease. Our aim is to elucidate potential implications of those lesions on the course of DD. We also reviewed the literature to assess evidence for specific changes in DD on brain structures and functions.

Methods

Case report and non-systematic narrative review in PubMed (2000-2020).

Results

Case report: A 66-year-old female with DD presenting, during the course of the disease, general atrophy and consecutive ischemic lesions on parietal, occipital and cerebellar areas. Clinical stabilization was achieved 12-16 months after risperidone 1.5mg/day treatment. Review: 19 studies were included: Structural brain data (n=15), Functional data (n=13). Most of the structural neuroimaging studies reported white and gray matter abnormalities, particularly in temporal, parietal and frontal lobes, and in limbic structures. Functional neuroimaging studies pointed to temporal and parietal lobes, as well as basal ganglia and limbic related structures.

Conclusions

Temporal, parietal, frontal, basal ganglia and limbic-related structures, as well as dysfunctions in other specific brain regions, may be implicated in the core symptoms of DD. These findings might be further investigated as potential neuroimaging markers of prognosis, such as partial or delayed response to antipsychotic treatment, as presented in our case.
Case series of delusional parasitosis in an emergency department: Sociodemographic features and clinical outcomes
Authors: Guàrdia A. , González-Rodríguez A. , Betriu M. , Estrada F. , Seeman M.V. , Uribe I. Parra , Labad J. , Vidal D. Palao
Published: February 2022

Introduction

A delusion of parasitosis is defined as the fixed, false belief of infestation by invisible organisms or fibrous material of unknown origin. The differential diagnosis is true infection, substance use disorder, dementia or other neuropsychiatric disease.

Objectives

Our goal was to characterize delusions of parasitosis, classically named Ekbom syndrome, among individuals attending our emergency department (ED).

Methods

Over a four-year period (2017-2020), we carried out a retrospective case-register study of patients with DSM-5 Ekbom syndrome attending an ED that provides mental health services to an area of nearly 450.000 inhabitants in Sabadell (Barcelona, Spain).

Results

There were 13 eligible patients: 7 were diagnosed for the first time and 6 had multiple episodes. Female-to-male ratio was 1.6:1; average age was 56.9. The most common diagnosis was delusional disorder (n=5;8.5%), followed by schizophrenia (n=3;23.1%) and organic disorders (n=2;15.4%). Origin: Africa (n=5;38.5%), South-America (n=4;30.8%) and Spain (n=4;30.8%). Fifty percent showed poor treatment compliance. Antipsychotics used: risperidone (n=8;61.54%), olanzapine (n=4;30.8%). Five patients received antidepressants. Most patients had previously been seen by other medical specialties (internal medicine, dermatology and hematology). ‘’Match box sign’’: 7 patients (53.8%). Cerebral atrophy was present on brain scan in 4 patients. After discharge: acute psychiatric unit (n=7), outpatient appointments (n=4), day hospital (n=1) and 1 to a psychogeriatric unit.

Conclusions

Delusions of parasitosis are rare in our emergency department. The typical patient is a postmenopausal woman, a visitor or immigrant to Spain. Effective treatment requires a focus on cultural, gender, and age aspects, with close cooperation between psychiatry and other relevant specialties.
Historical path of paraphrenia
Authors: Mata A. Hernández , Gómez A. Sotillos , Coscujuela P. Marco , Méndez B. Ordóñez
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Paraphrenia is a psychotic disorder characterized by an insidious development of a vivid and exuberant delusional system, accompanied by hallucinations and confabulations, without a personality deterioration. It is considered to be an intermediate entity between the disorganization of schizophrenia and the systematization of a delusional disorder.

Objectives

Develop knowledge about paraphrenia as an individualized diagnostic entity and its historical path through the classical authors’ texts.

Methods

Extensive research on the historical path of the paraphrenia diagnostic entity was carried out, as well as the current situation of the term.

Results

In the German psychiatry it was Karl Kahlbaum who first introduced the term of paraphrenia. Later many authors of the German psychiatry delved into this diagnostic entity. Emil Kraepelin described four different subtypes of paraphrenia: paraphrenia systematica, expansiva, confabulans and phantastica. However, other authors such as Kleist or Bleuler, considered paraphrenia should not be judge as an individualized diagnostic entity as it should be considered inside schizophrenia, so the term disappeared in the German psychiatry. In the French psychiatry, unlike the German, the independence of chronic psychosis from schizophrenias was recognized, so the term had a longer path. Henry Ey recognized four important clinical features in this disorder: paralogical thought dominance, megalomania, confabulation and integrity of relation with reality.

Conclusions

Currently the term paraphrenia is no longer considered an individualized diagnostic entity. In fact, in today’s textbooks of psychiatry paraphrenia is considered a psychotic disorder that has nothing in common with the one described by the classical authors, and it is part of the late-onset psychosis.
Diagnostic confusion, clinical chaos - an acute and transient psychotic disorder case report and brief historical review
Authors: Carneiro M. , Piçarra M. , Reis M. , Neves S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Acute and Transient Psychotic Disorder (ATPD) is a group of rare psychotic disorders characterized by acute onset, symptom fluctuation and short duration typically followed by complete recovery. Throughout the time, there have been different attempts to classify these disorders (Bouffée Délirante, Cycloid Psychosis, etc.); nevertheless, in the current date, ATPD encompasses a broad spectrum of heterogenous clinical presentations with low diagnostic stability over time.

Objectives

To describe a case of ATPD, highlighting the variability of its’ psychopathological phenomena and establishing a comparison with historical descriptions of this nosological entity.

Methods

Clinical case report and brief review of literature.

Results

V, 20-year old male without psychiatric history, presents in the emergency room exhibiting fluctuant psychopathology over the preceding two weeks – initially with depressive mood, anhedonia, apathy, bizarre behaviors and soliloquies; afterwards, showing paranoid delusional ideation; total insomnia in the previous 2-3 days; finally, showing grandiose delusional ideation; and throughout the episode, revealing pseudohallucinatory verbal activity assuming multiple identities. Several stress factors were identified in close time-relation with the onset of these symptoms. V. started risperidone 2mg 2id and quetiapine 100mg id and was discharged 2 weeks later, fully recovering from these psychopathological phenomena. V. remains asymptomatic at 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Historically, some classifications of this disorder focus on etiological factors, others on clinical evolution and course, and yet another group on separation from the Kraepelinian duality (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder). ATPD is a diagnosis with high clinical heterogeneity and low stability over time, which can have implications in follow-up and long-term outcome.
Storytelling in schizophrenia: Neuropsychological basis of pragmatic language dysfunction (preliminary study)
Authors: Gornushenkov I. , Pluzhnikov I.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Storytelling could be considered as one of the ecological way to study the pragmatic function of speech in schizophrenia. It demands the ability to create narrative (text) that would be appropriate to particular context. Neuropsychological basis of text-context relation impairment in schizophrenia needs clarification.

Objectives

To study neuropsychological correlates of pragmatic text-context impairment revealed during storytelling in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Participants were 14 inpatients with schizophrenia and 18 students without mental disorders. Neuropsychological functioning was measured in both groups according to Luria’s method. Pragmatics assessed by storytelling on images which simultaneously depicts some narrative that should be correctly decoded and after expressed to investigator. The images were taken from Luria’s neuropsychological album and Bidstrup’s drawings.

Results

Stories of patients with schizophrenia were different from control stories in two ways. Some patients produced stories which predominantly characterized by incompleteness that don’t give an opportunity to understand their narratives as connected whole because of its lacunarity. In other cases, stories predominantly characterized by distortion of the storyline which became not realistic and don’t match with the original picture. Incompleteness errors primarily correlates with neuropsychological dysfunction of left frontal lobe (p<0,001). Distortion errors also mainly correlates with dysfunction of frontal lobes (p<0,01), but qualitative analysis reveals right hemisphere involvement.

Conclusions

Impairment of the pragmatic function of speech during storytelling in schizophrenia could manifest itself in at least two different ways. Preliminary results show that it could be connected with different neuropsychological mechanisms and worth considered with left-right frontal lobes opposition.

Conflict of interest

The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-013-00772
Impairment of motivation in patients with schizophrenia and the development of a program for their psychosocial treatment
Authors: Mitikhin V. , Yastrebova V. , Nochevkina A. , Alieva L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Reduced motivation in schizophrenia is expressed is as the reduction of activity and social functioning.

Objectives

Assessment of motivation in patients with schizophrenia and development to their psychosocial treatment.

Methods

Clinical, psychometric (URICA, PSP, PANSS), statistical. Included 100 patients diagnosed with schisophrenia F.20-29(ICD-10) with various levels of deficit.

Results

The analysis showed the connection between the intensity of negative disorders of the patients with the level of their motivations: in the group of patients with severe deficiency (pseudoorganic), a decrease in the level of motivation was found: the score of the «Precontemplation» stage of the URICA scale (56.20 ± 9.29) was higher (P <0.001). Patients with moderate deficit (diminished schizoid) changes were distinguished by high motivation, high scores on the «Action» (49.34 ± 8.22, P <0.005) and «Maintenance» scale (52.43 ± 10.51, P <0.005). A negative correlation was established between the indicators of patient motivation and the PANSS scale: will disorders (r = -0.75, P <0.01), social withdrawal (r = -0.64, P <0.01), blunted affect (r = -0.62, P<0.005), etc. High positive correlation found between motivation rating and PSP scores in socially activity (r = 0,74, P <0,005) and social relationships (r = 0,65, P <0,01). We have developed a comprehensive program of psychosocial treatment, including compliance therapy, motivational, cognitive and social skills training, destigmatization actions and an assessment of its effectiveness.

Conclusions

The developed rehabilitation program showed high efficiency: increasing motivation, reducing self-stigmatization, developing communication skills, improving social functioning and cognitive sphere in patients with schizophrenia.
Different alternations of static and dynamic brain regional topological metrics in schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Luo L. , Yang Y. , Gong Q. , Li F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Though schizophrenia (SZ) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are conceptualized as distinct clinical entities, they do have notable symptom overlap and a tight association. Graph-theoretical analysis of the brain connectome provides more indicators to describe the functional organization of the brain, which may help us understand the shared and disorder-specific neural basis of the two disorders.

Objectives

To explore the static and dynamic topological organization of OCD and SZ as well as the relationship between topological metrics and clinical variables.

Methods

Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 31 OCD patients, 49 SZ patients, and 45 healthy controls (HC) were involved in this study (Table 1). Using independent component analysis to obtain independent components (ICs) (Figure 1), which were defined as nodes for static and dynamic topological analysis.

Results

Static analysis showed the global efficiency of SZ was higher than HC. For nodal degree centrality, OCD exhibited decreased degree centrality in IC59 (located in visiual network) (P = 0.03) and increased degree centrality in IC38 (located in salience network) (P = 0.002) compared with HC. Dynamic analysis showed OCD exhibited decreased dynamics of degree centrality in IC38 (P = 0.003) compared with HC, which showed a negative correlation with clinical scores in OCD. While SZ showed decreased dynamics of degree centrality in IC76 (located in sensory motor network) compared with OCD (P=0.009), which showed a positive correlation with clinical scores in SZ (Figure 2).

Conclusions

These changes are suggestive of disorder-specific alternation of static and dynamic brain topological organization in OCD and SZ.
Association of separate components of the metabolic syndrome and suicidal risk in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Gerasimova V. , Kornetova E. , Kornetov A. , Mednova I. , Kornetov N.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Patients with schizophrenia have increased cardiovascular and suicide risk. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is widespread in this group, however, there are no unambiguous data on the relationship between the separate components of metabolic syndrome and suicide risk.

Objectives

To examine the relationship between the separate components of the MetS and suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

We examined 64 patients with schizophrenia. All patients received antipsychotic therapy in doses comparable in chlorpromazine equivalents. We measured serum levels of lipids, glucose and insulin. The visceral fat level was determined through the non-invasive bioimpedance analysis with an “Omron BF508” scale and body composition monitor. Suicide risk was assessed using Beck Hopelessness Inventory. There were identified two groups of examined: with MetS and without MetS. In both groups were distinguished two subgroups: patients with normal range of hopelessness and patients with mild and moderate hopelessness. Subgroups were compared among themselves for a number of anthropometric, biochemical and clinical indicators. Statistical analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney U-test. Reliability level corresponded to p<0.05. This study was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation 18-15-00011.

Results

Waist circumference, body weight and BMI in subgroup with normal hopelessness range in the group of patients with MetS were significantly higher (figure 1).

Conclusions

We were able to establish a negative relationship between the waist circumference, body weight and BMI with suicide risk in schizophrenia patients. It can be assumed that adipose tissue can play a “protective” role in the suicidal behavior of schizophrenia patients.
COVID-19 and cap: What changed in training and practice for early career child/adolescent psychiatrists?
Authors: Seker A.
Published: February 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the world since the beginning of 2020 and many aspects of health care provision has changed dramatically. Despite not being regarded as a frontline field at first look, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) has been highly impacted by the pandemic as a fundamentally biopsychosocial branch. CAP specialty training has also become a different experience due to the reprioritization of health care services along with the restricting rules of the ‘new normal’. In this symposium presentation, we will discuss the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the training and practice of CAP specialty trainees and early career specialists through the results of the ‘Early Career Psychiatrists in Europe during COVID-19 outbreak’ survey study, organized by the EPA and EFPT. The survey covers different areas including reorganization of training/practice during the pandemic, personal experiences with Covid-19 and adoption of Telepsychiatry practices. This pan-European study is expected to shed a light on the emerging issues for young doctors in CAP to plan necessary improvements on a European scale.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.
Tolerability of cariprazine in the early stage of schizophrenia: A pooled, post-hoc analysis of 4 phase ii/iii double-blind placebo-controlled trials
Authors: Dombi Z.B. , Acsai K. , Barabássy Á. , Sebe B. , Laszlovszky I. , Vass G. , Szatmári B. , Patel M. , Earley W. , Németh G.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In the early stage of schizophrenia (first 5 years), the most important clinical target besides symptom control is relapse prevention as each relapse significantly decreases the possibility of preferable long-term outcomes. Early discontinuation of antipsychotic medication due to intolerable side-effects is one of the most common causes of relapse.

Objectives

This poster aims to present cariprazine’s tolerability in the early stage of schizophrenia.

Methods

Data from 4 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (NCT00404573, NCT01104766, NCT01104779, NCT00694707) with similar design (1 week of wash out period, 6 weeks of treatment and 2-4 weeks of follow-up) were pooled. For the post-hoc analysis, patients with early stage of schizophrenia (defined as having a disease duration of less than 5 years) were extracted from the whole safety population, and approved doses of cariprazine (1.5-6.0 mg/day) were combined. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and discontinuation rates were analysed versus placebo.

Results

Overall, 169 placebo- (PBO) and 322 cariprazine-treated (CAR) patients were identified as having schizophrenia for less than 5 years. 67.7% cariprazine- and 56.2% placebo-treated patients reported at least one TEAE; most frequently insomnia (10.9 % CAR; 12.4% PBO), akathisia (9.6% CAR; 2.4% PBO) and extrapyramidal symptoms (9.3% CAR; 1.8% PBO). Discontinuation due to adverse events was reported in only 8.4% of cariprazine- and 14.8% of placebo-treated patients. Relapse occurred in 3.1% of cariprazine- and 5.3% of placebo-treated patients.

Conclusions

Cariprazine was generally well-tolerated in the early stage of schizophrenia; given the limitations of this analysis, additional research is warranted.

Conflict of interest

Studies were funded by Gedeon Richter Plc. and Allergan Plc (prior to its acquisition by AbbVie). Dombi, Acsai, Dr. Barabássy, Dr. Sebe, Dr. Laszlovszky, Dr Vass, Dr. Szatmári and Dr. Németh are employees of Gedeon Richter Plc., Dr. Earley and Dr. Patel a
Neurocognitive function in patients at high risk of schizophrenia with positive thought disorders
Authors: Fateev I. , Omelchenko M. , Pluzhnikov I.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The course of affective disorders varies significantly in clinical practice. There are many symptoms that are not related to affective disorders that cannot be described in other nosologies. In the present study such pathopsychological phenomena similar to psychotic symptoms and related to symptoms of “schizophrenia risk” were designated as positive thought disorders (PTD). These symptoms are understood as manifestations of delusional and hallucinatory register.

Objectives

Aim of the study is to identify and validate the differences of neurocognitive functions among patients with positive thought disorders and at high risk of schizophrenia and patients without thought disorders.

Methods

In the research there were 17 patients with high risk of schizophrenia dominated by PTD (affective disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenic spectrum disorders) and 18 patients without thought disorders (affective disorders, personality disorders) in the research. Patients aged 17-25 years.

Results

According to the results of the The Complex Figure test, the group with a high risk of schizophrenia had significantly low results on the “simultaneity” scale and points for copying the figure (p-value 0.04 and p-value 0.03). According to the results of the Verbal fluency test, the main group had significantly lower indices on the “loss of instruction” scale and on the number of repetitions (p-value 0.021 and p-value 0.009).

Conclusions

In the group of patients with a high risk of schizophrenia with positive thought disorders there are neurocognitive features in the form of reduced inhibitory control and a lack of simultaneity. The most sensitive methods are the Complex figure test and Verbal fluency Test.

Conflict of interest

The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-013-00772
Social causality understanding in relation to irrational attitudes and ambiguity intolerance in schizophrenia
Authors: Sokolova E. , Andreyuk K. , Ryzhov A.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The uncertainty of contemporary social contexts fosters suspiciousness and anaclitic anxieties. In the context of interpersonal relationships this manifests in cognitive distortions and magical thinking, specially in the vulnerable populations.

Objectives

To study the ability of understanding social causality and its relation to magical thinking and ambiguity intolerance in schizophrenia and controls.

Methods

Participants were 40 inpatients with paranoid schizophrenia and 40 controls. Understanding of social causality was measured by corresponding SCORS-S scale for Thematic Apperception Test, Magical thinking was measured by SPQ-74 and intolerance to ambiguity by the New Tolerance-Intolerance to ambiguity questionnaires.

Results

The understanding of social causality was less developed in schizophrenia group (mean values 2.28 and 3.28, p<.001). They manifest omissions of psychological aspects, logical faults and inconsistencies in depicting social relationships. Magical thinking was higher in clinical group (4.32 and 2.33, p<0.001). Two measures were significantly (p<0.05) correlated in both groups. Regression analysis indicates that 37.7% of variance of dependent variable ‘understanding of social causality’ (R2=0,377) was predicted by ‘magical thinking’ (-0,398, p<0,001) and ‘tolerance to ambiguity’ (0,412, p<0,001). The overal level of tolerance of ambiguity was higher in control group (52.2 and 61.0, p<0.002).

Conclusions

Tolerance of ambiguity, being more characteristic for normal population, underlies the understanding of social causality. In contrast, the intolerance to interpersonal ambiguity is related to increment of anxiety, failures in cognitive elaboration of interpersonal relationships and leads to superstition and illogical beliefs. This relationship has a heuristic value for understanding what is happening to vulnerable individuals in the context of current COVID pandemic.
Performance on verbal fluency in late-onset schizophrenia is more preserved than in early-onset schizophrenia
Authors: Abdullina E. , Rupchev G. , Savina M. , Panikratova Y. , Kucherova E. , Sheshenin V. , Morozova M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

According to the literature, cognition may be more preserved in late-onset schizophrenia (LOS) compared to early-onset schizophrenia (EOS), but data are limited.

Objectives

To compare performance on cognitive tests in LOS and EOS.

Methods

LOS patients (n=14, mean age 58.1±8.2, 13 females, illness duration 1.07±1.5 years) and age-comparable controls (n=17, mean age 55.3±7.8, 12 females), EOS patients (n=25, mean age 20.7±3.9, 25 males, illness duration 0.75±0.62 years) and age-comparable controls (n=15, mean age 22.9±2.3, 15 males) underwent the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) comprised of six subtests: Verbal Memory, Digit Sequencing, Verbal Fluency, Token Motor Task, Symbol Coding, and Tower of London. The Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was applied (p <.05/8, i.e. p <.006).

Results

Compared to LOS, EOS patients had lower score on Verbal Fluency (VF): U=78, p=.004; mean T-scores are 43.5±9.5 and 33.6±12.6 for LOS and EOS, respectively. Additionally, we compared VF performance in each clinical group with age-comparable controls and revealed significantly lower performance in both LOS (U=37.5, p=.001) and EOS (U=56.5, p=.000).

Conclusions

Performance on VF is deteriorated in clinical groups, but may be more intact in LOS compared to EOS. This result is of particular interest because low performance on VF is considered as a cognitive endophenotype of schizophrenia. Performance on VF requires preserved executive functions, language, and processing speed. Our results are in line with the idea that LOS and EOS may be different subtypes of schizophrenia. Limitation of this study is that the clinical groups are not sex-matched.
N-acetylcysteine as an adjunct treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Freitas R. Mota , Valadas M.T.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

An increasing body of literature supports the hypothesis that immune imbalance towards a pro-inflammatory status in the brain plays an important role in schizophrenia. Anti-inflammatory drugs might compensate this dysregulation, ameliorating the symptoms of schizophrenia. N-acetylcysteine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and may regulate various neurological pathways, including glutamate dysregulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, becoming an interesting augmenting drug for schizophrenia treatment.

Objectives

We aim to review the literature regarding the therapeutic effects of N-acetylcysteine in Schizophrenia.

Methods

We performed an updated review in the PubMed database using the terms “N-acetylcysteine” and “Schizophrenia”. The included articles were selected by title and abstract.

Results

The literature suggests that N-acetylcysteine may be a useful adjunct to standard treatment for the improvement of schizophrenia symptoms, as well as the cognitive domain of working memory. Also, this augmentation therapy seems to be beneficial in all illness stages

Conclusions

N-acetylcysteine appears to be a promising agent for augmenting conventional pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia, however, further research is needed to consolidate the current findings.
Early intervention program for psychosis in a portuguese hospital: The first results of the open program
Authors: Simião H. , Santana L. , Silva R. , Gago J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

OPEN is a structured intervention program for patients who present with untreated psychosis at an early stage, under the guidance of a case manager and a periodic evaluation performed by a multidisciplinary team.

Objectives

The aim of the OPEN program is to create an individual care plan, promoting recovery, functionality, quality of life and prevent relapses. One year after implementation of the program, we present the first results.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of the patients’ clinical profiles included in the OPEN program.

Results

Nine patients were included in the program. The most frequent diagnosis was schizophrenia (n=5). By the time of inclusion in the program, 5 patients used cannabis frequently; one patient kept substance use. At the 6th month assessment, 4 in 5 patients showed an improvement in social functioning (Personal and Social Performance Scale; ± 16 points), and a decrease in symptom severity in all (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; ± 11 points). Due to COVID-19 pandemics, group interventions were suspended, and some visits were performed by teleconsultation. No patients lost follow-up.

Conclusions

We observed an overall positive result of the first months of this program, regarding both functionality and clinical outcomes. The main obstacle so far is the impossibility of performing group interventions since the start of the contingency measures regarding COVID-19 pandemics. We expect further results of the OPEN program with the inclusion of more patients.
Perceived stigma and burden in natural caregivers of patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Znaidi F. , Jenhani R. , Arousse A. , Moula O. , Ghachem R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Natural caregivers of patients with schizophrenia are often subjected to stigma by virtue of their association with patients. Affiliate stigma expose caregivers to community rejection, isolation and may have a negative impact on their psychological wellbeing.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess perceived stigma and burden in a Tunisian population of natural caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and to identify risk factors for developing such disorders.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, including 80 natural caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. We used the Stigma Devaluation Scale (SDS) to assess stigma and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) to evaluate burden.

Results

The average age of natural caregivers was 55.7 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.86. The mean score of perceived stigma in patients was 24.7. That of perceived stigma in caregivers was 15.34. Assessing the burden on caregivers estimated an average score of 58, corresponding to a severe burden. Medium to high burden was found in 78% of participants. Perceived stigma scores were significantly higher among illiterate caregivers, those linking schizophrenia to hereditary causes, among parents, and in case of daily contact with the patient. Scores of perceived stigma in caregivers were also significantly correlated with burden score.

Conclusions

Natural caregivers of patients with schizophrenia are exposed to affiliate stigma and experience an important level of burden. Our findings emphasize the need to support natural caregivers of persons with schizophrenia and to develop strategies to combat stigmatization among patients as well as their natural caregivers.