bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P03-116 - Training of Affect Recognition (TAR) and Functional Outcome in Schizophrenia
Authors: Sachs G. , Winklbaur B. , Frommann N. , Wölwer W.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

An increasing number of studies focus on general deficits in identifying, differentiating and recalling of facial emotions in schizophrenia. According to preliminary results antipsychotics alone show only little effect on social cognition. We investigated the effects of new antipsychotics when combined with a computer-based training on affect recognition.

Methods

Schizophrenic patients (n=20) receiving treatment with new antipsychotics in combination with a six-week Training on Affect Recognition (TAR) were compared with a randomized group of patients (n=18) receiving Treatment As Usual (TAU). Effects on social cognition were tested with the Vienna Emotion Recognition Tasks (VERT-K). In addition, we investigated neurocognitive performance using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Testbattery for Attentional Performance (TAP): “Alertness”, “Vigilance” and “Working memory”. Negative symptoms and quality of life were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the short version of the WHO-Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref).

Results

In comparison to the control group the TAR group showed significant improvements in regard to affect recognition in general as well as in recognizing sad and happy faces. In addition, we found significant improvements for the TAR group regarding executive functions, quality of life and negative symptoms.

Discussion

Treatment with new antipsychotics alone has only a limited impact on social cognition. A specific combined treatment of new antipsychotics and TAR leads to improved cognition and emotional performance with additional positive effects on functional outcome.
P03-118 - Perceived Negative Attitude Associates with Psychotic Experiences
Authors: Salokangas R.K.R. , Heinimaa M. , Klosterkötter J. , Ruhrmann S. , Graf von Reventlow H. , Linsze D. , Dingemans P. , Birchwood M. , Patterson P.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Risk of psychosis is defined by the presence of positive psychotic-like symptoms. In clinical examination, easily detectable perceived negative attitude of other people may also indicate risk of psychosis.

Methods

A random sample of psychiatric outpatients completed the PROD screen including questions on interpersonal relationships, functioning and subtle specific (psychotic-like) symptoms. Vulnerability to psychosis (VTP) was assessed employing specific symptoms of the PROD screen. Current risk of psychosis (CROP) was assessed using the BSABS and the SIPS/SOPS. The CROP patients were followed up for 18 months and transition to psychosis was detected. The association between perceived negative attitude of others and reported psychotic symptoms was tested in a random sample drawn from the general population.

Results

In all, 790 outpatients were screened. Of them, 219 VTP and 55 CROP patients were identified. By follow-up, six CROP patients (11 %) had made the transition to psychosis. Vulnerability to psychosis associated with all items of interpersonal relationships and functioning. However, current risk and transition to psychosis associated only with subjectively reported negative attitude of others. In a general population sample, negative attitude of others strongly associated with reported life-time psychotic symptoms conforming thus results obtained from a patient sample.

Conclusion

The subjective experience of negative attitude of other people towards oneself associates with experience of psychotic symptoms and may predict more sever psychotic development. The association between perceived negative attitude and occurrence of subtle psychotic symptoms seems to be detectable both in general and patient populations.
P03-122 - Cognitive Rehabilitation in Executive Functioning and Processing Speed in Schizophrenia and First-Episode Psychosis
Authors: Ojeda N. , Peña J. , Bengoetxea E. , Segarra R. , Sánchez P.M. , Elizagárate E. , García J. , Eguiluz J.I. , Ezcurra J. , Gutiérrez M.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Processing speed and executive functioning are among the more impaired cognitive domains in schizophrenia, do not improve despite antipsychotic medication, and are associated with poor long-term functioning and quality of life. Cognitive remediation therapy for psychosis (REHACOP) try to improve cognitive deficits by teaching information processing strategies through guided mental exercises. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive remediation therapy (REHACOP), compared to other treatments, on processing speed and executive functioning difficulties.

Material and methods

Fifty-seven patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia and 29 with first-episode psychosis were randomly allocated into one of two groups: Cognitive rehabilitation group (REHACOP) or occupational therapy group. The REHACOP group received 3 months structured group rehabilitation sessions (3 per week) focused on tasks requiring attention, language, memory, speed, executive functioning and activities of daily living. All subjects underwent a neuropsychological assessment pre- and post treatment, which included tests for processing speed (Trail-Making Test-A, Digit Symbol, and Stroop-Color) and executive functioning (Stroop Word-Color part and interference)

Results

Repeated measures of MANOVA showed that the interaction term groupXtime was significant for the executive functioning (F = 9.88, p < 0.01) and processing speed (F = 5.92, p < 0.05) measures, suggesting that the REHACOP experimental group improved significantly when compared to the control group's performance on both domains.

Conclusions

Results suggest that REHACOP is effective to improve executive dysfunction and processing speed deficits in first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia compared to occupational therapy.
P03-125 - Memory Dysfunction and Defective Novelty Detection in Schizophrenia
Authors: Schiltz K. , Zierhut K.C. , Bogerts B.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Patients suffering from schizophrenia display an impairment of memory performance among other cognitive deficits. Long term memory impairment can arise from disturbed encoding and/or retrieval processes subserved by mediotemporal, mesencephalic as well as prefrontal brain regions. We assessed functional and structural integrity of these regions in schizophrenia, specifically during cognitive processes of memory encoding and retrieval.

Methods

We assessed in a set of 3 fMRI studies in a total of 50 schizophrenia patients and an equal number of matched controls whether

1)

hippocampal/parahippocampal activity during encoding into long term memory is impaired,

2)

this impairment is related to the memory deficit,

3)

impaired memory retrieval is associated to mediotemporal/prefrontal dysfunction,

4)

hippocampal dysfunction is related to symptoms in schizophrenia,

5)

mesolimbic novelty detection is defective.

Functional alterations were related to structural brain changes as detected by voxel-based morphometry.

Results

Patients with schizophrenia displayed a markedly impaired memory performance in our studies. It was related to dysfunction of hippocampal areas during memory encoding as well as novelty detection. During novelty detection, patients had a significantly impaired activity in the mesolimbic loop (hippocampus-ventral tegmental area). Prefrontral and mediotemporal hypofunction was evident during memory retrieval. Positive symptoms were related to a more dysregulated hippocampus activity during memory encoding.

Conclusion

Evident memory dysfunction in schizophrenia is related to severely altered neuronal processes subserving memory encoding and retrieval which importantly include defective mesolimbic novelty detection. Dysregulated hippocampal activity is related to positive symptoms in schizophrenia and importantly provides a neurobiological link to cognitive deficits.
P03-127 - A Flexible-Dose Study of Paliperidone ER in Non-Acute Patients with Schizophrenia Previously Unsuccessfully Treated with Other Oral Antipsychotics
Authors: Schreiner A. , Hoeben D. , Lahaye M. , Tessier C. , Peuskens J. , Nardini F. , Albrecht W. , Jakovljevic M. , Djukic-Dejanovic S.
Published: June 2010

Objective

To explore tolerability, safety and treatment response of flexible doses of paliperidone ER in adult non-acute patients with schizophrenia previously unsuccessfully treated with oral antipsychotics.

Methods

International prospective 6-month open-label study. Endpoints were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S), patient satisfaction, adverse events (AEs), extrapyramidal symptoms (Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale; ESRS) and weight change.

Results

1812 patients were included (59.9% male, mean age 40.1±12.6 years, 75.8% paranoid schizophrenia); most were enrolled because of lack of efficacy (n=1026) or lack of tolerability (n=490) with prior antipsychotic treatment. The median mode dose of paliperidone ER was 6 mg/day. 70.7% of patients completed the 6-month study. Most frequent reasons for early discontinuation were patient choice (8.8%), lack of efficacy or adverse event (5.1% each) independent of the reason for switching. Mean total PANSS decreased significantly from 79.4±20.4 at baseline to 66.1±21.5 at endpoint (mean change -13.3±19.7; 95% confidence interval -14.2;-12.3, p< 0.0001). The percentage of patients rated mildly ill or less in CGI-S increased from 27.0% to 52.2% at endpoint, and the rate of patients with mild functional impairment increased from 15.8% to 34.9%. AEs reported in greater-than-or-equal-to 5% of patients were insomnia (9.2%) and anxiety (7.2%). Extrapyramidal symptoms in ESRS decreased significantly from 3.5±5.8 to 2.1±4.6 (p< 0.0001). Mean weight gain from baseline to endpoint was 0.3±4.8kg.

Conclusion

These data support results from recent randomized controlled studies that paliperidone ER is safe, well tolerated and effective in patients previously unsuccessfully treated with other oral antipsychotics.
P03-129 - A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Paliperidone ER Versus Oral Olanzapine in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Schreiner A. , Korcsog P. , Niehaus D.J.H. , Aadamsoo K. , Uecok A. , Franco M. , Theodoropoulou P. , Salinas R. , Bergmans P. , Hoeben D. , Tessier C.
Published: June 2010

Objective

To compare the longer-term metabolic effects and efficacy of paliperidone ER and olanzapine in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

Prospective 6-month randomized study evaluating flexible doses of paliperidone ER and oral olanzapine (OLA). Primary endpoint was the change in triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein (TG:HDL) ratio, a sensitive measure of insulin resistance. Additional endpoints were the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), body weight, lipids, homoeostasis model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and adverse events (AEs).

Results

239 patients were randomized to paliperidone ER, 220 to olanzapine. Demographics and baseline characteristics were comparable. Mean doses were 6.9±1.3 mg/day for paliperidone ER and 11.6±2.3 mg/day for olanzapine. The TG:HDL ratio for olanzapine significantly worsened from baseline to endpoint (0.42±1.19;p< 0.0001); it remained unchanged for paliperidone ER (-0.08±1.10;p=0.4718; between-group difference p< 0.0001). PANSS total scores at endpoint significantly improved (olanzapine -16.6±15.0; paliperidone ER -13.5±15.9; both p< 0.0001 vs. baseline); the between-group difference met prespecified non-inferiority criteria. Endpoint weight change was 3.8±5.9kg for olanzapine and 1.2±4.6kg for paliperidone ER (p< 0.0001). Insulin resistance in HOMA-IR did not change with paliperidone ER (p=0.1507) but significantly worsened with olanzapine (p=0.003 vs. baseline). The most frequently reported treatment-emergent AEs (>=5%) were weight increase (OLA 18.2%;Pali ER 9.6%), insomnia (OLA 1.4%;Pali ER 9.6%), somnolence (OLA 9.5%;Pali ER 3.3%) and schizophrenia (OLA 1.8%;Pali ER 5.0%).

Conclusion

In this randomized controlled study paliperidone ER was superior to olanzapine with regards to insulin resistance, weight gain, lipid changes and other relevant metabolic endpoints. Efficacy was non-inferior between paliperidone ER and olanzapine.
P03-133 - First Episode Psychosis and Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Yelmo S. , Morera-Fumero A. , Díaz-Mesa E. , Barrau V. , Henry M. , Gracia R.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

There is a significant incidence of psychiatric symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis, the most common after receiving the diagnosis. We describe a man who was admitted for a first episode psychosis and a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was made moreover.

Methods

A 24-year-old man was admitted with a paranoid delusion, auditory hallucinations with emotional response and the believe that their thoughts were being interfered. Blood test and cranial CT were normal. Risperidone was started. He developed ataxia and sensitive disturbances on the right arm. A cranial and spinal cord MRI revealed multiple T2 and FLAIR hyperintense lesions located in supra and infratentorial white matter, lesions in C3, and one lesion in right basal ganglia that enhanced with gadolinium. CSF analysis showed oligoclonals bands. Three years ago the patient had had transient sensitive symtoms. A diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis was made and was started methyl-prednisolone intravenously. Risperidone was changed for amisulpride 800 mg/day because lack of response. He was discharged after 25 days. Six months later he has attenuated psychotic symptoms without news lesions in MRI. Glatiramer acetate has been started.

Results and conclusions

The most frequent disorder associated to multiple sclerosis is depression (prevalence of 20%). Psychosis is unusual, transient, sometimes as the onset relapse followed by remission. There's evidence of correlation between psychosis in multiple sclerosis and multiple lesions in temporal periventricular area. We suggest that in our case these two disorders are two separated entities since the enhanced lesion does not correpond with clinical findings.
P03-135 - Delta and Gamma EEG Bands as Markers of Left Hypofrontality for Language in Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Spironelli C. , Stegagno L. , Angrilli A.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Spectral delta and gamma activity were recorded in 17 schizophrenia patients and 17 matched controls to study brain dysfunction/inhibition and functional linguistic impairment in different phases of written word processing.

Methods

Most of patients were suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and obtained relatively high rating in Delusions (P1) and Conceptual disorganization (P2) of the PANSS. Delta and gamma amplitudes were measured while participants performed three linguistic tasks, i.e., visuo-perceptual, rhyming and semantic judgment.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, patients showed no overall delta and gamma differences, revealing a lack of pharmacological-dependent impairment. However, ANOVAs revealed bilateral delta and gamma distributions in patients and, compared with controls, significant greater delta and lower gamma levels in left anterior sites. Healthy participants showed higher delta amplitude in right vs. left anterior sites and a reversed pattern for gamma amplitude: delta and gamma provided complementary results which suggested that controls, but not patients, activated left anterior regions during the linguistic processing. Patients’ hypofrontality was functionally correlated to their lack of left hemispheric specialization for language: the higher delta amplitude in left anterior sites, the higher levels of P1 and P2 positive symptoms; the higher gamma percentage in right anterior sites, the higher levels of N4 (i.e. Passive/apathetic social withdrawal).

Conclusions

Delta and gamma rhythms are quantitative indices of the amount of neurons engaged in specific cognitive processes and they represent complementary physiological indices of neural inhibition/activation able to measure both the hypofrontality and the functional deficit of language lateralization in schizophrenia patients.
P03-136 - Hope, Faith, Future - Dilemmas of Young People Diagnosed with Psychosis
Authors: Stevanovic Z.
Published: June 2010

The goal of the work is to point out the problems in treating young people diagnosed with psychosis (acute psychotic disorder or schizophrenia) who were treated at Clinic for mental health protection in Nis. Data from the medical charts of this facility was used. Patients from 18 to 30 years old were included in this analysis. Only a few of them decided by themselves to go to a psychiatrist, most of them went because their families insisted. Basic problem with these patients is unacceptance of their medicamentous treatment or irregularly taking of medicaments and therefore their irregular appearance on controls at the beginning of the illness. Most patients show tendencies towards isolation, aggressive behavior in a social environment, problems at work which result in a job loss, suspension of studies caused by a high drop in efficiency. After a reduction of productive psychopathological phenomenology, problems with resocialization or harder fitting into society, lack of plans for the future and high degree of prejudice against those with this illness no matter the level of education, are evident. In a certain degree depression starts to develop, and patients perceive their inability to achieve all their plans for the future (studies, job, family). In the later phase of treatment, half of these patients stop taking the therapy on their own accord. This results in repeatable worsening of the diseese, new hospitalizations and that highlights the feeling of inability to move forward and lack of hope for the future.
P03-137 - The Impact of Therapeutic Options in First Episode Psychosis
Authors: Stoica I. , Ienciu M.
Published: June 2010

Objective

To create an image of therapeutic options available for the first episode psychsis and the way these options influence the evolution of patients.

Material and methods

The present study is part of a larger follow-up study on a number of 121 patients with a diagnostic of first episode psychosis admitted in the Timisoara Psychiatric Clinic and The Day Clinic in the Timisoara Mental Health Center between 2003-2006 and prospectively monitored from the moment of their first contact with psychiatric services.

Results

The average calculated duration of prodrome period and average Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP) are similar to the results indicated by most other studies. The results of statistical tests show that: the longest the prodrome, the worse the improvement of illness during course; a longer prodrome is correlated with a higher number of relapses during the patient's illness course and a longer Duration of Untreated Psychosis is likely to lead to an increased severity of illness. Patients’ adherence to treatment is influenced both by the traits of the first psychotic episode and the way the patients perceive the side effects and the general utility of the administered medication.

Conclusions

Psychiatrists have to dedicate more time and interest to establishing a therapeutic alliance with their patients with first episode psychosis; an individualized strategy is required to establish the adequate means and ways of intervention before initiating any type of therapy.
P03-143 - Effectiveness of Aripiprazol in Acute Schizophrenia
Authors: Trandafir M.-S.
Published: June 2010

The study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of aripriprazole in treatment of patients with acute exacerbation of schizophrenia and in acute psychotic episodes.

Methodology

This was an observational, uncontrolled, 4 week inpatient study, conducted at Unit VII, Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry Prof Dr. Alexandru Obregia, Bucharest. We included in the study 31 inpatients that suited the criteria admitted between January and March 2008. Patients received aripriprazol oral for four weeks. The patients received initially 15 mg aripiprazol. When the symptomatically hadn’t responded in 5 to 7 days we added 15 more mg aripiprazol. The group was divided in 2 parts: in one of them the patients received 15 mg in the morning, and in the other 15 mg in the morning and 15 more at noon.

Treatment efficacy was assessed using PANSS at baseline and at the end of weeks 2 and 4.

The CGI-S was performed at baseline and at the end of weeks 1,4. CGI-I assessments were conducted at the end of weeks 1, 2 and 4.

Results

Clinically important change were not noted with regard vital signs measurements and physical examinations.

At the end of the study a persons gain weight.

Conclusions

The results of the study suggest that aripriprazole was efficacious safe and well tolerated for patients with acute psychosis - Aripriprazol 30mg/day was. Adverse events were generally mild and not treatment limiting. The majority of patients remain on the 30mg/day dose during the study.
P03-144 Kartagener's Syndrome and Psychotic Disorder: A Case Presentation
Authors: Ceylan M.E. , Maner F. , Ermiş A. , Turkcan A.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Kartagener's Syndrome is a rare congenital malformation and characterized by the triad of bronchiectasis, sinusitis, and situs inversus. We presented a case diagnosed as Kartagener's syndrome and psychotic disorder not elsewhere specified.

Method and results

The case was a male patient, 32 years old, high school educated, married, with two children. He had a history with increasing psychotic symptoms and two times of suicide attempts for the last two months needed hospitalisation. In the psychiatric examination affect was blunted, there were anxiety, fear due to auditive hallusinations and referance delusions, anhedonia, suicidal thoughts and attempts, secondary depression. Psychiatric disorder predominently with auditive hallusinations and social withdrawal had a duration of three years. He was diagnosed as Kartagener's Syndrome when he was nine years old. The patient was treated with haloperidol 20 mg/day, biperiden 5 mg/day, klorpromazin 100 mg/day during hospitalisation. The psychotic symptoms were reduced within third day. On radiography his heart was seen at the right side of his body, there was bronchial dilatation in the medial and inferior lobes of left lung, thickness of walls of bronches and increased peribronchial density.

Conclusion

We assume that the biochemical disorder that is the cause of the development of Kartegener Syndrome is related with the genetic location which facilitates the development of psychosis or risk of psychosis.
P03-17 - Nursing Demands of Patients with Schizophrenia with Long Term Maintenance Treatment at Home
Authors: Adomaitienė V. , Taranda V. , Jaras A. , Lygnugarytė A. , Andriuškevičienė L. , Dambrauskienė K.
Published: June 2010

In the last seven years there has been an increase in the number of schizophrenia disease in Lithuania (in 2002-2369,5; in 2008-2795,65 to 100.000 residents). The length of treatment in residential care is getting shorter because of changing regulations.

Objective

The goal of the study to explore nursing demands in patients with schizophrenia disorders with long term maintenance treatment at home.

Methods

Research was carried out in four Kaunas primary mental health centers. We used standardized International Mental Health Quality Of Life Scale (QOL-36) questionnaire implemented by Phillip W. Long (2003). Our group was randomly selected and consisted of 123 patients with schizophrenia aging from 18 to 65 years.

Results

Several main problems were disclosed: 46% reduced everyday home activities, 68 % mentioned physical fatigue, apathy- 60%, sleep disorders- 81%, memory and attention disorders- 64%, communication problems- 76%. 25% of respondents had suicidal attempt. There were more suicidal attempts in younger patients than others (p < 0,05). We disclosed statistically confident correlation between disease duration and suicidal attempts (p < 0,05). For the senior patients the most often were communication problems (50%), sleep disorders (55%), memory and attention disorders (53%).

Conclusions

The most frequent nursing demands mentioned by patients are caused by memory and attention disorders, as well as sleep disorders. Those problems most frequently occur among older respondents.
P03-18 - Diagnosis of Psychosis
Authors: Agassi J.
Published: June 2010

There are two traditional theories about psychosis, Kraeplin's and Freud's. According to Kraeplin it is an idee fixe, which renders fanatics psychotic. This is perceptive but false. According to Freud psychosis is severe neurotisis, and this is refuted by light cases of psychosis (ambulatory) and by severe (certifiable) cases of neurosis. It is admitted in a way when it is admitted that analysis is applicable to neurosis, not as yet to psychosis.

The refusal to admit this situation renders the field pseudo-scientific. It sends researchers to seek cures to an undiagnosed disease.

Yehuda Fried and Joseph Agassi, Paranoia, a Study in Diagnosis, Boston sstudies in teh Philosophy of Science, volume 50, 1976, is systematically ignored even though Fried was a leading Israeli psychiatrist with some international repute. It is time to admit its criticism of received ideas and hopefully also to discuss critically its alternative proposal. The alternative is indebted to both Kraeplin adn Freud but more so to Henri Ey. It is that in addition to what was said before, the important missing characterization of the disease is that psychotics hold peculiar views that they refuse to admit are peculiar. We also claim that this is clearstin paranoia vera, and that the disintegration that Bleuler noted is a late stage of any psychosis, so that at its root all psychosis is paranoia.
P03-23 - The Structure of the Psychological Adaptation in Schizophrenia Patients with the First Psychotic Episode
Authors: Antokhin E. , Budza V. , Krukova E. , Lazareva N.
Published: June 2010

To study the structure of psychological adaptation in patients with schizophrenia in comparative aspect depending on duration of a disease 140 persons were examined. 97 schizophrenia patients with the first psychotic episode are the basic group (average age 31,88 + 8,06 years), 43 schizophrenia patients (average age 40,37 + 9,55 years) with more than 5 years duration of process are in the comparison group. Methods of investigation: clinical-psychopathological, pathopsychological (Heim’s questionnaire - coping diagnostics, “Life style index” questionnaire, “Self-stigmatization” questionnaire), statistical (Student T-criterion). It has been established along schizophrenia chronisation psychological defence structure protection gains the most disadaptive and pathoprotective content. On schizophrenia patients with the First Psychotical Episode (FPE) “negation”, “compensation”, “reactive formation” dominates. In the comparison group “negation”, “regression”, “replacement”, “reactive formations” are the leading factors, and the level of intensity considerably increasing. The level of self-stigmatization increases, its dominating form changes: rate shift of autopsychotic and socioreversive form of self-stigmatization to the compensatory and socioreversive forms. The use frequency of adaptive coping-mechanisms in behavioral and cognitive spheres by schizophrenia patients with the FPE is more than the use level of relatively adaptive and no adaptive coping-strategies. In emotional sphere relatively adaptive coping-strategies dominate. On duration of the disease (more than 5 years) relatively adaptive and (or) no adaptive copings become dominative in the coping structure of all three spheres, but the use level of adaptive coping-strategies considerably decreases.
P03-24 - Clinical Experience with Sertindol on Mexican Patients with Schizophrenia Diagnosis
Authors: Arellano A.
Published: June 2010

The proposal It's been to describe by an oral presentation, a five cases of Mexican women that have the Schizophrenia diagnosis and that were treated with Sertindol (Serlect) between the months of October 2007 to September 2008, one of them were an Subtype disorganized, other one was Paranoid Subtype and the others were and Indiferential continuous subtype, all of them had an early response on the management of the negative and positive symptoms and also recovered cognitive functions in less time using Sertindol than other antipsychotics treatments. Every one participated on a protocol's study with clinical scales like PANSS, BPRS, and had preclinical studies every 2 weeks by the first 2 months and every 4 weeks by the rest of the time.

Conclusions

Sertindol it's a very good option for the treatment of the schizophrenia patients with antipsychotics. It brings a safety and efficacy medicine that doesn’t have hardly secondary effects and that gives a better quality of life to this patients.
P03-28 - Stressful Situations and Methods Weathering with them in Patients Suffering from Schizphrenia
Authors: Dutczak B. , Bidzan L.
Published: June 2010

Schizophrenia is a disease which obstruct patient's social functioning in regard of their isolation as a symptom and intolerance of society. These patient's life is overfilled by many stressful situations, what is often connected with their state of health. In literature we can easily find many data about influence of stress on backset in schizophrenia, but there is no information about their ability of dealing with stress. It can be very important to take into account their styles of managing with stress in rehabilitation programs and add some training to help them to do it better. Treatment should contains not only pharmacotherapy, but also social support, social training and many changes in the environment to make their life more satisfying.
P03-32 - Validation of the French Version of the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP)
Authors: Blanc O. , Delgado A. , Lancon C. , Schwan R. , Schürhoff F. , Lesturgeon J.-A. , Thomas P. , Llorca P.M.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

The Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale is a reliable and valid instrument that utilizes objective parameters for assessment of social functioning in patients with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the French version of PSP in a population of French schizophrenic patients.

Methods

Patients with DSM-IV diagnoses of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder were recruited and assessed in a cross-sectional design using the PSP, GAF, SOFS, PANSS, CGI severity. Internal consistency for the PSP was obtained and convergent validity was assessed using correlations between PSP, GAF and PANSS factors. Inter-rater reliability was evaluated with intra class correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

147 in and out patients, at 5 French sites participated in this study. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the PSP was good (alpha=0.77). The PSP showed very good inter rater reliability (ICC = 0.90). Pearson correlation coefficient for association between PSP and GAF (r=0.85) and PSP and SOFS (r=- 0.78).are high proving good convergent validity for PSP. Pearson correlation coefficients are moderate when PSP is correlated with 4 of the five PANSS sub factors (r from -0.43 to -0.48). The anxious and depression factor (r=-0.17) showed low correlation with PSP. Spearman Rank correlation coefficient between PSP and CGI severity was r=-0.72.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the PSP scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing social functioning of patients with schizophrenia during the course of treatment as well as in acute state.
P03-35 - Somatic Comorbidities in the Schizophrenic Spectrum Pathology
Authors: Bredicean C. , Milin M. , Salva E. , Mihalcea R. , Popovici Z. , Romosan R.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to determine the type of somatic pathology which appears in schizophrenic spectrum psychosis, in a sample of subjects admitted in the Psychiatric Clinic in Timisoara in the year 2008.

Methods

The sample studied contained 158 patients (105 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, 46 with schizoaffective disorder and 7 with acute and transitory psychotic disorder) who were admitted in the year 2008. This sample was evaluated from a clinical (PANSS), global functioning (GAF) and somatic co morbidities perspective.

Results

The case evaluatian showed that 30% of the patients presented also somatic pathology. High incidence presented cardiovascular pathology (8,86%), digestive pathology (7,59%) and respiratory pathology (3,79). Obesity was present in 6,32% of the subjects. There was a category of subjects who presented various types of somatic comorbidities (8,22%).

Conclusions

Subjects with psychotic disorders present a high risc for developing somatic pathology, the most common being the cardiovascular pathology. There was no evidence for differencies in the type of somatic pathology between subjects with schizophrenia and those with schizoaffective disorder.
P03-36 - A new Neurocognitive Scale for Schizophrenia Which Could be Used in Daily Practice
Authors: Bretel F. , Opolczynski G. , Cognard C. , Soyer C. , Birien G. , Bourgeois V. , Franck N. , Haouzir S. , Guillin O.
Published: June 2010

Background

Neurocognition is impaired in patients with schizophrenia, and almost all patients demonstrate some measure of decline from their expected level. Neurocognitive impairment is a core feature of schizophrenia and is the single strongest correlate of real-world functioning. To date, several instruments can measure neurocognition, but none of them could be used in daily clinical practice because of their long duration of assessment or the high level of training needed to use them. The aim of the present study was to create a scale that measures different neurocognitive domains usually impaired in schizophrenia (attention, work memory, verbal memory and executive functions).

Method and results

40 patients with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV-TR criteria have been included in the study and 100% of the patients have been able to complete the scale, that was generally well accepted. Neurocognition was also evaluated in some of the patients with the WAIS-III to compare the scores with our new and not validated scale. Psychiatrists, neuropsychologists and ergotherapists administered the scale. Inter-ratter reliability was evaluated. The time to complete the scale was not more than 10 minutes. Results are under analysis and will be presented during the meeting.

Conclusion

Measuring neurocognition in daily practice is crucial to better evaluate the effect on neurocognition of pharmacological and none pharmacological cares in schizophrenia.
P03-37 - Testing A New Technique for the Rehabilitation of Schizophrenia and Other Psychoses Based on Viewing Fiction Films
Authors: Caballero Martínez L. , Magariños M. , Pelaez C. , García del Castillo I. , Calero R. , Mateo I. , Diaz R. , Baca E. , Torre-Marin C. , Luz Chimeno de la Vega M.
Published: June 2010

Fiction films offer unexplored opportunities of rehabilitation for schizophrenia and other psychoses. Schizophrenia produces deficits y distortions in the perception and comprehension of reality, also expressed in the perception and comprehension of films. After a year of an “ad hoc” experience, the following technique was developed:

1)

Selecting a fiction film for its narrative, affective, cognitive and social cognitive content

2)

Briefly presenting of the film to a group of 8-16 patients with diverse psychosis.

3)

Screening of the film to the patients and the therapeutic team.

4)

Summarizing of the plot by a patient. Group correcting of distortions and deficits caused by problems of attention and working memory, as well as positive, negative, affective and social cognitive symptoms (emotional perception, theory of mind, attributive style)

5)

Selecting 1-2 sequences by each patient, and group commenting using the same technique.

6)

Field recording of all the commentaries obtained.

7)

Second screening of the film two days after, repeating points 2 to 6.

8)

Comparing both field records.

An experimental study using this technique is presented. 8 patients with schizophrenia and other psychoses watched 4 fiction films (“The 39 Steps”, “Charade”, “M”, “The General”). The differences founded in both viewings by two external evaluators (using CGI and analogical scales of the main variables) are presented and commented. An evaluation of the perceived usefulness and satisfaction of the participants was included.
P03-39 - Consistency of Syndromes of Schizophrenia in Course of 12 Years Follow Up Study
Authors: Cechnicki A. , Franczyk- Glita J. , Cichocki L.
Published: June 2010

A group of 80 patients with diagnosis of schizophrenia was followed up in 1, 3, 7 and 12 years after their first psychiatric hospitalization. Their psychopathological status was investigated with BPRS - E scale. Objectives were to identify syndromes measured by BPRS - E scale and to analyze changes in syndromes’ consistency in the course of a 12 years prospective study. Four syndromes were found: positive, negative, depressive and excitement. However, in the following time points, consistency of syndromes was different. The most consistent syndrome was the negative one. Of ten symptoms connected with this syndrome four, namely: motor retardation, blunted affect, uncooperativeness, emotional withdrawal, were present in every follow - up within this syndrome. In the case of the excitement syndrome two symptoms (hostility and tension) were present in all follow - ups. None of the symptoms included in the depressive and positive syndromes were consistently present within these syndromes over the period of twelve years.
P03-49 - Efects of Rivastigmine Tartrate in Therapy of Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Djordjevic S. , Japalak S.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Exelon (ravastigmine tartrate) is dual, reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. FDA has approved its use in treatment of Alchaimer dementia and Dementia combinated with Parkison disease. In addition to this, results based on small clinical studies and case reports showed positive efects of rivastigmin tartrate in therapy applied in numerous pyschiatric disorders.

Methods

In this study 15 patients have been observed. According to ICD 10 they all satisfied criteria for diagnosis of residual schizophrenia and had a score of below 24 at MMSE and high scores at NPI 12 and BPRS. During the period of 60 days, apart from antipsychotics and anxiolitics or psychostabilisers, patients also received rivastigmin tartrate in their therapy.

Results

The study showed that rivastigmine therapy produced significant improvements when it comes to cognition and reduction of disorders in the sphere of afective-behavioristic functioning of patients with residual schizophrenia. However, this interpretation cannot be confirmed to be completely valid due to the size of treated group, the absence of the control group, and the length of the observing period.

Conclusions

Dual cholinesterase inhibitors (Acetilcholine and Butirilcholine) may produce improvement in cognition and behavioural performances, as well as the general quality of life of patients diagnosed with residual schizophrenia. Future studies applied on this kind of patients should precisely explain the basic pharmachological mechanisams of rivastigmin tartrate, and approve/disapprove the results of clinical studies and case reports that have been preformed so far.
P03-55 - The Correlates of Subjective Admission Experience of Patients with Schizophrenia in Hong Kong
Authors: Fu C.K.J. , Chow P.L.P. , Lam C.W.L.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Admission experience has been shown to be related to insight and treatment adherence. We evaluated the clinical correlates of the Chinese Admission Experience Survey (C-AES).

Methods

A four-week longitudinal correlation study was carried out to investigate the relationship between admission experience and clinical variables. The C-AES was administered to 40 patients with schizophrenia within 48 hours of admission as a baseline, followed by subsequent interviews at two weeks and four weeks post-admission. Degree of insight into disease, attitude towards prescription, medication side effects and psychiatric symptomatology were assessed using established instruments, namely the Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD), the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI), the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS). Regression by Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) was used to evaluate the relationship between the clinical variables.

Results

An improvement in insight was associated with a reduction in perceived coercion (B = 0.261, p < 0.01) during the four-week treatment. An increase in atypical antipsychotic dosage in milligram of chlorpromazine equivalents predicted insight improvement (B = -0.001, p < 0.01). There was an associated improvement in attitude towards medication (B = -0.027, p < 0.01). These observations were independent on schizophrenic symptoms or extrapyrimidal side effects.

Conclusions

Improvement in insight is associated with a reduction in perceived coercion and a more positive attitude towards prescription, and is predicted by a higher dosage of atypical antipsychotic.
P03-57 - Negative Symptoms and Functioning in First Episode Psychosis and Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: García J. , Segarra R. , Sánchez P. , Ojeda N. , Peña J. , Eguiluz I. , Gutiérrez M.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Course and outcome in schizophrenia are heterogeneous. Numerous studies have shown an association between the presence of negative symptoms and psychosocial and occupational functioning of patients.

Objectives

To analyse the prevalence of negative symptoms in the course of illness in first episode psychosis and chronic schizophrenia and to establish its relation with the functional outcome.

Methods

43 patients with a first-episode psychosis (FEP) from our area were compared with 43 chronic schizophrenic patients and 43 normal controls from a parallel area. They were matched one on one for age, gender and years of education. All subjects were compared regarding psychopathology and functional outcome terms. Patients were examined with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for clinical symptom. Longitudinal functionality was prospectively assessed with the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) rating scales.

Results

We found significant differences between FEP and chronic patients in negative symptom severity (t = -4.97, p< 0.001) and global assessment of functioning (t = 7.58, p< 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in PANSS positive and general components or Clinical Global Impression. Negative symptom severity was associated with poorer GAF ratings in first episode psychosis and chronic schizophrenia.

Conclusions

Negative symptoms appear to be persistent. In our study negative symptom severity was associated with social and functional impairment, defined as Global Assessment of Functioning Scale score of less than or equal to 60.
P03-58 - Determinants of Social Functioning in First-Episode Schizophrenia. A Prospective Follow-Up Study
Authors: Gorna K. , Jaracz K. , Wasilczyk U. , Smelkowska A. , Rybakowski J.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Comparison of social functioning of first-admitted schizophrenic patients with healthy subjects and evaluation of the influence of several socio-demographic and clinical variables on social abilities of patients, 1 month (T1), 13 months after hospitalization (T2) and 4-6 years after T1 (T3).

Methods

A group of 74 schizophrenic patients: 46 male and 28 female; age 24.7 ± 6.7 and a control group of matched 52 male and 34 female subjects were enrolled. Social Functioning Scale (SFS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS) and socio-demographic questionnaire were used.

Results

In all examinations SFS scores in the patients (T1 - 103.4; T2- 104.4; T3- 107.0), were significantly lower than in the healthy controls - 117.0 (p< 0.001). In longitudinal analysis, a mild improvement was observed in T3 SFS score and in its three subscales (p< 0.05). In cross-sectional analysis, better social functioning was associated with female sex, longer education, activity before admission, and better functioning in the pre-admission period. In regression analyses SFS at T2 was predicted by PANSS (27% of the variance) and at T3 by PANSS and duration of psychotic symptoms (20% of the variance).

Conclusions

Social functioning in schizophrenia is disturbed from the onset of the disease and may be mildly improved in the intermediate follow-up. The duration of untreated illness and severity of symptoms after the first admission, are the independent significant determinants of social functioning in early course of schizophrenia.
P03-59 - Personality in First Episode Psychosis
Authors: Gurrera R. , Salisbury D. , Mahowald T.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

To compare “big five” personality trait dimensions in psychiatrically healthy individuals and first episode psychosis (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder).

Methods

Clinically stable patients with first episode schizophrenia (22M, 4F) and bipolar disorder (24M, 8F), and psychiatrically healthy subjects (101M, 36F), completed the NEO-FFI personality inventory. The NEO-FFI is a 60-item self-assessment questionnaire that measures the major personality trait dimensions of neuroticism (N), extraversion (E), openness (O), agreeableness (A) and conscientiousness (C); it has good reliability and cross-cultural validity (McCrae et al, J Res Person, 2004;38:179-201). Gender-specific T-scores were analyzed using standard multivariate statistical techniques.

Results

As expected, age correlated with personality dimensions in the entire sample (N= -.144, p= .045; O= -.169, p= .018; A= .228, p= .001; C = .150, p= .037). MANOVA with dimension scores as dependent variables, diagnosis as a fixed factor independent variable, and age as a covariate demonstrated that schizophrenia and bipolar groups were statistically similar on N, A, and C. Both patient groups were significantly higher than comparison subjects on N and lower on A and C (see Figure). All three groups differed significantly on E (schizophrenia < bipolar < comparison), but no groups differed on O.

Conclusions

Personality deviations are present in first episode schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and are similar to abnormalities previously described in patients with more chronic illness.

Fig. 1

[NEO Dimension Scores by Group]
P03-63 - Frequency and severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms/disorder, violence and suicidality in schizophrenic patients
Authors: Hosseini S.H. , Zarghami M. , Moudi S. , Mohammadpour R.A.
Published: June 2010

Background

This study is designed to determine the prevalence and clinical severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms/disorder, aggression and suicidal attempts at the same time in schizophrenic patients with considering the severe anxiety, depression and substance abuse as confounding factors.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, 100 schizophrenic patients who were diagnosed with structured clinical interview were selected with simple sampling. They were evaluated with Yale - Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y/BOCS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spilberger State/Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Scale for suicide Ideation (BSS) (in the case of recent suicidal attempt), and Overt Aggression Scale (OAS).

Results

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder and suicidal attempt were seen in 33%, 10% and 12% of patients respectively. Most common form of aggression was against others (55%). Patients did not have important differences from the Severity of schizophrenia, thoughts of suicide and aggression. There were no significant differences between severity of schizophrenia, suicidal ideation and overt aggression in patients with and without obsessive compulsion disorder/symptoms. Severity of overt aggression was related to patients' age and education reversely.

Conclusions

High percentage of aggressive obsessions in this study and lack of significant relationship between severity of aggression and presence of obsessive-compulsion disorder indicates that these patients do not act on these thoughts.