bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P03-19 - Schizophrenia and Perception of Health
Authors: Arnaiz A. , Barreiro A. , Uriarte J.J. , Bilbao I. , Domaica B.
Published: June 2010

It means quality of life according to WHO (1993) “The perception of an individual of his situation in life, within the cultural context and values in which they live and in relation to their objectives, expectations, values and interests”. The aim of the present study is to know the subjective perception of the schizophrenics on their health.

Method

A sample of 67 patients receiving care in community mental health services (day hospital) has been evaluated using the SF-36 scale. The results were compared with the population national values of reference to the same scale.

Results

We found statistically significant differences between groups for the following items: General Health (t =-2,81; p=0,004), Vitality (t =-3,37; P=0,000; Social Functioning t =-4.11; p = 0,000); Emotional Role (t =-2,269; p=0,023) and Mental Health (T =-2,67; p = 0,007).

Conclusions

The studied patients have a worse perception it brings over of his general health that the rest of the Spanish population; likewise they perceive a major detriment as for his social functioning that is a rest of the Spanish population. This way, the physical health of the patients with schizophrenia needs a control and a specific follow-up to guarantee that his life expectancy, his quality of life and his social functioning are similar to those of the general population.
P03-25 - Neuroticism as a Moderating Factor in the Association of Schizotypy Dimensions and Psychopathology in a Non-Clinical Sample
Authors: Barrantes-Vidal N. , Ros-Morente A. , Kwapil T.R.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Affective temperament-based personality traits such as neuroticism have been found to be related to schizophrenia and schizotypy. However, studies thus far have not clarified the differential association of neuroticism with individual schizotypy dimensions and the role it plays in the expression of schizophrenia-spectrum phenomena.

Methods

204 nonclinically ascertained participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing neuroticism and the positive and negative schizotypy dimensions, and underwent structured interviews assessing schizophrenia-spectrum psychopathology (psychotic-like experiences, negative symptoms, cluster A personality disorders), mood episodes, substance abuse, and global functioning.

Results

Results indicated that neuroticism predicted positive symptoms of schizophrenia and depression, over and above the effects of both schizotypy dimensions. Also, neuroticism moderated the association of positive schizotypy with interview measures of psychopathology and functioning.

Conclusions

The results of this study support other research indicating that neuroticism is etiologically relevant for spectrum psychopathology and that it cannot be considered solely a ‘secondary effect’ of spectrum disorders. Current psychological models of psychosis can accomodate the finding of neuroticism being a shared vulnerability factor for affective and psychotic disorders.
P03-29 - Reduced Cardio-Respiratory Coupling Indicates Suppression of Vagal Activity in Healthy Relatives of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Berger S. , Boettger M.K. , Yeragani V.K. , Tancer M. , Bär K.-J.
Published: June 2010

Previous studies have observed reduced vagal modulation in patients with acute schizophrenia and their first degree relatives, thus suggesting a genetic predisposition.

To investigate vagal modulation at brain stem level, we investigated the coupling between heart rate and breathing as a putative measure of central autonomic function in 19 patients, 19 of their relatives and 19 matched control subjects. The interaction of heart rate and breathing was investigated in all groups applying the non-linear parameter cross-ApEn, indicating the asynchrony between both time series.

The main finding of our study is a significantly increased cross-ApEn value, indicating reduced central vagal modulation both in relatives and patients suffering from schizophrenia.

Our results suggest that autonomic dysfunction in schizophrenia is present in first-degree relatives not only at the target organs as shown previously, but also affects the central vagal component.
P03-30 - Adjunctive Treatment with Naltrexone in Patients with Schizophrenia and Substance use Disorder: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Berman J. , Savu R. , Berman I.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Substance abuse frequently occurs in schizophrenia and has a poor prognosis. In 85 patients with schizophrenia from a long-term psychiatric hospital we previously examined the clinical impact of substance abuse and found that 48% of patients had comorbid substance use disorders and that they responded less to treatment. Naltrexone has been used in patients without schizophrenia for the treatment of substance use disorder. Consequently, we conducted a double-blind controlled study of adjunctive treatment with naltrexone or placebo in patients with schizophrenia with co-morbid substance use disorders to determine whether naltrexone would improve outcome.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients entered the study and were randomized to placebo vs. naltrexone 50mg/day. The monthly assessments included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia (PANSS), Global Assessment Scale (GAF), and the Quality of Life Scale (QLS). We used an analysis of variance of the change scores between final visit and baseline with the last visit carried over.

Results

All patients improved in PANSS and QLS but those on naltrexone improved less with a statistically significant group difference between the PANSS total (F=6.5, p≤0.03) and general symptom change scores (F=4.2, p≤0.04) when weighted for the Michigan Alcohol Screening (MAS).

Conclusions

Both groups of patients improved in this controlled setting where patients refrained from substance abuse; those on naltrexone improved less, however. As patients with schizophrenia have pervasive neuroreceptor deficits, it is possible that they have deficits in the opioid system suggesting that the addition of the opioid-blocker naltrexone may be counterproductive.
P03-31 - Demographic Factors and Neuropsychological Tests Solutions in Schizophrenia Subjects
Authors: Bieliński M. , Szwed K. , Borkowska A.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Schizophrenia is very common, chronic illness affects 1% of population. Cognition dysfunctions are considered as important factors of social and general life impairment. There are many unchangeable risk factors of cognition decline in schizophrenia subjects such as age, duration of illness, and sex.

Aim

The aim of study were to examined correlations among age, sex, education, duration of illness and scores in neuropsychological tests.

Methods

In our study 220 subjects (116 male, and 104 female) in mean age 41 ± 11,3 with diagnosis of schizophrenia were examined with battery of computerized neuropsychological tests: simple reaction test (SRT), verbal memory test (VMT) and delayed verbal memory test (VMDT), visual working memory test (VWMT). Mean duration of illness was 12 years (min 1 year; max 41 years). Mean duration of education was 11,5 years (min 6 years; max 18 years)

Results

1)

Age was correlated with worse scores in every parameters of all tests.

2)

Females got lower correct answers and longer reaction time (815 vs. 630 ms) in SRT, remember fewer words in VMT and cards (3,9 vs.4,3) in VWMT.

3)

Longer duration of education was correlated with better results in every parameters of all tests except number of correct answers in SRT,

4)

Longer duration of illness was correlated with worse scores in SRT, better scores in VMT, VMDT and VWMT.

Conclusions

Cognition decline in schizophrenia is connected not only with factors related with illness. Demographic factors, mostly unchangeable, are take important rule in cognition functioning.
P03-33 - Apatho-Abulitical Personality Defect in Patients, Who in for the First Time Ached Shizophrenia in old Age
Authors: Bomov P. , Budza V. , Gorodoshnikova I. , Izotova E.
Published: June 2010

Negative symptoms in schizophrenia are basis for forming a defect and the degree of its expressiveness defines possibilities for rehabilitation. Necessity of a more detailed study of schizophrenic defect in patients with old schizophrenia arose in connection with a worldwide tendency to aging of population. Apatho-abulitical type of defect on our supervision and according to the literature is the most widespread at patients of late schizophrenia. The aim of research was to establishment clinico-psychopathological and social characteristics in patients with a late onset of schizophrenia with apatho-abulitical defect of the person. Are surveyed 36 sick by schizophrenia with a debut at late age (the basic group) and 16 patients with the early beginning of schizophrenic process (control group). Are used clinico-psychopathological, clinico-anamnestic, clinico-dynamic, pathopsychological and statistical methods of research. It is established, that the given type of defect is formed at continuous current of disease, duration of its current from 5 till 10 years with significant progress of process, with rather uniform defeat of all spheres of mental activity. For patients with the given type of defect the moderate and expressed degree of frustration, their slow increase was characteristic. All patients had the second group of physical inability, for formation of defect 2-3 attacks were necessary. Obtained data promote deeper understanding of structure apatho-abulitical defect at patients with a late schizophrenia and optimization of psychosocial actions to this contingent of patients.
P03-34 - First European Studies on Acupuncture and Schizophrenia: First Results
Authors: Bosch P. , Ronan P. , Quinton N. , Harbinson D. , van den Noort M.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

This presentation will compare preliminary results from the first two European studies being carried out on acupuncture and schizophrenia, one in the UK and one in Germany. Statistical comment will be made on comparable study outcomes and there will be discussion on the methodological successes and challenges of the studies. Implications for future research on acupuncture on acupuncture and schizophrenia in European mental health settings will be explored.

Methods

Both studies are using a case study approach, incorporating a wide range of methods, in order to explore the possible effects that acupuncture may have on schizophrenia. Amongst the methods used to explore the possible effect that acupuncture might have, both studies are using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results

The intervention phase of both studies is currently underway. First results of the PANSS and the PSQI will be presented.

Conclusions

These are the first attempts to carry out research on the possibility of acupuncture as a treatment or an adjunct treatment for schizophrenia in Europe. It is hoped that these results will indicate the way forward in terms of analysis of the remainder of the outcomes of the study and there will be some indication for the possibility for future research in this area.
P03-40 - Working Memory in Multiple Episode Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Cozman D. , Nemes B. , Herta D.-C.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Memory impairment has been acknowledged as a core cognitive deficit in schizophrenia, however distinct functional subtypes of memory are differently impaired in these patients.

Aim

To assess working memory in schizophrenia patients.

Methods

Forty schizophrenia inpatients, mean age 29.1 years from the 3rd Psychiatric Clinic Cluj-Napoca, Romania, were included. Exclusion criteria were mental retardation, history of drug or alcohol use, neurological or systemic conditions, recent electroconvulsive therapy. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects (mean age = 29.6). The Word List Memory Test (WLM), the Face Memory Test and the Spatial Working Memory Test on a Cogtest Console were used in the assessment of the 2 groups.

Results

Schizophrenia patients displayed specific impairments of working memory, such as lower learning (42.65 ± 12.87 vs. 51.80 ± 14.31, p = 0.006) and trial-to-trial transfer capabilities (54.82 ± 25.29 vs. 87.21 ± 8.99, p < 0.001), impaired face recognition abilities reflected in lower correct answer proportion (0.66 ± 0.13 vs. 0.83 ± 0.09, p < 0.001), and impaired visuo-spatial memory, when compared to controls (89.42 ± 55.42 vs. 49.37 ± 16.57, p < 0.001). It was specifically observed that higher rates of non-list words were recorded in WLM in the schizophrenia patients group.

Conclusions

The study supports the current data which state that working memory deficits in schizophrenia are consistent, stable and comprehensive, which is particularly relevant for the social functioning of schizophrenia patients. Occurrence of non-list words in auditory memory may explain the mechanism of paranoid delusions.
P03-43 - Serum Malondialdehyde Concentrations as a Marker of Negative Psychopathology in Paranoid Schizophrenia
Authors: Díaz Mesa E. , Morera Fumero A. , Abreu González P. , Henry Benítez M. , Jiménez Sosa A. , Fernández López L. , Gracia Marco R.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study is to investigate if the MDA plasma concentrations are correlated to negative psychopathology in paranoid schizophrenic inpatients.

Methods

The sample was comprised by 38 patients who were admitted in the psychiatric ward of the University Hospital of the Canaries. Thirty eight patients were male and 9 were female with medium average age of 37.41±11.23. Exclusion criteria were psychoactive substance use, presence of acute or chronic organic pathology, treatment with immunosuppressive medication, pregnancy and mental retardation or severe cognitive impairment. There were performed two blood extractions following the circadian rhythm, at 12:00 and at 24:00 hours. One hour before night blood collection, each patient was placed in a reclined position in bed, with the eyes closed, in complete darkness and with eyes covered with a mask. Blood was centrifuged at 3.000 rpm for 10 minutes. Specific biological and psychopathological determinations were performed at admission and at discharge. Psychopathology was assessed with PANSS and by the same psychiatrist. Statistical analyses were carried out with the Social Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). MDA was determined spectrophotometrically.

Results

MDA level at night was 1.94±1.54 while MDA level at midday was 2.23±1.36.Mean PANSS negative score was 15.73±6.31.Serum MDA level correlated positively with PANSS negative scores, both at midday and night (midday r=0.39, p< 0.01, midnight r=0.41, p< 0.01).

Conclusions

The total negative subscale score correlated positively with day and night time levels of MDA, therefore we can conclude that MDA may be used as a marker of negative psychopathology.
P03-46 - Long-Term Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Risperidone Long-Acting Injectable and Oral Atypical Antipsychotics in Schizophrenic Patients: Two Year Naturalistic Study
Authors: Ibach B. , Rabinowitz J. , Schreiner A. , Hargarter L. , Diekamp B.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

This non-interventional study (RIS-SCH-4023) examined tolerability and effectiveness of risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) versus oral second generation antipsychotics (oSGA: amisulpride, aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone or ziprasidone) in schizophrenia under daily routine.

Methods

Outpatients receiving RLAI (n=177) or oSGA (n=257) were followed-up for 2 years (m/f 42%/58%; mean age 34.6 years; duration of disease 2.6 years). Outcome measures included PANSS, CGI, relapse rates, treatment adherence and tolerability. Post-hoc analyses focused on baseline between-group differences.

Results

Multivariable analysis using recursive partitioning showed that upon study entry RLAI patients were 3.7 times (CI=2.48-5.59) more likely than oSGA patients to have switched to study medication due to non-compliance and/or to be substance abusers (RLAI= 59.9%, n=106/177 vs. oSGA=28.6%, n=73/255). Despite these differences, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in efficacy measures with no between-group differences. There were no significant differences in discontinuation of study medication over the two years (RLAI 41.2% vs. oSGA 36.6%) or in yearly relapse rate before change of the initial therapy (RLAI 0.48±1.48 vs. oSGA 0.71±2.63). In patients with high adherence (≥75%) to previous treatment (physicians’ estimates, 4-point Likert scale) RLAI vs. oSGA patients had significantly better retention rates (RLAI 57.4% vs. oSGA 35.1%) and times (527.0±32.6 vs. 424.1±22.3 days). Most frequently reported treatment-related adverse events were weight increase (13.0% vs. 9.7%), EPS (7.9% vs. 5.5%), hyperkinesia (6.2% vs. 3.5%), fatigue (5.7% vs. 9.7%).

Conclusions

Results suggest that factors associated with poor outcomes such as poor compliance and substance abuse may be attenuated by treatment with RLAI.
P03-62 - Markers of thrombogenesis are activated in not-yet treated acute schizophrenia
Authors: Masopust J. , Maly R. , Andrys C. , Hosak L.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Antipsychotic treatment has been repeatedly found to be associated with an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in schizophrenia. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether markers of thrombogenesis are increased in psychotic patients who have not yet been treated with antipsychotic medication.

Methods

We investigated plasma levels of markers indicating activation of coagulation (D-dimers) and platelets (solubile P-selectin, sP-selectin) in a group of nine men and nine women with acute schizophrenia who had not yet been treated with antipsychotics (age 29.8±9.1 years; body mass index 23.3±5.1), and eighteen healthy volunteers matched for age, gender and body mass index.

Results

D-dimers (median 0.38 vs 0.22 mg/l; P=0.049) as well as sP-selectin (median 195.9 vs 111.9 ng/ml; P=0.008) plasma levels were significantly increased in the group of patients with acute schizophrenia as compared to healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

The results suggest that at least a part of venous thromboembolic events in patients with schizophrenia may rather be induced by pathogenetic mechanisms related to psychosis than caused by antipsychotic treatment. Finding an exact cause of VTE in schizophrenia is necessary for its efficient treatment and prevention. We are aware of the pilot character of our data, and continue to involve more patients and healthy volunteers into the research.
P03-65 - A two year follow up study of first episode psychosis
Authors: Ienciu M. , Romosan F. , Bredicean C. , Stoica I.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and socio-professional functioning status after two years of evolution, on a sample of patients with first episode of psychosis, admitted in the Psychiatric Clinic in Timisoara in 2006.

Methods

The initial sample was formed of 41 patients, but at the follow-up point (2008) only 28 patients were still in evidence. Diagnosis was made after ICD 10, BPRS and GAF were used as evaluation tools.

Results

On the initial evaluation 32 % had a diagnosis of persistent delusional disorder, 25 % of short and transitory psychosis, 18% schizophrenia and 25% other psychosis. After 2 years of evolution 46% had a diagnosis of persistent delusional disorder, 25% schizophrenia and only 7 % had acute and transitory psychosis. In 28% of the cases the diagnosis was changed, most of the cases being the ones initially diagnosed with acute and transitory psychosis. The most stabil diagnosis was the persistent delusional disorder. In the majority of the cases we observed a lower socio-professional and family functioning.

Conclusions

The results of this study sugests that the diagnosis of first episode of psychosis is partially predictive for the type of illnes, because a first episode of psychosis can evolve in different pathologies. The socio-professional and family functioning is lower in the majority of cases without a clear connection with the initial diagnosis.
P03-66 - Real causes of some psychotic disorders
Authors: Ilankovic N. , Ilankovic L.M. , Kambeitz J. , Ilankovic A. , Lakovic T.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

In the last decade the simplification in clinical medicine and the unethiological, general approach is very frequent (the “medicine of consequences”, N. Ilankovic). Because the syndromological diagnoses and (relative) effective symptomatic therapy, in clinical psychiatry in most cases the targets recently are only the phenomenology of behavioral disorders and the hypothezid neurochemical consequences, without precise etiopathogenetic or/and psychodynamic approach.

Objectives

Researchers have found that both medical and psychiatric comorbidity is common in patients with psychiatric disorders, particularly in children, adolescents and in old age. This nonethiological approach push the mental illnesses and the mental ill patients back in the darkness of unscientific era of middle century.

Aims

To schow how many psychotic disorders has real and detectable etiology.

Methods

Clinical and etiological analysis of 100 patients with psychotic disorders with data of all clinical laboratory and neuroimaging investigationes.

Results

In most of patient (29%)t he cause of psychotic episode was the substance abuse, in 25% focal and systemic infection (inflammation), in 16% endocrin-metabolic disorders, in 11% brain damage, in 7% cerebrovascular disorders, and in 7% neurodevelopmental disorders.

Conclusion

The real etiological approach in clinical psychiatry open the door to most targeted etiological therapy of psychotic and other mental disorders.
P03-67 - Insight and delusions in psychotic disorders and mood disorders with psychotic features
Authors: Islam L. , Demartini B. , Gambini O. , Scarone S.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Our goals were to evaluate if the presence of severe delusions negatively affects insight, regardless of diagnosis, and whether or not patients gain insight into their delusions when using a third person perspective.

Methods

92 delusional patients with psychotic and psychotic mood disorders were asked to speak about their delusions and were evaluated by means of the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms and the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SAPS and SANS). They were then asked to state whether they thought what they said was believable for them and for the interviewer. After two weeks 79 patients were evaluated with the same scales and listened to a tape where their delusion was re-enacted. They were then asked to state if what they heard was believable for them and for the interviewer.

Results

12 patients thought their delusions was unbelievable for the interviewer at first interview, and 17 patients did the same after the second interview; 4 patients stated what they heard from the tape after the second interview was unbelievable both for them and interviewer. Patients with better insight (patients who stated their delusion was not believable) had a lower SAPS score, a lower item delusion score and a significant improvement of item delusion score at second interview

Conclusion

Several patients gain partial insight when using a third person perspective. The severity of delusions negatively affects insight, regardless of the patient's diagnosis.
P03-68 - Are there effects of the type of antipsychotic medication on the subjective quality of life in patients suffering from schizophrenia?
Authors: Jaeger S. , Steinert T. , Pfiffner C. , Längle G. , Eschweiler G. , Bayer W. , Croissant D. , Weiser P. , Becker T. , Kilian R.
Published: June 2010

We investigated whether the type of antipsychotic treatment has an impact on patients’ subjective quality of life (QoL).

In a prospective naturalistic long-term study, 374 patients meeting ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were examined biannually over a two-year period with regards to QoL, psychopathology, social functioning, use of medical and psychosocial services, compliance, side effects and current neuroleptic treatment. QoL was assessed by the Berliner Lebensqualitätsprofil (BeLP), an adaption of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile. First examination took place two weeks around discharge from a psychiatric clinic. At study entry, all participants were receiving neuroleptic medication of either quetiapine, risperidone or olanzapine. Mixed regression analysis taking into account the unbalanced panel structure of the data and adjusted for selection bias by means of propensity scores were used for data analysis.

Overall quality of life improved continuously during the two years observed period regardless of the type of neuroleptic. A small, but significant difference emerged when comparing quetiapine monotherapy treatment with olanzapine monotherapy or with a combination treatment of conventional and atypical antipsychotics. QoL of patients treated with olanzapine was generally worse than that of patients treated with quetiapine but improved slightly more over the course of time. In total time and type of medication explained only small proportions of variance in QoL.

Type of neuroleptic had only marginal impact on the subjective QoL of our sample. In order to explain changes in quality of life, research on social and individual factors seems to be more promising.
P03-69 - The effect of multiple attention demands on working memory performance in schizophrenic and first episode psychotic patients
Authors: Jančić D. , Pešić D. , Mandić-Maravić V. , Peruničić I. , Kostić M. , Marjanović S. , Lečić-Toševski D.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Recent studies showed that schizophrenic patients possess adequate attention resources to avoid Stroop colour interference but face difficulty when delays are imposed and multiple attention demands appear. The aim of our study was to use dynamic version of the Stroop interference test based on cognitive remediation techniques within a “training- interference task-test” procedure.

Method

The observed subjects were chronic schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients in worsening phase and the first episode patients who were treated with SGA and having PANSS score above 60, as well as corresponding healthy controls. We trained subjects in Stroop colour interference task and immediately after the training applied different working memory task and subsequently tested the subjects (15 minutes (Stroop Colour task) and >24 hours (Stroop Word task)).

Results

There was an improvement of the cognitive status of schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients similarly as in healthy controls in both the reaction time and response accuracy (p>0.05), whereas the first episode patients performed significantly worse than other two subgroups. This was revealed both in the training and subsequent Stroop Colour interference (Reaction Time: p=0.02, Error Code: p=0.04.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that chronic schizophrenic patients show same level of achievement as healthy controls despite the demanding experimental design. Poorer results observed in the first episode patients could suggest the favorable effect of the SGA on cognitive functioning, or impose the role of their age. Carefully designed training of cognitive skills could be of high importance in preventing the cognitive deterioration of first episode psychotic patients.
P03-71 - Decision making, working memory and executive functions in schizophrenic patients
Authors: Jaracz M. , Dróżdż W. , Borkowska A.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Schizophrenia is a disorder related with decline in cognitive functioning. Deficit of working memory and executive functions in schizophrenia is consistently reported. On the other hand, studies of decision making in schizophrenia bring contradictory results.

Aims

The aim of the study was to assess decision making and executive functions in clinically stable schizophrenic patients.

Methods

The study included 25 clinically stable schizophrenic patients (7 female, 18 male), aged 31±6 years and 25 age, sex and education years matched healthy controls. Decision making was assessed with Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Working memory and executive functions were assessed with Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and Trail Making Test (TMT). Psychometric asessment was provided with Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS)

Results

No significant differences in performance on IGT between schizophrenic patients and healthy subjects were found. Schizophrenic patients made more perseverative (t=-4,05; 0,00) and nonperseverative errors (t=-4,35, p=0,002), gave less conceptual level responses (t=-5,35; p=0,00), completed less categories (t=-4,73, p=0,00) and used more cards to complete first category (t=-3,98, p=0,00) in WCST. They also needed more time to complete part A (t=-5,62; p=0,00) and B (t=-4,06; p=0,00) of TMT test.

Conclusions

No significant differences in performance on IGT between schizophrenic patients and healthy subjects were found. On the other hand, schizophrenic patients performed significantly worse on all measures of WCST as well as in TMT test.
P03-80 - Quetiapine augmentation of amisulpride: an open-label, non-randomized study in patients with schizophrenia partially responsive to amisulpride
Authors: Ladea M. , Dumitrescu M.R. , Sarpe M.C.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Poor response of psychotic symptoms to a single antipsychotic drug appears to be the most common reason for combination of two antipsychotic drugs. Antipsychotic combinations are in clinical practice very common, although there are not sufficient evidences of their efficacy from randomized, controlled trials. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of augmenting amisulpride with quetiapine in patients with sub-optimal response to amisulpride.

Methods

In this open-label, non-randomized study, 36 patients who were partially responsive to amisulpride after 4 weeks of treatment were assigned to receive up to 600mg/day quetiapine along with an ongoing stable dose of 800mg/day amisulpride. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at week 1, 3, 6 and 8. Efficacy was assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and for tolerability we used Simpson-Angus Rating Scale (SAS).

Results

Thirty-one patients completed the study. There was an improvement in the mean scores for PANSS (with more than 30%) and CGI after 8 weeks of treatment, with no major changes in side effect profile.

Conclusions

In patients with a suboptimal response to amisulpride, the addition of quetiapine improved overall positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The combination seems to be safe and well tolerated. Augmentation with quetiapine may provide clinical benefits for patients who are only partially responsive to amisulpride alone. Randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the possible role of this augmentation strategy.
P03-82 - Recovery styles after the first episode of psychosis
Authors: Vallina-Fernández O. , Fernández-Iglesias P. , Alonso-Bada S. , Pedrejón-Molino C. , García-Pelayo P. , Lemos-Giráldez S.
Published: June 2010

Recovery from a psychotic episode is a dynamic process after the devastating effects of being diagnosed with a serious mental illness, or the trauma of being hospitalized, rather than a cure or the absence of symptoms. Psychological recovery implies finding and maintaining hope, the reestablishment of a positive identity, finding meaning in life, and taking responsibility for one's life.

Objective

The stages of the subjective psychological process of recovery after the first psychotic episode were explored; since psychological functioning, as well as symptoms and social functioning in the critical period probably are the most important long-term outcome predictor variables.

Methods

The RSQ (Drayton, et al., 1998) and the STORI (Andresen, et al., 2006) were used to assess 30 patients (72.4% males) recovering from the first episode of a non-affective psychosis, 3 to 9 months after their clinical discharge. The mean age was 24.34 (SD=4.5, range=17-34).

Results

The RSQ stages of recovery were: Tendency toward sealing-over (7.7%), Mixed, sealing-over predominates (42.3%), Mixed, integration predominates (38.5%), and Tendency toward integration (11.5%). The STORI stages of recovery were: Moratorium (11.5%), Awareness (31.0%), Preparation (27.0%), Rebuilding (11.5%), and Growth (19.0%). Significant correlations were found between better recovery stages and patient's adherence to treatment (X2 = 9.579, p = 0.008). Correlations between recovery stages and symptoms, neuropsychological functioning, and other variables were also explored.

Conclusions

Recovery styles of Integration and Growth significantly correlate with treatment adherence, a better symptomatic (less negative and general symptoms) and functional recovery, but not with DUP, stigma, or neuropsychological variables.
P03-85 - Effect of music therapy on self-esteem of inpatient chronic schizophrenic patients
Authors: Mahmoudi E. , Dalvandi A. , Rahgoi A. , Rahgozar M. , Zadehmohammadi A.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Self-esteem in schizophrenic patients is low. Self-esteem is the most important factor in these patients improvement and music therapy enhances self-esteem.

Objective

This study has been conducted with the aim of examination the effect of music therapy on self-esteem of chronic schizophrenic patients.

Methods

In This experimental research regarding pilot study and inclusion criteria, 70 persons of male in-patient chronic schizophrenic patients were determined and allocated in 3 groups: experimental 1(24 persons), experimental 2(22 persons) and control group (24 persons) randomly. Music game was implemented in experimental group 1 and lyric analysis in experimental group 2 for one month, 12 sessions, lasting 45 minutes each. Demographic questionnaire and Coopersmith self-esteem Inventory were measured. In internal consistency assessment, chronbach’.α 0/84 and in test-retest reliability, pearson correlation coefficient 0/89 were determined. SPSS version 15 and one way ANOVA, paired t test, Chi-square, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, levene's tests were used for data analysis.

Results

There was not significant difference between self-esteem of patients in experimental and control groups before music therapy and between experimental groups 1 and 2 after music therapy (P>0/05) whereas there was significant difference between experimental and control groups and in intervention groups 1 and 2 after music therapy (P< 0/05).

Conclusion

Music therapy enhances self-esteem in chronic schizophrenic patients and also there was not considerable change in self-esteem increase between music game and lyric analysis. These two types of music therapy can be used in enhancing self-esteem of these patients.
P03-89 - How are large scale studies of medication influencing change in our treatment strategies for schizophrenia?
Authors: Agius M. , Gilhooley M. , Davis A. , Zaman R.
Published: June 2010

Background

Many studies have recently been carried out to compare the effectiveness of various antipsychotic agents.

Aims and Objectives

We wished to determine what could be learnt from these studies about the effectiveness of antipsychotics, and whether this should influence choice of treatment.

Method

We carried out a literature search using PUBMED. We directed special attention to large studies comparing medications in schizophrenia. These studies included CUTLASS, CATIE, SOHO, CAFE, and EUFEST (Kahn 2008, Haro 2006, Jones 2006, Lieberman 2005, Perkins 2008), as well as studies by Tihonen 92006, 2009) The studies were critically reviewed.

Results

The different studies measure different aspects of care, at different phases of the illness. This illustrates the need to study schizophrenia through a stage model. Furthermore, different outcome measures are proposed. We believe that discontinuation data, on which some studiesdepend, is a weak measure of effectiveness. Important doubts arise regarding the choice of patients (those requiring switching of antipsychotic) in CUTLASS, and also regarding potential observer bias in this study.

Conclusion

There is much information to be gathered from the results of such studies. However interpretation is made more difficult by problems within the study designs themselves. On balance it does appear that different antipsychotics have different effectiveness. The main difficulty in putting these results into practice is concern among clinicians and patients regarding side effects.
P03-90 - Disturbances of sleep in schizophrenia
Authors: Leszczynska J. , Paliga A. , Wieczorek J. , Krysta K. , Krupka-Matuszczyk I.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

Disturbances of sleeping are very common among patients suffering from mental disease. The purpose of the research is to find a relationship between schizophrenia and disturbances of sleeping, such as problems with falling asleep, arousing at night, waking up untimely in the morning, bad quality of sleeping and its insufficient quantity.

Method

16 patients (3 women and 13 men) with a diagnose of schizophrenia were recruited to the study. The battery of cognitive neuropsychological tests used to assess disturbances of sleeping included: Athen Insomnia Scale (AIS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Frankfurt Self-feeling Scale (FBS).

Results

In the examined group statistically significant presence disturbances of sleeping was found, and in this connection worse self-feeling were also affirmed.

Conclusions

The above correlations between disturbances of sleeping and worse mood indicate that removing of that disturbances improves mental and physical condition of patients with schizophrenia. The awareness of these correlations may be important in the process of constructing treating programmes for patients.
P03-92 - Clinico-Psychopathological Peculiarities In Patients With The First Psychotic Episode
Authors: Maruta N. , Kutikov O.
Published: June 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate clinico-psychopathological peculiarities in patients with the first psychotic episode (FPE) to ameliorate their therapy. 124 patients with FPE were examined. In this examination the clinico-psychopathological, pathopsychological and statistical methods were used.

It was found out that an average age of the episode development was 26.3±5.2 years, an average duration of the episode was 389±47.9 days, and a preliminary usage of neuroleptics was determined in 79.2% of cases.

The most frequent symptoms in these patients were lack of insight, ideation of reference, suspiciousness, delusional mood, thought alienation, thought echo.

In patients with FPE negative manifestations such as flattening of affect, illogical features, apathy, unhedonia, unsociability, attention disorders were pointed out.

A typical syndromal structure of a manifested psychotic attack expressed with the hallucinatory-paranoid (53.9%), paranoid (24.8%), depressive-paranoid (18.8%), and maniacal-paranoid (2.4%) syndromes.

In patients with FPE it was registered a worsening of cognitive functions such as attention, a verbal and operative memory, executive functions, that was combined with local changes of the brain volume.

A treatment for patients with FPE involved pharmacological strategies, a psychosocial therapy and a psychosocial rehabilitation. Atypical antipsychotics are the first line medications in treatment of these patients. A choice of antipsychotic was discussed with a patient and his/her relatives. Basic methods of a psychosocial rehabilitation were mental health educative activities, family therapy, group social therapy, a training of social skills and cognitive functions, social occupational therapy.
P03-94 - Decision Aid For Antipsychotic Medication Choice
Authors: Mistler L.A. , Curtis L.C. , Mahone I.H.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Promoting client empowerment in mental health service and treatment is linked with positive outcomes and is considered an indicator of quality recovery-oriented services. However, most public mental health services do not yet fully implement this goal.

Aims

Recognizing that shared decision-making (SDM) technologies have the potential to encourage more effective communication and collaboration, SAMHSA and Advocates for Human Potential are developing SDM resources for public mental health services and the people they serve.

Objectives

We report on field tests of one resource, a decision aid (DA) for consumers considering use of antipsychotic medication.

Methods

After conducting a literature review and analysis of decision support materials, we performed consumer and provider needs assessments to guide DA development. We constructed a 7-module Webbased consumer-centered DA that follows IPDAS standards. We tested the prototype with groups of consumers and providers available to the team.

Results

Responses to the DA have been mixed. Some providers are concerned about “sharing” treatment decisions with clients and feel there is too much information in the DA. Some consumers want more information yet feel the DA is too long. Both groups express enthusiasm about the use of a DA for antipsychotic medication.

Conclusions

Adapting SDM concepts and tools to public mental health settings has unique challenges. Traditional assumptions about competency of people with mental health diagnoses have resulted in a history of provider-dominated decision-making. While DAs are designed to help balance power in the clinical encounter, we recognize that there are more obstacles to overcome.
P03-95 - Factors Associated With The Effectiveness Of A Telephone-Based Nursing Strategy For Enhancing Adherence To Antipsychotic Treatment In Schizophrenia
Authors: Montes J.M. , Maurino J. , Diez T. , Saiz-Ruiz J.
Published: June 2010

Objective

A randomized, controlled study showed that a telephone-based nursing strategy was effective to improve adherence to antipsychotic treatment in clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia. Post hoc analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with intervention success.

Methods

Patients (n= 865) were randomized to receive monthly telephone calls from a nurse or standard clinical follow-up. Calls were performed at weeks 4, 8, and 12, consisting of a brief semistructured interview to assess adherence and attitudes toward medication (DAI-10). Primary endpoint: difference in the percentage of adherent patients after phone follow-up versus control group at week 16. Non conditional logistic regression with backward stepwise procedure was used to identify variables involved with adherence improvement.

Results

410 (96.7%) patients fulfilled adherence criteria in the intervention group vs 402 (91.1%) in the control group. A difference of 5.5% was found between groups (95% CI 2.3, 8.6%; p= 0.0007).

The telephone intervention was significantly associated with an improvement in adherence in those patients with a prior negative attitude toward treatment (OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.4, 9.0; p< 0.0001), but there was not a significant association in patients with a previous positive perception (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8, 1.9; p= 0.36). A slight concordance was obtained between adherence improvement after the intervention and the improvement in attitude toward treatment (kappa 0.21, 95% CI 0.15, 0.27).

Conclusions

A nurse telephone follow-up could be a complementary and easy to implement strategy to improve therapeutic adherence, particularly in those patients with negative attitudes toward antipsychotic treatment.
P03-96 - Schizophrenia And Perception Of Health
Authors: Arnaiz Muñoz A. , Barreiro Hermoso A. , Uriarte Uriarte J.J. , Bilbao Rabadan I. , Morales Domaica B.
Published: June 2010

It means quality of life according to WHO (1993) “The perception of an individual of his situation in life, within the cultural context and values in which they live and in relation to their objectives, expectations, values and interests”.The aim of the present study is to know the subjective perception of the schizophrenics on their health.

Method

A sample of 67 patients receiving care in community mental health services (day hospital) has been evaluated using the SF-36 scale.

The results were compared with the population national values of reference to the same scale.

Results

We found statistically significant differences between groups for the following items: General Health (t =-2,81; p=0,004), Vitality (t =-3,37; P=0,000; Social Functioning t =-4.11; p = 0,000); Emotional Role (t =-2,269; p=0,023) and Mental Health (T =-2,67; p = 0,007).

Conclusions

The studied patients have a worse perception it brings over of his general health that the rest of the Spanish population; likewise they perceive a major detriment as for his social functioning that is a rest of the Spanish population. This way, the physical health of the patients with schizophrenia needs a control and a specific follow-up to guarantee that his life expectancy, his quality of life and his social functioning are similar to those of the general population.
P03-98 - A Virtual Reality Based Approach To Investigate Self Monitoring And Self Agency In Schizophrenia
Authors: Muffatti R. , Bonalumi C. , Scarone S.
Published: June 2010

Objective

It has been shown that a disorder of self-monitoring and/or self agency may underlie positive symptoms in schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions of control. The objective of our study was to explore the deficit of these constructs in a sample of schizophrenic subjects by means of low-cost virtual reality.

Methods

15 schizophrenic subjects and 10 age matched control subjects were tested in two different sessions of a Microsoft Xbox videogame (Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes), in which two players had to cooperate by fighting against various enemies in a virtual space. In each session an avatar was assigned to the test subject: in the first session the test subject's avatar was distinguished by a different coloured circle from the tester's one. In the second session the test subject's avatar was identical to the tester's one. Before playing the game, the schizophrenic test subjects and controls were evaluated on a neuropsychological battery including visuo spatial and executive abilities. Clinical characteristics of the schizophrenic subjects were also assessed.

Results

While in the first session patients and normal controls performed similarly, in the second session schizophrenic subjects confused their own avatar more often with the tester's one compared to normal controls (ANOVA Sig.,035). A regression analysis identified visuospatial abilities and set shifting as best predictors of performance in the videogame, while there was no correlation between the performance in the videogame and the clinical variables.

Conclusions

Low-cost virtual reality can be used to explore deficits of self monitoring/self agency in schizophrenia.