bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T232. PREMORBID SOCIAL FUNTIONING AND AFFECTIVE SYMTPOMS ARE RELATED TO SUBJECTIVE OUTCOME AMONG OUTPATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA
Authors: Hörtnagl Christine , Frajo-Apor Beatrice , Yalcin-Siedentopf Nursen , Kemmler Georg , Biedermann Falko , Hofer Alex 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Improving the subjective outcome of patients should be an important target in the treatment of schizophrenia. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of determining factors, namely premorbid functioning, residual symptoms, and side effects of antipsychotic medication on subjective outcome.

Methods
70 outpatients with schizophrenia (ICD-10) who were clinically stable for a period of at least six months were included into a cross-sectional study. Premorbid functioning, psychopathology, and side effects were assessed by using the Premorbid Adjustment Scale, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and the Udvalg for Kliniske Undersogelser Side Effect Rating Scale, respectively. Subjective outcome was measured in terms of life satisfaction (Life Satisfaction Questionnaire, LSQ), self-esteem (Index of Self-Esteem, ISE), and needs for care (Berliner Bedürfnisinventar, BeBI).

Results
Both premorbid social functioning and affective symptoms correlated negatively with most life domains assessed by the LSQ as well as with self-esteem and were associated with less health, social, and functional needs. Concerning side effects, parkinsonism and akathisia showed a significant negative correlation with self-esteem.

Discussion
Our results highlight the complex nature of subjective outcome in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Evidently, premorbid social functioning plays a prominent role in the experienced subjective outcome in the course of the illness. Furthermore, our findings underscore that constant efforts are essential to reduce depressive symptoms or anxiety in patients. Special attention should also be paid to extrapyramidal motor side effects of medication.
M15. MORPHOLOGY OF THE SUPERIOR TEMPORAL SULCUS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA: A MARKER OF GENETIC OR ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITY?
Authors: Lerosier Baptiste , Dollfus Sonia , Takerkart Sylvain , Auzias Guillaume , Etard Olivier , Simon Gregory 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Hallucinations are the most common and debilitating symptom in schizophrenia, affecting more than 70% of patients. The superior temporal sulcus (STS) is involved in the language process notably in the perception of the human voice and several studies show its implication in auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs). Sulcal patterns in the white matter can reflect an early vulnerability, probably genetic since they set up at a very early stage and are stable over the life course. In contrast, the cortical thickness is dynamic and variable over the development and so can reflect the impact of environmental factors on the maturation of the brain. The aim of this study is therefore to determine whether AVHs are associated with morphological changes of the STS and in particular, whether these changes concern sulcal patterns or cortical thickness reflecting early (genetic) or late (environmental) vulnerability respectively.

Methods
Seventy-three schizophrenia patients (DSM-IV) with a proneness of AVH (53 AVH+) and without AVH (20 AVH-) and 100 healthy volunteers (HC) had a 3T MRI brain scan. Cortical reconstructions were generated using Freesurfer. Mean cortical thickness was measured over the entire brain in each participant. Number of sulcal pits, which represents the position with the maximum depth in the sulcus, was automatically counted on the white matter surface. Both measures were compared between groups and related to the Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS).

Results
AVH+ patients compared to HC showed a significantly thinner cortical thickness in the left temporal and frontal regions and especially in the STS (p ≤ 0.05 FDR corrected). A negative correlation (r²=0.25) between the cortical thickness in the central part of the left STS and the AHRS score was found (p = 0.01 uncorrected). A different distribution of the number of pits in the left STS is found in AVH+ patients compared to HC (p = 0.05).

Discussion
The results suggest that AVH+ patients compared to HC have a lower cortical thickness in the left STS, but also have a specific white matter pattern of the left STS. These results support the hypothesis that a particular morphology of the STS related with auditory hallucinations might be due to both early (genetic) and late (environmental) factors.
M61. THE ROLE OF PERSONAL WORLDVIEW IN PREDICTING DELUSION PRONENESS IN A NON-CLINICAL SAMPLE
Authors: Zamperoni Georgia , Tan Eric , Neill Erica , Rossell Susan , Tan Eric 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Unusual thought processes, often referred to as delusion proneness, are not unique to clinical populations. Understanding the factors that contribute to delusion proneness has important theoretical and clinical implications in prodromal psychosis.

Methods
This study ascertained the presence of delusion proneness and associated levels of distress, preoccupation and conviction in a large sample of healthy participants (N=258, M= 33.62 years, SD =12.04), and subsequently investigated two aspects of personal worldview in predicting delusion proneness: Locus of control (LOC) and core positive and negative schemas of the self and others. This data was collected via an online survey.

Results
Stepwise regression analyses indicated that negative schemas of others predicted the presence of delusion proneness (p&lt;.001) and associated levels of distress (p= .012) and preoccupation (p= .025); whilst negative schemas of the self predicted only the presence of delusion proneness (p= .001). Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that LOC was not a significant predictor of the presence of delusion proneness (p= .141), or associated features of distress (p =.281), preoccupation (p=.220) and conviction (p= .660).

Discussion
The current study found that negative schemas of others accounted for more variance in predicting delusion proneness and aspects of experience (distress and preoccupation) than negative self- schemas. Our study may suggest that therapy focusing on one’s regulation of emotions and assumptions about others in individuals with delusion-like beliefs may be more critical in alleviating delusional symptoms than exclusively focusing on self-schemas.
M67. UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL COGNITION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA THROUGH THE LENS OF SCHIZOTYPY
Authors: Lee Sara-Ann , Lim Keane , Lam Max , Lee Jimmy 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Social cognitive deficits are common, detectable across a wide range of tasks and appear to play a key role in influencing poor functioning in schizophrenia. Despite its importance as a treatment target, the factors that underlie social cognitive deficits in schizophrenia remains elusive. Schizotypy appears to be one such factor that can explain the variability in social cognitive deficits seen in schizophrenia. The study’s primary aim was to provide a more comprehensive understanding of social cognitive functioning and its relationship to schizotypy.

Methods
108 patients and 70 healthy controls completed nine tasks across 4 social cognitive domains based on the SCOPE study. In addition, all participants completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. Clinical symptoms were also rated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale.

Results
Theory of Mind, social perception, emotion processing and attribution bias were measured in patients with schizophrenia (n = 108) and healthy controls (n = 70). A social cognition composite score was calculated using principal components analysis. Cluster analysis on the derived factor scores revealed 3 clusters. Multiple univariate ANOVAS with Bonferroni correction were used to examine differences between the 3 clusters on each of the 4 social cognition domain scores, which indicated that higher social cognitive performance was related to lower schizotypy. In addition, results indicated that despite differences in the social cognitive performance among patients in the 3 clusters, they did not differ in clinical outcome measures.

Discussion
The primary aim of the study was to address gaps in the current literature by examining the relationship between social cognition and schizotypy. This study built upon past studies which had the tendency to focus on single, discrete domains by comparing the social cognitive performance of patients and controls using an extensive battery of tests, indexing four social cognitive domains. The significant differences on total SPQ score and the SPQ domain scores between the various clusters, coupled with the significant correlations between schizotypy and social cognition, reinforces the utility of schizotypy in refining our understanding of the variation in the degree of social cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. In conclusion, this study substantiates the importance of understanding the relationship between social cognition and schizotypy. This could support and pave the way for the development and implementation of targeted social cognitive interventions catered to the patients’ level of deficit.
M69. IMPROVING VISUAL ATTENTION TO SOCIAL STIMULI IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA
Authors: Klein Hans , Pinkham Amy 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Social dysfunction is a hallmark characteristic of schizophrenia, and individuals with this disorder often report difficulty navigating daily social interactions. Perceptual deficits, such as faulty visual attention to important aspects of social stimuli (i.e., failing to look at the most relevant portions of a stimulus), may be one mechanism by which social deficits arise. Faulty modulation of specific neural regions such as the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ), may underlie visual attention abnormalities, and may act as suitable targets for neurostimulation. The current study utilizes neurostimulation to experimentally manipulate specific neural networks and determine whether stimulation 1) improves visual attention, 2) improves performance on social cognitive tasks, and 3) whether altered visual attention moderates this improved performance.

Methods
Using a double-blind crossover design, participants underwent both active and sham stimulation via tDCS approximately one week apart. Half of the participants received active and sham stimulation of rTPJ (n = 22), while the other half received active and sham stimulation of a comparator site within the social brain network (dmPFC, n = 23). After stimulation, visual attention was assessed through concurrent eye-tracking while participants complete several tasks of social cognition (emotion recognition: ER40, BLERT; Theory of Mind: TASIT). Visual attention was determined as the proportion of time spent attending to socially and contextually important AOIs.

Results
Data collection and data processing are still ongoing for this study, however planned interim analyses on a subset of the total sample (n = 45) indicate small to medium effects of active stimulation to the rTPJ compared to sham and dmPFC stimulation for both visual attention (ηp2=.035) and social cognitive performance on the BLERT task (ηp2=.067), specifically. These same effects are not seen in the other social cognitive tasks. Final analyses based on a sample size of 72 individuals are expected to be complete prior to presentation at SIRS 2020.

Discussion
This study is the first, to our knowledge, to target this neural region within schizophrenia for the purposes of improving visual attention and, subsequently, social cognition. Should the pattern of results from our interim analyses hold after completion of data collection, results indicate that active stimulation to the rTPJ has a unique impact on dynamic emotional stimuli, improving visual attention and accuracy in emotion recognition, suggesting a primary role of the rTPJ and visual attention in performance on this task. The intricate design of this study allows for thorough investigation of potential mechanisms by which social cognitive deficits develop, and the use of novel experimental techniques align with the theme of this year’s conference.
M83. AUTISTIC TRAITS AS LINKING PIN TO SOCIAL FUNCTIONING IN PSYCHOSIS: A NETWORK APPROACH
Authors: Ziermans Tim , Isvoranu Adela-Maria , Schirmbeck Frederike , Geurts Hilde , De Haan Lieuwe ,   GROUP Investigators
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Both psychotic and autistic traits are related to poor social outcome in individuals with psychotic disorders (PD). However, it is unknown how specific trait clusters relate to each other and which are pivotal to social functioning. The aim of the present study was to use a network approach to address this issue and to investigate whether relations are similar in individuals with a familial risk for psychosis (FR) or typical comparisons (TC).

Methods
The total sample consisted of 1413 individuals (504 PD, 572 FR, and 337 TC). Traits were assessed with the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ; 5 nodes) and the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE; 9 nodes). Social functioning was measured with the Social Functioning Scale (7 nodes).

Results
Overall our results show that autistic traits are more negatively and closely related to social functioning, particularly in the interpersonal environment, than psychotic traits. These relations are more intrinsically connected for the PD network, as more and stronger connections between nodes were observed than for the FR and TC networks. In addition, the latter two networks appeared strikingly similar with only few unique relations.

Discussion
Presence of autistic traits generally have a negative effect on social functioning, but in PD they may have a disproportional detrimental effect on psychopathology and levels of social functioning. These findings emphasize the need for increased clinical awareness of autistic comorbidity in psychotic patients to help enrich their daily social environments.
M233. EXPERIENTIAL NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS ARE MORE PREDICTIVE OF REAL-LIFE FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME THAN EXPRESSIVE NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS IN CLINICAL HIGH-RISK STATES
Authors: Birkedal Glenthoej Louise , Dam Kristensen Tina , Wenneberg Christina , Hjorthøj Carsten , Nordentoft Merete 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Negative symptoms are key features of schizophrenia spectrum disorders that are linked to psychosis development and functional impairments. This study investigated the predictive power of negative symptoms domains on multiple aspects of real-life functional outcome in individuals at Ultra High-Risk (UHR) for psychosis.

Methods
A total of 146 UHR individuals were enrolled in a randomised, clinical trial. This study reports on analyses secondary to the RCT. The UHR individuals were assessed at baseline with the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) encompassing the four domains of affect, alogia, avolition, and anhedonia. Functioning measures, comprising overall-, social-, and role functioning, self-report social functioning, and quality of life, were obtained at 12-month follow-up. Regression analyses elucidated on the relationship between the four negative symptom domains and functional outcomes.

Results
The aspects of negative symptoms most predictive of real-life functioning at 12-month follow-up were anhedonia and avolition explaining 6–19% of the variance on the functional outcome measures. The finding was maintained when controlling for the effect of neurocognition, antipsychotic medication, and depressive symptoms.

Discussion
Our study finds experiential negative symptoms to predict multiple areas of real-life functioning and quality of life, while expressive negative symptoms exert a modest influence on the functional prognosis of UHR individuals. Hence, experiential negative symptoms (such as motivational deficits and asociality) may constitute an important treatment target in intervention approaches aimed at enhancing the functional outcome of UHR individuals.
S33. RELATIVES IN RESOURCE GROUP ASSERTIVE COMMUNITY TREATMENT (RACT): RELATIVES’ EXPERIENCES
Authors: Sjöström Nils , Ewertzon Mats , Johansson Ola , Weimand Bente , Johansson Anita , Mellgren Zophia , Ek-Persson Jane , Waern Margda 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Relatives often provide extensive support to their next of kin suffering from psychotic disorders. However, they often experience lack of support from psychiatric services. While cooperation with relatives is a central component in Resource Group Assertive Community Treatment (RACT), little is known about relatives’ experiences of RACT. The aim was to investigate relatives’ experiences of encountering psychiatric care with and without RACT, in relation to quality of life, family burden and family stigma.

Methods
A total of 139 relatives of individuals suffering from psychotic disorders in the Region Västra Götaland, Sweden filled out the self-report instruments Family Involvement and Alienation Questionnaire – Revised (FIAQ-R), the Burden Inventory for Relatives of Persons with Psychotic Disturbances, the Inventory of Stigmatizing Experiences (family version), and RAND-36.

Results
Participants included 79 relatives with experience of RACT and 60 without. In the total group 70% were women. Mean age was 63 years (SD 12.4). A majority came from Sweden (91%), had &gt;12 years of education (61%) and did not live together with the patient (76%). A majority were parents, (70%). These demographic characteristics did not differ in those with and without RACT. We found that relatives who participated RACT experienced a more positive approach from the healthcare professionals compared to those without RACT (p=.001). Furthermore, relatives who participated in RACT felt to a lower extent that they were alienated from the provision of care than did other relatives (p=.005). Relatives who did not participate in resource group were significantly more afraid that their ill next of kin would hurt someone. The association remained after adjustment for experience of approach and feeling of alienation. No other differences in family burden variables were found. Findings regarding mental Quality of Life scores and experiences of family stigmatization were similar in those both with and without RACT.

Discussion
The results suggest that participating in RACT may contribute to a higher level of satisfaction for relatives in their encounter with healthcare professionals.
S34. EFFECTIVENESS OF INDIVIDUAL METACOGNITIVE TRAINING (MCT+) IN FIRST-EPISODE PSYCHOSIS
Authors: Ochoa Susana , Lopez-Carrilero Raquel , Luisa Barrigon Maria , Pousa Esther , Grasa Eva , González Fermin , Monserrat Clara , Gutierrez-Zotes alfonso , Lorente Esther , Barajas Ana , Ruiz-Delgado Isabel , Cid Jordi , Birules Irene , Pélaez Trinidad , García-Mieres Helena , Vila-Badia Regina , Moritz Steffen ,   Spanish Metacognition Group
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
The individual Metacognitive Training (MCT+) is useful to reduce positive symptoms in people with schizophrenia, however less is known in people with first-episode psychosis (FEP). The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of MCT+ in FEP regarding symptoms and cognitive insight.

Methods
A random clinical trial was performed with people with FEP from 10 clinical centers of Spain. One group received ten sessions of MCT+ and the other group received TAU. A total of 75 patients were included in the study, however only 40 finished the final assessment. Patients were assessed before treatment, post-treatment and 6 month follow-up. The assessment includes a battery of instruments for the main aims the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Beck Cognitive Insight (BCIS) will be analyzed. Repeated measures statistical test were used in order to assess differences between groups.

Results
Both groups improved in Positive symptoms, in the MCT+ group the difference was 5.18 (SD=6.8) with a significance of p=0.002, while in the TAU group the difference was 3.38 (SD=4.9) with a significance of p=0.005. Regarding cognitive insight, in the MCT+ group patients improved in Self-reflectiveness, obtaining a score in baseline of 15.21 (SD=5.52) and 18 (SD=5.28) in post-treatment (p=0.017). The TAU group did not improve in any subscale of the BCIS.

Discussion
The MCT+ seems to improve more in positive symptoms than TAU, although both interventions diminished the presence of these symptoms. The MCT+ improved the self-reflectiveness, being one of the important areas for the understanding of the daily social functioning in relation to other. Further analysis should be explored.
S36. TREATING NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA WITH A MOTIVE-SPECIFIC INTERVENTION: A RANDOMIZED BRIEF INTERVENTION TRIAL
Authors: Horisberger Rahel , Kaiser Stefan , Hartmann Matthias 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Motivational deficits seem to be one of the main barriers in the recovery process among psychosis patients and have been shown to be very treatment resistant. Motives are conscious and unconscious affect-based needs that influence behavior toward specific incentives. Thus, they constitute the basis of motivated behavior or the lack thereof. In this study, we investigated how individual differences in social motives relate to the phenomenology of motivational negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods
Fifty-nine patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia were included into the sample. Negative symptoms were measured with the Brief Negative Symptom Scale and social motives with the Questionnaire for the Zurich Model of Social Motivation. Between-group differences, Pearson correlations and regression analysis were calculated. We replicated and extended the results in a second sample of forty-five psychosis patients, using the same methods.

Results
A comparison of healthy controls and schizophrenia patients revealed significant differences in social motives. Within the patient group, relationships between the characteristics of the individual motives, in particular the achievement motive, and the severity of the motivational negative symptoms, i.e. of asociality, avolition and anhedonia, could be described. In contrast, social motives cannot be associated with diminished expression, the non-motivational dimension of negative symptoms.
The duration of the disease seems to be an additional influencing factor: When comparing the motivational dispositions of first episode patients with those of healthy people, no differences were found. However, a relationship between the duration of the disease and the characteristics of social motives can be described.

Discussion
Explicit social motives stand in a relationship with motivational negative symptoms. Since implicit and explicit motives may diverge, the aim of our future research is to additionally investigate the association with implicit motives.
The inclusion of psychological factors helps to extend and improve psychotherapeutic interventions for psychosis patients. Since negative symptoms do not respond well to pharmacotherapy, further efforts in this direction are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms of this disease and to develop effective psychotherapy tools in the future.