bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of Narrative Psychotherapy to Conventional CBT for the Psychotherapy of Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Mehl-Madrona L. , Mainguy B. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThere is ongoing debate about about both the value of psychotherapy in psychotic disorders and the best type of psychotherapy to use if necessary.MethodsWe conducted narrative psychotherapy with 18 adults, all diagnosed as having bipolar disorder with psychotic features and/or schizo-affective disorder. Outcome data consisted of the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, the Clinical Global Impressions Scale, the Young Mania Rating Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scales, the My Medical Outcome Profile, Version 2(MYMOP2), and the Outcome Rating Scales of Duncan and Miller. We compare the outcomes of our patients to those of a matched comparison group receiving conventional psycho-education and cognitive behavioural therapy. Patients were seen for a minimum of 16 weeks over an average of 22 weeks. Average age was 31.5 years with a standard deviation of 8.1 years.ResultsThe narrative therapy group showed statistically significant reductions in all outcome measures compared to the conventional treatment group. They continued treatment significantly longer and had fewer re-hospitalizations. They were less distressed by voices.ConclusionsA narrative psychotherapy approach using dialogical theory and therapy ideas is a reasonable approach for the psychotherapy of psychosis. Review of psychotherapy notes showed that narrative approaches allowed the therapist to align with the patient as collaborator in considering the story presented and was therefore less productive of defensiveness and self-criticism than conventional approaches. The therapy included techniques for negotiating changes in illness narratives, identity narratives, and treatment narratives that were more conducive of well-being and recovery.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Development of an Interview Schedule for Assessing Factors Influencing Educational Outcome in Students with Schizophrenia
Authors: Chattopadhyay A. , Kumar C.N. , Thirthalli J. , Mehta U. , Thanapal S. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionSchizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with a relatively high toll on the quality of life of the patient and caregiver. It has a high financial, emotional and psychosocial burden. Surprisingly, optimum academic and educational outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia have been a neglected area of research and service provision.ObjectivesDevelopment of an interview schedule assessing the helpful and hindering factors affecting the educational attainment in persons with schizophrenia.MethodsTwenty-one participant were recruited (11 patients and 10 caregivers) from August 2014 to 2015 using purposive sampling and interviewed in a semi-structured qualitative fashion. Patients were between 16–25 years of age. Data collection and interpretation continued iteratively till saturation of factors was achieved. The list of factors (hindering/helping) was compiled and sent to a panel of 14 experts. They rated the schedule and the individual factors on a Likert scale. Reliability and validity parameters were tested and the final schedule was formulated.ResultsThe final schedule contained 17 hindering and 18 helping factors. Detailed instructions to the interviewer for administration of the schedule are included. The factors have been further subdivided into illness related and illness unrelated. Some of the major hindering factors were symptoms of illness, medication side effects, delay in treatment initiation, perceived conflict in parents, lack of motivation. The major helpful factors were adequate symptom control, withholding inpatient care, spirituality, and peer group acceptance.ConclusionsService provisions for ensuring optimal educational achievement can be formulated by assessing the felt needs and hindrances of patients and their caregivers.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Predictors of Social Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ubukata S. , Sugihara G. , Murai T. , Ueda K. 
Published: June 2017

Cognitive deficits as well as affective and physical symptoms are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, little is known about how these deficits affect functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between neuropsychological, affective and physical sequelae and outcomes such as social function and quality of life in patients with TBI. We studied these relationships in 57 patients with TBI over the course of 6 months post-injury. The patients completed neuropsychological assessments, including the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III, the Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test, and verbal fluency test. Affective and physical symptoms were assessed by beck depression inventory-II, Chalder fatigue scale, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index. Functional outcomes were assessed using the world health organization (WHO) disability assessment rated by others and the WHO quality of life assessment (WHO/QOL 26). The patients showed impairments in executive function assessed by verbal fluency test. The affective and physical assessments showed mild depressive mood and fatigue problem. Multiple regression analysis revealed that executive function and depressive mood were the best predictors of social function and quality of life, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that executive function and depressive mood are important factors to predict functional outcomes in patients with TBI.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The Subjective Graphic Representation as the Neural Pathway of the Information Processing: Dyslexia as an Example
Authors: Bernardini A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe new theory of the cognitive process by A Bernardini.Objectivesto single out and recover deficits of the information processing by a new research method.Aimto demonstrate dyslexia/language can be considered as an answer to what we are able to perceive. This depends on the way in which the C.N.S. elaborates the two aspect of energy of the internal and external space according to the new theory of the cognitive process by A. Bernardni which underlies her relevant re-educative methodology.Methodsthis study was carried out in Italy, in pre-high school education where students with moderate learning abilities and special needs are integrated into mainstream education. The performance of F 81 subjects was examined. They were divided into two groups: the first supported by A. Bernardini's method, the second one supported by a remedial teacher (traditional method) and the control group being the rest of the class. For five months, tailored programs were followed three times a week, for one hour and a half.ResultsAt the end of the treatment the second group did not show significant results while the first group showed marked improvement. Among the students of the first group, Tobia was the student who best represented dyslexia; for this reason he has been taken as an example.ConclusionDyslexia and disturbances in language depend on perceptive deficits and can be singled out and recovered by A. Bernardini method. The last revolutionizes the current research method.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Ambientation/Acculturation of a Psychologist as “Methodological Internship” for Developing Qualitative Research to Study Clinical Supervisions at a Psychiatric Outpatient Service of Brazilian General Hospital
Authors: Bremberger M.E.D.F. , Bastos R.A. , Alves V.L.P. , Turato E.R. 
Published: June 2017

Qualitative research in a psychiatric setting requires methodological updates on its modus operandi for professionals who migrated paradigmatically from other academic areas. The mere adoption of the concept of acculturation, from anthropology to field of health services, may not correspond to specificities of assistance and research in this field.ObjectiveTo discuss results of a certain environment and acculturation strategy for development of humanistic research that took place in a psychiatric outpatient service of a university hospital.MethodObservation of environment of psychiatric supervision for qualitative method in health setting, in period of six months. The first author, doctoral student, psychologist, systematically attended discussions of clinical cases, observing relationship between supervisors and residents. Data were recorded in field diary, followed by free-floating readings and critical analyses. These were also submitted to peer reviewers of the LPCQ-laboratory of clinical-qualitative research.Results– The experience, similar to an “internship”, has been confirmed as necessary to conduct qualitative research in this field;– It allowed accurate apprehension of features of environmental functioning and, above all, cultural dimensions of language of participants;– This proved pertinent for clearing the theme-problem to be researched;– Postgraduate researchers, in particular those graduates under other paradigms, have strengthened their methodological knowledge on this field, and have been inserted epistemologically for which they will have built new knowledge;– Finally, this methodological stage improved the so-called active observation and phenomenological listening of the researchers regarding those observed.ConclusionsThe experience contributed significantly to establishing and validating the qualitative methodological course.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A gender approach in prodromes of psychosis
Authors: Calahorro C.M. , Jiménez M. Guerrero , Serrano B. Girala 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundOnly 21% of patients included in the South of Granada's First Episodes Program in the year 2014 were women. Studies do not use to focus on sex differences at first-episode samples and it can be masking some relevant variables in this population.AimsIn this exploratory study, we aim to focus on gynaecological consultations during the period of untreated psychosis (DUP) at first episodes of psychosis in women.MethodsA retrospective clinical-cases review of medical histories was made searching for sociodemographic variables, consultations during DUP and psychotic prodromal outcomes.ResultsThe average age of the sample was 23 years. The average of DUP was one to three months. Sixty percent of referees to mental health services were from primary care and 20% from emergency services. The main symptom was persecutory or prejudice delusions. Thirty-six percent of them were related to sexuality or pregnancy. In most cases, the demands were not bizarre. When a wide history was made and they were properly explored, a delusional theme was appreciated and the reason for consultation was not justified. Eg. Postcoital pill order for not taking precautions, in a telepathic relationship. Forty percent of claims were made in primary care. Half of them were assessed by a gynecologyst. Sixty percent were treated in the emergency room.ConclusionsWe conclude that these data are relevant for specialists. Both for efficient resource management and for early detection of incipient psychosis. Gynecological abnormal demands are common in consultations to health services for specific malaise during the period of untreated psychosis.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Paliperidone palmitate: Experience in a community mental health unit
Authors: Expósito L. Carrión , Chauca G.M. Chauca , Guadalupe E.L. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThere are many jobs that offer advantages of treatment with long-acting injectable in psychosis.ObjectiveTo know the changes in the different variables after the start of paliperidone palmitate (PP).Material and methodWe performed a descriptive and retrospective study. Were evaluated patients who received maintenance therapy with PP during 48 months.ResultsThe sample was composed of 29 patients: 72.4% men and 27.6% women. Average age of 46.21 years. In Figures 1, 2 and 3 show data obtained in relation to compliance with treatment, relapse, maintenance dose, number of admissions and visits to emergency departments respectively.ConclusionsThe administration of PP is associated with a higher level of compliance with treatment. The patients presented a lower number of relapses, hospitalizations and visits to the emergency room. The maintenance dose more used is 150 mg.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Quetiapine in treatment of first episode schizophrenia
Authors: Zivkovic N. , Djokic G. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionAlthough there is no cure, schizophrenia is highly treatable disease. Successful first episode schizophrenia (FES) treatment is crucial to minimize personal, vocational and social deterioration. Quetiapine is atypical, second generation antipsychotic, serotonin-dopamine antagonist. Quetiapine is potent blocker of D2, 5HT2A and 5HT1A receptors.ObjectiveTo estimate efficacy of quetiapine in treatment of first episode schizophrenia.MethodsThis study included 70 patients with FES diagnosed by ICD-10 criteria, who are divided into haloperidol (H) 35 patients and quetiapine (Q) group 35 patients. Patients were observed for 6 months in hospital and extra hospital conditions, according to protocol which included Positive and Negative Symptom Schedule Scale (PANSS) and the number of withdrawals attributed to adverse event (AE). Control group was treated with haloperidol 5–20 mg/24 h and experimental group was treated with quetiapine 400–800 mg/24 h.ResultsAverage pretrial PANSS score was 110.1 in quetiapine and 108.5 in haloperidol group. Average PANSS score after 180 days was 50.6 in Q and 60.4 in H group. There is no statistical difference in pretrial scores between groups for PANSS score (P = 0.647). There is significant statistical difference in PANSS score reduction after 180 days in both groups (P < 0.001). There is significant statistical difference in PANSS score reduction between Q and H group after 180 days (P < 0.001). Overall, 8.6% AEs occurred in Q, and 25.8% in H group.ConclusionQuetiapine has shown better efficacy in treatment of FES comparing to haloperidol, with statistically significant lower adverse effects rate.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Objectively measurable equilibriometric locomotor ataxia in schizophrenia
Authors: Dzhupanov G. , Haralanov S. , Terziivanova P. , Haralanova E. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe basic role of cerebellar dysfunctions in schizophrenia pathophysiology is already well-known. Importantly, cerebellar signs such as gait and balance coordination deficits are objectively manifested and measurable. However, both early detection and treatment monitoring of the illness are still-based mainly on subjective psychopathological symptoms.AimsTo introduce an objective and quantitative approach to the cerebellar gait and balance disorders in schizophrenia.MethodsAn original (internationally patented) method for objective equilibriometric quantification of stepping locomotion (a kind of motion analysis system) was developed and then applied repetitively in 230 schizophrenic patients and 230 well-matched healthy controls.ResultsSubclinical but objectively measurable equilibriometric locomotor ataxia (ELA) was identified in a large proportion of the investigated patients. Its severity fluctuated along with the changes in the clinical state. As a rule, the degree of ELA transiently increases during psychotic exacerbation and gradually returns to its prepsychotic level during therapeutic remission. Data analysis revealed that the basic (prepsychotic and postpsychotic) ELA could be viewed as a new schizotaxic biomarker (trait-marker) for schizophrenia, while the degree of its severity could serve as a new objectively measurable state-marker for psychosis. Besides, its dynamics during antipsychotic treatment might be used as an objective measure of the therapeutic response (a kind of surrogate pharmacodynamic biomarker).ConclusionsObjective quantification of the ELA allows for early detection of subclinical signs of cerebellar ataxia (or schizotaxia) in individuals at high-risk for schizophrenia, whereas in psychotic patients it permits their objective antipsychotic-treatment monitoring.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) in schizophrenia: Modelling the disease and the treatment response
Authors: Marcatili M. , Marsoner F. , D’Agostino A. , Scarone S. , Conti L. 
Published: June 2017

Response to drug treatment is under the sophisticated control of complex signalling pathways and gene regulatory networks. Indeed, drug-induced modulation of dysregulated gene expression and altered synaptic plasticity are critical steps for the successful treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Among the antipsychotic drugs, clozapine (CLZ) is widely considered to be the most effective medication for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, due to its high risk for severe side effects, CLZ use is currently restricted to patients who do not respond to other antipsychotics. Nonetheless, up to 20% of patients are considered nonresponders to CLZ treatment. The mechanism of action underlying CLZ's exceptional clinical efficacy in SCZ is not fully understood. In this context, in vitro molecular and functional assessment of patient-derived glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons’ properties are mandatory to reveal the mechanisms underlying CLZ responsiveness and might mirror the clinical response. Here, we will describe the generation of hiPSCs from SCZ patients, classified based on their response to conventional treatments, to CLZ or total resistance to every treatment. These patient-specific hiPSCs have been converted into enriched cortical glutamatergic neurons and parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons populations that are under inspection to reveal phenotypic and molecular/pharmacological aspects correlating with patient-specific responsivity pattern to CLZ treatment. These results might help to unveil the molecular basis of treatment response profiles that can be exploited to predict response to antipsychotic drugs and that might help to develop personalized treatments, more individually tailored and less hazardous.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Pre-morbid personality trait and cognitive function impact on schizophrenia course and social maladaptation
Authors: Samburskis D. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundCertain personality traits are found in persons with high risk for schizophrenia onset and therefore it could be used as diagnostic marker.ObjectivesTo analyze correlations between personality traits and cognitive functions on schizophrenia onset and its course and social adaptation.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study conducted in Riga center of psychiatry and narcology, Latvia. Study consisted of two parts. In the first part, data on first presentation schizophrenia patients hospitalized in 2006 was collected from medical records. Patients without completed MMPI, Schulte table; visual memory and 10 words recall tests were excluded from study group. The Second part of the study consisted of participant interviews that were held in early 2016 acquiring demographic data and each participant completed a Sheehan disability scale (SDS). Microsoft Excel 2016 and SPSSv22 were used for data operation.ResultsStudy group consisted of 11 males and 20 females (35.5%/64.5%). Mean age of participants was 37 years (IQR = 48–33), but mean age at onset of first schizophrenia symptoms was 27 years (IQR = 37–21). 68% (n = 21) of participants had schizoid personality traits as per MMPI and they had higher results on all SDS subscales. There was a negative correlation between the SDS score in the first section with the occupational level in 2006 (P = 0.065) and 2016 (P = 0.040) and marital status in 2016 (P = 0.040) in those with psychopathy scale.ConclusionThe hypothesis that schizoid personality traits are a leading factor in the onset of schizophrenia, have not been proven. Schizophrenia patients with psychopathic personality traits are likely to have better social adaptation.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.
Sexual minorities: The terminology
Authors: Cochat Costa Rodrigues M.C. , Leite F. , Queirós M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe term “sexual minority” includes a variety of gender and sexual identities and expressions that differ from cultural norms. Usually, sexual minorities are comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.Objectives/aimsDefinition of the correct terminology for sexual orientation, sexual behaviors, gender identity, gender expression and gender dysphoria.MethodsLiterature review concerning researched articles published in Pubmed/Medline as well as related bibliography.ResultsHuman sexuality is a broad concept that embodies interaction among anatomy, hormones, physiology, psychology, interpersonal relationships and sociocultural influences.Healthcare providers can support sexual minorities by normalizing sexuality throughout childhood, early identification of gender or sexual orientation nonconformity and associated psychosocial and health concerns, helping parents support their child, assisting with decisions about disclosure and providing educational resources to the community.ConclusionsThis work focuses on providing more awareness about this topic and reducing stigma associated with sexual minorities.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Motivation of sexual relationship with animal–Study of a multinational group of 345 zoophiles
Authors: Sendler D. , Lew-Starowicz M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionWe explore relationship-seeking behaviour of zoophiles (zoos), using Francoeur's (1991) definition of sexual orientation (as consisting of affection orientation, sexual fantasy orientation, and erotic orientation).ObjectivesThis study intends to be the largest in recent decades’ comprehensive analysis of self-identified zoophiles, living on all five continents. It describes similarities and differences between normative sexual orientations (hetero- and homo-) and zoophilic sexuality, using Francoeur's (1991) framework.MethodA qualitative observational study of user activity (n = 958) on discussion forums, combined with brief demographic survey. Data were analyzed according to principles of grounded theory. Next, surveys of own design (demographic, discreet + open ended questions) were received by n = 350 participants. Presented data show aggregate conclusions from mixed methods qualitative and quantitative analysis.ResultsTrend analysis yielded four main discussions among zoophiles – worldview, personal space, sex life, and online space. Within worldview category, zoos overwhelmingly discuss bad press (55%), as well as social (41%) and legal (22%) ostracism. In personal space, the primary concern is coming at easy with own sexuality (>60%) and forming lasting relationship with either human, animal, or both partners simultaneously. In terms of sex life, zoos are concerned with improving sex play (>40%) and figuring out legality of sexual encounters with animals (22%). Concerning online space, the biggest concern here is networking (40%) and meeting other zoos for dating (15%).ConclusionsModern zoophiles have a wide array of personal, social, legal, and sex life challenges that can be approximated using qualitative studies.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.