bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of the Coupling of Temperament Traits with Anxiety
Authors: Sulis W. , Trofimova I. 
Published: June 2017

Temperament traits and anxiety have been linked to varying degrees of neurotransmitter imbalances in neurophysiological systems of regulating behaviour. The diversity of neurotransmitters implicated in anxiety symptoms raises questions as to whether the multiple neurotransmitter systems secondarily express dysfunction in a higher-level system, which modulates their activity. This study analyzed the predictions of the neurochemical functional ensemble of temperament (FET) model that proposes that a dysregulation of the opioid receptors acting on monoaminergic and GABA systems gives rise to the symptoms of GAD. The study investigated the coupling of sex, age and temperament traits with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) across three age groups (17–24, 25–45, 46–65 years). The records of patients aged 65–85 years old were also examined but showed significantly less presence of GAD in comparison to other age groups. Temperament was assessed using the activity specific 12-trait structure of temperament questionnaire. Consistent with the hypotheses of the FET, patients with GAD reported lower mean scores on the traits of social-verbal endurance, mental endurance, plasticity and sensation seeking and higher mean scores in the trait of impulsivity, than healthy individuals. GAD was associated with significantly lower self-confidence in women than in men. The results suggest that new versions of the DSM should consider an increase of impulsivity and a decrease in plasticity of behavior as criteria symptoms of anxiety. Moreover, the results suggest that the current criterion of fatigue should be specified as more related to social-verbal and mental aspects and less to physical aspects of endurance.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Ultra High Risk Status and Transition to Psychosis in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Armando M. , Schneider M. , Pontillo M. , Vicari S. , Debbane M. , Schultze-Lutter F. , Eliez S. 
Published: June 2017

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is characterized by high rates of psychotic symptoms and schizophrenia, making this condition a promising human model for studying risk factors for psychosis. We explored the predictive value of ultra high-risk (UHR) criteria in a sample of patients with 22q11DS. We also examined the additional contribution of sociodemographic, clinical and cognitive variables to predict transition to psychosis within a mean interval of 32.56176 months after initial assessment. Eighty-nine participants with 22q11DS (age range: 8–30 years; mean: 16.1647) were assessed using the structured interview for psychosis-risk syndromes. Information on axis I diagnoses, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, level of functioning and IQ was also collected. At baseline, 22 (24.7%) participants met UHR criteria. Compared to those without a UHR condition, they had a significantly lower functioning, more frequent anxiety disorders and more severe psychopathology. Transition rate to psychosis was 27.3% in UHR and 4.5% in non-UHR participants. Cox regression analyses revealed that UHR status significantly predicted conversion to psychosis. Baseline level of functioning was the only other additional predictor. This is the first study investigating the predictive value of UHR criteria in 22q11DS. It indicates that the clinical path leading to psychosis is broadly comparable to that observed in other clinical high-risk samples. Nevertheless, the relatively high transition rate in non-UHR individuals suggests that other risk markers should be explored in this population. The role of low functioning as a predictor of transition to psychosis should also be investigated more in depth.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Coping Victimization among Peers in Spain
Authors: Magallón-Neri E. , Vanneste-Morales S. , Forns M. , Kirchner T. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundBullying at school and victimization problems in adolescence have a negative impact in personal identity development specifically in mental health field.ObjectiveTo analyze coping profiles used in a communitarian adolescents sample in relation to victimization among peers and controlling the other victimization subtypes.MethodFrom Barcelona Metropolitan area, 1031 adolescents between 12 and 20 years old participated (37.5% boys; 15.7% foreigners). The different coping strategies were assessed with adolescent coping orientation for problem experiences test and the victimization types with juvenile victimization questionnaire.ResultsA 46.2% of adolescents suffered a victimization event by peers in the last year. As victimization level by peers advance, it presents an increase of unproductive coping strategies (P < .001; d-Cohen = 0.92). Regularly women score higher than men in low and moderate victimization groups (P < .05). However, when it reaches the highest expression (higher risk profile), unproductive strategies use in both genders is very similar and significant differences disappear. The results show that avoidant coping type is associated with a higher rate of victimization by peers. Positive relationship between previous victimization in other areas and peer victimization rate was found.ConclusionsIt is of high importance to develop and strengthen coping psychoeducation programs centered in solving this problem and struggling against victimization consequences by peers in adolescence. Due to that, increase of this victimization type is very related to the use of unproductive strategies use and therefore a coping by avoiding the problem.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Aberrant Salience and Alexithymia in Subthreshold Psychotic Experiences among Adolescent Migrants in Italy: A Comparison with Native Italian Adolescents
Authors: Pozza A. , Dèttore D. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionIn this decade in the Italian context, there has been a significant increase of the immigration phenomenon. Consistent data indicated higher risk of psychotic experiences among migrants. Poor work investigated clinical variables associated with stronger subthreshold psychotic experiences among this population of adolescents. Aberrant salience, the biased assignment of significance to otherwise innocuous stimuli, and alexithymia, the difficulty identifying/describing feelings are believed to have a role in the onset and maintenance of psychotic symptoms. No study evaluated whether they could moderate the relation between migrant status and psychotic experiences among in adolescence.ObjectivesThe current study investigated whether salience and alexithymia predicted more intense subthreshold psychotic experiences and moderated the effect of migrant status among migrant and native Italian adolescents.MethodsSeventy-three adolescents born in other countries than Italy and 75 native Italian adolescents (mean age = 17.57, SD = 2.08, 47.30% females) completed the aberrant salience inventory, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 and the screening for psychotic experiences.ResultsMigrant adolescents had higher levels of subthreshold psychotic experiences (F = 10.65, P < 0.01), alexithymia (F = 8.93, P < 0.01) and salience (F = 4.38, P < 0.05) than native Italian adolescents. A main effect of aberrant salience and alexithymia on subthreshold psychotic experiences emerged. An interaction effect between migrant status and alexithymia was found: migrant adolescents with stronger alexithymia had more intense subthreshold psychotic experiences.ConclusionsPublic health policies should consider migrant adolescents as a group at risk for stronger subthreshold psychotic experiences. Prevention programs could take into account alexithymia as a target of intervention for this population of adolescents.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Traumatic Experiences Affect Negative Emotion Processing in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Sepede G. , Gambi F. , De Berardis D. , Di Iorio G. , Perrucci M.-G. , Ferretti F. , Santacroce R. , Romani G.-L. , Di Giannantonio M. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionPatients affected by bipolar disorder type I (BD-I) show a significant emotional impairment during both acute and euthymic phases of the illness, but the influence of negative life experiences is not yet fully understood.ObjectivesAim of the present study was to investigate the role of previous traumatic events on negative emotion processing in euthymic BD-I patients.MethodsEighteen euthymic BD-I patients, 7 reporting past traumatic events (T-BD-I), but free of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms at the moment of the evaluation and 11 never exposed to traumas (NT-BD-I), were compared to 24 not traumatized controls (NC). All participants performed a IAPS-based emotional task: they were required to identify vegetable items (targets) among neutral or negative pictures. Accuracy (percentage of correct responses) and mean reaction times (RT) were recorded.ResultsT-BD-I performed similarly to NC and significantly better than NT-BD-I in terms of accuracy (Fig. 1). No significant between-group effects were observed for mean RT.ConclusionsA previous history of traumatic events, without current PTSD symptoms, may significantly impact the negative emotion processing in euthymic BD-I. Interestingly, traumatized patients showed a better accuracy when processing both neutral and negative images, thus suggesting that paying more attention to external stimuli may be a successful compensatory mechanism to cope with potential environmental threats.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
A Simple Composite Dynamic Digital Tool to Communicate Complex Physical and Mental Health needs and Measure Outcomes: The Cornwall Health Radar
Authors: Shankar R. , Quick C. , Dawson J. , Annal P. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionClinician-patient communication is a major factor in influencing outcomes of healthcare. Complexity increases if an individual has multiple health needs requiring support of different clinicians or agencies.AimTo develop and evidence a simple dynamic computerised tool to capture and communicate outcomes of intervention or alteration in clinical need in patients with multiple chronic health needs.MethodA MS Excel algorithm was designed for swift capture of clinical information discussed in an appointment using pre-designed set of evidenced based domains. An instant personalized single screen visual is produced to facilitate information sharing and decision-making. The display is responsive to compare changes across time. A prototype was conceptually tested in an epilepsy clinic for people with Intellectual disability (ID) due to the unique challenges posed in this population.ResultsEvidence across 300 patients with ID and epilepsy showed the tool works by enhancing reflective communication, compliance and therapeutic relationship. Medication and appointment compliance was 95% and patient satisfaction over 90%.ConclusionTo discuss all influencing health factors in a consultation is a communication challenge esp. if the patient has multiple health needs. A picture equals 1000 words and helps address the cognitive complexity of verbal information. The radar offers an evidenced based common framework to host care plans of different health conditions. It provides individualised easy view person centred care plans to allow patients to gain insight on how the different conditions impact on their overall well being and be active participants. The tool will be practically demonstrated.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Anticipating Outcome: Predictors of First and Subsequent Relapses in Schizoprenia. A 3-year Follow-up
Authors: Gomez Revuelta M. , Gajardo Galan V. , Juncal Ruiz M. , Porta Olivares O. , Landera Rodriguez R. , Santayana Jenaro G. Pardo De , Garcia Ayala L. , Sanchez Blanco L. , Fernandez Rodriguez M. , Crespo Facorro B. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionRelapse prevention during early stages after psychosis onset is a key factor for long term outcome. While factors associated with first relapse have been widely studied, factors associated with subsequent relapses are poorly described.ObjectivesTo determine predictive factors of first and subsequent relapses among patients recruited from a cohort of PAFIP Early Intervention Program.Material and methodsWe analyzed socio-demographic and clinical data of a cohort of 393 first episode psychosis (FEP) patients that were recruited since February 2001 to May 2011. Of these, 341 achieved clinical remission and were, therefore, considered to be at risk of relapse. They were followed-up for 3 years. A wide range of potential factors were included as possible predictors of relapse. Test univariate, analysis logistics of regression, regression of Cox and analysis of survival of Kaplan-Meier were carried out.ResultsPoor adherence to medication was the main predictor associated to first relapse (ExpB: 2.979; P < 0.001). After the first relapse, only 56 patients (33.9%) underwent a second relapse, being the diagnosis (ExpB: 1.975; P = 0.074), the age of onset, (ExpB: 1.078; P = 0.003) and a low level of positive symptomatology (ExpB: 0.863; P = 0.03) the predictors of associated with a second relapse.ConclusionsAfter a FEP, non-adherence to medication is the main predictor of first relapse. Second and subsequent relapses relate with non-modifiable factors such as age of onset or schizophrenia diagnosis. This subgroup of patients could have greater predisposition to relapse related with the severity of the disease itself.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Analysing CYP2D6*4 Allele frequency in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Djordjevic V. , Jevtovic Stoimenov T. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionSchizophrenia is treated with antipsychotics and other psychotropic medications, many of which are substrates for the highly polymorphic CYP2D6 enzyme. The most frequent variant allele is CYP2D6*4- leading cause of poor metabolism (PM) phenotype. PM causes the reduction of therapeutic response, increase the risk of adverse drug reactions and increase the plasma concentration of both drug and its metabolites above the levels of toxicity.The AimAnalysing CYP2D6*4 allele frequency among schizophrenic patients for further individualisation and rationalisation of therapy.Patients and methodsResearch was conducted on 38 schizophrenic patients and 110 healthy individuals. CYP2D6*4 allele was detected with allele specific PCR.ResultsBoth wild type allele carriers are 55% of the schizophrenic patients, 45% are wild type/*4heterozygous, and *4/*4 homozygous are not identified. There is a statistically significant difference in the genotype distribution (P < 0.05) between schizophrenic patients and healthy individuals. Significantly higher *4 allele frequency (37%) comparing to healthy individuals (P < 0.0001) indicates the necessary caution in administration of CYP2D6 substrates. A lower frequency of PMs in schizophrenic patients than in healthy individuals could be explained with CYP2D6 neuroactive substrate metabolism. Forty-five percent of the schizophrenic patients are intermediate metabolisers carrying the higher risk of adverse response to CYP2D6 substrates comparing to wild type homozygous. As none of the analyzed patients was PM, exceeded plasma concentrations of medications above toxic levels are not expected when administrating the right dosage.ConclusionAltered CYP2D6 metabolism may contribute to the vulnerability, clinical severity and treatment outcome of schizophrenia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Verbal Learning and Memory in At-risk Mental State and First Episode Psychosis Patients and Their Correlates to Brain Structural Alterations
Authors: Egloff L. , Lenz C. , Studerus E. , Heitz U. , Menghini-Müller S. , Harrisberger F. , Ittig S. , Beck K. , Leanza L. , Andreou C. , Riecher-Rössler A. , Borgwardt S. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionPatients with a first episode psychosis (FEP) have repeatedly been shown to have gray matter (GM) volume alterations. Some of these neuroanatomical abnormalities are already evident in the at-risk mental state (ARMS) for psychosis. Not only GM alterations but also neurocognitive impairments predate the onset of frank psychosis with verbal learning and memory (VLM) being among the most impaired domains. Yet, their interconnection with alterations in GM volumes remains ambiguous.ObjectiveTo evaluate associations of different subcortical GM volumes in the medial temporal lobe with VLM performance in ARMS and FEP patients.MethodsData were collected within the prospective Früherkennung von Psychosen (FePsy) study, which aims to improve the early detection of psychosis. VLM was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) and its latent variables Attention Span (AS), Learning Efficiency (LE), Delayed Memory (DM) and Inaccurate Memory (IM). Structural images were acquired using a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner.ResultsData from 59 ARMS and 47 FEP patients were analysed. Structural equation models revealed significant associations between the amygdala and AS, LE and IM; thalamus and LE and IM; and the caudate, hippocampus and putamen with IM. However, none of these significant results withstood correction for multiple testing.ConclusionsAlthough VLM is among the most impaired cognitive domains in emerging psychosis, we could not find an association between low performance in this domain and reductions in subcortical GM volumes. Our results suggest that deficits in this domain may not stem from alterations in subcortical structures.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The Impact of Relapses in Acute Schizophrenia's Clinical Outcome: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Carreira Figueiredo I. , Pereira D. , Cargaleiro I. , Aguiar P. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionRecent studies suggest that most of schizophrenia's first-episode patients have the potential for long-term remission. Conversely, some meta-analysis estimate the actual median recovery rate to be 13.5% [1]. Relapses may contribute to the emergence of increased morbidity and treatment resistance.ObjectivesTo evaluate possible relationships between the numbers of previous admissions, years of diagnosed disease and hospitalization length.MethodsA cross-sectional retrospective study on all patients (n = 202, 150 men and 52 women) admitted at an acute inpatient unit throughout the year of 2015, diagnosed with schizophrenia (ICD-9, 295). Collection of socio-demographic data, number of previous admissions (PA), years of diagnosed disease (YDD) and hospitalization length (HL). Descriptive statistical analysis, Spearman rank correlation and Mann-Whitney U test.ResultsOverall, the sample's mean age was 44.3 years old (std 12.7), being lower in men (42.5 versus 49.7). The average of admissions was 1.2 per year. PA and YDD were significantly associated (P < 0.0001). Contrarily, there was no statistical association between the number of PA and HL (P > 0.1), as well as between YDD and HL (P > 0.1) was found.ConclusionThis study provides additional evidence for schizophrenia's early onset in men. There seems to be no association between relapses and treatment resistance, considering PA, YDD and HL as valuable soft outcomes. Future understanding of relapses’ pathophysiological mechanisms is warranted in order to explain schizophrenia's low median recovery rate.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Muscular strain as risk factor of somatic symptom of mix anxiety and depression
Authors: Bhadar M. , Asghar S. , Mukhtar Z. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionSomatic symptoms in depression are not uncommon. There is increased sicidality, poor prognosis, and increased risk of relapse. Neurological and l muscloskeletal symptoms can be explained on basis of increased muscular tension in the body.MethodsAn internet search was made using key words muscular tension, SSRIs depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms.ResultsNinety-eight percent patients reported at least one of somatic symptoms. Forty-five percent reported six somatic symptom. GIT symptoms in 67% patients. Fatigue in 78% % of patients. Weakness in body parts 45% and headache in 43% to 65%. Chest pain more common in male. Patient over 40 showed pain in limbs or joints. Number of symptoms was directly related to severity of depression.DiscussionIncreased muscular tension is one component of mix anxiety and depression. Main nerves and their branches pass in between muscular bellies. When there is increased muscular tone, it puts extra compression on major nerves and their branches. This will cause dysesthesia in body parts. Stretching of muscles produce pain due to hypoxia. This produces headache, strain neck and backache pain in chest. Fatigue is result of over consumption of energy due to hypertonia. One of their side effect is of SSRIs is muscular hypertonia which will not be very helpful for these symptoms. Drugs like tricyclics, SNRI can have better results when used alone, gabapentine, pregabline tinazidine used as adjunct can alleviate symptoms. Non-pharmacological treatment includes massage, relaxation technique, and warm water therapy.ConclusionSomatic symptoms of mix anxiety and depression should be important consideration in its treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The cortisol awakening response in anxiety disorders and personality disorders and changes in salivary cortisol level after psychotherapy
Authors: Dembinska E. , Rutkowski K. , Sobanski J. , Cyranka K. , Mielimaka M. , Citkowska-Kisielewska A. 
Published: June 2017

IntroductionThe hypothalamus—pituitary—adrenal axis (HPA axis) dysregulation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders. Salivary cortisol level is a useful indicator of HPA axis dysfunction.ObjectivesMost data suggests elevated cortisol awakening response (CAR) in anxiety disorders, but there are studies indicating opposite pattern (flat CAR).AimGoal of this study was to determine whether patients with anxiety and personality disorders show a specific daily cortisol patterns and weather this pattern changes after 12 weeks of intensive predominantly psychodynamic combined group and individual psychotherapy.MethodThe studied population comprised 77 patients, mainly females (72.7%), with primary diagnosis of anxiety disorder 40.9% or personality disorder 59.1%. The Symptom Checklist “0” was used to assess the pre- and post-treatment levels of patients’ symptoms. Pre- and post-treatment cortisol levels were measured in three saliva samples collected during one day (at awakening, 30 min after awakening, at 22.00).ResultsThe obtained results were partly similar to previous research. We found four different daily CAR patterns: decreased (drop 30 min after awakening), flat (rise 0–49% 30 min after awakening), normal (rise 50–75% 30 min after awakening) and elevated (rise over 75% 30 min after awakening), two of them (flat and elevated) were considered as typical for anxiety disorders. Groups of CAR pattern differed significantly in the level of sleep symptoms, dysthymia symptoms and avoidance/dependency symptoms. The changes in the CAR pattern after psychotherapy were not significant.ConclusionsAnxiety disorders and personality disorders are characterized by more than two specific daily salivary cortisol patterns.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.