bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between childhood trauma and empathy in patients with stable schizophrenia
Authors: Arous A. , Trabelsi R. , Mrizak J. , Aissa A. , Ben Ammar H. , El Hechmi Z. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionEmpathy, which refers to the ability to understand and share the thoughts and feelings of others, has emerged as an important topic in the field of social neuroscience. It is one of the most understudied dimensions of social cognition in schizophrenia (SCZ).ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between cognitive and affective empathy and CT in SCZ.MethodsFifty-eight outpatients with stable SCZ completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire retrospectively assessing five types of childhood trauma (emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional and physical neglect). They also completed the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE) comprising five subscales intended to assess cognitive and affective components of empathy.ResultsPatients with a history of sexual abuse better emotion contagion scores (P = 0.048) which means that develop more easily self-oriented emotional state matching the affective states of others. Patients with a history of emotional neglect or/and in denial of CT had higher scores in perspective taking score (P = 0.017). Perspective taking assesses the extent to which respondents can take another's perspective or see things from another's point-of-view.ConclusionsInvestigating psychosocial mechanisms, specifically the role of CT, underlying the development of empathic capacities is important since empathy can represent a treatment-target.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Metacognitive training vs psycho-educational group, results from a clinical trial in patients with psychosis of recent onset
Authors: Barrigon M.L. ,   S.M.S.G.
Published: May 2016

AimTo assess the efficacy of Metacognitive Training (MCT) in symptoms and metacognitive variables in people with a recent onset of psychosis.MethodA multicenter, randomized and controlled clinical trial was performed. One hundred and twenty-six patients were randomized to MCT or a psycho-educational intervention. Patients with a recent onset of psychosis were recruited from 9 centers of Spain. The treatment consisted in 8 weekly sessions in both groups. Patients were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 6 months of follow-up. Symptoms were assessed by the PANSS. Metacognition was assessed by a battery of questionnaires of cognitive biases and social cognition: BCIS, IPSAQ, TCI, Hinting task and Emotional Recognition Test.ResultsPANSS positive symptoms significant declined between baseline and post-treatment in psycho-educational (P = 0.04) and MCT group (P = 0.01), while general PANSS and total PANSS were significant between baseline and post-treatment in the MCT group only (P = 0.008; P = 0.005). Across time, the MCT group was superior to psycho-educational on the BCIS total and self-certainty subscale (P = 0.042). Regarding irrational beliefs, the intolerance to frustration subscale declined more strongly in the MCT in relation to psycho-educational group (P = 0.016). ToM, Personalizing Bias and JTC improved more strongly in the MCT group compared to psycho-educational group (P < 0.001–0.032). Most results remained significant at the follow-up.ConclusionsMCT could be an effective psychological intervention for people with a recent onset of psychosis in order to improve symptoms, insight, tolerance to frustration and personalizing bias.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Virtual reality insights into schizophrenic patients’ way to interpret an Avatar's help
Authors: Brunet-Gouet E. , Oker A. , Berrada-Baby Z. , Courgeon M. , Urbach M. , Bazin N. , Martin J.C. , Amorim M.A. , Roux P. , Passerieux C. 
Published: May 2016

With regards to the neurocognitive deficits and cognitive bias of schizophrenic disorders, it may be hypothesized that these patients suffer a deficit in recognizing helping intentions in others. To investigate help recognition, new technologies allowing to control an interaction with virtual affective agents were used with an adaptation of a previously described card-guessing paradigm (project COMPARSE ANR-11-EMCO-0007). We investigated whether the same game proposed successively by two virtual agents asking either empathetic (i.e. on the subject's feelings) or non-empathetic (i.e. on technical aspects of the game) questions to the participant would elicit different interpretations on their intentions. Dependent variables consisted of monetary allocation to the virtual agent, of questionnaires assessing the agent's help, interest, attention, etc. A group of 20 individuals with schizophrenia and one of 20 healthy controls, matched on gender, with comparable age, estimated verbal-IQ and educational level were recruited. The healthy subjects’ ratings of the virtual agent's behavior demonstrated that they interpreted empathetic questioning as helping and rewarded it positively with an increased monetary allocation. Schizophrenic patients had a qualitatively reduced perception of the differences between the two agents. Only the rating concerning the “interest/attention” of the agent toward them exhibited medium effect size when contrasting conditions. Hypothetically, schizophrenic patients take into account the fact they are the object of another's attention, but may fail to infer the intentional meaning and to provide an increased monetary allocation.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Low erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in schizophrenic patients is mediated by gender, the number of episodes, disease duration and drug treatment
Authors: Djordjevic V. , Knezevic M. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionInconsistent data showed that erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in schizophrenics is altered.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether some of the demographic, clinical and therapeutic factors had any significant impact on erythrocyte GPx activity in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsThis study included 68 schizophrenic patients and 59 healthy individuals. GPx activity was tested related to patient age, gender, heredity, the onset of the disease, the duration of the disease, the number of episodes, PANSS scores and drug treatment. GPx activity was determined in erythrocyte hemolysates by Ransel commercially available test.ResultsErythrocyte GPx activity was significantly lower in patients with schizophrenia than in controls. Male patients had significantly lower GPx activity in comparison with those in female ones. Heredity negative patients showed significantly lower enzyme activity compared to control values. Significantly lower GPx activity was obtained independently of the onset of the disease. The patient group having more than one psychotic episode also showed significantly lower GPx activity compared to the control group. The disease duration of more than 1 year caused a significant decrease in enzyme activity. There was a significant difference in GPx activity between patients with different PANSS scores. In patients treated with second generation antipsychotics and in those treated with both first and second generation antipsychotics, GPx activity was significantly lower than in controls.ConclusionThis study shows that the low erythrocyte GPx activity in schizophrenics depends on patient gender, the number of episodes, disease duration and drug treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers of psychopathological dimensions of schizophrenia
Authors: Gonzalez-Blanco L. , García-Portilla M.P. , Garcia-Alvarez L. , Iglesias C. , Saiz P. , Coto A. , Bobes J. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionThe concept of schizophrenia as a systemic disease includes, not only psychosis, but an increase in somatic comorbidity and cardiovascular risk [1]. Furthermore, it is known the implication of inflammation in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia [2].ObjectivesTo determinate potential inflammatory/metabolic biomarkers of schizophrenia's dimensions.MethodsSample: 36 outpatients with schizophrenia for less than 11 years, under stable maintenance treatment (mean age [32.25], males [63.9%]) and their 36 matched controls (age [32.53 ± 6.63]; males [72.2%]).EvaluationPANSS, Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms(CAINS), Calgary Scale(CDS), CGI, Personal and Social Performance Scale(PSP). Biomarkers: C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR (insulin resistance), cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides.ResultsBiomarkers differences between groups are shown in Table 1. Table 2 shows the correlations found after controlling for Body Mass Index [patients(28.61 ± 5.69);controls(24.64 ± 3.80);p = 0.001] and Smoking [patients(52.8%-yes);controls(5.6%-yes);p = 0.000].Conclusions1. CRP, a potential inflammatory biomarker in schizophrenia, is related to depression severity. Homocysteine, representing an oxidative stress, is related to positive, negative, cognitive and depressive symptoms severity, and worse functioning. 2. Patients with schizophrenia have lower HDL–related to negative and cognitive symptoms severity and worse functioning–and insulin resistance – related to worse cognition –.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Clinical and functional response to paliperidone palmitate in early schizophrenia–A retrospective observational study in newly diagnosed patients treated over a 12-month period
Authors: Hargarter L. , Bergmans P. , Cherubin P. , Schreiner A. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionData on clinical outcomes with long-acting antipsychotic treatment in young, newly diagnosed patients with schizophrenia is sparse.ObjectivesTo explore hospitalization, drug utilization and clinical outcomes from medical records of newly diagnosed schizophrenia patients during first 12 months of treatment with once-monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP).MethodsInternational, multicenter, retrospective, observational study. Outcomes presented: baseline (BL) characteristics and demographics, clinically relevant improvements in disease severity (ie ≥ 20% decrease in PANSS or BPRS total score or CGI-S Change ≥ −2 or CGI-C ≥ 3, with no score showing worsening) and clinically relevant functional improvement (i.e. change in PSP total score ≥ +7 points or change in GAF total score ≥ +20 points, with no score showing worsening) from BL to last-observation-carried-forward endpoint (LOCF-EP) within 12-month documentation period, mean mode PP dose and adverse drug reactions.ResultsEighty-four patients analyzed: 69% male, mean age at initiation of PP was 24.1 (SD2.7) years, mean BL weight was 78.7 (SD16.0) kg and 80.0 (SD14.7) kg at LOCF-EP, with a mean change of 1.2 (SD3.9) kg; mean time from first psychotic episode to initiation of PP was 5.5 (SD3.3) months. At LOCF-EP 86.6% achieved a clinically relevant improvement (71/84, Kaplan-Meier median time from initiation of PP: 52.4 days). 63.4% achieved a clinically relevant functional improvement (52/84, Kaplan-Meier median time from initiation of PP: 53.1 days). PP mean mode maintenance dose was 96.4 (SD19.8) mg. ADRs reported in ≥ 5% of patients were weight increase 9.1% and hyperprolactinemia 5.7%.ConclusionsTreatment with once-monthly PP was well tolerated and associated with clinically relevant improvements in disease severity and functioning in young, newly diagnosed schizophrenia patients.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Cognitive function in early psychosis patients from a low-income country
Authors: Husain M.O. , Chaudhry I.B. , Kiran T. , Thomasson R. , Mehmood N. , Husain N. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundCognitive impairments are well established findings in schizophrenia and are associated with significant impairment of social functioning. Episodic memory, working memory and executive function test scores are typically 1 standard deviation below healthy controls. There are reports suggesting the presence of neurocognitive deficits prior to illness onset, opening the possibility of using cognitive profiles as disease markers. Interest in exploring cognitive functioning in early stages schizophrenia has continued to grow, as earlier treatments could possibly lead to improved outcomes.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional assessment of cognitive profiles in patients with early psychosis. A total of 51 patients suffering from psychosis in the age group of 18–65 years were recruited and matched with 51 healthy controls. A wide range of neurocognitive domains were assessed using standardised neuropsychological tests.ResultsThere was evidence of statistically significant impairments in cognitive functioning across a broad range of cognitive domains in early-psychosis patients, as compared to healthy controls. More pronounced deficits were seen in executive function tests.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to report cognitive deficits across a range of domains in patients with first episode psychosis from a low-income country. This study found deficits across multiple domains, including language, memory, attention, executive function, and visuospatial function in patients with early psychosis. Evidence of neuropsychological deficits in the early course of the disease may highlight crucial therapeutic windows for both pharmacological treatments and cognitive rehabilitation. This may improve functional outcomes in this patient group in the longer term.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Serum hormone levels and cognitive functioning in male schizophrenia patients
Authors: Krysta K. , Bratek A. , Koźmin-Burzyńska A. , Krupka-Matuszczyk I. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundHormones deregulation is a common feature in schizophrenia. Among the hormones that gained increased interest are sex hormones, thyroid hormones and prolactin. However, the question whether there is an impact of the hormonal disturbances on cognitive functioning of schizophrenia patients is rarely addressed.ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between serum levels of hormones and cognitive abilities in male schizophrenic patients.Subjects and methodsIn the index group, there were 15 schizophrenia male patients, mean age 36. The control group was formed by 15 healthy volunteers, mean age 36. In the two groups, serum hormones levels were measured and neuropsychological tests were performed. Analysed hormones included thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, testosterone, progesterone and prolactin. Cognitive abilities were measured with the following tests: Trail Making Test (TMT) Part A and B, Semantic Category Fluency (SCF), Initial Letter Fluency (ILF) and Stroop Task Part 1 and 2.ResultsThe levels of FSH, LH and testosterone were lower in the index group than in the control group (3.01 mIU/mL vs 5.90 mIU/mL; 3.83 mIU/mL vs 5.28 mIU/mL; 2.76 ng/mL vs 4.69 ng/mL; accordingly) while the level of prolactin was higher in the index group (620 uIU/mL vs 118 uIU/mL). Patients performed worse that controls in all neuropsychological tests. The differences in scores of TMT Part B, ILF and Stroop Task Part 2 were found to be statistically signiﬁcant.ConclusionsThere was no signiﬁcant relationship between serum level of analysed hormones and performance on cognitive tasks.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Effectiveness of Brief Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for auditory hallucinations in a sample of Egyptian patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Nagui Rizk D. , Salama H. , Molokhiya T. , Kassem L. 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundAuditory hallucination is one of the most common symptoms in schizophrenia. The frequency of the auditory hallucinations and ensuing distress make the individual believe that these voices are not able to be controlled and to be coped with.AimTesting the effectiveness of brief cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis (CBTp) for auditory hallucinations, using it in modifying the beliefs about the voices and improving symptom severity and overall functioning.MethodsForty participants with schizophrenia were randomized into intervention and control groups. Intervention group were 20 patients who received 8 individual sessions of CBTp plus Treatment As Usual (TAU) over 8 weeks and the control group were the other 20 patients who received TAU only. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Arabic version of Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire (BAVQ) and the General Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF) were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study.ResultsIntervention group showed a statistically significant increase in GAF (P = 0.012), a statistically significant reduction regarding the Positive (P < 0.001), Negative (P = 0.008), General (P < 00.001) and total (P ≤ 00.001) sub-scales of PANSS. Regarding BAVQ, Intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in Malevolence (P = 0.008), Engagement (P = 0.001); and showed a statistically significant increase in Resistance (P = 0.049) compared to control.ConclusionsBrief cognitive behavioral therapy for auditory hallucinations can improve severity of schizophrenia, increase the level of functioning and improve the beliefs about the voices.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
The effect of a 16-week walking program on biomarkers, physical fitness, health related quality of life and self-perceptions of adults with schizophrenia
Authors: Oliveira E. , Uba-Chupel M. , Sousa D. , Rocha C. , Teixeira A. , Ferreira P. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionPeople with schizophrenia exhibit low levels of physical activity, which have impact on physical and mental health as well as overall quality of life (QOL). Mental and physical benefits of exercise are known, although the mechanisms through which physical exercise improves schizophrenia symptoms are not fully understood.ObjectivesTo assess the effect of a 16-week exercise program (EP) on the expression of BDNF and S100B biomarkers, physical fitness, health related quality of life and self-perceptions of adults with schizophrenia.MethodsThirty-five patients with schizophrenia (PwSZ) were divided in three groups Institutionalized Patients (n = 11); Psychosocial Rehabilitation (n = 13); and Control Group (n = 11). The EP consisted of one-hour walking session three times a week during 16 weeks. All participants were assessed before and after EP using the six minutes walking test, a psychological tests battery including MOS Short Form 36, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Physical Self-Perception Profile, Satisfaction with Life Scale as well as the BDNF and S100B measurements using serum analysis.ResultsNo significant statistical differences were found both for BDNF and S100B levels as a result of exercise. Additionally, no significant statistical differences were found for Physical Self-concept and Global Self-esteem changes as a result of the walking program (WP). However, PwSZ showed significant statistical differences on the satisfaction with life (P < 0.05) and on the perceived health related QOL (P < 0.05) in all groups participating in the EP.ConclusionIn spite of the limited impact of the WP in PwSZ, this group may obtain positive outcomes of the exercise participation based on a more positive attitude towards life.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Electroconvulsive therapy in schizophrenia – where do we stand?
Authors: Silva J. , Mota J. , Azevedo P. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionElectroconvulsive therapy is currently used in the management of severe depression, long-term mania and catatonia. Regarding schizophrenia-related psychosis ECT is also an option, but the indication is restrictive to severe cases, drug intolerance or resistant ones. Lack of evidence of cost-effectiveness compared to clozapine, and side effects of ECT techniques before 2003, influenced NICE guidance to not recommend ECT in schizophrenia, but modern ECT machines and procedures are subsequent to 2003. ECT is often performed when clozapine fails to respond in monotherapy or if there is intolerance to antipsychotic side effects. ECT in combination with clozapine seems to have significant results allowing the patients to achieve rapid control of psychotic symptoms with fewer side effects, comparing with antipsychotics-association strategies.ObjectivesTo summarized the latest literature about this field and to present recent data from the Electrovulsivetherapy Unit, in Hospital de Magalhães Lemos, Portugal.AimTo explore and critically review the controversies of electroconvulsive therapy in the management of drug-resistant schizophrenia.MethodsRetrospective data of an Electroconvulsive Therapy Unit during 2006–2015 was review.Results198 ECT treatments in schizophrenic patients were performed in our unit, during 2006–2007, in a total of 647 ECT (30,6%). In 2014–2015, 945 schizophrenic patients received ECT treatment, in a total of 2149 performed ECT (43,9%).ConclusionsAlthough guidelines are crucial for the uniform practice of medicine, sometimes is important to be critical about them. The use of ECT in schizophrenia is safe and effective and further research is needed to continue to support this treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Symptoms of schizophrenia and suicidal behaviour
Authors: Sisek-Šprem M. , Herceg M. , Jukić V. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionRisk prediction for suicide in schizophrenia is known to be complex. Illness-related risk factors are important predictors, with number of prior suicide attempts, depressive symptoms, active hallucinations and delusions.AimsTo analyze the impact of clinical features of schizophrenia on suicidal behaviour and analyze relationship between violence and suicidality.MethodsWe compared a group of 28 suicidal, 32 hetero-aggressive and 60 non-aggressive male patients with schizophrenia. The severity of the psychopathology was assessed using PANSS, hetero-aggressiveness using OAS and suicidality using C-SSRS and InterSePT scales.ResultsSuicidality is in positive correlation with the presence of depression (r = 0.485, P < 0.001) and imperative hallucinations (r = 0.391, P < 0.001) but in negative correlation with total PANSS score (r = –0.297, P < 0.001), impulsiveness (r = –0,237, P < 0.001) and hetero-aggressive behaviour (r = –0.551, P < 0.001). Previous attempt was found in 53% suicidal patients (P = 0.047). Heteroaggressiveness is in positive correlation with total PANSS (r = 0.43, P < 0.001) and impulsive behaviour (r = 0.57, P < 0.001). This study supports the contention that high impulsivity in schizophrenia patients is significant in the etiology of violent but not suicidal behaviour.ConclusionIn the order to diminish the level of suicide among patients with schizophrenia we must be aware of the importance of depressive symptoms, imperative hallucinations and previous attempts. This study supports the contention that high impulsivity in schizophrenia patients is significant in the etiology of violence but not suicidal behaviour.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.