bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of computerized cognitive training on cognitive functions and mental health in people with schizophrenia
Authors: Haghgoo Y. , Haghgoo H. A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPeople with schizophrenia have multiple and persistent cognitive deficits. These defects have a deep impact on people’s psycho-social functions. Although computerized cognitive training has positive results in some people, the effect of these treatment programs in schizophrenia is not clear.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of computerized cognitive exercises on the components affecting the mental health and cognitive functions of schizophrenic patients.MethodsFifty-four adults with schizophrenia were randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group received 30 sessions of 5-45 minutes of computerized cognitive training in addition to the usual treatment programs. While the control group only received their usual rehabilitation programs (Pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and occupational therapy).Mental health was evaluated with Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS), and cognitive functions with CANTAB tests Batteries before the intervention, after and two months after the intervention (follow up). The set of CANTAB tests used in this study included the following tests: Spatial Recognition Memory (SRM), Paired Associates Learning (PAL), Stockings of Cambridge(SOC), Spatial Working Memory (SWM), and Spatial Span (SSP).ResultsThe analysis of the findings showed that the patients’ performance in the cognitive tests related to memory and executive functions improved significantly in the intervention group after the intervention. In problem solving skills, despite the better performance in the intervention group, the difference between the two groups was not significant. Also, the intervention was able to significantly improve mental health and reduce stress. But no significant difference was observed in reducing anxiety and depression.ConclusionsAs a result, the study showed that 30 sessions of computerized cognitive training can have a positive effect on overall mental health and some cognitive functions.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Insights into Early Onset Dementia: a protocol for an 8-year nationwide retrospective study using administrative data
Authors: Pinto B. F. , Ferreira A. R. , Gonçalves Pinho M. , Freitas A. , Fernandes L. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionEarly-onset dementia (EOD) is defined as any type of dementia with an onset before the age of 65. Despite its profound impact on patients and their families, EOD has garnered less attention when compared to late-onset dementia (LOD), often resulting in its underestimation. In comparison to LOD, EOD commonly manifests with atypical and heterogeneous symptoms, encompassing mainly non-memory problems, ranging from language and executive impairments to behavioral-led dysfunction. Despite the importance of accurate data to organize appropriate healthcare, evidence regarding EOD patients in Portugal is lacking.ObjectivesThe primary aims of this study include identifying the causes for hospitalization in EOD patients, diagnosed with dementia either as a primary or secondary diagnosis, and comparing them with inpatients aged 65 and older (LOD). Additionally, the study aims to analyze key hospitalization outcomes for both groups, including length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and readmissions. As a secondary aim, this study seeks to describe subtypes of EOD.MethodsA retrospective observational study will be conducted following the RECORD statement. Data will be retrieved from an administrative database that gathers de-identified routinely collected hospitalization data from all Portuguese mainland public hospitals. Hospitalization episodes of inpatients younger than 65 years old, with a primary or secondary diagnosis of dementia (ascertained by ICD-9-CM codes 290.0-290.4, 294.0-294.2, 331.0, 331.1, and 331.82), will be extracted. Comparison patients will be selected by propensity score-matching from inpatients over 65 years with a dementia ICD-9-CM code (in any position), matched for Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).ResultsDescriptive and analytical statistics will be conducted to describe and characterize both group of inpatients. Variables such as age at admission, sex, place of residence, causes and type of admission, psychiatric comorbidities, length of stay (LoS), destination after discharge, readmissions, in-hospital mortality and hospital charges will be analyzed.ConclusionsWith this nationwide analysis of EOD hospitalizations, we aim to reveal critical aspects of this condition, including common causes of admission, diagnostic features and health outcomes, allowing for appropriate medical interventions and support tailored to the specific needs of this clinical group.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Treatment adherence and insight in schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Laabidi S. , Abidi O. , Aissa A. , Hosni R. , Ouali U. , Jomli R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionLack of adherence to antipsychotic medication in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders is a major risk factor for relapse and rehospitalizations which contributes to major social and economic consequences. A high proportion of patients with schizophrenia are partially or completely unaware of their mental disorder.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between insight and medication adherence.MethodsA total number of 30 outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders ,according to (DSM-V) diagnostic criteria who were attending the department of psychiatry A Razi hospital between august and September 30, 2023 were included in this study. Patients’ insight was measured by the birchwood insight scale. The degree of medication adherence was measured by using Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS).ResultsPatients enrolled in the study had a mean (SD) age of 43.2 .There was no significant correlation between patients’ insight and patients’ ages, duration of illness and hospitalization times. In addition, there was no significant association between medication adherence and age, duration of illness, number of hospitalization or social level. Impaired insight was associated with poor antipsychotic medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders .Higher insight was correlated to higher therapeutic adherence. Our results showed that the level of insight and compliance to treatment are positively correlated.Conclusions
The results of this study support the hypothesis that insight and treatment adherence are closely related. Interventions to enhance insight may be helpful in improving medication adherence.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid in schizophrenia: a literature review
Authors: Aissa A. , Jedda S. , Askri F. , Maatouk O. , Ouali U. , Zgueb Y. , Jomli R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThere has been growing evidence to support the hypothesis that inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.ObjectivesThe aim of the present literature review was to assess the efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as an adjuvant agent in the treatment of an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia.MethodsWe searched randomized clinical trials based on regular searches of MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed.ResultsWe included four studies. The results were in favor of the efficacy of ASA in the study where authors targeted early psychosis. Illness duration seems to predict response to anti-inflammatory agents.ConclusionsFurther studies of early stages of schizophrenia are helpful.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Perceived mental illness stigma and self stigma among persons treated for psychotic disorders
Authors: Jambrosic Sakoman A. , Jendričko T. , Bošnjak Kuharić D. , Tomić A. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionStigma related to mental health has serious impact on persons suffering from psychiatric disorders and on their families. Self-stigma occurs when people with mental health problems internalize public attitudes, negative beliefs and stereotypes associated with psychiatric disorders. Stigma and self-stigma can affect every aspect of life and result in discrimination, social exclusion, feelings of low self-esteem, shame, guilt, and can postpone seeking help.ObjectivesTo examine perceived stigma and self-stigma of people treated for psychotic disorders.MethodsWe will include male and female patients older than 18 years of age, diagnosed with psychotic disorders, treated as outpatients. Assessment will include sociodemographic data, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory – 9-item Version (ISMI-9) * to measure internalized stigma of mental illness, The perceived devaluation-discrimination (PDD) scale to measure perceived stigma, the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, and Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI).ResultsWe will analyse differences in ISMI and PDD scales in patients treated for psychotic disorders.ConclusionsUnderstanding self-stigma and societal stigma associated with mental health is crucial in creating programs aimed at well-being of persons treated for psychotic disorders.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Metabolic syndrome in psychiatric patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Bakija I. , Tripković M. , Kaštelan S. , Bogadi M. , Grošić V. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases are a very important cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with schizophrenia who live an average of 10-20 years less than the general population. Second generation antipsychotics are associated with obesity and other components of the metabolic syndrome.ObjectivesThe aim of this paper was to provide complete insight into the existing recent evidence for metabolic risks associated with the use of new antipsychotics, and establish recommendations for monitoring metabolic syndrome and other risks, as well as current options for treatment and prevention of metabolic syndrome.MethodsThis review article is based on a literature search. We identified relevant publications and articles by searching the PUBMED database from 1999 to the present day according to the given parameters. The search criteria were the keywords “metabolic syndrome” combined with “schizophrenia” and “new antipsychotics”.ResultsAll researches has convincingly shown that patients with schizophrenia tend to be overweight and have a three to four times higher risk of developing diabetes than the general population. There are also more and more evidence in recent literature about the impact of new antipsychotics on the frequency of metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines metabolic syndrome as an elevated insulin level or a fasting glucose concentration of 5.6-6.0 mmol/l in combination with two or more of the following parameters: abdominal or central obesity and dyslipidemia and/or arterial hypertension. The research results systematically showed a 1.5 to 3 times higher frequency of metabolic syndrome in people suffering from schizophrenia compared to the general population. Therefore, regular control of all components of the metabolic syndrome is necessary, from waist circumference, which is the easiest to measure, to all others that can be carried out and done in the general practice doctor’s office.ConclusionsMetabolic changes in patients with shizophrenia who receive new antipsychotics in addition to their unfavorable lifestyle (improper diet, lack of physical activity, smoking) can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome and increase the risk for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It is therefore necessary to establish protocols for monitoring these risks and preventing comorbidities.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Sleep Matters: Unpacking the Link between Sleep Disorders and Clinical Characteristics in Schizophrenia.
Authors: Razki K. , Larnaout A. , Najar C. , Ben Aissa S. , Lansari R. , Melki W. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionSleep disorders are a significant concern for patients with schizophrenia, and they can have a profound impact on their quality of life. Studies have shown that sleep disturbances are prevalent in patients with schizophrenia, and they may be linked to the clinical characteristics of the disorder. Despite this, the exact nature of the relationship between sleep disorders and schizophrenia remains unclear. Understanding this relationship is critical as it may lead to better diagnosis and treatment of both conditions, ultimately improving the overall health and wellbeing of patients.ObjectivesTo establish the link between sleep disorders and clinical characteristics in a clinical population being treated for schizophrenia.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study that took place over a period of one month (from 1st to 31nd March 2023) among patients consulting the post-care service of Psychiatry Department D at Razi Hospital, Tunisia. We included patients aged between 18 and 65 years, diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-5, and stabilized on psychiatric treatment. We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate sleep quality over a period of one month. The evaluation of the clinical characteristics of schizophrenia was carried out using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).The interview was conducted by a single researcher, and when the questionnaire was distributed to the participants, we explained the framework and the principle of this study as well as the implications of participating in it and explained that the participant could stop participating at any time if he or she wished.Results
We collected data from 30 male patients with a mean age of 42.5 ± 14.02. The mean overall PSQI score was 9.23 ± 4.58. The subscales evaluating the subjective quality of sleep obtained an average score of 1.42 ± 0.72, sleep latency was 1.61 ± 1.33, sleep duration was 1.01 ± 0.98, habitual sleep efficiency was 0.67 ± 0.75, sleep disturbances were 0.91 ± 0.52, sleep medication use was 1.36 ± 1.68, and daytime dysfunction was 1.12 ± 0.96. The mean scores of PANSS were: positive scale (28.26 ± 5.93), negative scale (18 ± 6.15), and general psychopathology scale (90.03 ± 16.21). We found a statistically significant association between the positive PANSS scale and sleep latency (p=0.002) and sleep medication use (p<10-3).ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of evaluating and addressing sleep disturbances in the overall management of patients with schizophrenia, as they may have an impact on the severity of clinical symptoms.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Ultra-High-Risk that do not transition to psychosis. What happens?
Authors: Ruas Resende M. B. , Agostinho F. , Nogueira R. , Cotovio D. , Silva F. A. , Lousada R. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionSpeaking prospectively we use the concept of “at risk mental state” (ARMS) to describe the state in which a person has a heightened risk of developing a psychotic disorder. Young people who are experiencing ARMS can be more precisely defined as being at ultra-high-risk of psychosis using a specific set of criteria known as the UHR criteria.ObjectivesTo clarify the concept of ultra-high-risk individuals and to characterize the clinical and functional characteristics and general psychopathology of those individuals that do not transition to psychosis during the follow-up period.MethodsResearch on UpToDate using the terms “Ultra-High-Risk”; “psychosis”, “transition”.ResultsRecent literature has suggested that less than 30% of those who meet established criteria for being at Clinical-High-Risk of psychosis (CHR-P) go on to develop a psychotic illness. It is therefore of crucial importance and relevance to assess and clarify what happens to high-risk individuals who do not transition to psychosis, who make up the vast majority.One of the most recent studies (NAPLS-2) that encompassed 764 of CHR-P individuals who were followed for 2 years, concluded that 278 did not transition to psychosis during the follow-up period. Three clinical outcomes were recorded: 1 group had experienced a psychopathological remission (39.57%); the other kept symptomatic but not currently meeting criteria for a prodromal risk syndrome (33.45%); the third group had a prodromal progression (26.98%). The study concluded among others that although the remission group had improved social functioning at 2 years compared with the other groups, they were still functioning below the healthy control group.Another meta-analysis that included a total of 2756 CHR-P individuals with a mean duration of follow-up of 30.7 months evaluated several clinical outcomes in CHR-P that didn’t transitioned to psychosis and between CHR-P non-transitioning versus those transitioning to psychosis. It concluded that CHR-P that do not transition to psychosis have an overall improvement of symptoms (APS, negative, depressive) and functioning at follow-up compared to baseline.ConclusionsThe occurrence of a first psychotic episode is often devastating for the patient and their family, especially given its usual onset in adolescence and early adulthood. This is a critical period in the individual’s development as a person, and disorders at this stage can threaten the potential for a productive and inclusive adult life. Studies have suggested that less than 30% of individuals classified as UHR actually develop a psychotic disorder.However, little is known about the individuals belonging to this group who do not transition to psychosis. We therefore consider it is relevant to clarify the clinical and functional outcomes of this group of individuals.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
“God speaks to me through a dove”. The evidence of clozapine in treatment-refractory psychosis
Authors: Rodríguez Rodríguez B. , Marqués Cabezas P. , Queipo de Llano de La Viuda M. , Navarro Barriga N. , Guerra Valera G. , Arribas Simón M. B. , Alario Ruiz C. , Mateos Sexmero M. J. , Fernández Lozano M. , Marínez Gimeno P. , Calvo Valcárcel M. , Andreo Vidal M. A. , Pando Fernández M. P. , Monllor Lazarraga A. , Ríos Vaquero M. , Lorenzo Chapate G. , Rojas Vázquez L. , De Andrés Lobo C. , Jiménez Aparicio T. , Vallecillo Adame M. D. C. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionClozapine is an atypical antipsychotic synthesised in 1958. It was withdrawn from the market in the 1970s due to the appearance of agranulocytosis, but was reintroduced due to strong evidence of its efficacy and superiority over other antipsychotics in treatment-resistant schizophrenia.ObjectivesTo describe the adequate response to clozapine in treatment-refractory psychosis.MethodsReview of the scientific literature based on a relevant clinical case.ResultsA 16-year-old woman was admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit for psychotic symptoms and behavioural disorders. She lives with her father and older sister; she has not been in contact with her mother, who lives in another country, for several years. She attends secondary school, with poor academic performance. Maternal diagnosis of schizophrenia. She started using cannabis two years ago, with a progressive increase up to 20 grams per week. He reports the onset of a feeling of strangeness a year ago, with progressive isolation in his room, referring to delirious ideation of harm towards classmates and people from his town, self-referentiality and delirious interpretations of religious mystical content (“God speaks to me through a dove”). He comments on the phenomenon of theft and thought-reading. Soliloquies and unmotivated laughter are observed.ConclusionsTreatment was started with risperidone, progressively increasing the dose up to optimisation, without achieving a decrease in positive symptoms, but with the appearance of excessive sedation and sialorrhoea. It was combined with aripiprazole up to 20mg, maintained for a couple of weeks, without significant clinical improvement. Given the failure of two lines of therapy, it was decided to change to clozapine up to a dose of 75mg, with adequate tolerance and response, achieving a distancing of the delirious ideation. Regular haematological controls were performed, with no alterations in haemogram or troponins.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Schizophreniform disorder. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. Purposely a case
Authors: Bañón González S. M. , Ogando Portilla N. , Gamo Bravo B. , González Laynez M. E. , Sekade Gutiérrez N. , García Sánchez F. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionSchizophreniform Disorder is described pretty similar to schizophrenia, but with the difference of the symptoms duration which have to last for at least 1 month but less than 6 months. Patients have to be back at their baseline functional level once the disorder has resolved. This is a heterogeneous group of patients who have either a disorder similar to schizophrenia or something closer to a mood disorder.Objectives
To analyze clinical, psychopathological and epidemiological characteristics of schizophreniform disorder and also review causes, incidence, prevalence, diagnostic, therapeutic tools and the importance of maintaining the treatment, because of the abandonment of the treatment, which is a predictor of relapses.MethodsA review of the main impact literature concerning schizophreniform disorder is done during the last five years: prevalence, incidence, pathogenesis and its relationship with other psychiatric disorders encoded in DSM-V are studied.ResultsThe etiology is unknown. Psychotic symptoms can be treated with antipsychotics for 3 to 6 months. They usually respond faster than patients with schizophrenia (75% vs 20% respond within 8 days).ConclusionsThe disease has a favorable prognosis, and has similarities with mood disorders. However, some data suggest a close relationship to schizophrenia. In support of the relationship with mood disorders, patients have more affective symptoms and a better outcome than patients with schizophrenia.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared