bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alexithymia and suicide risk among patients with schizophrenia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: De Berardis D. , Marasco V. , Serroni N. , Campanella D. , Olivieri L. , Acciavatti T. , Volpe L. , Di Iorio G. , La Rovere R. , Cicconetti A. , Carano A. , Moschetta F.S. , Di Giannantonio M. 
Published: May 2011

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of alexithymia and its relationships with psychopathological features and suicide risk in a sample of adult patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.MethodA mixed male-female sample of 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females) was evaluetd with the following rating scales: Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). RESULTS. 22 subjects (36.7%) were categorized as alexithymic (TAS-20 scores ≥ 61). Alexithymics showed more severe negative and depressive symptoms and increased suicide risk than nonalexithymics.However, the results of a linear regression with SSI score as dependent variable showed that Difficulty in Identifying and Describing Feelings dimensions of TAS-20 and higher CDSS scores were significantly associated with higher scores on the Scale for Suicide Ideation. Conclusions: The presence of alexithymia in schizophrenia may be related to higher risk of suicide ideation and more severe depressive symptoms, independently by the severity of positive and negative symptoms. However, results are preliminary and limitations must be considered.
Representational momentum is impervious to kinematic but not dynamic variables in schizophrenic patients
Authors: Pimenta S. , De Sá Teixeira N.A. , Raposo V. , Canhão A. 
Published: May 2011

When people are shown a moving object that suddenly disappears and are further instructed to locate its vanishing position, a systematic spatial error in the direction of the motion is observed. Entitled Representational Momentum (RepMo), this phenomenon seems to be influenced by low-level perceptual mechanisms and high-level cognitive aspects alike.Available neurophysiologic data has pinpointed area MT/V5 as required for the emergence of RepMo, a cerebral structure known to be compromised in schizophrenic patients.Although much is known about the variables that determine RepMo's magnitude (e.g., target's velocity, implied mass, direction of movement along or against the gravity axis), few studies attempted to measure RepMo with schizophrenic patients and, those that were published, seldom used a systematic manipulation of such variables. The present study intends to fill this gap. Both schizophrenic patients and normal controls participated in a repeated measures experiment where a black square, with 30, 60 or 90 pixels side, was shown moving at a constant velocity of 150, 300 or 450 pixels/s. After covering a distance of 300 pixels, either downwards, upwards, leftwards or rightwards, it disappeared. Participants were required to locate the last seen position, using a mouse that allowed control over a cross-shaped cursor. Results showed that dynamic variables (such as gravity and implied mass) didn’t differ between the groups. Notwithstanding, kinematic variables (velocity) didn’t show any significant effect in the schizophrenic group. These results are discussed within the distinction between perception-for-action and perception-for recognition, thus suggesting an impairment of the former in schizophrenia.
Functional performance in activities of daily living of individuals with a dual-diagnosis of schizophrenia and substance-use disorder
Authors: Desormeaux-Lefebvre M. , Tallant B. , Gelinas I. , Lariviere N. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionResearch on functional performance of individuals with schizophrenia and substance use is limited, focusing primarily on cognitive impairments. Research findings are conflicting, making it difficult to understand how these individuals function despite their cognitive impairments. There is a need to use performance-based assessments to understand how individuals with a dual-diagnosis accomplish their daily living activities.AimsTo describe the functional performance of individuals with a dual-diagnosis in two activities of daily living, using a performance-based assessment.ObjectivesTo compare the functional performance of individuals with a dual-diagnosis, in grocery shopping and budgeting.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional study included ten participants with a dual-diagnosis of schizophrenia and substance-use disorder, aged 21 to 35, living independently in the community. They were evaluated on two tasks, budgeting and grocery shopping, using the Perceive-Recall-Plan-Perform (PRPP) system of task analysis (Chapparo & Ranka, 2005). The PRPP is a standardized criterion-referenced task-based assessment, and is valuable in describing individuals’ community functioning with regards to information-processing difficulties. Substance use was evaluated with the Addiction Severity Index (McLellan et al., 1989).ResultsPreliminary results indicate lower scores on both tasks, in the planning quadrant of the PRPP, particularly the evaluating sub-quadrant, which involves cognitive monitoring and appraisal processes. This trend occurs despite the participant's prior familiarity with tasks. Conclusions: This study is a first step in describing the functional performance of individuals with a dual diagnosis of schizophrenia and substance use in activities of daily living. This information will lead to improved rehabilitation for these clients.
Eligibility of the patients admitted to psychiatric inpatient units for participation in catie clinical trial
Authors: Diaz M.C. , Morales N. , Ruiz J. , Nieto K. , Iniesta E. , Martín M.A. , Fraguas D. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionClinical trials (CT) are the main scientific support of the recommendations of pharmacological treatment of patients with schizophrenia. However, CT tend to strengthen the internal validity at the expense of external validity and the ability to generalize the results to the clinical population. For this reason, in recent years have developed large practical clinical trials that expand the inclusion criteria to incorporate as many real patients as possible. The first and most significant of these trials was the CATIE study (Lieberman et al, 2005).ObjectivesTo analyze eligibility for participation in CATIE of patients admitted during 2009 in a psychiatric inpatient unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.MethodsA total of 145 patients (27.6% females, mean age 39.6+/−12.8 years), consecutively admitted to an inpatient psychiatric ward with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia were assessed to test if they would fulfill criteria for participation in CATIE.Results60 (41.4%) patients did not fulfill CATIE inclusion criteria. Mental retardation (n = 22, p < 0.001), absence of informed consent (n = 15, p < 0.001) and refusal to take oral medication (n = 12, p < 0.001) were the main factors responsible for not meeting inclusion criteria.Meeting the criteria was not significantly related to gender or specific diagnosis.Conclusions41.4% of patients admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit with a diagnosis of schizophrenia did not meet criteria for participation in the CATIE study.
The krapellenian dicotomy in terms of employment outcomes
Authors: Dissanayke L. , Agius M. , Zaman R. , Yoon C.-H. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundWe decided to examine the employment status of all patients with Schizophrenia actively treated by the Bedford East CMHT and compare this to the employment status of all those in the team who suffered from Bipolar Affective Disorder.MethodsCases of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder were anonymously identified from a database held by the team and their employment status was established.Results124 patients were identified with schizophrenia, 24 with Schizoaffective disorder, and 60 with Bipolar Disorder.Of the Schizophrenia patients, 91 (73.38%) were unemployed, 15(12%) were employed, 10 (8%) were in voluntary employment and 8 (6.45%) were labelled ‘other’ [housewife, student etc].Of the Bipolar patients, 32 (53.33%) were unemployed, 14(23%) were employed, 5 (8.3%) were in voluntary employment and 9 (15%) were labelled ‘other’Of the Schizoaffective patients, 15 (62.5%) were unemployed, 4 (16.66%) were employed, 2 (8.33%) were in voluntary employment and 3 (12.5%) were labelled ‘other’.DiscussionEmployment Outcomes for serious mental illness were poor, however Schizophrenia patients had a lower chance of returning to employment, partly due to the heterogeneity of the condition. Bipolar patients had twice the chance of gainful employment as Schizophrenic ones.ConclusionIt is particularly difficult to achieve employment for patients with serious mental illness. This adds to the recently made argument for a more assertive approach by the creation of ad hoc chronic psychosis teams who could give ongoing support to aid patients to return to social inclusion and possibly work.
Observation of the effectiveness of a comprehensive and systematic treatment and rehabilitation in the social house. A case report
Authors: Dosiak M.M. , Wozniak J.P. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe authors present a comprehensive-efficacy of pharmacotherapy and rehabilitation in the social house for people with mental health disorders carried out systematically for many years in the 40 year old patient.ObjectivesPatient 40 years old, male, secondary education, imposed a total inability to work. The first episode of the disease was in his 25 years, a syndrome of depression in a moderate degree, the next episode of schizophrenia-catatonic. In the therapy was used first generation antipsychotics, despite regular medication had not obtained complete remission and frequent exacerbations were the cause of several subsequent hospitalizations. During the last hospitalization in 1997, recognizing the diagnosis was verified with paranoid schizophrenia. After discharge, the patient in accordance with the recommendation began rehabilitation in the social house for people with mental health disorders, which still continue. Because of side effects after the previously used antipsychotic drugs second-generation - ziprasidone was incorporated in 2005. The use of this drug caused a significant decrease in body weight, increased social activity (a return to artistic activities - painting), improving the quality of life. Due to persistent chronic anxiety has been further adjustment of treatment in 2008 included amisulpride and valproate.ConclusionsThe treatment used a comprehensive, full remission of symptoms generation, and a significant reduction in negative symptoms. Currently, the patient actively participates in all activities organized in the environmental treatment of self-help home, living independently in daily activities, carry out the artistic passion of winning prizes at exhibitions and presentations of work.
Relapses of the disease in psychotic patients due to inability to manage stressful situations
Authors: Doulgeraki G. , Graikiotis A. , Theodosi K. , Kavvadia M. , Kavvadias N. , Malatra M. , Pittara A. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPatients with mental disease are not in touch with their emotions, they do not recognize them and are incapable of finding alternative ways to face life difficulties.Consequently, anxiety which evolves from stressful situations literally immobilizes them.ObjectiveOur aim was to isolate the factors which create stressful situations that lead patients in relapsing.MethodWe studied patients’ inability to cope with their emotions and the stress that follows. We studied 25 patients living in the R.U. “Eurikleia”, 30 patients in follow-up and 50 patients who were hospitalized in the 3rd Psychiatric Department of the Psychiatric Hospital of Athens.Our therapeutic procedure was the following:prescription of atypical anti-psychoticscompletion of the MMPIexamination of family/personal historyexamination of family dynamics/dysfunctionsindividualized therapeutic intervention for each patient and family evaluation of the results one year later.Our intervention comprised of family therapy, setting family roles boundaries, patients’ autonomy, agreement in interventions between family and the therapeutic group and patients’ encouragement to take initiatives concerning their personal life.ResultsØthe functionality of the patients had improvedØthere was an important restoration of their sociabilityØthere were still deficits regarding their socialization and professional rehabilitationØthere was improvement regarding their autonomyØtheir dependence had been substituted for interdependence.ConclusionsThrough this study the most obvious conclusion we reached at was the necessity of patients’ and their families’ re-education in order to be able to live a meaningful life.
Stressful situations, coping styles and social support in patients suffering from schizophrenia
Authors: Dutczak B. , Bidzan L. 
Published: May 2011

Schizophrenia is a disease which obstruct patient's social functioning in regard of their isolation as a symptom and intolerance of society. These patient's life is overfilled by many stressful situations, what is often connected with their state of health. In literature we can easily find many data about influence of stress on backset in schizophrenia, but there is no information about their ability of dealing with stress. It can be very important to take into account their styles of managing with stress in rehabilitation programs and add some training to help them to do it better. Treatment should contains not only pharmacotherapy, but also social support, social training and many changes in the environment to make their life more satisfying.Methods-CISS Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations-Questionnaire of Stressful Events-BSSS Berlin Social Support Scales-PANSS
P03-207 Sexual dysfunction in a tunisian sample of drug free schizophrenic patients: A case-control-study
Authors: El Kissi Y. , Gaabout S. , Laroussi M. , Ayachi M. , Ben Hadj Ali B. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionSexual dysfunction is reported by up to 80% of schizophrenic patients and seems to be mainly associated with antipsychotic medications.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare sexual functioning and sexual dysfunction, as assessed by the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale, in drug naïve or drug free schizophrenic patients and in healthy controls.MethodA consecutive sample of 109 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria of schizophrenia was constituted in psychiatry department of Sousse Farhat Hached hospital (Tunisia), during a 24 months period. They were drug naïve or drug free for at least three months. 109 age and gender matched, consenting controls were recruited among blood donors attending Farhat Hached hospital during the same period. They were free from psychotic disorders as screened by MINI-Plus. Sexual functioning was assessed using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) in sexually active patients (N = 84) and controls (N = 94).ResultsThere were no statistical differences in sexual dysfunction rates between schizophrenic patients (20.6%) and healthy controls (13.1%), according to usual threshold values. Also, global ASEX score was similar in schizophrenic patients (12.93 ± 4.48) as in healthy controls (12.61 ± 2.60). Besides, different ASEX item scores including sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrification/penile erection and orgasm have not shown any differences between patients and controls. Only sexual satisfaction score was higher in schizophrenic patients than in healthy controls (2.73 ± 0.95 vs. 2.43 ± 0.77; p = 0.02).ConclusionOur results showed a low rate of sexual dysfunction in drug free schizophrenic patients without statistical differences with healthy controls. Only sexual satisfaction was lower in schizophrenic patients.
Sexual Activity and Marital Relationships in a Sample of Tunisian Schizophrenic Patients: Comparison with Healthy Controls
Authors: El Kissi Y. , Laroussi M. , Gaabout S. , Ayachi M. , Ali B. Ben Hadj 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundSexual activity and marital status have received little attention as an important aspect of schizophrenic patients’ care.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare sexual activity, including sexual intercourses with a partner and masturbation, and marital relationships in patients with schizophrenia and in healthy controls.Materials and methodA consecutive sample of 109 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria of schizophrenia was constituted in psychiatry department of Farhat Hached hospital (Sousse, Tunisia), during a 24 months period. They were drug naïve or drug free for at least three months. 109 age and gender matched, consenting controls were recruited among blood donors. They were free from psychotic disorders as screened by MINI-PLUS. Sexual activity assessment involved sexual intercourses with a partner and masturbation.ResultsPatients with schizophrenia were less often married than healthy controls (18.3% vs. 54.1%; p < 10-3). Also, they had less often a sexual partner (42.2% vs. 70.8%; p < 10-3) than healthy controls. They reported similar rates of sexual activity (77.1% vs. 86.2%), but less regular sexual intercourses (11.1% vs. 48.1%; p < 10-3) than healthy controls. Also, they reported higher rate (59.6% vs. 24.8%; p < 10-3) and higher prevalence during the last month (9.7 ± 9 vs. 5.04 ± 8; p = 0.017) of masturbatory activity.ConclusionIn spite of lower prevalence of marital relationships, schizophrenic patients reported as frequent sexual activity as healthy controls. This sexual activity seems to be related to higher prevalence of masturbatory activity, which may be explained by their difficulties to be involved in relationship with a sexual partner.
Sexual Function in Untreated then Treated Schizophrenic Patients: a Prospective Study
Authors: El Kissi Y. , Mannai J. , Laroussi M. , Gaabout S. , Ayachi M. , Ben Hadj Ali B. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionHigh prevalence of impaired sexual function in patients with schizophrenia has been reported by several studies. Various factors were incriminated including the disease itself, the low level of social competence and treatmentside effects.ObjectiveTo compare sexual function in drug free schizophrenic patients and six months after initializing antipsychotic treatment.MethodsA consecutive sample of 109 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria of schizophrenia was constituted in psychiatry department of Farhat Hached hospital (Sousse, Tunisia), during a twenty four months period. They were drug naïve or drug free for at least three months. Assessment was performed at two time points:T0: During an acute phase of the disease as defined by a BPRS global score ≥ 40 T1: six months after antipsychotic treatment.Assessment of sexual function used the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX).ResultsSexual function was impaired under antipsychotic treatment. In fact, we noticed lower global score of asex (p = 0.03) and lower subscores of drive (p = 0.015), arousal (p = 0.006), erection or vaginal lubrication (p= 0.010), orgasm (p= 0.001) and satisfaction (p= 0.005).ConclusionSexual function was impaired in patients under antipsychotic drugs, according to global score and to diffrent sexual dimensions subscores. This results seem to, prospectively, confirm the implication of treatment in sexual dysfunction occurence among schizophrenic patients.
The Reflection of Lilliputian Hallucinations in Paintings of a Schizophrenic Patient
Authors: Estilaee F. , Nejad A. Ghaffari 
Published: May 2011

Since several years ago the relation between art and mental disorders has been interesting for psychiatrists. This relation has more importance when understanding famous painters such as Van Gogh, Paul Gauguin and Louis Wain have had such disorders.Psychotic patients may project their symptoms into their drawings and use paintings as a way to illustrate their special feelings and thoughts. Without them understanding patient’s world and their symptoms is impossible.When hallucinations are too amazing to believe and more persecutor than any pain, and when thoughts are so dispersed which other cannot understand and nevertheless, there is no treatment for these boring symptoms, art and specially painting may be a way to relief them.Lilliputian hallucination is a rare symptom in psychotic patients; a visual type hallucination that things and persons appears smaller than the real size. Patients usually describe them as the persecutor dwarfs or life from another world.Here we introduce a schizophrenic patient with Lilliputian hallucination who created famous paintings. In these paintings, patient was drawn dwarfs in nearly one inch. They are creatures between man and mouse, sometimes whisper and occasionally walk on his head or body.
Childhood Abuse and the BDNF-Val66Met Polymorphism: Evidence for Gene-Environment Interaction in the Development of Adult Psychosis-Like Experiences
Authors: Alemany S. , Arias B. , Aguilera M. , Villa H. , Moya J. , Ibañez M.I. , Vossen H. , Gasto C. , Ortet G. , Fañanas L. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe well-established relationship between childhood adversity and psychosis is likely to involve other factors such as genetic variants, which could help to understand why not everyone exposed to adverse events develops psychotic symptoms later in life (Van Winkel, et al. 2008; Simmons et al. 2009).AimsThe present study investigated the influence of childhood abuse and neglect on positive and negative psychosis-like experiences in adulthood and the potential moderating effect of the BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism.MethodPsychosis-like experiences and childhood adversity were assessed in 533 individuals from the general population.ResultsChildhood abuse showed a strong independent effect on the positive dimension of psychosis-like experiences (B = .16; SE = .05; p = .002). Furthermore, this association was moderated by the BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism (B = .17; SE = .09; p = .004).ConclusionsIndividuals exposed to childhood abuse are more likely to report positive psychosis-like experiences. Met carriers reported more positive psychosis-like experiences when exposed to childhood abuse than did individuals carrying the Val/Val genotype.Therefore, the observed gene-environment interaction effect may be partially responsible for individual variation in response to childhood abuse.