bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P03-49 - Efects of Rivastigmine Tartrate in Therapy of Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Djordjevic S. , Japalak S. 
Published: June 2010

ObjectivesExelon (ravastigmine tartrate) is dual, reversible cholinesterase inhibitor. FDA has approved its use in treatment of Alchaimer dementia and Dementia combinated with Parkison disease. In addition to this, results based on small clinical studies and case reports showed positive efects of rivastigmin tartrate in therapy applied in numerous pyschiatric disorders.MethodsIn this study 15 patients have been observed. According to ICD 10 they all satisfied criteria for diagnosis of residual schizophrenia and had a score of below 24 at MMSE and high scores at NPI 12 and BPRS. During the period of 60 days, apart from antipsychotics and anxiolitics or psychostabilisers, patients also received rivastigmin tartrate in their therapy.ResultsThe study showed that rivastigmine therapy produced significant improvements when it comes to cognition and reduction of disorders in the sphere of afective-behavioristic functioning of patients with residual schizophrenia. However, this interpretation cannot be confirmed to be completely valid due to the size of treated group, the absence of the control group, and the length of the observing period.ConclusionsDual cholinesterase inhibitors (Acetilcholine and Butirilcholine) may produce improvement in cognition and behavioural performances, as well as the general quality of life of patients diagnosed with residual schizophrenia. Future studies applied on this kind of patients should precisely explain the basic pharmachological mechanisams of rivastigmin tartrate, and approve/disapprove the results of clinical studies and case reports that have been preformed so far.
P03-55 - The Correlates of Subjective Admission Experience of Patients with Schizophrenia in Hong Kong
Authors: Fu C.K.J. , Chow P.L.P. , Lam C.W.L. 
Published: June 2010

ObjectiveAdmission experience has been shown to be related to insight and treatment adherence. We evaluated the clinical correlates of the Chinese Admission Experience Survey (C-AES).MethodsA four-week longitudinal correlation study was carried out to investigate the relationship between admission experience and clinical variables. The C-AES was administered to 40 patients with schizophrenia within 48 hours of admission as a baseline, followed by subsequent interviews at two weeks and four weeks post-admission. Degree of insight into disease, attitude towards prescription, medication side effects and psychiatric symptomatology were assessed using established instruments, namely the Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD), the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI), the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS), the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS). Regression by Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) was used to evaluate the relationship between the clinical variables.ResultsAn improvement in insight was associated with a reduction in perceived coercion (B = 0.261, p < 0.01) during the four-week treatment. An increase in atypical antipsychotic dosage in milligram of chlorpromazine equivalents predicted insight improvement (B = -0.001, p < 0.01). There was an associated improvement in attitude towards medication (B = -0.027, p < 0.01). These observations were independent on schizophrenic symptoms or extrapyrimidal side effects.ConclusionsImprovement in insight is associated with a reduction in perceived coercion and a more positive attitude towards prescription, and is predicted by a higher dosage of atypical antipsychotic.
P03-57 - Negative Symptoms and Functioning in First Episode Psychosis and Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: García J. , Segarra R. , Sánchez P. , Ojeda N. , Peña J. , Eguiluz I. , Gutiérrez M. 
Published: June 2010

IntroductionCourse and outcome in schizophrenia are heterogeneous. Numerous studies have shown an association between the presence of negative symptoms and psychosocial and occupational functioning of patients.ObjectivesTo analyse the prevalence of negative symptoms in the course of illness in first episode psychosis and chronic schizophrenia and to establish its relation with the functional outcome.Methods43 patients with a first-episode psychosis (FEP) from our area were compared with 43 chronic schizophrenic patients and 43 normal controls from a parallel area. They were matched one on one for age, gender and years of education. All subjects were compared regarding psychopathology and functional outcome terms. Patients were examined with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for clinical symptom. Longitudinal functionality was prospectively assessed with the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) rating scales.ResultsWe found significant differences between FEP and chronic patients in negative symptom severity (t = -4.97, p< 0.001) and global assessment of functioning (t = 7.58, p< 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in PANSS positive and general components or Clinical Global Impression. Negative symptom severity was associated with poorer GAF ratings in first episode psychosis and chronic schizophrenia.ConclusionsNegative symptoms appear to be persistent. In our study negative symptom severity was associated with social and functional impairment, defined as Global Assessment of Functioning Scale score of less than or equal to 60.
P03-58 - Determinants of Social Functioning in First-Episode Schizophrenia. A Prospective Follow-Up Study
Authors: Gorna K. , Jaracz K. , Wasilczyk U. , Smelkowska A. , Rybakowski J. 
Published: June 2010

ObjectivesComparison of social functioning of first-admitted schizophrenic patients with healthy subjects and evaluation of the influence of several socio-demographic and clinical variables on social abilities of patients, 1 month (T1), 13 months after hospitalization (T2) and 4-6 years after T1 (T3).MethodsA group of 74 schizophrenic patients: 46 male and 28 female; age 24.7 ± 6.7 and a control group of matched 52 male and 34 female subjects were enrolled. Social Functioning Scale (SFS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Global Assessment Scale (GAS) and socio-demographic questionnaire were used.ResultsIn all examinations SFS scores in the patients (T1 - 103.4; T2- 104.4; T3- 107.0), were significantly lower than in the healthy controls - 117.0 (p< 0.001). In longitudinal analysis, a mild improvement was observed in T3 SFS score and in its three subscales (p< 0.05). In cross-sectional analysis, better social functioning was associated with female sex, longer education, activity before admission, and better functioning in the pre-admission period. In regression analyses SFS at T2 was predicted by PANSS (27% of the variance) and at T3 by PANSS and duration of psychotic symptoms (20% of the variance).ConclusionsSocial functioning in schizophrenia is disturbed from the onset of the disease and may be mildly improved in the intermediate follow-up. The duration of untreated illness and severity of symptoms after the first admission, are the independent significant determinants of social functioning in early course of schizophrenia.
P03-59 - Personality in First Episode Psychosis
Authors: Gurrera R. , Salisbury D. , Mahowald T. 
Published: June 2010

ObjectivesTo compare “big five” personality trait dimensions in psychiatrically healthy individuals and first episode psychosis (schizophrenia and bipolar disorder).MethodsClinically stable patients with first episode schizophrenia (22M, 4F) and bipolar disorder (24M, 8F), and psychiatrically healthy subjects (101M, 36F), completed the NEO-FFI personality inventory. The NEO-FFI is a 60-item self-assessment questionnaire that measures the major personality trait dimensions of neuroticism (N), extraversion (E), openness (O), agreeableness (A) and conscientiousness (C); it has good reliability and cross-cultural validity (McCrae et al, J Res Person, 2004;38:179-201). Gender-specific T-scores were analyzed using standard multivariate statistical techniques.ResultsAs expected, age correlated with personality dimensions in the entire sample (N= -.144, p= .045; O= -.169, p= .018; A= .228, p= .001; C = .150, p= .037). MANOVA with dimension scores as dependent variables, diagnosis as a fixed factor independent variable, and age as a covariate demonstrated that schizophrenia and bipolar groups were statistically similar on N, A, and C. Both patient groups were significantly higher than comparison subjects on N and lower on A and C (see Figure). All three groups differed significantly on E (schizophrenia < bipolar < comparison), but no groups differed on O.ConclusionsPersonality deviations are present in first episode schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and are similar to abnormalities previously described in patients with more chronic illness.Fig. 1[NEO Dimension Scores by Group]
P03-63 - Frequency and severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms/disorder, violence and suicidality in schizophrenic patients
Authors: Hosseini S.H. , Zarghami M. , Moudi S. , Mohammadpour R.A. 
Published: June 2010

BackgroundThis study is designed to determine the prevalence and clinical severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms/disorder, aggression and suicidal attempts at the same time in schizophrenic patients with considering the severe anxiety, depression and substance abuse as confounding factors.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 100 schizophrenic patients who were diagnosed with structured clinical interview were selected with simple sampling. They were evaluated with Yale - Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y/BOCS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spilberger State/Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Scale for suicide Ideation (BSS) (in the case of recent suicidal attempt), and Overt Aggression Scale (OAS).ResultsObsessive-compulsive symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder and suicidal attempt were seen in 33%, 10% and 12% of patients respectively. Most common form of aggression was against others (55%). Patients did not have important differences from the Severity of schizophrenia, thoughts of suicide and aggression. There were no significant differences between severity of schizophrenia, suicidal ideation and overt aggression in patients with and without obsessive compulsion disorder/symptoms. Severity of overt aggression was related to patients' age and education reversely.ConclusionsHigh percentage of aggressive obsessions in this study and lack of significant relationship between severity of aggression and presence of obsessive-compulsion disorder indicates that these patients do not act on these thoughts.
P03-70 - Prospective study of correlation between psychopathological symptoms and quality of life of patients with first episode of schizophrenia
Authors: Jaracz K. , Gorna K. , Rybakowski J. 
Published: June 2010

ObjectivesAnalysis of correlation between psychopathology and quality of life (QoL) of schizophrenic patients during 4-6 years after the first psychiatric hospitalisation.MethodsStudy population included 74 patients. They were assessed at fixed time-points: 1 month and 13 months after the hospitalisation and 4-6 years after the first examination (T1, T2 and T3, respectively). The following instruments were used to assess symptoms, objective and subjective QoL: PANSS (5-factors), Social Functioning Scale (SFS) and WHOQOL.ResultsAt T1, the mean PANSS score was 62.4. Significant deterioration was noticed in all groups of symptoms, with the exception of cognitive functions. The greatest deterioration was observed in the negative symptoms and depression/anxiety. At T1, the mean SFS score was 103.4, while mean overall subjective QoL scored 3.3. During the follow-up period, significant improvement of SFS was noticed, with no meaningful change in WHOQOL and concomitant exacerbation of symptoms. QOL was particularly compromised by negative symptoms and depression/anxiety.Correlation between SFS and negative symptoms varied from -0.61 to -0.76, while those between SFS score and depression/anxiety - from -0.40 to -0.66. Correlation between subjective QoL and negative symptoms as well as depression/anxiety ranged from -0.31 (environment) to -0.64 (physical domain). To a large extent, symptoms were responsible for variance in both SFS and WHOQOL scores.Conclusions1)Clinical course of schizophrenia varied, depending on adopted criteria of evaluation.2)Negative symptoms and depression/anxiety had a particularly deleterious influence on QoL. The role these symptoms varied, depending on time elapsed since the first hospitalisation.
P03-72 - Disorders of sexual preference and schizophrenia
Authors: Kamenskov M. 
Published: June 2010

In order to create hypotheses about the relationship between the dynamic of paraphilia and schizophrenic disorders we conducted a study of 15 males. To all patients has been diagnosed disorders of sexual preference and other mental disorders of schizophrenic spectrum (paranoid schizophrenia - 46,7% and pseudopsychopathic schizophrenia - 53,3%).ResultsDynamic transformation of paraphilia (connection of new paraphilia‘s forms to already existing) has been connected with the psychotic symptoms and increase of negative symptoms of schizophrenia (r=0.51, p=0.03). Abnormal sexual imaginations appear during manifestation of schizophrenia in puberty age. A syndrome of a metaphysical intoxication, delusional depersonalization coexisted with available sexual perversion. In sexually mature age of patients with schizophrenia, dynamic transformation of paraphilia was associated with increase of negative symptoms. Anabatic of schizophrenia correspond with a degree of aggression sexual perversion. At episodic type of current paranoid schizophrenia with persistent but non-progressive negative symptoms in the intervals between psychotic episodes connected such types of paraphilias, as pedophilia, exhibitionism, visionism. At episodic type of current paranoid schizophrenia with a progressive development of negative symptoms in the intervals between psychotic episodes connected such types of paraphilias, as necrophilia, gomicidomania. In our research pseudopsychopathic schizophrenia combined with multiple disorders of sexual preference (exhibitionism and visionosm) only in two cases. In these cases we are showed connecting pedophilia.ConclusionPreliminary results showed relationship between dynamic transformation of paraphilia and clinic and dynamic of schizophrenia.
P03-74 - Individual genetic variation and response to antipsychotic medications
Authors: Kapur L. , Oruc L. , Pojskic N. , Ramic J. , Memic A. , Bajrovic K. 
Published: June 2010

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with relatively high occurrence in general population (around 1%). Classical genetic studies (Family, twin and adoption) undoubtedly prove its genetic etiology. On the other hand genetics studies are important in exploration of innate mechanisms responsible for specific response to antipsychotic medications. Significant differences in therapeutic responses to antipsychotic agents in patients suffering from schizophrenia were observed and therefore pharmacogenetics of antipsychotics represents main focus in current psychiatric genetics studies.This is particularly observed at polymorphisms in dopamine and serotonin receptor genes, but also some other biomolecules involved in signal transduction mechanism such are regulators of G-protein signalling in brain (RGS4). In order to test this hypothesis, association between certain variants of RGS4 linked polymorhic marker and responsiveness status towards antypsychotics was evaluated within the group of 52 psychiatric patients under antipsychotics treatment. No association between specific allele or genotype for RGS4 linked loci and therapeutical response using Fisher´s Exact Test was found (P>0.05).
P03-75 - Effect of family psycho-education on family cohesion, expressiveness and conflict of families of patients with severe mental disorders in Iran
Authors: Karamlou S. , Mottaghipour Y. , Mazaheri M.A. 
Published: June 2010

ObjectiveA considerable amount of data from Western culture suggests that negative family environment can increase the rate of relapse in patients with severe psychiatric disorders. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of family psycho-education intervention on family environment of relatives of patients with severe mental disorders in Iran.MethodUsing an experimental design, with pretest, posttest and a control group, families of 30 patients with severe mental disorders were divided into two groups: six sessions of family psycho-education (intervention group); and no treatment (control group). Family environment was assessed using Family Environment Scale (FES).ResultsResults showed that the family psycho-education program improved cohesion and expressiveness in family members (p< 0.01) but it had no significant influence on conflict (p>0.05).ConclusionFamily intervention increased cohesion and expressiveness, but it had no significant effect on total family environment score or conflict. One explanation could be that our short- term program focused more on communication skills of family members rather than conflict resolution. Resolving conflict is complex in families of patients and need more time to change. The present study confirmed the need for family psycho-education and availability of resources to offer longer-term family psycho-education program to families of patients.
P03-76 - Mild encephalitis inflammation subgroups in affective and schizophrenic disorders
Authors: Bechter K. , Reiber H. , Herzog S. , Fuchs D. , Tumani H. , Maxeiner H.G. 
Published: June 2010

ObjectivesLow level inflammatory Mild Encephalitis (ME) mechanisms were suspected in a subgroup of treatment resistant hospitalised affective and schizophrenic spectrum disorder patients.MethodsWe analysed albumin, IgG, IgA, IgM, oligoclonal IgG and specific antibodies in paired cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples from patients with affective (n=24) or schizophrenic spectrum disorders (n=39). Numerical and graphical interpretation of CSF protein data was performed by Reibergrams with reference to a large control group (n= 4100).ResultsIn 41% of the psychiatric patients (n=63) we observed CSF pathologies: 14% displayed intrathecal humoral immune responses, 10% slightly increased CSF cell counts (5-8/μL) and 29% had moderate blood-CSF barrier dysfunctions, in 24% as the only pathological sign with normal IgG, IgA and IgM concentrations in CSF (p= 0.9 testing the null hypothesis for intrathecal synthesis with reference to Qmean of the reference group). In the affective (n= 24) spectrum 20% displayed a systemic immune reaction as detected by oligoclonal IgG. In probable 6% of virusspecific, bacterial or autoimmune associated disorder with CNS involvement. Elevated CSF neopterin concentration in 34% of the patients was interpreted as an increased release from astrocytes or from other glia cells.ConclusionThe low level immune response and barrier dysfunctions are discussed on the base of a ME pathomechanism in subgroups of psychiatric patients. CSF analysis is shown to be a useful diagnostic tool for differential diagnosis in psychiatric diseases.
P03-77 - Development of a European measure of best practice for people with long term mental illness in institutional care (DEMoBinc)
Authors: Killaspy H. 
Published: June 2010

This session will describe the aims and progress of the DEMoBinc study and its potential impact across Europe. The project has led to the development of a toolkit (the Quality Indicator for Rehabilitative Care - QuIRC) for assessing the living conditions, care and human rights of people with longer term mental health problems in European psychiatric and social care institutions. The study has been funded for 36 months by the European Commission and started in March 2007. It involves 11 centres across 10 countries: UK; Germany; Spain; Czech Republic; Bulgaria; Italy; Netherlands; Poland; Greece; Portugal.The QuIRC assesses the provision of seven domains of care considered most important for recovery (built environment; therapeutic environment; treatments and interventions; self-management and autonomy; social inclusion; human rights; Recovery-orientated practice). A web-based version is under development that will provide performance reports for local and national care standard review. The QuIRC ratings have been compared against unit costs to give an assessment of the unit's value for money, and against service users’ quality of life, autonomy, experiences of care and markers of recovery to test whether it can deliver a proxy-measure of the unit's promotion of individuals’ human rights and recovery.Chair: Dr Helen KillaspySpeakers:Dr Helen Killaspy & Tatiana Taylor: “An overview of the DEMoBinc project and development of QuIRC”Sarah White: “Results of the QuIRC reliability testing, factor analysis and service user assessment”Dr Patryk Piotrowski: “The Delphi Exercise in Poland”Dr Thomas Kallert: “Development and use of QuIRC in Germany”
P03-78 - No effects of polypharmacy and antipsychotic dose on spatial working memory in schizophrenia
Authors: Kleisas S. , Theochari E. , Andreopoulou A. , Kalogerakou S. , Psaras R. , Karouzos C. , Tsaltas E. , Kontis D. 
Published: June 2010

ObjectivesAntipsychotic polypharmacy and high doses have been associated with poor outcome and increased adverse effects in schizophrenia. However, their relation to cognition has been poorly studied.Methods40 right-handed patients (mean age: 42.87 years; SD:10.57) with DSM-IV schizophrenia, were recruited in an acute psychiatric ward. They were assessed on the Spatial Working Memory test (SWM) of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III) at a time when they were able to cooperate with neuropsychological testing. The pattern of their pharmacological treatment was also assessed. Statistical correlation and Mann-Whitney tests were performed using the SPSS, as appropriate.Results18 patients were receiving antipsychotic polypharmacy (≥2 antipsychotics) and 22 monotherapy. 13 patients received an excessive (≥1000 chloropromazine mEq(CmEq)/day), and 22 a normal antipsychotic dosage. No significant difference was detected on any of the SWM performance measures between the two groups of patients receiving either polypharmacy or monotherapy. These groups did not also differ in the WAIS full scale, performance or verbal IQ scores. When the patients were divided into two groups receiving either an excessive or a normal dose of antipsychotics, these two groups also showed a similar SWM and WAIS performance. The total antipsychotic dose showed negative but nonsignificant correlations with the SWM performance scores.ConclusionsWe did not detect any influence of antipsychotic polypharmacy or excessive dosing on spatial working memory in schizophrenia. This finding supports the independence of working memory deficits from the effects of treatment in schizophrenia.