bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Personal and social performance scale (PSP) in community-based patients with serious mental illness
Authors: Tsouvalas T. , Konstantinidou L. , Georgiou G. , Birmpili E.-M. , Nikolara R. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionPSP scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the functioning of patients with with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI).ObjectivesTo assess PSP performance in patients with SPMI.AimsRelapse prevention and maintenance of social functioning in the long-term management of SPMI.MethodsAssessments were made at the local CMHC on June, September and December 2009. Clinical and demographic characteristics were recorded.44 patients’ function per each domain was rated at six levels.The impact on total PSP scores of the following variables was examined (random intercept model): type of medication, gender, age, marital status, professional status, residence location, everyday living, follow-up visits and time under treatment.ResultsThe sample included 35. 80% male, 75% unmarried, 89% pensioners, 82% living with their families, 71% living in villages, 29% living in cities. Paranoid schizophrenia was the most frequent diagnosis.Statistically significant improvement from baseline to month 3 was showed for self care, personal and social relations subscales of PSP scale. Socially useful actions stabilized between month 3 and month 6, as well.The mean PSP scores increased from baseline to month 3 by 4.0 units (p = 0.012) and then stabilized. The mean score changed from month 3 to month 6 by approximately 0.1 units (P = 1.00).ConclusionThe functioning of patients with SPMI improved over time due to the monitoring by trained physicians and caregivers.The advices offered from the treating physicians towards functioning maintenance seemed to improve patients’ functioning.
Biochemical and biophysical aspects of the pathophysiology of first episode of schizophrenia
Authors: Uzbekov M. , Smolina N. , Syrejshchikova T. , Misionzhnik E. , Gryzunov Y. , Dobretsov G. , Tokarev V. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe knowledge of pathophysiology of first psychotic episode is still fragmentary.AimTo investigate some biochemical and biophysical parameters in first-episode, drug-naive schizophrenic (FES) patients.Methods26 FES patients (ICD-10; F 20.0 and F 20.3) and 15 age-and gender-match volunteers were investigated. Clinical severity of FES patients were assessed by PANSS scale. Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) and serum semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) activities, middle-mass endotoxic molecules (MMEM) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using respective methods. Steady-state and subnanosecond fluorescent spectroscopy were used for the investigation of albumin conformational changes.ResultsSeverity of disorder prior the treatment was 75.5 ± 2.2 (PANSS score). FES patients were characterized by significant increase in MAO activity (99%) and MMEM concentration (124%) and significant decrease in SSAO activity (26%) as compared with controls. Changes of albumin conformational and functional parameters (“effective” albumin concentration and “reserve” of albumin binding) estimated by steady-state fluorescent spectroscopy were insignificant. Factor analysis revealed that MAO and SSAO are more tightly connected with pathogenetic mechanisms of FES then MMEM, MDA and albumin functional parameters. Significant conformational changes of albumin of FES patients were detected using pulse fluorescent spectroscopy with subnanosecond resolution. Results are compared with the data received in chronic schizophrenic patients.ConclusionFrom pathophysiological point of view FES is the initial step in development of pathologically disturbed biochemical status characteristic to chronic schizophrenia. The study was supported by grant # 3156 from International Science and Technology Center (ISTC).
Impact of the “puente project” on the public disease expenditure of a patient with schizophrenia in belgium
Authors: Van Loon H. , Vandenbroele H. , De Bruyne S. , Glorieux M. , Wybo A. , Gillain B. , Dubois V. , Peuskens J. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionThe “Puente project”, rises up the adherence rate with 38% (1). The aim of the study was to analyse the economic impact of this disease management prgramme of patients with a schizophrenic disorder.Subjects and methods“Puente” stands for a programme of LAAP with active outreaching of patients with schizophrenia. The details of the data collection and the subjects have been described elsewhere (1).The hospitalisation rate and the length of stay of the 117 case control pairs have been compared. The cost of hospitalisation in Belgium, recently adjusted by De Ridder et al. (2), have been used in order to map the differences.ResultsThe number of hospital days totalised by 23 cases, was 2,152 days, in comparison to 6,371 realised by 42 controls,wich gives 18,6 hospital days per year for the cases and 38.9 days for the controls. Given an hospital cost per day in Belgium of 163.8 € per day, a crude saving of 3,328.5 € per case per year can be realised, correespondng with a net diminution of 2,428.5 € per patient year. Enrolling 1,675 cases per year, creates a saving of 4,066,533 € per year, an equivalent of 24,826 hospital days, or the cost of a psychiatric hospital of 85 beds occupied at 80%.ConclusionThe Puente programme realised a substantial drop in public patient expenditure of 3,328.5 € per patient year. This is a very strong argument to implement, to finance and to support “Puente” like disease programmes in Belgium.
Low rates of treatment of cardiovascular risk factors in patients treated with antipsychotics
Authors: van der Heijden F. , Steylen P. , Kok H. , Slaar A. , Verhoeven W. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionCardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in patients with severe mental illness (SMI). Patients are more likely to be overweight and to have hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. Antipsychotic medication can induce or worsen these cardiovascular risk factors.ObjectivesAccessibility to healthcare and adequate somatic treatment is limited in patients with SMI.AimsPrevalence of inadequate treatment for metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in patients treated with antipsychotic medication.MethodsA health monitor was introduced as a screening instrument in a schizophrenia treatment and recovery program (so called F-ACT) at the outpatient departments. Assesment included physical and laboratory examination, demographics, DSM-IV diagnoses, remission-criteria, social functioning, use of medication and drugs.ResultsOver a period of 18 months (2009–2010), 520 of the 600 patients included in the F-ACT were evaluated. Preliminary analysis shows that 452 patients met DSM-IV criteria of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. All patients were treated with at least one antipsychotic agent. Metabolic syndrome according to ATP-III was present in 50% of patients (60% abdominal obesity, 58% hypertension, 24% hyperglycemia, 52% high triglycerides, 49% low HDL-cholesterol). Rates of non-treatment ranged from 78% for hypertension, 85% for dyslipidemia and 48% for diabetes mellitus. Rates of inadequate treatment ranged from 69% for hypertension and 83% for dyslipidemia.Conclusions1.Metabolic cardiovascular risk factors are highly prevalent in patients treated with antipsychotics2.Inadequate treatment of metabolic cardiovascular risk factors is common3.There is a need to improve the cooperation between psychiatrists and general practitioners
Neurotrophic proteins and symptom profile in psychotic disorders
Authors: van de Kerkhof N. , Fekkes D. , van der Heijden F. , Verhoeven W.M.A. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundPsychotic disorders are highly prevalent and are treated with antipsychotics. There are no biological markers to predict or measure treatment effects. Research to neurotrophic proteins Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and S100B demonstrated association with psychotic symptoms and suggested association with treatment outcome and symptomatology.ObjectivesInvestigate the relevance of neurotrophic proteins BDNF and S100B in patients with psychotic disorders treated with antipsychotics.AimsPrimary objective is to investigate the relationship between serum levels of BDNF and S100B and symptomatology at baseline and after six weeks of treatment. Furthermore, a detailed evaluation of symptom profile and treatment effect is performed.Methods80 patients with acute and chronic psychotic disorder were evaluated during six weeks while receiving antipsychotic treatment of any kind. Symptomatology was assessed using CASH, PANSS and CGI-S/I. Biochemical parameters were determined at baseline and after six weeks. Symptomatology and treatment effect were related to biochemical results.ResultsPreliminary analyses show an overall treatment response of 19% (reduction of PANSS). A significant difference was found at baseline between patients with first-episode psychosis and patients with relapse or chronic psychosis (BDNF 12,4 vs. 21,7μg/l P ≤ 0,01, S100B 0,1055 vs. 0,05937 μg/l, P < 0,05). During treatment, serum levels of neurotrophic proteins returned to normal values in both groups.ConclusionsSix weeks of antipsychotic treatment results in a modest symptomatic improvement. In subgroups with first episode psychosis, S100B levels are higher and BDNF levels are lower. The normalization of both serum levels suggests an effect of antipsychotic treatment on brain neurochemical processes.
Clinical assessment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia through the schizophrenia cognition rating scale: A validation study in the italian population
Authors: Vita A. , De Peri L. , Deste G. , Barlati S. , Cacciani P. , Poli R. , Agrimi E. , Sacchetti E. 
Published: May 2011

Cognitive deficits are a core feature of schizophrenia and the need for a simple and reliable method for assessment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia is well recognized. The Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale (SCoRS) has proved to be a valid measure of neurocognitive performance and to correlate with the psychosocial functioning of schizophrenic patients. Aim of the present study was to investigate the correlations among global ratings of the Italian version of the SCoRS and measures of cognitive performance, symptoms severity and psychosocial functioning in schizophrenic subjects. We intended also to test the SCoRS sensitiviity to change over time, in relation also to changes of the above mentioned clinical, neurocognitive and outcome parameters. Forty-eight patients with schizophrenia (29 males, 19 female; mean age 39.1 years) were assessed at baseline and after three months of usual outpatient treatment according to the Italian community assertive treatment program, with the following instruments:1)SCoRS;2)comprehensive neuropsychological battery;3)the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale and the Clinical Global Impression;4)the Global Assessment of Functioning, the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale, the Camberwell Assessment of Needs scale.At baseline, SCoRS global ratings significantly correlated with the composite scores of cognitive performance, with positive, negative and total PANSS scores and with all measures of psychosocial functioning. Conversely, SCoRS global ratings did not change significantly over the 3-month follow up and the changes from baseline did not significantly correlate with the changes of neurocognitive, clinical and functional assessments over the same time period.
The quality of life of patients suffering from schizophrenia - a comparison with healthy controls
Authors: Vrbova K. , Prasko J. , Jelenova D. , Kovacsova A. , Latalova K. , Sigmundova Z. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundIn the past, the first goal of schizophrenia treatment was to reduce psychotic symptoms, mainly positive symptoms. Recently, as a result of an emphasis on patient needs, the concept of quality of life (QoL) has been brought into the treatment. The goal has therefore changed from the alleviation of symptoms to improvement of the patient's satisfaction with social activities. Self-evaluations by people with schizophrenia were previously thought to lack reliability because of the presence of psychopathological symptoms and poor awareness of the disease. Recently the importance of evaluating the satisfaction of patients themselves, however, has been recognized in schizophrenia. Studies on this field showed us, that QoL data from patients with chronic mental illness were reliable and concluded that subjective QoL evaluation was applicable to such patients.AimsThe purpose of the present study was to compare the QoL in patients suffering from schizophrenia in clinical remission with healthy controls and examine the extent of the effects of subjective cognitive functioning on QoL in these patients.MethodsData were obtained using the quality of life questionnaire (Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction - Q-LES-Q), and subjective questionnaire for cognitive dysfunction (Cognitive Failures Questionnaire - CFQ) for 40 schizophrenia patients in clinical remission and 40 healthy controls.ResultsCognitive function correlates negatively with subjective QoL in patients with schizophrenia.
Hope and symptoms in psychosis
Authors: Walder N. , Grant Hay A. , Sibitz I. , Amering M. , Mesic E. , Schrank B. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionHope is considered as an important factor in recovery from severe mental illness. So far it has been studied in patients with depression, anxiety disorders and post traumatic stress disorder, whereas empirical studies involving people with psychosis are scarce and their results are inconclusive.AimWe aimed at evaluating the relationship between(i) hope and positive as well as negative psychotic symptoms and(ii) hope and depression in people with psychosis.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study 148 patients with schizophrenia and schizo-affective disorder were interviewed by a psychologist who rated the positive and negative symptoms on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Hope and depression were measured using the self-assessment scales Integrative Hope Scale (IHS) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D).ResultsNo statistically significant correlation was found between hope and positive symptoms (r = .071, p = .414). Hope and negative symptoms, however, showed a statistically significant negative correlation (r = -.196, p = .023), as did hope and depression (r = -.255, p = .003). This latter relationship remained significant after controlling for negative symptoms in a partial correlation (r = -.216, p = .013).ConclusionWhile hope appears unrelated to positive symptoms, a significant correlation with negative symptoms and depression was found. These results emphasise the potential importance of hope as a target variable to support recovery in patients with psychosis. However, prospective studies are needed to clarify the causal relationships between hope and symptoms of psychotic disorders.
Neural correlates of disturbed motor behavior in schizophrenia
Authors: Walther S. , Federspiel A. , Bracht T. , Horn H. , Razavi N. , Strik W. , Müller T.J. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionMotor behavior is altered in schizophrenia. Most patients have less physical activity than the general population. We have shown that actigraphic means of motor activity are influenced by negative syndrome scores, schizophrenia subtype and antipsychotic use.ObjectivesThe neural correlates of reduced motor activity in schizophrenia are widely unknown.AimsTo elucidate possible mechanisms, we correlated objective motor activity with measures of grey and white matter structure, as well as resting state perfusion.MethodsWe report the results of four studies from our lab. Schizophrenia patients and controls were scanned using a 3 T MRI scanner assessing resting perfusion (arterial spin labeling), structure and diffusion tensor imaging. In all participants, continuous actigraphy was performed for 24 hours in order to measure motor activity.ResultsResting perfusion in schizophrenia correlated with activity in bilateral prefrontal areas in patients, while in controls correlations were exclusively in the ventral anterior nucleus of the thalamus. In both groups, white matter integritiy in various frontal regions and the corticospinal tract correlated with motor activity. The group difference, however, was the inverse correlation of integrity and activity underneath the right supplemental motor area in patients. Grey matter volume did not correlate with activity in controls, but it did correlate in the posterior cingulate in patients.ConclusionsInterindividual differences in brain structure and perfusion are associated with varying motor activity. Multiple imaging approaches point to altered cortical motor control in schizophrenia.
Study on the executive function and learning ability in first-episode schizophrenia patients
Authors: Wang H. , Liu X. , Fang Y. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionCognitive dysfunction was thought to be one of the core features of schizophrenia. And the executive function of the patients was paid more attention by more and more researchers and clinicians.ObjectivesTo investigate the executive function and the learning ability of the patients with first-episode schizophrenia, and their relationships with psychiatric symptoms.MethodsFifty cases of first-episode schizophrenia patients and fifty age- and gender-matched healthy controls were tested by a computerized version of Tower of London (TOL) test. The scores of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS) in the group of schizophrenia patients were over 60.ResultsThe numbers of the correct answer [x1 :(14.62 ± 4.12), x2: (14.80 ± 4.70)] during the first session and the second session of the TOL test of the patients group were significantly lower than that of the control group [x1: (17.48 ± 3.79), x2:(18.68 ± 3.19)], and the reaction times [t1: (9.27 ± 4.37) seconds, t2: (9.51 ± 5.58) seconds] of the two sessions of TOL were longer than the control group [t1: (7.28 ± 2.04) seconds, t2: (6.67 ± 1.51) seconds], P < 0.01. For the control group, x2 was significantly greater than x1, and t2 shorter than t1 (P < 0.01), while for the patients group, there was no difference between the performances of the first session and the second session. The scores of TOL in the schizophrenia patients were correlated with the negative symptom score of PANSS (P < 0.05) and were not correlated with the scores of other subscales of PANSS (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe executive function and the learning ability of schizophrenia are impaired and the cognitive dysfunction is correlated with negative symptoms.
Composition in schizophrenic artistic expression
Authors: Welcz H. 
Published: May 2011

The issue of composition in the artistic creativity of people suffering from schizophrenia has not been widely taken up by the researchers dealing with schizophrenic artistic expression. Those who wrote about the problems of composition mostly referred to familiar authors with schizophrenic disorders in the context of the course of their disease. The article aims to approach the issue of expression's psychopathology specifically dealing with the analysis of one element of the artistic work. Schizophrenic disorders provoke troubles with process of the arrangement, selection and information integration characteristic to specific thinking disorders of the delusional type. It is particularly visible in the composition of drawings and paintings.Most often one can encounter compositional presentations that have an open configuration based on symmetry which is predominantly figurative in nature, with ornamentation and decorative background. In the literature available in the Clinic of Psychiatry at the Medical Academy and Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Lublin there also prevail open figurative compositions based on symmetry with richer or poorer ornamentation. The issue of the composition's specificity in schizophrenic artistic expression is hard to judge objectively as most of the available works are shallow, schematic, open and without any depth or chiaroscuro. Difficulties in analyzing the compositional rules that are prevalent among people with those disorders are connected with the lack of objective methods, which could be helpful in working on that artistic material.
Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and cognitive performance in subjects with schizophrenia
Authors: Wysokinski A. , Kloszewska I. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionBDNF and NT-3 may participate in neurodevelopment abnormalities. It is not clear if BDNF/NT-3 levels differ between schizophrenic and healthy individuals. Cognitive dysfunctions form the core of schizophrenia and may result from neurodevelopmental abnormalities.ObjectivesAssessment of BDNF and NT-3 serum levels and cognitive performance in schizophrenia.MethodsStudy groups: 33 schizophrenic in-patients and 27 healthy subjects. Clinical symptoms: PANSS, HDRS, CDSS. Cognitive performance: Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Color Word Interference Test (CWIT), Trail Making Test (TMT), Digit Symbol Substitution (DSYM), Luria Memory Words (LMW). BDNF and NT-3 levels were assessed using ELISA method.ResultsPANSS, CDSS, HDRS scores (mean ± SD): 49.2 ± 16.2, 4.3 ± 4.4, 10.1 ± 7.6. Table 1 shows BDNF and NT-3 levels. Table 2 shows cognitive performance. Inter-variables correlations were found: BDNF-CDSS (r = −0.40, p = 0.03) BDNF-HDRS (r = −0.51, p = 0.003), NT-3-CWIT1 (r = 0.32, p = 0.01), NT-3-TMTA (r = 0.36, p < 0.01), NT-3-LMW30 (r = −0.33, p = 0.01).ConclusionsThere were no differences in BDNF or NT-3 levels between groups. Schizophrenic patients had lower cognitive performance. An association between BDNF and depressive symptoms was confirmed.
Experienced stress, self-efficacy, self-esteem and strategies of coping with stress and their association with clinical symptoms in schizophrenia
Authors: Wysokinski A. , Kloszewska I. 
Published: May 2011

IntroductionStress affects the development/course of schizophrenia. Inefficient coping may influence functioning.ObjectiveAssessment of experienced stress, self-efficacy, self-esteem and coping strategies in schizophrenia.MethodsStudy group: 33 schizophrenic in-patients and 27 healthy subjects. Scales: clinical symptoms - PANSS, HDRS; stress-related - experienced stress (SES), self-efficacy (GSES), self-esteem (RSES), coping strategies (COPE).ResultsPANSS, HDRS scores (mean ± SD): 49.2 ± 16.2, 10.1 ± 7.6. Table 1 shows SES, GSES, RSES scores, Table 2 - coping strategies (only significant differences). Inter-variable correlations were found: SES-PANSS (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), SES-HDRS (r = 0.69, p = 0.01), RSES-HDRS (r = -0.39, p = 0.02), COPE14-PANSS (r = 0.38, p = 0.03), COPE14-PANSS-P (r = 0.45, p = 0.008).[Stress, self-efficacy, self-esteem (mean score ± SD)][Coping strategies (mean score ± SD)]ConclusionsHigher experienced stress, lower self-efficacy and self-esteem were found in schizophrenic patients. Stress and coping strategies may affect/result from clinical symptoms. “Passive/avoiding” coping strategies were more frequent in schizophrenic patients.