bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Reaction Time in Schizophrenic Patients and Normal People
Authors: Homayouni A. , Nikpour G.A. , Khanmohammadi A. , Amiri S.J. Mosavi 
Published: March 2009

Introduction and aim:Based on clinical observations individuals with schizophrenia have deficits in a large number of functional domains, including social skills, social cognition, difficulties in perceiving, understanding, anticipating and reacting to social cues and deficient in social networks that are crucial for normal social interaction. (Yager and Ehmann, 2006). Disturbances and disorders in the domains are thought to explain impairments in social functioning that potentially have an direct link to social behavior, social function and interaction with others. in this field and for better and more understanding about schizophrenia, the study aims to investigate reaction time to stimuli in the field of light and sound attention and perception in schizophrenic patients and comparison with normal people.Method:Method of the research is experimental. 30 schizophrenic subjects were randomly selected from three psychiatric hospitals and compared with 30 normal subjects. Chronoscope apparatus was used to assess reaction time to light and sound stimuli. the apparatus assesses the light and sound stimuli in 0/001 seconds. Independent T test was used to analyze and compare means of experiment group (schizophrenic subjects) with control group (normal subjects).Results:Analysis of means showed differences between groups. Normal subjects were much more rapid in reaction and responding to light and sound than schizophrenic subjects.Conclusion:Findings showed schizophrenic subjects because of their affective and emotional disorders and depressed temperament that caused to disorder in abilities and functions, cannot response rapid to light and sound than normal people.
the Effect of Drug Abuse on the Duration of Acute Hospitalization in Schizophrenia
Authors: Ortega M.D. , Jimeno N. , Vargas M.L. 
Published: March 2009

Aims:Drug-induced psychosis and drug abuse/dependence in schizophrenia are new clinical problems due to the increasing prevalence of drug consumption in this population. the objective is to know if the abuse/dependence of illegal drugs may influence the duration of acute hospitalization in schizophrenia.Method:It was conducted a retrospective cohort study on a sample of 256 acute hospitalizations of patients with schizophrenia and related disorders in Valladolid (Spain) between 2004 and 2006. at the moment of admission 82 patients had active drug abuse/dependence and 174 did not. A Cox proportional-hazards regression model was constructed considering drug abuse/dependence as predicting factor and length of stay as result variable.Results:The mean length of stay was 12.2 days (SD= 7.5) in the group without drug abuse/dependence and 7.7 days (SD= 29.0) in the drug group (means difference p=0.05). When abuse/dependence of drugs is present, the risk of discharge at any moment during the hospitalization increases in 34% (p=0.04). When Global Assessment of Functioning at the moment of admission is included in the regression model, the results remain significant (risk 35%, p=0.047). Clinical status at discharge was significantly better for the drug users group. Drug users were more frequently at his/her first hospitalization (58.2% versus 35.2%; p=0.001).Conclusion:In schizophrenia, abuse/dependence of drugs is associated with a 34% lower duration of acute hospitalization. This fact might be due to a relevant proportion of drug-induced psychosis who recovers earlier than idiopathic schizophrenia episodes.
Effective Treatment of Risperidone-induced Hyperprolactinemia with Aripiprazole: A Series of Case Reports
Authors: Saitis M. , Papazisis G. , Katsigiannopoulos K. 
Published: March 2009

Background:In contrast to risperidone, aripiprazole seems to be less frequently associated with hyperprolactinemia or may even lower prolactin levels.Aim:We present three cases of risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia and resolution by aripiprazole.Material and results:Case1. Ms. A was a 31-year-old woman with schizophrenia who was treated with risperidone 4 mg/day. One year after risperidone treatment, the patient complained of galactorrhea, amenohrea and breast tenderness and prolactin level was 99.61 ng/ml. She was switched to aripiprazole 15 mg/day. Two weeks after aripiprazole treatment, the patient's prolactin level decreased to 6.74 ng/ml and she menstruated 1 week later. Case 2. Mr. B was a 23-year-old man with schizophrenia. He was treated with risperidone 6 mg/day. Five months after risperidone treatment, the patient developed gynecomastia and his prolactin level was 73.64 ng/ml. He was switched to aripiprazole 30 mg/day. Four weeks after aripiprazole treatment the prolactin level decreased to 17.10ng/ml and gynecomastia disappeared. Case3. Ms. C. was a 30-year-old woman with schizophrenia. She was treated with risperidone 3 mg/day. Nine weeks after risperidone treatment, she complained of galactorrhea and amenohrrea and prolactin level was 90.6 ng/ml. She was switched to aripiprazole 15 mg/day. Only 7 days after the introduction of aripiprazole, the patient's prolactin level declined to 19.6 ng/ml. Her menses resumed with 3 weeks.Conclusion:Aripiprazole maybe an effective treatment for resolution of risperidone-induced hyperprolactinemia.
Clinical Content of Schizotypal Personality Disorder
Authors: Klembovskaya E. , Fastovtsov G. 
Published: March 2009

Background and aim:«Schizotypal personality disorder» occupies a special position in the classification of mental disorders. It is not enough investigated, what kind of disorders they are like, their characteristics are, and how they differ from schizoid personality disorder and continuous sluggish schizophrenia. with the aim to define the clinical features of schizotypal personality disorder 58 patients were examined.Results:•Schizotypal personality disorder is similar to deficit states, observed at schizophrenia, clinically limited to personality sphere, without the signs of flow of endogenous process and psychotic disorders.•Schizotypal personality disorder on the clinical content reminds schizoid, but insignificant ideatory disorders are typical. Dymamic of psychopathy - disposition to decompensation - is never observed.•Schizotypal personality disorder can be diagnosed as latent schizophrenia, because the clinical picture is similar. the special value acquires a dynamic aspect typical of the endogenous process.•High quality remission of schizophrenia limited of specific personality changes, as a variant of «acquired psychopathy» can be considered as clinically identical to «schizotypal personality disorder».Conclusion:A content of Schizotypal personality disorder includes a group of disorders of schizophrenia spectrum, different originally, from shizofreniform personality disorders without the signs of dynamics to the different states of development of schizophrenia - initial (latent schizophrenia), and final (high quality remission of schizophrenia as practical completion of schizophrenia process with the formation of certain features of personality). It can explain the special place of «Schizotypal personality disorder» in the classification of psychic disorders.
Birmingham Risk, Resilience, Intervention Treatment and Evaluation Project
Authors: Melo S. 
Published: March 2009

Aim:To track the levels of emotional dysfunction, symptoms, risk and resilience factors and responses to treatment in the Ultra High Risk (UHR) group.Background:There has been an increasing interest in the study, detection and treatment of individuals at UHR of developing psychosis. MacGorry et al. (2003) have put forward criteria for identifying UHR, who have been found to have a 40% chance of making the transition to psychosis within one year (Yung et al., 1998). Research trials are ongoing to study whether CBT can prevent these individuals from developing psychosis completely, or at least delay its onset (Morrison et al., 2005).Method:100 participants (16-35 years old) were recruited and assessed from the Early Detection and Intervention Team (ED: IT) over a two-year follow-up period. Inclusion criteria were based on the SIPS (McGlashan et al., 2002). Participants were asked to complete questionnaire measures at baseline, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. the baseline measures were: Beck Anxiety Inventory; Beck Depression Inventory; Dissociative Experience Scale; Social Comparison Scale; Social Phobia Scale; Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and Eysenck Personality Inventory. the follow-up measures were: Trauma and Distress Scale; Childhood Trauma Questionnaire; other as Shamer; MOPS, RAAS: Pathways to care; Premorbid Adjustment Scale; Chart of life events and Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire.Results:Study is still ongoing.Discussion:Our preliminary findings seem to suggest that different risk factors have consistent detrimental effects on mood regulation and symptom contention. It might be possible to manage these factors in at-risk clients in psychological therapy.
Gender Differences of First Admitted Patients with Acute Psychotic Disorder
Authors: Murgulescu A.-M. 
Published: March 2009

Objective:The gender differences in aspect of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics have been analyzed in a sample of first admitted patients with acute psychotic disorder in an acute psychiatric hospital.Method:Retrospective sociodemographic and clinical data regarding first admitted patients diagnosed with acute psychotic disorder were gathered and analyzed.Results:Of all patients 52.7% were female and 47.3% were male. We analyzed gender differences in age of onset, marital status, education period, employment status, and time between onset of symptoms and admission in hospital. Female patients were older at their first admission than male patients, and more female patients were educated longer than male patients. Female patients tend to be married (30%) and employed (40%) at the time of their admission than male patients (11.1% married and 22.2% employed). the time between onset of symptoms and admission in hospital was longer for the majority of male patients (more than 1 year for 62.9% of men) than for the majority of female patients (0-3 months for 40% of women).Conclusions:There were gender differences in age of onset, marital status, education period, employment status, time between onset of symptoms and admission in hospital pointing to the role played by biopsychosocials factors in onset of acute psychotic disorder.
Clozapine - on the Level?
Authors: Natarajan S.P. , Lewin C. 
Published: March 2009

Aim:To discover whether clozapine is being prescribed and monitored according to accepted guidelines.Method:Sample size 30 with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia generated from a list of patients attending clozapine clinic. Clozapine levels were done prospectively from December 07 to March 08.Results:Of 30 patients, 73% were male and 27% female. 57% were prescribed >450 mg once daily and 50% had trough plasma levels >0.60mg/l. Only 21% were within the therapeutic range (as recommended by Clozapine Patient Monitoring System) 0.35-0.60 mg/l. 29% of patients had a plasma level < 0.35 mg/l. Only 10% had plasma levels checked within the last 6 months.Among 8 patients taking more than 600 mg of clozapine, 5 had an anticonvulsant prescribed prophylactically. among 14 patients with a plasma level >0.60 mg/l, only five had an anticonvulsant co-prescribed.Discussion:The outcome of this audit has wide implications from a medico-legal perspective. There is significant evidence implicating clozapine in the development of metabolic syndrome as well as potentially serious side effects including seizures. It is important that clozapine plasma levels are checked when therapeutic doses (Maudsley guidance: 450mg once daily) are reached and that anticonvulsant prophylaxis is considered at high plasma levels.
Episodic Memory in Schizophrenic Patients, their Biological Relatives and Normal People
Authors: Nikpour G.A. , Homayouni A. , Khanmohammadi A. 
Published: March 2009

Introduction and aim:In order to better understanding of the schizophrenia, the present study examines one of the most problem, memory impairments, specially episodic memory in schizophrenic patients, their biological relatives and comparison with normal people.Method:20 schizophrenic patients, 20 their biological relatives and 20 normal people were randomly selected and William's individual episodic memory test (WIEMT) was administered on them. in the research to the participants were presented 15 target words (5 pleasant, 5 unpleasant,5 neutral words). the participants were asked to recall a past memory associated with target words. ANOVA test was used to analyze the data.Results:Finding showed significant differences among groups. Majority of schizophrenics oriented to choose neutral and somewhat unpleasant stimuli (words) and recall their past memory with depressive and unpleasant theme and their relatives too. But majority of normal people choose the better and pleasant words with good and pleasant their past memory.Discussion:Our results reveal that deficits in episodic memory perception can be regarded one of the most prominent cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and should thus be taken seriously in both its diagnosis and treatment. So it stresses the importance of assessing memory function impairments in clinical settings. Also choosing the neutral (and not pleasant) stimuli (words) may cause tendency to depressed mood and it can impair social cognition in schizophrenia that may be an important predictor of social dysfunction.
CAPOPUS Trial: an Observer-blinded RCT of Specialized Addiction Treatment Versus Standard Treatment for Young Patients with Cannabis Abuse and Psychosis
Authors: Nordentoft M. , Hjorthøj C. , Fohlmann A. 
Published: March 2009

Background:A number of studies indicate a link between cannabis-use and psychosis as well as more severe psychosis in those with existing psychotic disorders. There is currently insufficient evidence to decide the optimal way to treat cannabis abuse among patients with psychosis.Objectives:The major objective for the CapOpus trial is to evaluate the effects of a specialized addiction treatment program adding group treatment and motivational interviewing to treatment as usual compared with just treatment as usual.Design:The trial is designed as a randomized, parallel-group, observer-blinded clinical trial. Patients are recruited through teams for early detection of people with psychosis, community mental health centers, and assertive community treatment teams. Patients are randomized to one of two treatment arms, both lasting six months:1.specialized addiction treatment plus treatment as usual or2.treatment as usual.The specialized addiction treatment is manualized and consists of both individual and group-based motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy, and incorporates both the family and the case-manager of the patient.The primary outcome measurement will be amount of reduction in cannabis consumption. other outcome measures will be improvements in psychosis symptoms, cognitive functioning, quality of life and social functioning, and cost-benefit of the treatments.
A 16-week, Multicentre, Randomized, Open-label Study Assessing Effects of Aripiprazole Versus other Atypicals for Schizophrenia Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Day-Poulsen H. , Thomas P. , Loze J.-Y. , Fortan L. , Kerselaers W. , Owen R. 
Published: March 2009

Background:Metabolic syndrome - a significant risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality - is twice as prevalent among psychiatric patients (21-63%) as general populations (20-24%). Although there is an inherent illness-associated metabolic risk, medications do contribute. Atypicals vary in metabolic risk from high (clozapine, olanzapine), moderate (risperidone, quetiapine) to low (aripiprazole, ziprasidone) (ADA, 2004). Few studies have comprehensively measured cardiovascular risk or directly compared antipsychotics. Limited controlled data show that antipsychotic-induced metabolic abnormalities may be reversible, rationalizing the switch to a lower-risk agent (DeNayer, 2004). Non-HDL-cholesterol encompasses all atherogenic cholesterols and provides a marker of CV risk: an increase of 29ng/dL in diabetics is associated with 50% increased risk (Jiang, 2004). Non-HDL-cholesterol is independently associated with increased risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction and angina.Aim:This study will provide cross-European data from 13 countries on MS rates in schizophrenia and will assess antipsychotic metabolic profiles and benefits of antipsychotic switching.Methods:In this ongoing, 16-week, open-label, European multicentre study, 258 schizophrenia patients treated for ≥3 months with olanzapine, risperidone or quetiapine and who have MS will be randomized to switch to aripiprazole (Week 1: 5mg/day; Week 2: 10mg/day; flexible 10-30mg/day after Week 2) or continue with previous antipsychotic. the primary objective is to demonstrate superiority of aripiprazole versus atypicals on mean percentage change of fasting non-HDL-cholesterol from baseline to Week 16.Conclusion:This study will provide the first direct and comprehensive comparison of metabolic risk with various atypicals in Europe and should impact the future management of schizophrenia.
Wandering in Brief Psychotic Disorders: A Case Study
Authors: Papanikolaou K. , Stilopoulos L. , Voura N. 
Published: March 2009

Wandering is a symptom present in a variety of psychiatric disorders.A case of a patient manifesting wandering in the scope of a brief psychotic disorder is described in this presentation.A 28-year-old male patient was transferred in the Acute Ward of the Psychiatric Hospital of Petra Olympus from the emergency ward of the General Hospital of Katerini.He was exhausted, filthy, and full of scratches, mentioning that while being with his girlfriend in a remote area, they were verbally attacked by strangers. Panicked, he ran away (this being the last thing he could clearly recall). from that point on, he was wandering in the forest disorientated and feeling threatened. He accidentally approached his village and sought for help.Upon his admission he had a good self, place orientation but he was disorientated in time and couldn't define the time period he had been wandering. (His relatives mentioned that he was missing for three days, confirming the incident he described). He presented persecutory ideas, auditory hallucinations and he was extremely anxious since he strongly believed that his life was in danger.He was free of psychiatric history, being functional till the day of the incident. His lab results were normal as well as his neurological examination, EEG and brain-CT. the test for substance use was also negative. He received medication with risperidone (3mg/day) and diazepam (15mg/day). Few days upon his admission he was free of symptoms and was dismissed within 10 days with diagnosis: Brief Psychotic Disorder on risperidone (2mg/day).
Positive and Useful Auditory Vocal Hallucinations: Prevalence, Characteristics, Attributions and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Rutten S. , Jenner J. , Beuckens J. , Boonstra N. , Sytema S. 
Published: March 2009

Objective:Patients who seek treatment often suffer from negative auditory vocal hallucinations (‘voices’). However, some of these patients also report positive or useful voices, that they wish to preserve. When this wish is neglected by their therapist, this may lead to rejection of therapy or low compliance. This study describes prevalence, characteristics, course of and attributions to these voices in psychotic and non-psychotic patients.Method:One hundred and thirty one patients of a Voices Clinic and 65 members of the Dutch Resonance Foundation were assessed with the Positive and Useful Voices Inquiry. Data were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Student's T-test and Crohnbach's alpha statistics.Results:First voices are most often reported as negative. the lifetime prevalence of positive voices ranged from 50 to 75%, useful voices were reported by 40 to 60% of respondents, with higher prevalences among the members of the Resonance Foundation. Positive voices occur more among non-psychotic patients. No significant association was found between voice characteristics and diagnosis. Attributions of protective power to positive voices has the strongest association with positive experience. Useful voices that are advising are experienced as most useful. Over 30% of respondents want to keep their positive and/or useful hallucinations. This wish is significantly associated with perceived control over the voices.Conclusions:The prevalence of positive and useful voices is considerable and therefore clinically relevant. A substantial part of patients want to preserve these voices.
Do We Need to Review Outcome Measures in Schizophrenia to Capture ‘Real-life’ Situation? [P03-197]
Authors: Shrivastava A. 
Published: March 2009

Introduction:Outcome measures in schizophrenia are defining aspects for deciding the status of recovery based upon which people’ scientific body forms opinions. It is also important in dealing with stigma related to schizophrenia. Recently the concept of ‘recovery’ and ’ outcome’ has come under scientific scrutiny. Literature does not show a consistent pattern in outcome. both short term and long-term outcome show variability, which is often, explained by cultural factors. It has been generally considered that devolved countries have poor outcome than developing, non-industrialized countries. This view has also been challenged recently. the paper draws from the conceptual aspects if our outcome measure are capturing ‘real-life’ situation. We conducted two studies in Mumbai, India:1.Study of stigma & discrimination, which brought out the facts of families’ expectation and disappointments with level of recovery.2.A 10 years long term study, to determine recovery status of recovered patients.80% patients and families felt that recovery is inadequate and short of social integration despite continued treatment in stigma study. in outcome study, 60% patients showed good recovery as per CGIS. These patients were reassessed on 13 outcome criteria's of Meltzer. It is observed tat half of the patients who recovered continue to live with symptoms, a quarter with varying suicidality and side effects, most of the patients were not socially integrated, majority have not returned to productivity, employment and education It is concluded that outcome criteria's need a thoughtful revision and a new perspective to capture ground reality.