bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visuospatial training has positive effect on language abilities in children with Delirium diagnoses and inclusion of delirium-specific
Authors: Kiselev S. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionIt was shown that children with specific language impairments (SLI) have deficits not only in producing and understanding language but also in visuospatial abilities (Kiselev et al., 2016). We assume that training programs that are aimed to develop the visuospatial abilities can help children with SLI.ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to assess the impact of visuospatial training on the language abilities in 6–7 years old children with SLI.MethodsThe participants were 20 children aged 6–7 years with SLI. Children were randomly assigned to the intervention and comparison group. Children from intervention group participated in 8 weeks of visuospatial training. This programme trains the child to do different visuospatial exercises both on motor and cognitive level. This programme is built on the conceptual framework derived from the work of Luria’s theory of restoration of neurocognitive functions (Luria, 1963, 1974). We used the subtests from Luria’s child neuropsychological assessment battery to assess language abilities in children before and after the intervention period.ResultsAnalysis of covariance tested the effect of visuospatial training programme on five language subtest from Luria’s child neuropsychological assessment battery. Group differences (p<.05) were found for subtest that assess understanding prepositions that describe the spatial relations between objects. Posttest mean for the intervention group were significantly (p<.05) greater than the control group.ConclusionsIt can be assumed that visuospatial training in children with SLI benefits specific language abilities for understanding sentences with spatial prepositions.
Psychosocial rehabilitation for severe mental illness: A community project adjustable to the needs and resources of the population
Authors: Ramos S. Freitas , Farelo G. , Moura M. , Araújo M. , Carvalho S. , Ferreira F. , Quelhas R. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPsychosocial rehabilitation is a challenge in a society with demands unsuitable for those with severe mental illness (SMI). The Mental Health Department of Matosinhos Local Health Unity (MHD-MLHU) has developed a solidarity project aiming to evaluate and elaborate individualized rehabilitative responses with people with SMI, including people from the community motivated for solidarity initiatives.ObjectivesTo describe a psychosocial rehabilitation project focused on community integration of people with SMI, considering needs and resources of the population, and to present the individualized rehabilitation plans carried out for people with SMI.MethodsIn January 2019, we began the home evaluation of people with SMI monitored in the MHD-MLHU. To develop solidary based play-occupational groups, we interviewed people from the community and from the common mental pathology outpatient clinic willing to participate.ResultsWe present the description and evaluation of the psychosocial responses developed by the project. These responses include recreational-occupational groups, tailored to interests of each person with SMI, and using the community support group built for the purpose. These responses promote face-to-face activities, and enhance the destigmatization of SMI. The constraints resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic led to the creation of digital responses aimed at people with SMI and the community in general.ConclusionsThis experience has revealed the great potential of rehabilitating the community context of people with SMI, rather than just contemplating pre-existing structured responses. The pandemic created specific challenges but made the initiative even more relevant for SMI people and for promoting the mental health of the general population.
Effectiveness of social skills training conducted in a group of subjects with first-episode psychosis
Authors: Brando F. , Giordano G.M. , Bucci P. , Palumbo D. , Piegari G. , Mucci A. , Galderisi S. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionCognitive deficits are considered a key feature of schizophrenia due to their substantial influence on the psychosocial outcome of subjects affected by this disorder. Several studies showed that moderate to severe cognitive impairments, including dysfunctions of social cognition, are already present during the early phases of the illness, in subjects with first-episode psychosis (FEPs). Psychosocial interventions, such as social skill training (SST), could therefore be implemented already upon occurrence of the first episode of psychosis to improve the overall functional outcome of schizophrenia, which represents to date an unmet need in the care of these patients.ObjectivesThe study aims to evaluate the use of SST to enhance social skills and real-life functioning in FEPs.MethodsThe sample included 7 FEPs (age between 15 and 40). The SST intervention included 30 sessions lasting 2 hours and delivered twice a week. Psychopathology, neurocognition, real life functioning, functional capacity and social cognition were assessed at baseline ad after training. Paired samples t-tests were performed to evaluate the effects of the intervention. All subjects were treated with second generation antipsychotics.ResultsSignificant improvements were observed in negative symptoms, social cognition, problem solving skills, as well as in global functioning (all p<0.05). Within real-life functioning, the improvement was greater for the domain of interpersonal relationships.ConclusionsThese preliminary findings suggest that SST might complement pharmacological treatment in FEPs to improve functional outcome in these subjects. Further studies with a higher sample size and a longer follow-up are required in order to confirm the present results.
A model for the management of difficult to treat depression
Authors: Mcallister-Williams H. 
Published: February 2022

In this presentation a model for the management of difficult to treat depression (DTD) will be presented based upon a recently published international consensus statement (McAllister-Williams et al. 2020 Journal of Affective Disorders 267:264-282). This model emphasises the goals of: optimal symptom control – remission if possible; optimisation of psychosocial functioning; and optimisation of prophylaxis against relapse/deterioration in mood. Building on these goals, the model follows a number of principles. These include emphasizing the importance of shared decision making and measurement-based care, enhancing engagement and retention in services, self-management strategies and frequent re-assessments, all incorporated in an integrated service pathway. The model itself encompasses eight elements: 1. Optimal symptom control using conventional, guideline recommended, treatments but moving on to treatments beyond guidelines in an appropriate and timely way; 2. Targeting symptoms associated with poor outcomes, e.g. anxiety and pain; 3. Targeting symptoms associated with poor functioning and quality of life such as sleep difficulties, fatigue and cognitive dysfunction; 4. Screening for and managing physical, psychiatric, substance misuse and iatrogenic comorbidities; 5. Optimisation of long-term treatment; 6. Using self-management techniques to empower patients; 7. Using integrated health services to help provide a sense of containment and ensure wide consideration of treatment options; and 8. Establishing regular reviews of the patient’s diagnosis and treatment. Examples of each of these elements will be provided.DisclosureIn the last 5 years, R. Hamish McAllister-Williams has received fees from American Center for Psychiatry & Neurology United Arab Emirates, British Association for Psychopharmacology, European College of Neuropsychophamracology, International Society for A
Implication of substance use in suicidal or violent behaviours in a first episode psychosis spectrum disorder population : A 45 patients retrospective study
Authors: Bordas R. , Jourdan C. , Basso C. , Laffont E. , Pujol M. , Lamary L. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionIn First Episode Psychosis (FEP), Suicidal Behaviours (SB), Violent Behaviours (VB) and substance use are frequent respectively 10% to 30%, 34.5% and 50% (Pompili et al., 2011), (Tournier et al., 2013). The role of substance use in facilitating SB and VB is described (Large et al., 2011).ObjectivesWe aim to evaluate the impact of substance use in FEP patients. Our hypothesis is that substance use is associated with more SB or VB before first admission.MethodsFirst admission files of 45 patients diagnosed ICD10 F20 to F29 during the 2013-2018 period were retrospectively studied. SB, VB and substance use (Cannabis, alcohol and opiate/cocaine) before admission were collected. Correlation between SB and VB were tested with cannabis, alcohol, opiate/cocaine use with chi2 Pearson independance test.ResultsThe frequencies of suicidal behaviours and violent behaviours were 25 % and 22.7 %. The frequencies of cannabis use, alcohol use, opiate/cocaine use were 56.1 %, 10 % and 16.3 %. A strong significant correlation was found between opiate/cocaine use and violent behaviour, p = 0.011 Chi2 was 6.471 DF 1. No other significant correlations were found.ConclusionsSuicidal behaviours and violent behaviours are known to be more frequent in psychotic patients with addictive comorbidity. Our french rural hospital retrospective study confirms that violent behaviours in first admission psychotic patients are strongly associated with opiate/cocaine substance use comorbidity.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the lebanese arabic version of the BACS scale (the brief assessment of cognition in schizophrenia) among stable schizophrenic inpatients
Authors: Haddad C. El , Salameh P. , Hallit S. , Obeid S. , Haddad G. , Clément J.-P. , Calvet B. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe assessment of cognitive disorders in schizophrenia is becoming a part of clinical and research practice by using batteries that differ widely in their content. The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) was developed to cover the main cognitive deficits of schizophrenia.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess concurrent validity of the Arabic version of the BACS with a standard neurocognitive battery of tests in Lebanese patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls.MethodsA sample of 120 stable inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 60 healthy controls received the Arabic version of the BACS in a first session, and a standard battery in a second session.ResultsThe mean duration of completion for the BACS was 31.2 ± 5.4 min in patients with schizophrenia. All tests demonstrated significant differences between controls and patients (p<0.01). A principal components analysis demonstrated that a one-factor solution best fits our dataset (64.8% of the variance). A high Cronbach alpha was found (0.85). The BACS composite scores were significantly correlated with the standard battery composite scores in patients (r=0.78, p < 0.001) and healthy controls (r=0.77, p < 0.001). Also, the correlation analysis between the BACS sub-scores and the standard battery sub-scores showed significant results (p < 0.05). The Arabic-BACS demonstrated high ability to discriminate patients with schizophrenia from healthy controls.ConclusionsThe results showed that the Arabic version of the BACS is a useful tool for assessing cognition in patients with schizophrenia and could be used in clinical practice in Lebanon.
Metacognition, symptoms and general functioning in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Daoud M. , Thabet J. Ben , Bouali M. Maalej , Omri S. , Feki R. , Smaoui N. , Zouari L. , Charfi N. , Maalej M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPoorer metacognitive abilities are recognized as strong predictors of social functioning deficits in individuals with schizophrenia.ObjectivesThe aim of the current study is to examine metacognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia and to explore correlations between metacognition, symptoms and general functioning.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study involving outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and followed in the psychiatry “C” department at Hedi Chaker university Hospital, in Sfax -Tunisia, between may and december 2018. Sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic data were measured using self-reported questionnaires, and metacognition was assessed with the Metacognition Assessment Scale – Abbreviated version (MAS-A). The general functioning was measured with The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF).ResultsA total of 74 participants participated in the study. The average age was 34.1 ± 11.8 years and the sex-ratio was 1.6. The average score of global assessment of functioning was 49.39±10. Means and standard deviations on MAS scores were as follows: self-reflectivity 4.18 (1.46), understanding of others’ minds 3.20 (1.06), decentration 2.5 (1.8), mastery 2.54 (1.85), and the MAS total scores 12.42 (6.17). The results indicate that poor social functioning is associated with metacognitive difficulties (r=0.27, p<10-3). Greater metacognition was significantly correlated with fewer negative symptoms (r= -0.62, p<10-3), but metacognition was not significantly correlated with positive psychotic symptoms, cognitive disorganisation, excitement or emotional distressConclusionsThese findings underscore the importance of interventions designed to enhance the patients’ metacognitive capacities, that is, the more proximal capacities linked to poorer social functioning.
Predictors of poor adherence in schizophrenia
Authors: Bouali W. , Omezzine R. Gniwa , Soussia R. Ben , Younes S. , Zarrouk L. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionSchizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that requires long-term treatment. Non-adherence to antipsychotics is common and associated with poor outcomes.ObjectivesOur study is aimed to describe the therapeutic adherence and to identify the factors associated with poor adherence among schizophrenic patients.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted at psychiatry consultation of the university medical center of Mahdia, Tunisia. Data collection occurred between the months of January and March 2018, including patients suffering from schizophrenia. The evaluation of adherence was performed using the MARS scale (Medication Adherence Rating Scale).ResultsIn our sample of 131 schizophrenic patients, there is a male predominance (76%), as well as unmarried status (58.7%), unemployed (72%). The rate of non compliance treatment was 73%. Low levels of education, poor insight and polytherapy were associated to poor adherence. Although patients aged more than 40 years, who were married and diagnosed with undifferentiated schizophrenia were good compliant to treatment (p<0.05).ConclusionsWe suggest a proper treatment strategy for each patient based on the identification of non adherence risk factors.
Psychosocial characteristics influence the duration of hospitalization in patients with psychotic disorders
Authors: Velelekou A. , Tsomaka E. , Tsaras K. , Papagiannis D. , Papathanasiou I. , Fradelos E. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionSchizophrenia spectrum disorders are related with prolonged stay in hospital and high cost for treating them. As a consequence, the determination of the factors that affect the duration of hospitalization is essential.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study is the determination of the psychosocial characteristics of inpatients in a public psychiatric hospital and their association with the duration of hospitalization.MethodsA total of 103 patients with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia (according to ICD-10) participated in the study. The socio demographic characteristics were recorded and the following psychometric tools were used: NEO- Five Factor Inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC25), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF).All instruments were adapted to greek population. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.25.ResultsThe median length of hospital stay was 40,7 days. The number of previous admissions (p=0,010), the type of admission (compulsory or voluntary) (p=0,017), the physical restrain (p=0,043), the duration of restrain (p=0,002) as well as the existence of social support networks and in particular social support from friends (p=0,018), seem to affect the duration of hospitalization.ConclusionsThe present study underlines the signification of the psychosocial factors that could contribute to the prediction of longer hospitals stays, the planning of appropriate interventions and as a result the reduction of hospital costs.
Clozapine-induced parotitis: A case study
Authors: Kacem M. , Mami H. , Sellami S. , Moalla M. , Frej S. Ben , Bouzid R. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionClozapine is the drug of choice for patients with an unsatisfactory response to classic antipsychotic treatment. Little is known about the involvement of clozapine in the development of parotid disease.ObjectivesIdentify the clinical characteristics of Clozapine-induced parotitis through a case and literature review.MethodsWe report the case of a patient with a refractory schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type and who developed recurrent parotitis while taking clozapine. We conducted a literature review based on a PubMed search of articles published on this subject with the following keywords: ‘parotitis clozapine’.ResultsMiss W., 34 years old, suffers from a severe schizoaffective disorder that has been diagnosed for several years. She has received various psychotropic medications. She suffered from frequent relapses that required recurrent hospital admissions. One year ago, a diagnosis of treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder was made. The decision to introduce clozapine, associated with mood stabilizer treatment, was made on the basis of her treatment refractory symptoms. She experienced considerable sialorrhea after beginning clozapine treatment. Miss W. developed bilateral recurrent swelling over both temporal-mandibular areas after 6 months of treatment. It often appears after eating and lasts from 4 to 6 hours. There was no change in white blood cell count and she was afebrile. An otolaryngologist was consulted and a diagnosis of clozapine-induced parotitis was suggested. A spasmolytic and an anticholinergic treatment were prescribed and clozapine was continued.ConclusionsThis iatrogenic effect of clozapine must be recognized by clinicians in order to be better prevented.
Sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical factors associated with good performance in paired associates learning (PAL) test in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Taivalantti M. , Kerkelä M. , Halt A.-H. , Barnett J. , Veijola J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionMemory and learning deficits are central among cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. However, to a varying proportion ca. 20-25% of patients could not be considered deficit.ObjectivesDescription of sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical factors related to good performance in PAL-test in schizophrenia patients.MethodsParticipants (N=4500) were members of the Finnish SUPER study on the genetic mechanisms of psychotic disorders (SUPER). The database of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC 1966) was utilized as a reference data. Visual memory and new learning were assessed using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) Paired Associates Learning (PAL) test. The 50th percentile scores (10 error score or less) for outcome measure total errors adjusted (TEA) of NFBC 1966 was used as a cut-off for good performance in PAL test.ResultsThe sociodemographic and lifestyle factors related good performance for both sexes were: younger age (p<.001), higher basic education (p <.001), independent form of dwelling (p<.001), hazardous drinking (p <.001), cannabis use (p <.001) and being married (females p = 0.009, males p = 0.049). The clinical factors related to good performance for both sexes were not using antipsychotic medication regularly (p <.001), not using all psychotropic medication (females p=0.05, males p <.001), less hospitalization times due to psychosis (p <.001), younger age at first hospitalization due to psychosis (p <.001), lower number of hospitalization days (p <.001) and lower percentage of time in hospital after first psychosis episode (p <.001).ConclusionsSeveral factors related to good performance in the PAL–test in the crude analysis without any confounders.
Pregabalin addiction caracteristics at oran: A cohort study
Authors: Yasmine C. , Aicha D. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPregabalin is an analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Recent reports suggest illicit pregabalin use may be increasing among youth, however its addictive potential has not been well established (1).ObjectivesDrug seeking behavior and chronic drug use are associated with defcits in glutamate clearance and activation of postsynaptic glutamatergic receptors (2). Based upon multiple studies, we compare here the addiction and misuse risks of pregabalin with those of traditional psychoactive substances (3).MethodsUsers of pregabalin were identified from 1st January 2019 to 31 December 2019 in Oran Addictology service, at west Algeria. The aim of the study was to establish the addictive potential of pregabalin and to compare the addiction risks of pregabalin with traditional psychoactive substances in west Algerian population. Clinical diagnosis was established according DSM-5 diagnosis criteria.ResultsA total of 92 cases of pregabalin abuse or dependence were identified. The principal population at risk consists of patients with other current or past substance use disorders, for the most part opioid and multi-drug users, the age group were between 17-38 years old, mostly single men. The mean daily dose of pregabalin was 1200 mg. Almost all patients experienced withdrawal symptoms when pregabalin was discontinued.ConclusionsThe misuse of pregabalin often leads to abuse and dependence, mostly in the context of multiple drug addiction, especially in youth population.