bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified Completion Test (MCT) in Psychological Diagnostics of Patients with Paranoid Schizophrenia — Stage of Retelling the Story
Authors: Burlakova N. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe modified completion test (MCT) based on the stories by H. Ebbinghaus enables to assess cognitive functions in situation close to a real-life task with an affective load (Burlakova,2016,2020). MCT includes the following stages: 1) filling the gaps in the story; 2) reading and retelling; 3) making up a continuation and a title; 4) retelling the story and its continuation after 30–40 minutes.ObjectivesThe objective was to research diagnostical potential of the second stage of MCT for patients suffering from paranoid schizophrenia with hallucinatory syndrome.MethodsThe study included 42 patients (28 female, 14 male) with schizophrenia (disease onset at least 5–7 years ago), aged from 19 to 51 (average age 35±8), receiving treatment. Control group consisted of 44 people (average age 37±6), never sought psychiatric help, never diagnosed with any mental disorders. Groups were organized to be equal in gender proportions, age, and educational level.ResultsIn comparison to the control group, the psychiatric patients demonstrated: 1) lower connectedness in narration, lower ability to reproduce main elements of the plot; 2) unusual logic in introduction of new details, extensiveness of such details; 3) lower integrity of mnestic functions, lower ability to maintain concentration. The clinical group: 1) imposed on the text principally different logic, subjectively significant, yet far from the original context; 2) suddenly introduced of new ideas; 3) had confabulations; 4) were altiloquent.ConclusionsThe stage of retelling enables to assess semantic memory, regulatory functions, connectedness of the narration, cogitation and to examine cognitive functions in the context of patient’s personality.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
High-frequency rTMS in the treatment of depressive symptoms in schizophrenia: a neurophysiological profile of respondents and nonresponders
Authors: Kaleda V. , Pomytkin A. , Lebedeva I. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionDepressive symptoms in schizophrenia have a high prevalence – up to 20-60 %, at the different illness stages. Non-pharmacological treatment, namely rTMS, seems like a promising approach that lacks side-effects typical for antidepressants. RTMS is widely applied in the treatment of depression, however the studies within schizophrenia domain are still rather fewObjectivesThe aim was to examine a potential of neurophysiological data for prediction of the effects of rTMS in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia with depressive symptomsMethods20 male patients with schizophrenia (F20.004, F20.014, F20.414, ICD–10) were examined at the stage of incomplete remission with predominance of prolonged (more than 6 months) treatment resistant depressive symptoms. An examination (clinical and neurophysiological (oddball ERP and EEG) fragments)) was repeated twice - before and after a course of 10 Hz rTMS (left DLPC, 2000 pulses per session, 15 sessions).ResultsPoor outcome was associated with initially higher coherence in alpha and lower - in beta1 EEG bands. The amplitudes of non-target N100 and mismatch negativity didn’t differ the groups of responders and nonrespondersConclusionsThe disturbances within brain networks of beta1 and alpha generators merit attention as potential neurophysiological markers with predictive value in rTMS treatment of patients with schizophrenia with depressive symptoms.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
DNA-hydrolyzing catalytic IgGs from schizophrenia patients do not affect cell viability of the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line
Authors: Epimakhova E. , Ermakov E. , Kazantseva D. , Parshukova D. , Dmitrieva E. , Smirnova L. , Ivanova S. , Semke A. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionDNA-hydrolyzing catalytic IgGs have caspase-dependent cytotoxic effects in autoimmune diseases. Recently, DNA-hydrolyzing IgGs have been discovered in schizophrenia. However, their cytotoxic properties have not been studied.ObjectivesTo assess the effect of serum IgGs with DNA-hydrolyzing activity of schizophrenia patients on the cell viability of the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line.MethodsSerum of 8 patients with paranoid schizophrenia in the acute phase and 7 mentally and somatically healthy persons were used. IgG was purified from serum by affinity chromatography on Protein-G-Sepharose columns. The DNA hydrolyzing activity of IgG was assessed by the degree of hydrolysis of the pBluescript plasmid. The cell viability of the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line after exposure to purified IgG preparations was assessed by high-throughput screening on the CellInsight CX7 platform (Thermo Scientific, USA) using the fluorescent dyes propidium iodide and Hoechst.ResultsOf the 8 IgG preparation obtained, 4 drugs had high DNA-hydrolyzing activity. All tested IgG preparations from healthy donors were inactive. One-way ANOVA analysis of the proportion of dead cells of the SH-SY5Y line after exposure to antibodies (0.1 mg/ml) showed no significant differences in the proportion of dead cells (p=0.688 after 24 hours; p=0.831 after 48 hours). Similar results were obtained at a higher concentration of antibodies - 0.2 mg/ml.ConclusionsThus, it has been shown in vitro that IgGs isolated from the serum of schizophrenia patients with or without DNA-hydrolyzing activity does not exhibit cytotoxic properties against the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line. Support by Grant of RSF № 18-15-00053P.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole for olanzapine-induced hyperprolactinemia
Authors: Bise S. , Sulejmanpasic G. , Hrnjica A. , Šarkić-Bedak Š. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionHyperprolactinemia is a common unwanted antipsychotic-induced adverse effect, particularly in female patients, and can induce poor adherence to treatment. Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic with partial agonist activity over the dopamine D2 receptors which can be effective in reducing hyperprolactinemia in patients treated with antipsychotics.ObjectivesWe investigate the efficacy of adjunctive treatment with aripiprazole for olanzapine-induced hyperprolactinemia and related hormonal side effects (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea) in female patients with schizophrenia.MethodsEight female patients (22 to 40 years old) participated in this study with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and hyperprolactinemia-related hormonal side effects (amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea). Patients were treated with aripiprazole 10 mg/day added to a fixed olanzapine dose of 20 mg/day. Serum prolactin levels were measured at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Symptoms and side effects were assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impressions Severity scale, Barnes Akathisia Scale.ResultsAdjunctive treatment with aripiprazole resulted in significantly lower prolactin levels beginning at week 2. 87.5 % of patients at week 8 had prolactin levels normalize. Among 8 patients with menstrual disturbances, 75% of patients regained menstruation during the study. No significant changes were observed regarding psychopathology and adverse effect ratings.ConclusionsAdjunctive aripiprazole treatment is effective for resolving olanzapine-induced hyperprolactinemia and reinstatement of menstruation in female patients, provides significant improvement and it appears to be safe with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, without increased risk of adverse effects.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia: Are there Adequate Pharmacological Treatments?
Authors: Vasiliu O. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionThe ongoing debate regarding the treatment efficacy for negative and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia is a subject of continuous frustration among psychiatrists. These symptoms are reputedly hard to tackle therapeutically and their impact on long-term functional prognosis made them an important target for the maintenance treatment.ObjectivesTo review the literature in order to find the most adequate treatment options for negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.MethodsA literature review was performed through the main electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, www.clinicaltrials.gov) using the search paradigm “schizophrenia” AND “negative symptoms” AND “cognitive symptoms” AND “pharmacological treatment”. All papers published between January 2000 and August 2021 were included.ResultsThe efficacy of atypical antipsychotics over cognitive dysfunctions in schizophrenia decreases with time, without significant differences between the agents. Clozapine, amisulpride, olanzapine, and risperidone have superior efficacy over positive and negative symptoms, with small to moderate effect sizes. Meta-analyses show decreased severity of negative symptoms during treatment with atypical antipsychotics, especially with clozapine, amisulpride, olanzapine, zotepine, and risperidone. Atypical antipsychotics had a superior effect over neurocognitive domains when compared to the typical antipsychotics. Newer atypical antipsychotics, with partial D2/D3 agonism, are preferred to other atypical agents, although based on a low level of evidence. Antidepressants, especially mirtazapine, may be a solution for negative symptoms, while modafinil/armodafinil is also useful as an add-on.ConclusionsAlthough new therapeutic options are explored, there is a paucity of encouraging results from the pipeline regarding the treatment efficacy over negative/cognitive symptoms.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Does smoking affect the prevalence of caffeine use in schizophrenia?
Authors: Becerra Darriba H. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionCaffeine acts as a competing antagonist of adenosine receptors, increasing the release of norepinephrine and the activation of noradrenergic neurons. Long-standing schizophrenia patients frequently develop a comorbidly high daily caffeine intake. This could be explained by its relationship with smoking [1,2].ObjectivesTo determine caffeine consumption in schizophrenia and predisposing factors.MethodsCross-sectional study designed on a sample of 68 outpatients with a follow-up of at least 5 years at the Mental Health Unit, aged between 18 and 65 years, diagnosed with schizophrenia (ICD-10). Average daily caffeine intake was quantified by reference values for each beverage: coffee (66.7mg/100ml), tea (30mg/100ml), soft or energy drinks (11.5mg/100ml). High intake was defined as a consumption of ≥200mg of caffeine per day. Retrospective review of medical records revealed tobacco use and negative symptoms observed on the PANSS scale. Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS v21.0 (significance p<0.05).Results88.2% of the subjects were daily caffeine consumers with a mean intake of 146.7mg/day (SD=5.8), and a mean consumption time of 6.2 years. Coffee was the predominant beverage in 66.7% of the cases, followed by soft or energy drinks (25%) and tea (0.1%). 45% of participants also had a high caffeine intake of ≥200 mg/day. Comorbid smoking was found in 93% of these patients. Negative symptomatology prevailed among caffeine consumers (PANSS-N= 41.3).ConclusionsXanthine abuse seems to be highly prevalent in people with schizophrenia, and there may be a relationship with smoking and negative psychotic symptoms.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Research in Mental Health During the Pandemic
Authors: Gaughran F. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract BodyAll healthcare had to rapidly adjust to covid-19; remote options were implemented at pace and unnecessary face to face contact minimised, with infection prevention and control taking primacy. Many research projects were suspended and some clinical researchers moved to frontline care. For psychiatric academic trainees, covid-19 affected recruitment, and risked delaying work on research degrees such as PhDs, potentially beyond the timeframe of a grant, leading to funding uncertainties. Those valuable casual conversations with senior colleagues in the café stopped and with many schools closed, parents had extra pressures on their time at home. In the UK the government prioritised “Urgent Public Health” (UPH) studies and took a co-ordinated approach to research approvals and recruitment strategies, contributing to the success of covid-19 platform trials such as RECOVERY. While initially only a minority of UPH studies were open to people with serious mental illnesses, now the effect of the pandemic on mental health has become a research priority. In parallel, service planners recognised the value of emergent research in informing decision-making creating de facto learning health systems. While covid-19 interrupted research as we knew it, it necessitated new ways of working, some of which will persist. These included an increase in remote data collection, allowing greater access to research opportunities for potential participants, along with more efficient research approval and evidence dissemination pathways.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Folie en Famille: A Case Report of Shared Delusory Parasitosis
Authors: Al Siaghy A. , Zoghbi Y. , Azeem M. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionDelusional parasitosis, first documented in 1946, is a rare psychiatric illness described as both a stand-alone diagnosis, as well as a secondary condition to an underlying psychiatric or medical pathology, or substance use. Interestingly, the fixed false belief of being infested has also been identified in partners of individuals with the disease, and in some cases the delusion permeated families and was thus given the name “folie en famille”.ObjectivesTo describe the first reported case of delusional disorder, somatic type, with similar delusional symptoms in the patient’s husband, in the State of Qatar.MethodsPatient and her husband were interviewed. Her file was reviewed for past history and medications.Results34-year-old female with no past psychiatric history, 5 months post-partum, reported fixed beliefs of insect infestation in her baby’s skin, hers, and her husband’s, of 2 months duration. She reports a pruritic rash, and perceives proliferating insects in different life stages. The family relocated 5 times in 2 months. They bathe in vinegar several times a day to exterminate the insects. Husband mirrors her account of infestation with milder symptoms. Repeated medical investigations were insignificant. OCD, mood disorder, and other psychotic illnesses were ruled out.ConclusionsDelusional parasitosis presents a unique therapeutic challenge to psychiatrists. It is necessary to build rapport with patients, rule out comorbidities, and conduct randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of psychotropic drugs in its treatment. In cases of shared delusions, identifying the primary patient is crucial for treatment of all the individuals that share the delusion.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Antipsychotics induced constipation in patients with mental disorders. treatment suggestion with prucalopride in refractory cases. case report and literature review
Authors: Mpouras P. , Argitis P. , Pikou O. , Karampas A. , Karavia S. , Kakavitsas F.-E. , Chaviaras Z. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionSuccessful stabilization of patients with mental disorders requires most of the times the use of more than one antipsychotic medications with increase prevalence of clozapine in refractory cases. Constipation consists one of the most debilitating side effect of the therapy, which gradually progresses to a chronic state of bowel movement dysfunction, with recurrent episode of paralytic ileus of various severity.ObjectivesWe describe the case of a middle age male treated with clozapine for refractory mental disorder, who developed ileus and subsequent bowel dysfunction not amenable to laxatives.MethodsThe acute episode have been treated conservatively with nasogastric decompression, intravenous replacement of fluids and electrolytes, antibiotics chemoprophylaxis and low molecular weight heparin. His overall physical status was unremarkable for obesity, diabetes, hypertension, allergies, previous operations and a former endoscopic evaluation conducted in the recent past, which had ruled out malignant neoplastic disease.ResultsA course of per os prucalopride have been instituted, which showed preliminary promising results in restoring proper bowel movements, without any serious side effect and without the need to discontinue his course with antipsychotics. Prucalopride is a 5 HT4 agonist which selectively binds to the receptors of the intestine, resulting in muscular contractions as well as clorium secretion from the mucosa promoting an osmotic defecation.The substance has been extensively use in the treatment of irritable bowel disease of the chronic constipation type.ConclusionsWe suggest the more systematic use of this agent in this group of patients after proper endoscopic evaluation and restoration of all secondary causes of constipation.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Clinical factors affecting functioning in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Neily C. , Charfi N. , Smaoui G. , Feki N. , Omri R. , Zouari L. , Ben Thabet J. , Maâlejboauli M. , Maalej M. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionSchizophrenia is often associated with impaired functioning abilities due to its disabling symptoms.Objectivesto determine the clinical factors that impact the functioning in stabilized patients withschizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. It was carried out on an outpatient population with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder diagnosis. We used the Functional Assessment Staging Scale (FAST) to measure the functional capacity, the PANSS to assess psychosis symptom severity and the Calgary scale to screen for comorbid depression.ResultsSeventy-five patients were included with 61 males (81.3%).The mean age was 39.81 ± 9.96 years. The mean sore of the Fast scale was 33 ± 14.95. 90% of our patients scored higher than 11 on the FAST scale revealing a functioning deficiency. 18.7% scored higher than 6 on the Calgary scale revealing a comorbid depression .No significant correlations were found between the FAST score and the age of patient, the gender,the age of onset of psychosis, the duration of untreated psychosis and the number of life-time episodes. Scores of PANSS were significantly higher among patients with a functioning deficiency (p<0.00).No significant correlation was found between the FAST score and the Calgary score.Conclusions
Our study suggests that the severity of residual positive and negative symptoms affects negatively the functioning of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Thus, targeting those symptoms in the treatment may have significant functional benefits.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Early Career Psychiatrists in Europe During COVID-19 Outbreak: Results of The EPA ECPC-EFPT Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Gondek T. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract BodyThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives and work of Early Career Psychiatrists (ECPs). Some had to revamp their professional life, start using telepsychiatry without prior training, change their workplace during the pandemic, or were quarantined. Others were not able to complete their training or take obligatory courses as planned. The aim of the study was to understand the impact of the pandemic on education and professional development, working conditions and wellbeing of ECPs, as well as their attitude to telepsychiatry. The anonymous, 24-question cross-sectional survey was conducted by the European Psychiatric Association Early Career Psychiatrists Committee (EPA ECPC) and the Task Force on Meetings and Associations with the collaboration and support of the European Federation of Psychiatric Trainees (EFPT). 517 participants from 39 different countries (member states of the Council of Europe) have been included in the analysis. Statistical analyses have been performed. Final results will be presented during the symposium. Identifying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ECPs will help us better prepare for similar events in the future, equip them with the necessary skills and provide them with the right support.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
A case report of de novo psychosis after epilepsy surgery
Authors: Adão C. , Rodrigues D.F. , Sequeira A.S. , Trindade P. , Velosa A. 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionEpilepsy is a common and severe neurologic condition, with a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity. Epilepsy surgery has been used for its treatment, resulting in remission or significant reduction of crisis. An improvement of previously existing psychopathology has been more frequently described, however its exacerbation or de novo psychopathology post-surgery has also been reported. The prevalence rate for post-surgery psychosis is 1.1%. There are no clear risk factors associated to this condition, or a proposed pathological mechanism. However, most cases described in the literature are of patients submitted to temporal lobectomy.ObjectivesDescription of a clinical case of a first-episode psychosis post-epilepsy surgery and review of the literature.MethodsDescription of a clinical case. Non systematic review of the literature, searching the terms “psychiatric”; “psychosis”; “epilepsy surgery” in the databases Pubmed, Medline and Cochrane.ResultsMale, 29-year-old patient, diagnosed with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. Neuropsychiatric history of mixed adaptation disorder, treated with escitalopram 10 mg daily. Submitted to anterior temporal lobectomy with no complications. On the 6th day post-surgery, he developed persecutory and self-referent delusions. There’s no evidence of other causal factors. Treated with paliperidone 3 mg daily with symptom remission after one week. The diagnosis of brief psychotic disorder was made.ConclusionsWe present a case of a de novo psychotic disorder, a rare complication of epilepsy surgery. In the future, it might be interesting to study this association in detail, with the goal of deepening the knowledge of the neurobiology of psychosis, particularly the involvement of temporal circuits.DisclosureNo significant relationships.