bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impairment of motivation in patients with schizophrenia and the development of a program for their psychosocial treatment
Authors: Mitikhin V. , Yastrebova V. , Nochevkina A. , Alieva L. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionReduced motivation in schizophrenia is expressed is as the reduction of activity and social functioning.ObjectivesAssessment of motivation in patients with schizophrenia and development to their psychosocial treatment.MethodsClinical, psychometric (URICA, PSP, PANSS), statistical. Included 100 patients diagnosed with schisophrenia F.20-29(ICD-10) with various levels of deficit.ResultsThe analysis showed the connection between the intensity of negative disorders of the patients with the level of their motivations: in the group of patients with severe deficiency (pseudoorganic), a decrease in the level of motivation was found: the score of the «Precontemplation» stage of the URICA scale (56.20 ± 9.29) was higher (P <0.001). Patients with moderate deficit (diminished schizoid) changes were distinguished by high motivation, high scores on the «Action» (49.34 ± 8.22, P <0.005) and «Maintenance» scale (52.43 ± 10.51, P <0.005). A negative correlation was established between the indicators of patient motivation and the PANSS scale: will disorders (r = -0.75, P <0.01), social withdrawal (r = -0.64, P <0.01), blunted affect (r = -0.62, P<0.005), etc. High positive correlation found between motivation rating and PSP scores in socially activity (r = 0,74, P <0,005) and social relationships (r = 0,65, P <0,01). We have developed a comprehensive program of psychosocial treatment, including compliance therapy, motivational, cognitive and social skills training, destigmatization actions and an assessment of its effectiveness.ConclusionsThe developed rehabilitation program showed high efficiency: increasing motivation, reducing self-stigmatization, developing communication skills, improving social functioning and cognitive sphere in patients with schizophrenia.
Different alternations of static and dynamic brain regional topological metrics in schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Luo L. , Yang Y. , Gong Q. , Li F. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThough schizophrenia (SZ) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are conceptualized as distinct clinical entities, they do have notable symptom overlap and a tight association. Graph-theoretical analysis of the brain connectome provides more indicators to describe the functional organization of the brain, which may help us understand the shared and disorder-specific neural basis of the two disorders.ObjectivesTo explore the static and dynamic topological organization of OCD and SZ as well as the relationship between topological metrics and clinical variables.MethodsResting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 31 OCD patients, 49 SZ patients, and 45 healthy controls (HC) were involved in this study (Table 1). Using independent component analysis to obtain independent components (ICs) (Figure 1), which were defined as nodes for static and dynamic topological analysis.ResultsStatic analysis showed the global efficiency of SZ was higher than HC. For nodal degree centrality, OCD exhibited decreased degree centrality in IC59 (located in visiual network) (P = 0.03) and increased degree centrality in IC38 (located in salience network) (P = 0.002) compared with HC. Dynamic analysis showed OCD exhibited decreased dynamics of degree centrality in IC38 (P = 0.003) compared with HC, which showed a negative correlation with clinical scores in OCD. While SZ showed decreased dynamics of degree centrality in IC76 (located in sensory motor network) compared with OCD (P=0.009), which showed a positive correlation with clinical scores in SZ (Figure 2).ConclusionsThese changes are suggestive of disorder-specific alternation of static and dynamic brain topological organization in OCD and SZ.
Association of separate components of the metabolic syndrome and suicidal risk in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Gerasimova V. , Kornetova E. , Kornetov A. , Mednova I. , Kornetov N. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionPatients with schizophrenia have increased cardiovascular and suicide risk. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is widespread in this group, however, there are no unambiguous data on the relationship between the separate components of metabolic syndrome and suicide risk.ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between the separate components of the MetS and suicide risk in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsWe examined 64 patients with schizophrenia. All patients received antipsychotic therapy in doses comparable in chlorpromazine equivalents. We measured serum levels of lipids, glucose and insulin. The visceral fat level was determined through the non-invasive bioimpedance analysis with an “Omron BF508” scale and body composition monitor. Suicide risk was assessed using Beck Hopelessness Inventory. There were identified two groups of examined: with MetS and without MetS. In both groups were distinguished two subgroups: patients with normal range of hopelessness and patients with mild and moderate hopelessness. Subgroups were compared among themselves for a number of anthropometric, biochemical and clinical indicators. Statistical analysis was conducted using Mann-Whitney U-test. Reliability level corresponded to p<0.05. This study was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation 18-15-00011.ResultsWaist circumference, body weight and BMI in subgroup with normal hopelessness range in the group of patients with MetS were significantly higher (figure 1).ConclusionsWe were able to establish a negative relationship between the waist circumference, body weight and BMI with suicide risk in schizophrenia patients. It can be assumed that adipose tissue can play a “protective” role in the suicidal behavior of schizophrenia patients.
COVID-19 and cap: What changed in training and practice for early career child/adolescent psychiatrists?
Authors: Seker A. 
Published: February 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the world since the beginning of 2020 and many aspects of health care provision has changed dramatically. Despite not being regarded as a frontline field at first look, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) has been highly impacted by the pandemic as a fundamentally biopsychosocial branch. CAP specialty training has also become a different experience due to the reprioritization of health care services along with the restricting rules of the ‘new normal’. In this symposium presentation, we will discuss the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the training and practice of CAP specialty trainees and early career specialists through the results of the ‘Early Career Psychiatrists in Europe during COVID-19 outbreak’ survey study, organized by the EPA and EFPT. The survey covers different areas including reorganization of training/practice during the pandemic, personal experiences with Covid-19 and adoption of Telepsychiatry practices. This pan-European study is expected to shed a light on the emerging issues for young doctors in CAP to plan necessary improvements on a European scale.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Tolerability of cariprazine in the early stage of schizophrenia: A pooled, post-hoc analysis of 4 phase ii/iii double-blind placebo-controlled trials
Authors: Dombi Z.B. , Acsai K. , Barabássy Á. , Sebe B. , Laszlovszky I. , Vass G. , Szatmári B. , Patel M. , Earley W. , Németh G. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionIn the early stage of schizophrenia (first 5 years), the most important clinical target besides symptom control is relapse prevention as each relapse significantly decreases the possibility of preferable long-term outcomes. Early discontinuation of antipsychotic medication due to intolerable side-effects is one of the most common causes of relapse.ObjectivesThis poster aims to present cariprazine’s tolerability in the early stage of schizophrenia.MethodsData from 4 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (NCT00404573, NCT01104766, NCT01104779, NCT00694707) with similar design (1 week of wash out period, 6 weeks of treatment and 2-4 weeks of follow-up) were pooled. For the post-hoc analysis, patients with early stage of schizophrenia (defined as having a disease duration of less than 5 years) were extracted from the whole safety population, and approved doses of cariprazine (1.5-6.0 mg/day) were combined. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and discontinuation rates were analysed versus placebo.ResultsOverall, 169 placebo- (PBO) and 322 cariprazine-treated (CAR) patients were identified as having schizophrenia for less than 5 years. 67.7% cariprazine- and 56.2% placebo-treated patients reported at least one TEAE; most frequently insomnia (10.9 % CAR; 12.4% PBO), akathisia (9.6% CAR; 2.4% PBO) and extrapyramidal symptoms (9.3% CAR; 1.8% PBO). Discontinuation due to adverse events was reported in only 8.4% of cariprazine- and 14.8% of placebo-treated patients. Relapse occurred in 3.1% of cariprazine- and 5.3% of placebo-treated patients.ConclusionsCariprazine was generally well-tolerated in the early stage of schizophrenia; given the limitations of this analysis, additional research is warranted.Conflict of interestStudies were funded by Gedeon Richter Plc. and Allergan Plc (prior to its acquisition by AbbVie). Dombi, Acsai, Dr. Barabássy, Dr. Sebe, Dr. Laszlovszky, Dr Vass, Dr. Szatmári and Dr. Németh are employees of Gedeon Richter Plc., Dr. Earley and Dr. Patel a
Neurocognitive function in patients at high risk of schizophrenia with positive thought disorders
Authors: Fateev I. , Omelchenko M. , Pluzhnikov I. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe course of affective disorders varies significantly in clinical practice. There are many symptoms that are not related to affective disorders that cannot be described in other nosologies. In the present study such pathopsychological phenomena similar to psychotic symptoms and related to symptoms of “schizophrenia risk” were designated as positive thought disorders (PTD). These symptoms are understood as manifestations of delusional and hallucinatory register.ObjectivesAim of the study is to identify and validate the differences of neurocognitive functions among patients with positive thought disorders and at high risk of schizophrenia and patients without thought disorders.MethodsIn the research there were 17 patients with high risk of schizophrenia dominated by PTD (affective disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenic spectrum disorders) and 18 patients without thought disorders (affective disorders, personality disorders) in the research. Patients aged 17-25 years.ResultsAccording to the results of the The Complex Figure test, the group with a high risk of schizophrenia had significantly low results on the “simultaneity” scale and points for copying the figure (p-value 0.04 and p-value 0.03). According to the results of the Verbal fluency test, the main group had significantly lower indices on the “loss of instruction” scale and on the number of repetitions (p-value 0.021 and p-value 0.009).ConclusionsIn the group of patients with a high risk of schizophrenia with positive thought disorders there are neurocognitive features in the form of reduced inhibitory control and a lack of simultaneity. The most sensitive methods are the Complex figure test and Verbal fluency Test.Conflict of interestThe reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-013-00772
Social causality understanding in relation to irrational attitudes and ambiguity intolerance in schizophrenia
Authors: Sokolova E. , Andreyuk K. , Ryzhov A. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe uncertainty of contemporary social contexts fosters suspiciousness and anaclitic anxieties. In the context of interpersonal relationships this manifests in cognitive distortions and magical thinking, specially in the vulnerable populations.ObjectivesTo study the ability of understanding social causality and its relation to magical thinking and ambiguity intolerance in schizophrenia and controls.MethodsParticipants were 40 inpatients with paranoid schizophrenia and 40 controls. Understanding of social causality was measured by corresponding SCORS-S scale for Thematic Apperception Test, Magical thinking was measured by SPQ-74 and intolerance to ambiguity by the New Tolerance-Intolerance to ambiguity questionnaires.ResultsThe understanding of social causality was less developed in schizophrenia group (mean values 2.28 and 3.28, p<.001). They manifest omissions of psychological aspects, logical faults and inconsistencies in depicting social relationships. Magical thinking was higher in clinical group (4.32 and 2.33, p<0.001). Two measures were significantly (p<0.05) correlated in both groups. Regression analysis indicates that 37.7% of variance of dependent variable ‘understanding of social causality’ (R2=0,377) was predicted by ‘magical thinking’ (-0,398, p<0,001) and ‘tolerance to ambiguity’ (0,412, p<0,001). The overal level of tolerance of ambiguity was higher in control group (52.2 and 61.0, p<0.002).ConclusionsTolerance of ambiguity, being more characteristic for normal population, underlies the understanding of social causality. In contrast, the intolerance to interpersonal ambiguity is related to increment of anxiety, failures in cognitive elaboration of interpersonal relationships and leads to superstition and illogical beliefs. This relationship has a heuristic value for understanding what is happening to vulnerable individuals in the context of current COVID pandemic.
Performance on verbal fluency in late-onset schizophrenia is more preserved than in early-onset schizophrenia
Authors: Abdullina E. , Rupchev G. , Savina M. , Panikratova Y. , Kucherova E. , Sheshenin V. , Morozova M. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAccording to the literature, cognition may be more preserved in late-onset schizophrenia (LOS) compared to early-onset schizophrenia (EOS), but data are limited.ObjectivesTo compare performance on cognitive tests in LOS and EOS.MethodsLOS patients (n=14, mean age 58.1±8.2, 13 females, illness duration 1.07±1.5 years) and age-comparable controls (n=17, mean age 55.3±7.8, 12 females), EOS patients (n=25, mean age 20.7±3.9, 25 males, illness duration 0.75±0.62 years) and age-comparable controls (n=15, mean age 22.9±2.3, 15 males) underwent the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) comprised of six subtests: Verbal Memory, Digit Sequencing, Verbal Fluency, Token Motor Task, Symbol Coding, and Tower of London. The Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was applied (p <.05/8, i.e. p <.006).ResultsCompared to LOS, EOS patients had lower score on Verbal Fluency (VF): U=78, p=.004; mean T-scores are 43.5±9.5 and 33.6±12.6 for LOS and EOS, respectively. Additionally, we compared VF performance in each clinical group with age-comparable controls and revealed significantly lower performance in both LOS (U=37.5, p=.001) and EOS (U=56.5, p=.000).ConclusionsPerformance on VF is deteriorated in clinical groups, but may be more intact in LOS compared to EOS. This result is of particular interest because low performance on VF is considered as a cognitive endophenotype of schizophrenia. Performance on VF requires preserved executive functions, language, and processing speed. Our results are in line with the idea that LOS and EOS may be different subtypes of schizophrenia. Limitation of this study is that the clinical groups are not sex-matched.
N-acetylcysteine as an adjunct treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Freitas R. Mota , Valadas M.T. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAn increasing body of literature supports the hypothesis that immune imbalance towards a pro-inflammatory status in the brain plays an important role in schizophrenia. Anti-inflammatory drugs might compensate this dysregulation, ameliorating the symptoms of schizophrenia. N-acetylcysteine exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and may regulate various neurological pathways, including glutamate dysregulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, becoming an interesting augmenting drug for schizophrenia treatment.ObjectivesWe aim to review the literature regarding the therapeutic effects of N-acetylcysteine in Schizophrenia.MethodsWe performed an updated review in the PubMed database using the terms “N-acetylcysteine” and “Schizophrenia”. The included articles were selected by title and abstract.ResultsThe literature suggests that N-acetylcysteine may be a useful adjunct to standard treatment for the improvement of schizophrenia symptoms, as well as the cognitive domain of working memory. Also, this augmentation therapy seems to be beneficial in all illness stagesConclusionsN-acetylcysteine appears to be a promising agent for augmenting conventional pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia, however, further research is needed to consolidate the current findings.
Early intervention program for psychosis in a portuguese hospital: The first results of the open program
Authors: Simião H. , Santana L. , Silva R. , Gago J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionOPEN is a structured intervention program for patients who present with untreated psychosis at an early stage, under the guidance of a case manager and a periodic evaluation performed by a multidisciplinary team.ObjectivesThe aim of the OPEN program is to create an individual care plan, promoting recovery, functionality, quality of life and prevent relapses. One year after implementation of the program, we present the first results.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of the patients’ clinical profiles included in the OPEN program.ResultsNine patients were included in the program. The most frequent diagnosis was schizophrenia (n=5). By the time of inclusion in the program, 5 patients used cannabis frequently; one patient kept substance use. At the 6th month assessment, 4 in 5 patients showed an improvement in social functioning (Personal and Social Performance Scale; ± 16 points), and a decrease in symptom severity in all (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale; ± 11 points). Due to COVID-19 pandemics, group interventions were suspended, and some visits were performed by teleconsultation. No patients lost follow-up.ConclusionsWe observed an overall positive result of the first months of this program, regarding both functionality and clinical outcomes. The main obstacle so far is the impossibility of performing group interventions since the start of the contingency measures regarding COVID-19 pandemics. We expect further results of the OPEN program with the inclusion of more patients.
Perceived stigma and burden in natural caregivers of patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Znaidi F. , Jenhani R. , Arousse A. , Moula O. , Ghachem R. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionNatural caregivers of patients with schizophrenia are often subjected to stigma by virtue of their association with patients. Affiliate stigma expose caregivers to community rejection, isolation and may have a negative impact on their psychological wellbeing.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess perceived stigma and burden in a Tunisian population of natural caregivers of patients with schizophrenia and to identify risk factors for developing such disorders.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, including 80 natural caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. We used the Stigma Devaluation Scale (SDS) to assess stigma and the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) to evaluate burden.ResultsThe average age of natural caregivers was 55.7 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.86. The mean score of perceived stigma in patients was 24.7. That of perceived stigma in caregivers was 15.34. Assessing the burden on caregivers estimated an average score of 58, corresponding to a severe burden. Medium to high burden was found in 78% of participants. Perceived stigma scores were significantly higher among illiterate caregivers, those linking schizophrenia to hereditary causes, among parents, and in case of daily contact with the patient. Scores of perceived stigma in caregivers were also significantly correlated with burden score.ConclusionsNatural caregivers of patients with schizophrenia are exposed to affiliate stigma and experience an important level of burden. Our findings emphasize the need to support natural caregivers of persons with schizophrenia and to develop strategies to combat stigmatization among patients as well as their natural caregivers.
Falling into a burning ring of fire: A case of psychosis unmasking hidden neurosyphilis
Authors: Jesus S. , Costa A. , Alcafache J. , Garrido P. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionThe first description of syphilis was made in Europe around the year 1493, and although perceived as a disease relegated to its historical importance, recent studies demonstrate that the prevalence of these infections is on the rise. Spanning decades after initial infection, 30% of affected individuals without treatment may develop tertiary syphilis, which includes neurosyphilis. Its notoriously “chameleon-like” presentation implies the necessity to not overlook neurosyphilis as a differential diagnosis in psychiatric settings.ObjectivesCase report study and discussion.MethodsThe authors present a case of affective and psychotic symptoms (including auditory and visual hallucinations and persecutory delusions) of rapid onset in a 61-year old woman without prior psychiatric history. A clinical investigation was conducted, which subsequently revealed a positive Venereal Disease Research Laboratories (VDRL) test. A lumbar puncture was performed and cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed neurosyphilis.ResultsSteady improvements in initial psychopathological manifestations were noted after completing recommended treatment for neurosyphilis. After discharge, the patient was medicated with an antidepressant and antipsychotic, demonstrating a complete return to baseline mentation and functionality on follow-up.ConclusionsThis case demonstrates the vital importance of considering syphilis in our differentials, especially due to the wide range of manifesting psychiatric symptoms. Although considered a disease of the past, this case reminds us that syphilis remains present in our society and its timely diagnosis and treatment can ameliorate the debilitating psychopathological manifestations of the disease. Due to the potential difficulties in identifying this great imitator, routine screening tests are still recommended in the psychiatric setting.
Satisfaction of the quality of life in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Ouali R. , Sellami R. , Cherif F. , Elleuch S. , Cheffi N. , Masmoudi R. , Masmoudi J. 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionSchizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that has a significant impact on quality of life satisfaction in patients with schizophrenia.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine the impact of socio-demographic factors and psychotic symptoms on quality of life satisfaction in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsParticipants were outpatients of Hedi chaker University Hospital Center in sfax, Tunisia, recruited between January and July of 2019, diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. A Demographic questionnaire, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and The Quality of life satisfaction and enjoyment Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) were administered in this study.Results50 patients were included in this study with an average age 40,80 ±9,7. The majority of patients were single (72%), unemployed (60%), without medical heredity (80%) and living with their families (92%). The average score of the positive symptom scale (PANS) was 17.46 (SD = 9.1), the negative symptom scale (PANS) was 12.35 (SD = 7.4) and the psychopathological scale (PANS) was of 27.83 (SD = 14.7). the higher the score of the positive symptom scales (p <10-3) the negative scale score (p <0.002) and the psychopathological scale (p <0.001) was high, more the quality of life satisfaction score has been altered.ConclusionsImproving the quality of life satisfaction of these patients through these different parameters could be a goal of care complementary to the objectives of traditional care.