Lower Global Assessment Of Functioning Research Articles

Baseline antipsychotic prescription and short-term outcome indicators in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis: Findings from the Parma At-Risk Mental States (PARMS) program.

The prognostic prediction of outcomes in individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P) is still a significant clinical challenge. Among multiple baseline variables of risk calculator models, the role of ongoing pharmacological medications has been partially neglected, despite meta-analytical evidence of higher risk of psychosis transition associated with baseline prescription exposure to antipsychotics (AP) in CHR-P individuals. The main aim of the current study was to test the hypothesis that ongoing AP need at baseline indexes a subgroup of CHR-P individuals with more severe psychopathology and worse prognostic trajectories along a 1-year follow-up period. This research was settled within the 'Parma At-Risk Mental States' program. Baseline and 1-year follow-up assessment included the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). CHR-P individuals who were taking AP medications at entry were included in the CHR-P-AP+ subgroup. The remaining participants were grouped as CHR-P-AP-. Hundred and seventy-eight CHR-P individuals (aged 12-25 years) were enrolled (91 CHR-P-AP+, 87 CHR-P-AP-). Compared to CHR-P AP-, CHR-P AP+ individuals had older age, greater baseline PANSS 'Positive Symptoms' and 'Negative Symptoms' factor subscores and a lower GAF score. At the end of our follow-up, CHR-P-AP+ subjects showed higher rates of psychosis transition, new hospitalizations and urgent/non-planned visits compared to CHRP- AP- individuals. In agreement with increasing empirical evidence, also the results of the current study suggest that AP need is a significant prognostic variable in cohorts of CHR-P individuals and should be included in risk calculators.

Factors Associated With Utilization of Electroconvulsive Therapy During Psychiatric Hospitalization Among Children and Adolescents in China.

Based on a nationally representative sample in China, we examined the demographic and clinical correlates of utilization of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in child and adolescent (C/A) patients younger than 18 years during psychiatric hospitalization. As part of a national survey, 41 provincial tertiary psychiatric hospitals in mainland China were selected. Data from 196 C/A patients who were discharged from these psychiatric hospitals from March 19 to 31, 2019, were retrieved and analyzed. (1) The overall rate of ECT among C/A patients during psychiatric hospitalization was 15.6% (n = 30). (2) Between ECT and non-ECT groups, significant differences were found in sex, age, length of stay, Global Assessment of Functioning at admission, treatment outcome, and self-injurious behavior during hospitalization, and the ratio of marked improvement on discharge. (3) Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that ECT use was independently and positively associated with an older age, male sex, lower Global Assessment of Functioning, and self-injurious behavior during hospitalization. The frequency of ECT use was relatively frequent in C/A patients during psychiatric hospitalization in our nationally representative sample in China. Developing more specific and operational criteria for the use of ECT for C/A patients is needed to provide guidance for the optimal use of ECT in this patient population.

Identifying transdiagnostic biological subtypes across schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder based on lipidomics profiles.

Emerging evidence has demonstrated overlapping biological abnormalities underlying schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BP), and major depressive disorder (MDD); these overlapping abnormalities help explain the high heterogeneity and the similarity of patients within and among diagnostic categories. This study aimed to identify transdiagnostic subtypes of these psychiatric disorders based on lipidomics abnormalities. We performed discriminant analysis to identify lipids that classified patients (N = 349, 112 with SCZ, 132 with BP, and 105 with MDD) and healthy controls (N = 198). Ten lipids that mainly regulate energy metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fatty acylation of proteins were identified. We found two subtypes (named Cluster 1 and Cluster 2 subtypes) across patients with SCZ, BP, and MDD by consensus clustering analysis based on the above 10 lipids. The distribution of clinical diagnosis, functional impairment measured by Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scales, and brain white matter abnormalities measured by fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) differed in the two subtypes. Patients within the Cluster 2 subtype were mainly SCZ and BP patients and featured significantly elevated RD along the genu of corpus callosum (GCC) region and lower GAF scores than patients within the Cluster 1 subtype. The SCZ and BP patients within the Cluster 2 subtype shared similar biological patterns; that is, these patients had comparable brain white matter abnormalities and functional impairment, which is consistent with previous studies. Our findings indicate that peripheral lipid abnormalities might help identify homogeneous transdiagnostic subtypes across psychiatric disorders.

Real-world clinical predictors of manic/hypomanic episodes among outpatients with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness in which manic and depressive states are repeated, causing psychosocial dysfunction. Manic/hypomanic episodes cause problems with interpersonal, social and financial activities, but there is limited evidence regarding the predictors of manic/hypomanic episodes in real-world clinical practice. The multicenter treatment survey on bipolar disorder (MUSUBI) in Japanese psychiatric clinics was administered in an observational study that was conducted to accumulate evidence regarding bipolar disorder in real-world clinical practice. Psychiatrists were asked to complete a questionnaire about patients with bipolar disorder who visited 176 member clinics of the Japanese Association of Neuro-Psychiatric Clinics by conducting a retrospective medical record survey. Our study extracted baseline patient characteristics from September to October 2016, including comorbidities, mental status, duration of treatment, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score, and pharmacological treatment details. We investigated the presence or absence of manic/hypomanic episodes over the course of one year from baseline to September-October 2017. In total, 2231 participants were included in our study, 29.1% of whom had manic/hypomanic episodes over the course of one year from baseline. Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of manic/hypomanic episodes was correlated with lower baseline GAF scores, rapid cycling, personality disorder, bipolar I disorder, and a mood state with manic or mixed features. Substance abuse was also a risk factor for manic episodes. There was no significant association between a baseline antidepressant prescription and manic/hypomanic episodes. In Japan, 29.1% of outpatients with bipolar disorder had manic/hypomanic episodes over the course of one year. Our study suggested that a low GAF score, rapid cycling, personality disorder, bipolar I disorder, substance abuse, and baseline mood state could be predictors of manic/hypomanic episodes. Based on our findings, an antidepressant prescription is not a predictor of manic/hypomanic episodes.

Overlap between general factors of psychopathology and personality: They share associations with daily life functioning and communication style

Previous studies have shown that specific personality dimensions, -e.g., the Big Five-, consistently intercorrelate, such that they form a general factor of personality (GFP). It has been hypothesized that the GFP reflects social effectiveness. Similarly, in the clinical domain, overlap between various psychopathological symptoms has also been reported, leading to a general factor of Psychopathology, or p factor. The aim of this study was to test the overlap between the higher-order factors in personality and psychopathology, and how they relate to daily life functioning and communication style. We tested a sample of 165 outpatients of a psychological therapy institute, using a multi-source approach that included self-reports and other ratings. The outpatients’ self-reports of personality, general psychological problems, and interpersonal problems were available. Psychotherapists rated the outpatients’ functioning in daily life with the well-known Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. A spouse or friend also rated the impact of the patient’s communication/social behavior. Patients with lower GFP scores and higher scores on general psychopathology, displayed more distress and daily functioning deficits (i.e., lower GAF scores) and, in terms of communication styles, were also rated as being less dominant, less in control socially, and more submissive and aggressive. We proposed that part of the overlap between the general factors (GFP, psychopathology factors) may relate to a lower general life functioning and less social effectiveness.

Bipolar symptoms, somatic burden, and functioning in older-age bipolar disorder: Analyses from the Global Aging & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder Database project.

Literature on older-age bipolar disorder (OABD) is limited. This first-ever analysis of the Global Aging & Geriatric Experiments in Bipolar Disorder Database (GAGE-BD) investigated associations among age, BD symptoms, comorbidity, and functioning. This analysis used harmonized, baseline, cross-sectional data from 19 international studies (N=1377). Standardized measures included the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Mean sample age was 60.8years (standard deviation [SD] 12.2years), 55% female, 72% BD I. Mood symptom severity was low: mean total YMRS score of 4.3 (SD 5.4) and moderate-to-severe depression in only 22%. Controlled for sample effects, both manic and depressive symptom severity appeared lower among older individuals (p's<0.0001). The negative relationship between older age and symptom severity was similar across sexes, but was stronger among those with lower education levels. GAF was mildly impaired (mean=62.0, SD=13.3) and somatic burden was high (mean=2.42, SD=1.97). Comorbidity burden was not associated with GAF. However, higher depressive (p<0.0001) and manic (p<0.0001) symptoms were associated with lower GAF, most strongly among older individuals. Findings suggest an attenuation of BD symptoms in OABD, despite extensive somatic burden. Depressive symptom severity was strongly associated with worse functioning in older individuals, underscoring the need for effective treatments of BD depression in older people. This international collaboration lays a path for the development of a better understanding of aging in BD.

Prevalence of Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorder in Outpatients with Schizophrenia and Its Association with Psychopathological Characteristics and Psychosocial Functioning.

The prevalence of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder (CRSWD) among patients with schizophrenia is not clear. The effect of comorbid CRSWD on such patients has also not been fully evaluated yet. Outpatients with schizophrenia in the maintenance phase who visited Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital between April 2018 and March 2019 participated in this study. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Clinical Global Impressions–Severity Illness Scale (CGI-S), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) were administered, and the patient responses with and without CRSWD were compared. Of the 105 patients with schizophrenia, 19 (18.1%) had CRSWD. There were trends toward higher BPRS and lower GAF scores in the CRSWD group than in the non-CRSWD group, although these did not reach statistical significance following a false discovery rate correction. Among the BPRS subitems, the anxiety scores were significantly higher in the CRSWD group than in the non-CRSWD group (p < 0.01). CRSWD was highly prevalent among patients with schizophrenia in the maintenance phase. Comorbidities of CRSWD may affect psychopathological characteristics and psychosocial functioning.

Risk factors for repeated emergency compulsory psychiatric admissions.

The characteristics of patients who have repeated compulsory psychiatric admissions are largely unknown. To investigate the frequency and risk factors for repeated emergency compulsory psychiatric admission (ECPA); and to identify targets for interventions to reduce repeated ECPA. Data were collected from a database of electronic patient files (EPFs) held by three psychiatric emergency services (PES) in the Netherlands. Analyses were based on the data for adult patients (aged 18-75 years) with a first PES contact in 2010-2015. Using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, we studied the associations between baseline patient factors and repeated ECPA and time to readmission, within a 2-year follow-up period. We included 6059 patients: 15.6% had two or more ECPAs. In total, 66% of second ECPAs had occurred within 6 months of the first. About 30% of all ECPAs were repeated ECPAs. Two baseline factors were associated with a higher frequency of a second ECPA: history of receiving any mental healthcare treatment, whether in-patient or out-patient or both, and a lower level of self-care. Three were associated with a lower frequency: ethnicity (other than Dutch), older age and suicidality. Lower Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores and housing problems were associated with a shorter time to compulsory readmission and persistent psychiatric problems with a longer time to compulsory readmission. We found that 15.6% of patients had two or more ECPAs. Two-thirds of the second ECPAs had occurred within 6 months of the first. Like earlier studies, the risk factors we identified suggest that interventions to reduce the risk of repeated compulsory psychiatric admission should seek to improve self-care, general daily functioning and homelessness.

Real-world clinical features of and antidepressant prescribing patterns for outpatients with bipolar disorder

BackgroundSeveral evidence-based practice guidelines have been developed to better treat bipolar disorder. However, the articles cited in these guidelines were not sufficiently based on real-world clinical practice.MethodsThe MUlticenter treatment SUrvey on BIpolar disorder in Japanese psychiatric clinics (MUSUBI) is a study conducted to accumulate evidence on the real-world practical treatment of bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists were asked to complete a questionnaire about patients with bipolar disorder by performing a retrospective medical record survey. The questionnaire included patient characteristics (age, gender, height, weight, academic background, and occupational status), comorbidities, mental status, treatment period, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score, and details of pharmacological treatment.ResultsData on 2705 patients were included in this study. The proportion of patients receiving antidepressant prescriptions was 40.9%. The most commonly used antidepressant was duloxetine, and the most frequently used antidepressant class was selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Binomial logistic regression analysis and bivariate analysis revealed that the usage of antidepressants was correlated with low prescription rates for mood stabilizers, high prescription rates for anxiolytics and hypnotics, and low GAF scores. In addition, patients in a depressive state had a significantly higher rate of antidepressant prescriptions than patients with other mental states.ConclusionsApproximately 40% of patients in Japan with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder have received antidepressants. Antidepressants were most often prescribed in combination with mood stabilizers, antipsychotics or both. Patients who were prescribed antidepressants received fewer mood stabilizers, more anxiolytics, and more hypnotics than those who did not receive antidepressant prescriptions.

Predictors of psychosocial outcome of bipolar disorder: data from the Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network

BackgroundImpairments in psychosocial functioning have been demonstrated in 30–60% of adults with bipolar disorder (BD). However, the majority of studies investigating the effect of comorbid mental health disorders and age at onset outcomes in BD have focused on traditional outcome measures such as mood symptoms, mortality and treatment response. Therefore, this project aimed to investigate the impact of comorbid mental health disorders and age at onset on longitudinal psychosocial outcome in participants with BD.MethodMixed effects modelling was conducted using data from the Stanley Foundation Bipolar Network. Baseline factors were entered into a model, with Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score as the longitudinal outcome measure. Relative model fits were calculated using Akaike’s Information Criterion.ResultsNo individual comorbidities predicted lower GAF scores, however an interaction effect was demonstrated between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and any anxiety disorder (t = 2.180, p = 0.030). Participants with BD I vs BD II (t = 2.023, p = 0.044) and those in the lowest vs. highest income class (t = 2.266, p = 0.024) predicted lower GAF scores. Age at onset (t = 1.672, p = 0.095) did not significantly predict GAF scores.ConclusionsThis is the first study to demonstrate the negative psychosocial effects of comorbid anxiety disorders and ADHD in BD. This study adds to the growing database suggesting that comorbid mental health disorders are a significant factor hindering psychosocial recovery.

Identifying and characterizing treatment-resistant schizophrenia in observational database studies.

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is clinically defined as failure to respond to two antipsychotics of adequate dose and duration. An algorithm (registry TRS) was developed, for identifying patients with TRS in claim datasets from Sweden and the United States. Schizophrenia (SZ) patients aged ≥13years were identified in both datasets and matched to controls. Patients were identified as having TRS by use of the registry TRS or ≥1 prescription for clozapine or use of other published criteria. The algorithm was compared for sensitivity, and patients with and without TRS were compared for psychiatric and hospital burden and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores. TRS prevalence was not assessed due to lack of clinically validated data to test the specificity of the algorithm. Swedish registry TRS patients ≤45years at first SZ diagnosis had significantly lower GAF scores and earlier disease onset than non-TRS patients. SZ patients with higher psychiatric comorbidity and hospital burden were more likely identified as TRS by all algorithms. The registry algorithm was significantly more sensitive to multiple inpatient stays and all psychiatric comorbidities at identifying TRS. The registry algorithm appeared more sensitive at identifying patients with TRS, who had greater psychiatric and hospital burden.

Changes in the expression of worries, anxiety, and generalized anxiety disorder with increasing age: A population study of 70 to 85-year-olds.

The prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is supposed to decrease with age. Reasons suggested include that emotional control increases and that anxiety and worry are expressed differently in older adults. The aim of this study was to examine how the expression of anxiety and worry changes with age and how this influences diagnoses in current classification systems. Semistructured psychiatric examinations were performed in population-based samples of 70- (n=562), 75- (n=770), 79/80- (n=603), and 85-year-olds (n=433). Individuals with dementia were excluded. GAD was diagnosed according to DSM-5 (DSM5 GAD) and ICD-10 (ICD10 GAD) criteria. Individual symptoms were assessed according to severity and frequency. Functioning was measured with Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). The prevalence of clinical anxiety, autonomic arousal, muscle tension, and irritability decreased with age, while that of worry and fatigue increased. Concentration difficulties and sleep disturbances remained stable. The prevalence of ICD10 GAD tended to decrease, while that of DSM5 GAD did not change with age. Core symptoms and diagnoses of GAD were related to lower GAF scores. However, in those with autonomic arousal and ICD10 GAD, GAF scores increased with age. The prevalence of ICD10 GAD tended to decrease with increasing age while the prevalence of DSM5 GAD remained stable. This difference was partly due to a decreased frequency of severe anxiety and autonomic arousal symptoms, and that worries increased, suggesting changes in the expression of GAD with increasing age.

Évaluation de l’autonomie sociale et de ses facteurs associés chez des patients tunisiens suivis pour schizophrénie

IntroductionSocial autonomy concerns specific areas that people with chronic psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, face daily when they live in the community. The degree of social autonomy is one of the principal determinants of success of the therapeutic project for patients suffering from schizophrenia. However, the domains of social autonomy would depend on the socio-cultural context and the familial and professional environment of the country. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the social autonomy level and to research its associated factors in a sample of Tunisian out-patients with schizophrenia. MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study of 115 out-patients (mean age: 37.6±10.2 years, 75.7% male), followed for schizophrenia according DSM-IV diagnostic criteria and treated with long-term antipsychotics, mainly first generation (81%), with a mean daily dosage of 1130±875mg in chlorpromazine equivalent. Data were collected during interviews with patients and their family members and supplemented by the review of medical records. Degree of social Autonomy was assessed by the Leguay's 17-items Social Autonomy Scale (EAS), exploring five dimensions: personal care, management of daily life, resource management, relationship with outside and affective and social relations. Global functioning level was assessed by the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. ResultsThe total EAS score ranged from 14 to 90 with a mean score of 56.6±16.8. Higher sub-scores indicating a poor social autonomy concerned the dimensions of “relationship with the outside world”, “resource management” and “management of daily life”. A negative correlation was found between the EAS total score and the GAF score (r=−0.78, P<0.0001). Thus, the lower GAF score suggesting impaired global functioning was associated to the higher EAS score in favor of altered social autonomy. Altered social autonomy was associated with low school level (P=0.02), lack of regular professional activity (P=0.001), disorganized subtype (P=0.002), negative symptoms at the last hospitalization (P=0.03), continuous course (P<0.0001) and daily dosage of antipsychotic medication (P=0.02). However, age or gender of the patients, psychiatric family history, age of onset, duration of untreated psychosis, number and duration of previous hospitalizations, antipsychotic treatment generation were not associated with social autonomy in our sample. ConclusionsDespite therapeutic advances in recent decades, the social autonomy of our patients with schizophrenia remains precarious. Several socioeconomic and clinical factors seem to be involved. Further interventions will be needed to enable our patients to function more actively and autonomously in society.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Functioning Over the Lifespan of German Patients Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization for Coronary Artery Disease.

Background: Psychological problems are common in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and are associated with poor outcome. However, data on the prevalence of distinct mental disorders and their relevance to patients' functioning in daily life are scarce.Method: In this retrospective study, a total of 514 German patients with CAD as diagnosed by cardiac catheterization were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0.0 (M.I.N.I.) and psychosocial functioning was evaluated using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale.Results: Twenty-nine percent of the participants suffered from at least one mental disorder after the onset of their CAD (mean time since onset = 10.86 years, SD = 8.15). In comparison to the period before onset of CAD, elevated prevalence rates were found for severe depressive episodes, agoraphobia, dysthymia, panic disorder, and hypochondria. Predictors of mental disorders after the onset of CAD were female gender, younger age at onset of CAD as well as mental disorders and low GAF scores before onset. GAF scores decreased after the onset of CAD, recovered only partially, and were influenced by mental disorders before onset in women but not in men.Conclusions: Mental disorders—especially depression and agoraphobia—are frequent in patients with CAD, with women, patients with a younger age at onset of CAD and patients with any history of mental disorders especially at risk. Regardless of whether patients meet any specific diagnostic criteria, psychosocial functioning is markedly impaired after the onset of CAD, underscoring the need for specific mental health programs for this patient population. Future research, ideally using a prospective design, is necessary to confirm these findings and to further the knowledge of prevalence rates of mental disorders and of modifiable risk factors for the development of mental disorders in patients with CAD.

Physical Activity of Patients with Chronic Schizophrenia and Related Clinical Factors.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate clinical factors contributing to the low physical activity (PA) of patients with chronic schizophrenia. MethodsPA was measured in 50 outpatients with chronic schizophrenia using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Psychopathology, psychosocial functioning, and extrapyramidal symptoms were assessed using the 18 item-Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-18), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptom Scale (DIEPSS), respectively. We examined differences in these clinical variables between “inactive,” “minimally active,” and “health enhancing physical activity” groups. Linear regression analysis was used to examine the clinical factors explaining low PA levels in patients with schizophrenia. ResultsSubjects spent an average of 130.18±238.89 min/wk on moderate/vigorous-intensity PA and only 26% of them met the recommended PA guideline of 150 minutes of at least moderate PA per week. The inactive group showed significantly higher BPRS-18 and DIEPSS scores, and a lower GAF score than the other groups. Linear regression analysis showed that DIEPSS scores independently explained the amount of total PA (p=0.001) and time spent being sedentary (p=0.028). ConclusionThis study provides preliminary evidence that extrapyramidal symptoms could be a major impediment to the PA of patients with schizophrenia.

T28. QUALITY OF PARENTAL BONDING AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH ULTRA-HIGH RISK OF PSYCHOSIS AND SCHIZOPHRENIA PATIENTS

BackgroundA child’s parental bonding, measured using the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), has been found to be associated with psychiatric illnesses. In particular, a significantly higher proportion of patients with schizophrenia tend to report affectionless-controlling mothers as compared to healthy controls.This study aims to (i) investigate the applicability of the PBI tool in Singapore, using exploratory factor analysis, and (ii) explore the association between parental bonding, symptom severity and functioning across schizophrenia patients, individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis (UHR), and healthy controls.MethodsData from 59 schizophrenia patients, 164 UHR, and 510 healthy controls (N = 733) were collected. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) was used to ascertain any psychiatric diagnoses. Positive and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia (PANSS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) were administered on UHR and patients. Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) was administered on HC and UHR. Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) was administered on UHR only.Two exploratory factor analyses of the PBI were conducted on maternal items and paternal items (oblimin rotation). PBI factor scores were calculated for each individual and compared across groups using one-way ANOVA. Multivariate backward regressions were conducted to elucidate the association(s) between parental bonding factors and the clinical scales.ResultsFactor analyses revealed three-factor solutions for both maternal and paternal items, with factors ‘care’, ‘autonomy’, and ‘overprotection’. All the original ‘care’ items loaded onto the ‘care’ factor for maternal and paternal analyses. The original ‘control’ items were split into ‘autonomy’ (the degree to which children were allowed to make their own decisions, e.g. ‘gave me as much freedom as I wanted’) and ‘overprotection’ (e.g. ‘felt I could not look after myself’). Fit statistics suggested a good fit for both maternal items and paternal items (CFI > 0.9, TLI > 0.9). UHR were 1.61 times as likely to report affectionless-controlling mothers (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.13–2.30, p = .008) and 0.52 times as likely to report having optimal mothers (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.29–0.93, p = 0.028). No significant differences in paternal styles were reported.Compared to HC, patients and UHR reported significantly lower maternal care (F(2,729) = 27.51, p < .001), higher maternal overprotection (F(2,729) = 17.00, p < .001) and paternal overprotection (F(2,711) = 9.30, p < .001) (bonferroni-corrected). Among UHR, higher paternal overprotection was significantly associated with higher total PANSS scores (β = .162, p = .045), higher PANSS general psychopathology subscores (β = .185, p = .022), lower GAF scores (β = -.188, p =.021), lower SOFAS scores (β = -.183, p = .024), and worse CDSS scores (β = .210, p = .009). Among patients, higher maternal overprotection (β = .444, p = .022) and paternal care (β = .400, p = .036) were associated with higher GAF functioning.DiscussionThis psychometric investigation of the PBI among Asian participants yielded three-factor models, which deviate from the original two factors. Our findings replicate previous evidence of higher proportion of affectionless-controlling mothers among UHR and patients. Lower maternal care, lower maternal and paternal overprotection were reported. Paternal overprotection was associated with worse positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, worse social, occupational, and psychological functioning, and more severe depressive symptoms among UHR. Our results highlight the importance of addressing childhood parental bonding issues in early intervention services for UHR.

Psychopathological and sociodemographic features in treatment-resistant unipolar depression versus bipolar depression: a comparative study

BackgroundSome authors have hypothesized that Treatment-Resistant Unipolar Depression (TRD-UP) should be considered within the bipolar spectrum disorders and that hidden bipolarity may be a risk factor for TRD-UP. However, there are neither studies comparing clinical and sociodemographic data of patients with TRD-UP versus Bipolar (BP) disorders nor are there any examining differences versus Bipolar type I (BP-I) and Bipolar type II (BP-II).MethodsCharts analysis was conducted on 194 patients followed at the Mood Disorders Clinic of the McGill University Health Center. Sociodemographic, clinical features and depression scales were collected from patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for TRD-UP (n = 100) and BP (n = 94). Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine clinical predictors independently associated with the two disorders.ResultsCompared to BP, TRD-UP patients exhibited greater severity of depression, prevalence of anxiety and panic disorders, melancholic features, Cluster-C personality disorders, later onset of depression and fewer hospitalizations. Binary logistic regression indicated that higher comorbidity with anxiety disorders, higher depression scale scores and lower global assessment of functioning (GAF) scores, and lower number of hospitalizations and psychotherapies differentiated TRD-UP from BP patients. We also found that the rate of unemployment and the number of hospitalizations for depression was higher in BP-I than in BP-II, while the rate of suicide attempts was lower in BP-I than in BP-II depressed patients.ConclusionsThese results suggest that TRD-UP constitutes a distinct psychopathological condition and not necessarily a prodromal state of BP depression.

Utilization of Mental Health Care, Treatment Patterns, and Course of Psychosocial Functioning in Northern German Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Depressive and/or Anxiety Disorders.

Comorbid mental disorders in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are common and associated with adverse somatic outcomes. However, data on utilization rates of mental health care and treatment efficiency are scarce and inconsistent, which we tried to remedy with the present preliminary study on Northern German CAD patients. A total of 514 German CAD patients, as diagnosed by cardiac catheterization, were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. Global utilization of mental health care since onset of CAD was 21.0%. Depressive disorders, younger age, and lower GAF at onset of CAD were associated with higher utilization rates, while anxiety disorders and gender were not. Lower GAF at onset of CAD, female gender, and psychotherapy was positively associated with higher gains in GAF, while younger age and anxiety disorders were negatively associated. The majority of CAD patients with comorbid depression reported to have received mental health treatment and seemed to have benefited from it. However, we found preliminary evidence of insufficiencies in the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders in CAD patients. Further studies, preferably prospective and with representative samples, are needed to corroborate or falsify these findings and explore possible further mediators of health-care utilization by CAD patients such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

The Impact of Comorbid Cannabis and Alcohol Use Disorders on the Functioning of College Students with Psychiatric Disorders

The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of substance use disorder among college youth receiving treatment for psychiatric illness and the impact of this comorbidity on educational disruption and functional outcomes. 113 college students treated at a hospital-based outpatient psychiatric program in Rhode Island from July 2012 to July 2013. Chart reviews yielded demographic information, psychiatric diagnoses, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores at initial evaluation, and occurrence of medical leave. Rates of medical leave and significant impairment (GAF ≤ 60) in participants with and without substance use disorders were analyzed with odds ratios adjusting for age and gender. Cannabis use (23.9%) and alcohol use (17.7%) disorders were significantly associated with lower GAF scores and medical leave for psychiatric illness. These associations were greater for cannabis use disorder. College students in psychiatric care could benefit from improved screening and treatment for both alcohol and cannabis use disorders.

Self-Reported Reasons for Smoking: Predicting Abstinence and Implications for Smoking Cessation Treatments Among Those With a Psychotic Disorder

ABSTRACTObjectives: People living with a psychotic illness have higher rates of cigarette smoking and face unique barriers to quitting compared to the general population. We examined whether self-reported reasons for smoking are useful predictors of successful quit attempts among people with psychosis. Methods: As part of a randomized controlled trial addressing smoking and cardiovascular disease risk behaviors among people with psychosis, self-reported reasons for smoking were assessed at baseline (n = 235), 15 weeks (n = 151), and 12 months (n = 139). Three factors from the Reasons for Smoking Questionnaire (Coping, Physiological, and Stimulation/Activation) were entered into a model to predict short- and long-term abstinence. The relationship between these factors and mental health symptoms were also assessed. Results: Participants scoring higher on the Stimulation/Activation factor (control of weight, enjoyment, concentration, and “peps me up”) at baseline were just less than half as likely to be abstinent at 15 weeks. Female participants were five times more likely to abstinent at 15 weeks, and those with a higher global functioning at baseline were 5% more likely to be abstinent. There was a positive correlation between changes over time in the Stimulation/Activation factor from baseline to 12-month follow-up and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale total score at 12-month follow-up. This indicates that increasingly higher endorsement of the factor was associated with more psychological symptoms. There was also a negative correlation between the change over time in the Stimulation/Activation factor and global functioning at 12 months, indicating that increasingly higher endorsement of the factor led to lower global assessment of functioning. Conclusions: The Stimulation/Activation factor may be particularly important to assess and address among smokers with psychosis. It is recommended that further research use the Reasons for Smoking Questionnaire among smokers with psychosis as a clinical tool to identify specific quit barriers. Further research into why females have higher smoking cessation rates in the short term and relapse prevention interventions seem worthy of further investigation.