PSP Scores Research Articles

Functioning Management and Recovery, a psychoeducational intervention for psychiatric residential facilities: a multicenter follow-up study

AimFunctional Management and Recovery is a standardized Psychoeducational Intervention, derived from “Integro”, an effective salutogenic-psychoeducational intervention for people in recovery journey, designed to improve recovery and functioning of individuals with psychotic disorders in Psychiatric Residential Facilities (PRFs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the primary and secondary outcomes of this intervention elaborated specifically for PRFs where evidence based structured interventions seem rare and desirable.Methods66 individuals with psychotic disorders were recruited in 9 PRFs dislocated in the North, Center and South Italy and 63 underwent a multicenter follow-up study with a two time-point evaluation (t0, pre-treatment and t1, 6 months; ). At each time point, social functioning was assessed as primary outcome by the Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP); furthermore, psychopathological status was assessed by Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Recovery by Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS), Cognitive Functioning by Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Stress management by Stress-Scale, Cognitive Flexibility by Modified Five-Point Test (M-FPT), Emotional Intelligence by Emotional Intelligence Index (EI-I), the PRF Atmosphere and the Opinion of users about the PFR by an ad hoc questionnaire. The Abilities Knowledge, the Utility and Pleasantness of sessions were measured by an ad hoc list of items.Results63 individuals out of 66, 52 (82,5%) affected by schizophrenia and 11 (17,5%) by bipolar I disorder with psychotic symptoms according to DSM-5-TR completed the study. At the end of the study, 43 (68,3%) were male, 57 (90.5%) were single, 5 (7.9%) engaged, 1 (1.6%) married; 45 (71.4%) unemployed. The total scores of PSP, RAS, BPRS, BANS, Stress management, Abilities Knowledge, Utility and Pleasantness of sessions showed a statistically significant improvement at t1 vs. t0. Two sub-scales out of 5 of M-FPT showed a statistically significant improvement. The Emotional Intelligence, the Unit Atmosphere and the Opinion of Users about PFR improved without statistical significance. Six months after the end of the follow-up study 22 individuals of the sample were dismissed with a very high turnover.ConclusionsAfter a six-month follow-up (a short period of time), these results showed improvement in functioning, the primary outcome, as well as in the following secondary outcome variables: RAS, BPRS, BANS, Stress management, Abilities Knowledge, two sub-scales out of 5 of M-FPT, Utility and Pleasantness of sessions. Overall, a remarkable impact of psychoeducational structured intervention on the key Recovery variables is observed. Further studies are needed to address extent and duration of these improvements.

Predictors of psychosocial functioning in people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders that committed violent offences and in those that did not: Results of the Recoviwel study

Psychosocial functioning represents a core treatment target of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD), and several clinical and cognitive factors contribute to its impairment. However, determinants of psychosocial functioning in people living with SSD that committed violent offences remain to be more thoroughly explored. This study aims to separately assess and compare predictors of psychosocial functioning in people with SSD that did and that did not commit violent offences considering several clinical, cognitive and violence-related parameters. Fifty inmates convicted for violent crimes in a forensic psychiatry setting diagnosed with SSD (OP group) and fifty participants matched for age, gender, education, and diagnosis (Non-OP group) were included in the study. A higher risk of violent relapse as measured by HCR-20 clinical subscale scores (p < 0.002) and greater global clinical severity as measured by CGI-S scores (p = 0.023) emerged as individual predictors of worse psychosocial functioning, as measured by PSP scores, in the OP group. Greater global clinical severity (p < 0.001), worse performance in the processing speed domain as measured by the BACS Symbol Coding (p = 0.002) and TMT-A tests (p = 0.016) and higher levels of non-planning impulsivity as measured by BIS-11 scores (p < 0.001) emerged as individual predictors of worse psychosocial functioning in the Non-OP group. These results confirm that clinical severity impacts psychosocial functioning in all individuals diagnosed with SSD and suggest that while cognitive impairment clearly represents a determinant of worse functional outcomes in most patients, the risk of violent relapse is a specific predictor of worse psychosocial functioning in people with SSD that committed criminal offences.

Psychometric assessment of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia

IntroductionTreatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is one of the most pressing issues in the field of treatment and research of psychotic disorders. The pronounced decline in social and professional functioning in this group of patients as well as high costs of therapy determine high interest in TRS. This is a part of an ongoing study on the clinical and biological features of TRS.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to identify the leading symptoms in patients with TRS.MethodsUsing the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Calgary Depression Scale for schizophrenia (CDSS), 30 male patients (age 28.99 ± 8.08 years) diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (F20.0) were examined. All patients had persistent productive symptoms and met the criteria for TRS. The average daily doses of antipsychotics in chlorpromazine equivalent were 1382.07 ± 897.15 mg/day. The average age of onset of the disease was 19.52 ± 5.97 years, the average disease was 9.47 ± 7.61 years.ResultsThe average scores were: on the PSP scale: 46.05 ± 9.17, on the CDSS scale 8.10 ± 4.53, on the PANSS positive symptoms subscale - 21.52 ± 4.24, on the PANSS negative symptoms subscale - 24.67 ± 4.42, on the general psychopathology subscale PANSS – 45.62 ± 6.11 . Positive symptoms were represented mainly by delusions (P1, 4.14 ± 0.85 points) and hallucinations (P3, 4.10 ± 1.76 points). Blunted affect (N1, 4.29 ± 0.56 points) and emotional withdrawal (N2, 3.67 ± 0.73 points) predominated among negative symptoms, while the least prominent negative symptom was poor rapport (N3, 3.24 ± 0.94). The most pronounced general psychopathology symptoms were depression (G6, 4.00 ± 1.10 ) and lack of judgment and insight (G12, 4.05 ± 0.92). The total score on the PANSS was 91.81 ± 12.40.ConclusionsThe CDSS score indicates a high incidence of depressive symptoms in patients with TRS. A low PSP score reflects poor social functioning. The most common symptoms according to the PANSS are delusions, hallucinations, blunted affect, emotional withdrawal, depression and lack of judgment and insight.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Relationship between the Use of Mobile Applications and Social Functioning in Patients with Schizophrenia.

The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of digital technology tool use in individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in Turkey, as well as evaluating the association between the use and psychosocial functionality and clinical symptoms. Data were collected from 100 patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder based on the DSM-5 criteria. The use of technology was evaluated with a questionnaire developed for this study. The level of psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), and the positive and negative symptom severity was evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The digital technology users were significantly younger than the non-users. The majority of patients own a mobile phone (86%) and a computer (67%). Furthermore, 61% of patients used mobile applications, with Facebook and WhatsApp being the most popular social media platforms (48%). Patients who used digital technology tools had higher PSP scores. Furthermore, patients who used digital technology tools had significantly lower scores in PANSS negative subscale. There was no difference in PANSS positive subscale scores between digital technology tool users and non-users. Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia may benefit from mobile applications and social media tools that can help them participate in daily activities and improve their overall well-being.

Efficacy of low-dose risperidone in combination with sertraline in first-episode drug-naïve patients with schizophrenia: a randomized controlled open-label study

ObjectiveDespite advances in pharmacology, the treatment of schizophrenia (SZ) remains a challenge due to relapse after antipsychotic discontinuation and multiple adverse effects of antipsychotics. We hypothesized that a low dose of risperidone in combination with sertraline would reduce serious adverse effects without decreasing treatment response. This study aimed to examine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of low-dose risperidone combined with sertraline to reduce risperidone dose and serious adverse effects in first-episode and medication-naive (FEMN) SZ patients.MethodsA total of 230 patients with FEMN SZ were randomly assigned to receive low-dose risperidone in combination with sertraline (RS group) or regular-dose risperidone (control group). The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), and Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) were assessed at baseline and the end of the first, second, third, and sixth months. In addition, serum prolactin levels and extrapyramidal symptoms were measured at baseline and follow-up.ResultsRepeated measures ANCOVA showed significant interaction effects of treatment by time on psychotic symptoms, as well as HAMD, PSP scores, prolactin levels, and extrapyramidal symptoms (all p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the RS group had greater decreases in PANSS total score and its subscores and HAMD score (all p < 0.01) and a greater increase in PSP total score (p < 0.01). Notably, side effects were lower in the RS group relative to the control group. Improvements in HAMD and PANSS total scores, changes in prolactin levels and gender predicted improvements in PSP from baseline to month 6.ConclusionsOur study suggests that low-dose risperidone in combination with sertraline was more effective for psychotic symptoms and psychosocial functioning, with significantly fewer adverse effects in patients with FEMN SZ.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04076371

Negative symptoms in drug-naive patients with a first-episode psychosis (FEP)

Negative symptoms are nuclear features of schizophrenia that may be present from the onset of the disease. In recent years, it has been described 2 subdomains of negative symptoms: experiential and expressive deficits. The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between negative symptoms and demographic and clinical variables in patients with first-episode psychosis. Also, to explore whether there are differences in the association among these variables and negative symptoms when divided into both subdomains. A cross-sectional study was performed in 160 patients (52 females and 108 males) with a diagnosis of a first episode psychosis. A questionnaire was administered to collect demographic and clinical variables. A backward stepwise linear regressions analysis was performed in order to observe potential associations between demographic and clinical variables and the presence of negative symptoms. All three models are predicted by worse PSP score, a higher CDSS, a higher disorganized factor score and a lower excited factor score. A longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is associated to a higher score in the experiential deficit subdomain only. Our work highlights some clinical and phenomenological differences between experiential and expressive deficits. We think that taking into account both subdomains in future studies may lead to more accurate clinical assessment and interventions.

Rituximab as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia spectrum disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder: Two open-label pilot studies on treatment-resistant patients

In this explorative study, we investigated if an adjunctive treatment with one single dose of the monoclonal antibody rituximab would improve symptoms and function in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD, n = 9) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD, n = 10), based on the inflammatory hypothesis for mental disorders. Patients were followed for one year. Disability was measured with the Personal and Social Performance score (PSP). At baseline, the mean PANSS score in the SSD group was 99 ± 32 and the mean Y-BOCS score in the OCD group was 27.5 ± 7. Mean PSP scores were 32 ± 10.2 and 42.5 ± 9.9 in the SSD and OCD groups, respectively. Seven had Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) in retrospect, and 3 SSD patients had schizo-obsessive subtype. 4/8 SSD patients showed a ≥40% reduction in PANSS at endpoint I week 20, however, 7/9 were similarly improved already at week 12. Among the OCD patients, 2/10 showed a ≥35% reduction in Y-BOCS at week 20. Disability was significantly improved only in the SSD group. The percentual decrease of PANSS scores in SSD patients was associated with the increase in immunoglobulin levels week 20 (n = 8: IgG r = 0.85, p = .007; IgA r = 0.79, p = .019; IgM r = 0.73, p = .038).Rituximab was generally well tolerated in these patients. Self-rated improvements since baseline were reported for psychic (p = .021), neurological (p = .059), and autonomic (p < .001) side effects (UKU-SERS-Pat side-effect scale). Anxiety was commonly reported by OCD patients, while an initial increase in psychotic symptoms was seen in a few SSD patients. An RCT is underway to evaluate rituximab in SSD.

Clinical-correlative analysis of patients at risk of schizophrenia

Objective: Establishing a link between the structure and severity of psychopathological symptoms and the level of functioning in patients at risk of schizophrenia. Material and Methods: The study examined 38 patients with a depressive episode with attenuated positive symptoms (APS) from the risk group of schizophrenia hospitalized in 2011-2015. The follow-up was 7.3 ± 1.7 years. At the time of the examination, all patients were in remission. HDRS (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale), SOPS (Scale of Prodromal Symptoms) and (SANS) Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms were used. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistica 12 program. Results: At the time of the survey, 21.1% of the cases were diagnosed as schizophrenic (F25 and F20 according to ICD-10), 28.9 % as affective (F34.0, F31.3, F31.7 and F33.4), 13.2 % as personal disorders (F60.1, F60.a, F3.8 per cent) and 36,8 % as schizotypal disorders (F21.3, F21.4, F21.5, F21.8). Social performance on the PSP scale of 13.2 % was rated as high (100-81 points), 28.9 % and 31.6 % as average (80-61 and 60-41 points respectively) and 26.3 % as low (less than 40 points). The strongest correlations (p˂0.05) are found between total scores on the SOPS scale, negative SOPS scores, total SANS score and PSP score (- 0.854, - 0.876, - 0.812 respectively), subscale of negative SOPS symptoms and socially beneficial PSP activity (-0.831) subscale of apathy-anhedonia SANS and social relations PSP (0,801). Discussion: A high level of social functioning is possible provided there is a complete reduction of the prodromal and depressive symptoms, at medium levels, functioning is determined primarily by increasing negative symptoms, especially the domain of avolition - apathy, and low levels are formed by persistent APS, increasing symptoms of disorganization and negative symptoms. Conclusion: The study showed that the outcome of the first depressive episode with the risk symptoms of schizophrenia is generally characterized by some degree of decline in social functioning, which cannot be considered as a phenomenon in its own right, on the contrary, it’s a derivative of psychopathological symptoms.

The Efficiency of Educational and Healthcare public expenditures in Kosovo: A Data Envelopment Analysis Technique

This paper evaluates the performance and efficiency of the government public expenditure in the education and health sectors in the emerging economies context, specifically comparing Kosovo with the Western Balkan countries. The indicators of education and health sectors were used to assess a Public Sector Performance Index (PSP) and the Public Sector Efficiency Index (PSE). Also, this study uses the nonparametric method DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) to evaluate the input-output oriented efficiency. This study finds that education score of performance ranges from 0.43 which is the minimum to 1.48 which is the maximum. And in the health sector, the PSP score ranges from 0.81 which is the minimum to 1.09 which is the maximum. Kosovo ranks 41st out of 42 countries in this sample, in terms of the education sector, with a performance index of 0.67, which is 37% below the average of 1.00, whilst in terms of the health sector it ranks 39th out of 42 countries in the sample.In the analysis of the input output efficiency model in the education sector, the results show that the countries included in the study achieve an efficiency of 76.69 and it means that countries can reduce relevant public expenditure by 23.3% and maintain the same level of PSP in the education sector. Kosovo is assessed in this analysis as an inefficient country. The value of the input-oriented index is 40.24, which means that Kosovo can achieve the same level of performance in the education sector by using 60% less relative public expenditure, whilst, on the other hand, the input-output efficiency results for the health sector show that the efficiency score for countries is 47.64, and denotes that the countries in the sample could reduce 53% in health expenditure to achieve the same performance in the health sector. Thus, Kosovo compared to other countries in the sample is within the limits of production opportunities and uses public expenditure on health and education inefficiently.

Real-World Functioning in Psychiatric Outpatients: Predictive Factors.

Introduction: Investigations on predictors of real-world functioning were mainly performed in patients with schizophrenia, while fewer studies have been conducted in other psychiatric disorders. Objective: Our objective was to identify clinical, socio-demographic, and illness-related predictors of real-world functioning during 12 months of standard treatments in outpatients with different diagnoses. Methods: Outpatients (n = 1019) with schizophrenia (SZ), major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD) were evaluated with the following tools: SCID-5-CV and SCID-5-PD, CGI-S, SAT-P, DAI-10, and PSP. Change of PSP (ΔPSP) between baseline and 12 months was used as the dependent variable in multiple regression analysis. Results: Higher PSP score at baseline and the achievement of main milestones predicted better functioning after follow-up in all subgroups of patients, with the exception of BD. In the total sample, ΔPSP was related to age of onset, treatments, and quality of life, and inversely related to psychiatric anamnesis, antidepressants, and global symptoms. In SZ, ΔPSP was related to adherence and quality of life. In MDD, ΔPSP was related to psychotherapy and quality of life, and inversely related to antidepressants and global symptoms. In BD, ΔPSP was related to age of onset, antipsychotics, and quality of life, while it was inversely related to psychiatric anamnesis. In BPD, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, and quality of life were directly related to ΔPSP, while suicidal attempts and global symptoms had an inverse relation. Conclusions: Several socio-demographic and illness-related variables predicted improvement of real-world functioning, besides psychopathology and severity of the disease.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Associations Between BDNF, CRP, IL-6 and Clinical Symptoms, Cognitive and Personal Performance in Patients With Paranoid Schizophrenia

BackgroundCognitive impairment is among the core dimensions in schizophrenia and is a significant predictor of everyday functioning in people with schizophrenia. Given the enormous burden of schizophrenia, the search for its clinically relevant biomarkers is essential. Researchers have been trying to elucidate factors of cognitive impairment as well as personal performance, but the search is still ongoing. The aim of the study was to search for associations between BDNF, CRP, IL-6 and clinical symptoms, cognitive and personal performance in patients with paranoid schizophrenia.MethodsA total of 86 patients (53.5% women, mean age 31.1 ± 6.5) with paranoid schizophrenia (F20.0; ICD-10) in remission were examined. Clinical and neuropsychological examination included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Personal and Social Performance Scale, Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia and the Brief Assessment of Cognitive Function in Schizophrenia. IL-6, BDNF, CRP levels were determined in the patients' blood serum.ResultsCognitive impairment was revealed in 79.1% of patients and was more profound in patients with higher number of hospitalizations (p = 0.006). The average BDNF levels were 13.38 ± 15.84 ng/ml, CRP concentration was 2.09 ± 2.54 mg/l, and IL-6 levels were 12.14 ± 5.88 pg/ml. There were no differences in biomarker levels or BACS results in patients that had different antipsychotic therapy or differed in the presence of anticholinergic therapy. CRP levels were higher in patients with longer disease duration, lower age of onset, more impaired personal social performance and processing speed. IL-6 was higher in individuals with lower working memory scores. PANSS negative subscale score negatively correlated and PSP score positively correlated with most cognitive domains. A linear regression established that the first episode vs. multiple episodes of schizophrenia could statistically significantly predict personal and social performance and cognition, including speech fluency and planning, as well as CRP levels.ConclusionsThis study continues the search for biomarkers of schizophrenia and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia to improve the reliability of diagnosing the disorder and find new treatment approaches. The role of the number of psychoses experienced (first episode vs. multiple episodes of schizophrenia) in cognition, personal and social performance and inflammation is shown.

Low-Dose Ziprasidone in Combination with Sertraline for First-Episode Drug-Naïve Patients with Schizophrenia: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Many patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) discontinue antipsychotics, frequently due to dose-related multiple and severe adverse effects. We hypothesized that a low-dose ziprasidone plus sertraline would reduce serious side effects without affecting treatment efficacy. Therefore, this clinical trial was designed to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of adding sertraline to ziprasidone in order to substantially reduce ziprasidone dose and potential side effects in first-episode and drug-naive (FEDN) patients with SCZ. This 24-week randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial randomly allocated 452 FEDN SCZ patients to receive a usual dose of ziprasidone (control group) or half the dose of ziprasidone in combination with sertraline (ZS group). Treatment outcome included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), CGI-Severity (CGI-S) and the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24. Repeated measures ANCOVA showed significant treatment by time interactions on the PANSS general psychopathology and total scores, as well as CGI-S, HAMD, and PSP scores (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ZS group had greater reductions in PANSS general psychopathology, total scores, HAMD, and CGI-S (all p < 0.05) and greater increases in the PSP total score (p < 0.01) than the control group. Importantly, adverse effects were lower in the ZS than control group. The reduction in PANSS, CGI-S, or HAMD scores was not correlated with the increase in PSP. Sex and duration of disease predicted PSP improvement from baseline to week 24 in the ZS group. Our FEDN patients with SCZ were effectively treated for their psychotic and depressive symptoms while experiencing significantly fewer adverse effects using half the usual ziprasidone dose when combined with sertraline. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04076371.

Changes of Mental State and Serum Prolactin Levels in Patients with Schizophrenia and Depression after Receiving the Combination Therapy of Amisulpride and Chloroprothixol Tablets.

Objective To investigate the changes in mental state and serum prolactin levels in patients with schizophrenia and depression after receiving the combination therapy of amisulpride and chloroprothixol tablets. Methods A total of 148 schizophrenic patients with depression were randomly divided into control group (N = 73) and study group (N = 75). The control group was treated with clopidothiol, and the study group was treated with amisulpride. Symptom scores, sleep quality, adverse reactions, therapeutic effects, prolactin, and progesterone levels, HAMD, PANSS, and PSP scores were compared between the two groups. Results The symptom scores of both groups were significantly reduced, but when compared to the control group, the symptom scores of the research group were significantly reduced more significantly (P < 0.05); serum GDNF levels of both groups were significantly increased, while serum NSE, IL-1, and MBP levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). However, the research group altered more substantially (P < 0.05) than the control group; the overall PSQI score of the research group was lower (P < 0.05) than the control group; and the incidence of adverse responses in the control and study groups was 12.3 percent and 4.0 percent. The research group had a lower rate of adverse responses (P < 0.05) than the control group, and the effective treatment of the control and research groups was 82.2 percent and 98.7%, respectively. The research group had a lower rate of adverse reactions (P < 0.05) than the control group, while the control and research groups' successful treatment rates were 82.2 percent and 98.7%, respectively. When compared to the control group, the research group had a greater treatment efficiency (P < 0.05); blood prolactin and progesterone levels were considerably lowered in both groups, but the reductions in the research group were more evident (P < 0.05). Both groups had considerably lower HAMD and PANSS scores, and both had significantly higher PSP scores, although the difference in the research group was more evident (P < 0.05). Conclusion For people with schizophrenia and depression, a combination of amisulpride and chloroprothixol pills has a considerable effect. It can help patients with their clinical symptoms and sleep quality while also lowering their serum prolactin levels, which is favorable to their illness recovery. As a result, the combined treatment of amisulpride and chloroprothixol pills deserves to be promoted and used.

How Do Case Mangers Determine the Types of Services Provided to Users in the Intensive Case Management? A Longitudinal Study

Introduction Intensive case management is an essential component of community mental health care system for people with severe mental illness. We examined the association of service types with previous and future functioning and hospital admissions using a longitudinal data, to clarify the case managers’ activity. Methods The study included baseline assessment, recording and analysis of services, and follow-up assessment. At the baseline and follow-up assessments, we examined functioning (ie, Personal and Social Performance Scale: PSP) and hospital admission of users for past periods. For recording and analysis of services, we recorded services provided by case managers over 2 months, and five core services were used for the analyses: regular face-to-face contact, outreach services, hospital-based (outpatient) services, and easy contacts and coordination. Results Outreach services were significantly associated with hospital admissions at baseline and follow-up assessments. Hospital-based services were significantly associated with lower PSP scores and hospital admission at follow-up assessment. Easy contacts and coordination were associated with lower PSP scores at follow-up assessment. Conclusion In Japan, most services are provided in the outpatient department of hospital, and outreach services are relatively time consuming for case managers; thus, the indications for providing outreach services need to be carefully considered. Therefore, we suggest that case managers provide flexible services to users according to the circumstances in Japan.

Association between exposome score for schizophrenia and functioning in first-episode psychosis: results from the Athens first-episode psychosis research study.

Evidence suggests that environmental factors not only increase psychosis liability but also influence the prognosis and outcomes of psychotic disorders. We investigated temporal and cross-sectional associations of a weighted score of cumulative environmental liability for schizophrenia - the exposome score for schizophrenia (ES-SCZ) - with functioning in first-episode psychosis (FEP). Data were derived from the baseline and 1-month assessments of the Athens FEP Research Study that enrolled 225 individuals with FEP. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) were used to measure social, occupational, and psychological functioning. The ES-SCZ was calculated based on the previously validated method. ES-SCZ was associated with the total scores of GAF and PSP at baseline and 1-month assessments. These findings remained significant when accounting for several associated alternative explanatory variables, including other environmental factors (obstetric complications, migration, ethnic minority), clinical characteristics (duration of untreated psychosis, symptom severity, previous antipsychotic use), and family history of psychosis, demonstrating that the association between ES-SCZ and functioning is over and above other risk factors and cannot be explained by symptom severity alone. Functioning improved from baseline to 1-month assessment, but no significant ES-SCZ-by-time interaction was found on functioning, indicating that functioning changes were not contingent on ES-SCZ. Our findings suggest that rather than a predictor of functional improvement, ES-SCZ represents a stable severity indicator that captures poor functioning in early psychosis. Environmental risk loading for schizophrenia (ES-SCZ) can be beneficial for clinical characterization and incorporated into transdiagnostic staging models.

Discontinuation and remission rates and social functioning in patients with schizophrenia receiving second-generation antipsychotics: 52-week evaluation of JUMPs, a randomized, open-label study.

AimGlobally, evidence from short‐term studies is insufficient for the guidelines to uniformly recommend a particular antipsychotic(s) for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. Therefore, long‐term comprehensive evaluation of antipsychotics is required from a social rehabilitation perspective, especially for drugs that have not yet been studied. The Japan Useful Medication Program for Schizophrenia (JUMPs) is a large‐scale, long‐term naturalistic study to present pivotal 52‐week data on the continuity of second‐generation antipsychotics (SGA: aripiprazole, blonanserin, and paliperidone).MethodsJUMPs was an open‐label, three‐arm, randomized, parallel‐group, 52‐week study. Enrolled patients had schizophrenia, were ≥20 years old, and required antipsychotic treatment or switched from previous therapy. The primary endpoint was treatment discontinuation rate over 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes included remission rate, social functioning, and quality‐of‐life scores [Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) and EuroQol‐5 dimensions], and safety.ResultsIn total, 251 patients received aripiprazole (n = 82), blonanserin (n = 85), or paliperidone (n = 84). The discontinuation rate (P = 0.9771) and remission rates (P > 0.05) over 52 weeks did not differ significantly between the three treatment groups. The discontinuation rates were 68.3%, 68.2%, and 65.5% in the aripiprazole, blonanserin, and paliperidone groups, respectively. Significant improvements (all P < 0.05) from baseline in PSP scores were observed at start of monotherapy, week 26, and week 52 in the overall cohort and blonanserin group and at week 26 in the aripiprazole group. The adverse event profile favored blonanserin.ConclusionAll three SGAs evaluated in this study showed similar treatment discontinuation rates in patients with chronic schizophrenia in Japan.

Burden on caregivers of schizophrenia outpatients in Brazil: Relationship to symptomatology and functioning.

To investigate the objective and subjective burden on caregivers of schizophrenia outpatients and their associations with sociodemographic factors, symptomatology, and functioning. This study included 60 schizophrenic outpatients aged 18 to 65 years who were clinically stable for at least 6 months, and 60 caregivers aged 18 to 80 years who were in contact with the patient for ⩾30 hours/week. The patients were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Schizophrenia (CGI-SCH), and the Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP). The caregivers were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Family Burden Interview Schedule, Brazilian version (FBIS-BR). The objective burden was positively correlated with CGI-SCH cognitive symptom scores (p = .032) and number of hours spent weekly with the patient (p = .028), and negatively correlated with PSP score (r = -.346, p = .007). The subjective burden showed a negative correlation with age of disease onset (r = -.338, p = .08). The independent variables included in the regression model were family income (p = .005), PSP score (p = .009), patient marital status (p = .012), patient gender (p = .046), and reception of financial benefit (p = .027) for objective burden; and disease duration (p = .045) and father/mother or sibling relationship (p = .001) for subjective burden. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the linear regression model for objective burden was 39.4%; subjective burden, 21.6%. Caring for female, single patients with longer disease duration, more severe cognitive symptoms, impaired functioning, and more caregiving time required per week were associated with higher caregiver burden levels.

Effect of long acting injectable antipsychotics on course and hospitalizations in bipolar disorder – a naturalistic mirror image study

Purpose To determining whether the addition of a long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI-AP) has a positive effect on prognosis in bipolar disorder. Materials and methods Medical records of patients with bipolar disorder who were using LAI-AP at least for one year in the community mental health center (CMHC) until March 2020 were investigated. Comparisons were made between the period of one year before and after the initiation of LAI-AP. Hospital admission was the primary outcome. Residual symptom severity and functionality were evaluated with Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results There were 197 patients with bipolar disorder who were attending to the CMHC and 17 of them were under maintenance treatment with LAI-AP for at least one year. The LAI-APs used were aripiprazole (n = 8), paliperidone (n = 5) and risperidone (n = 4). Duration of illness was 13.5 ± 8.02 years and duration of LAI-AP treatment was 24.8 ± 22.74 months (median: 18). During the one-year period after the LAI-AP initiation, there were fewer days spent in hospital (2.5 ± 5.68 vs. 15.5 ± 20.59 days, p = .026) and the number of hospitalizations was lower than the year before the LAI-AP use (0.1 ± 0.39 vs. 0.9 ± 1.24 hospitalizations, p = .013). During the recovery period with LAI antipsychotics, there were mild residual symptoms presented with mean PSP (70.2), YMRS (1.7) and BDI (7.6) scores. Conclusion LAI-AP use may have positive effect on course for selected patients with a long history of bipolar disorder.

Impairment of motivation in patients with schizophrenia and the development of a program for their psychosocial treatment

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 &lt;0.001). Patients with moderate deficit (diminished schizoid) changes were distinguished by high motivation, high scores on the «Action» (49.34 ± 8.22, P &lt;0.005) and «Maintenance» scale (52.43 ± 10.51, P &lt;0.005). A negative correlation was established between the indicators of patient motivation and the PANSS scale: will disorders (r = -0.75, P &lt;0.01), social withdrawal (r = -0.64, P &lt;0.01), blunted affect (r = -0.62, P&lt;0.005), etc. High positive correlation found between motivation rating and PSP scores in socially activity (r = 0,74, P &lt;0,005) and social relationships (r = 0,65, P &lt;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.

Psychopathological and psychosocial factors influencing physical health of people with mental disorders

IntroductionSevere mental disorders (SMD) are associated with higher morbidity rates and poorer health outcomes compared to the general population. They are more likely to be overweight, to be affected by cardiovascular diseases, and to have higher risk factors for chronic diseases.ObjectivesTo assess physical health in a sample of patients with SMD and to investigate which mental health-related factors and other psychosocial outcomes could be considered predictors of poor physical health.MethodsPatients referring to the psychiatric outpatients unit of the University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli” were recruited, and were assessed through validated assessment instruments exploring psychopathological status, global functioning and stigma. Physical health was assessed with an ad-hoc anthropometric schedule. A blood sample has been collected to assess levels of cholesterol, blood glucose, triglycerides, and blood insulin.Results75 patients have been recruited, with a mean age of 45.63±11.84 years. 30% of the sample had a diagnosis of psychosis, 27% of depression and 43% of bipolar disorder. A higher BMI is predicted by higher number of hospitalizations, a reduced score at MANSA (p&lt;.000), and PSP (p&lt;.05), and higher score at ISMI and BPRS (p&lt;.05). A higher cardiovascular risk is predicted by a reduced MANSA score (p&lt;.000), a higher ISMI score and a poorer adherence to pharmacological treatments (p&lt;.05). Higher ISMI score (p&lt;.0001) and number of hospitalizations (p&lt;.05) are predictors of insulin-resistance.ConclusionsOur study shows that psychosocial domains negatively influence physical health outcome. It is necessary to disseminate an integrated psychosocial intervention in order to improve patients’ physical health.DisclosureNo significant relationships.