Symptoms In Schizophrenic Patients Research Articles

Co-administration of probiotic and vitamin D significantly improves cognitive function in schizophrenic patients: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Manipulation of the intestinal microbiome and supplying vitamin D can attenuate psychiatric symptoms in schizophrenic patients. The current study tried to evaluate the effects of probiotic/vitamin D supplementation on the cognitive function and disease severity of schizophrenic patients. In the present study, 70 patients (aged 18-65) with schizophrenia were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to the placebo (n = 35) and intervention (probiotic supplements+400 IU vitamin D, n = 35) groups. Severity of disease and cognitive function (primary outcomes) were evaluated by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tests, respectively. Moreover, lipid profile, body mass index (BMI), gastrointestinal (GI) problems, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were evaluated as secondary outcomes. A total of 69 patients completed the study. The MoCA score was increased by 1.96 units in the probiotic-containing supplement group compared to the placebo (p = 0.004). Also, the percentage of subjects with MoCA score ≥ 26 rose significantly in the intervention group (p = 0.031). Moreover, TC (p = 0.011), FBS (p = 0.009), and CRP (p < 0.001) significantly decreased in the supplement group compared to the placebo. Although the probiotic supplement reduced PANSS score by 2.82 units, the difference between the study groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.247). Co-administration of probiotics and vitamin D has beneficial effects on the improvement of cognitive function in schizophrenic patients.

The Effectiveness of Augmenting Modafinil to Risperidone or Olanzapine for Treating Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trail

Background: Recent evidence suggests the potential efficacy of modafinil in addressing specific symptom domains associated with schizophrenia, particularly negative and cognitive symptoms. However, it's important to note that findings in this area have been inconsistent. Objectives: This study was done to assess the impact of modafinil on improving negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Methods: In this clinical trial, 40 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and referred to Golestan Hospital were selected. Patients received a daily dose of 100 to 200 mg of modafinil in addition to their ongoing antipsychotic treatment with either Risperidone or Olanzapine. In the control group, patients received a placebo along with their prescribed antipsychotic therapy. The duration of the follow-up was 4 weeks. Both the evaluator and the patients were blinded to the administered medication. The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) was utilized to measure negative symptoms before the intervention, and at 2 and 4 weeks following the intervention. Results: The mean age of participants in the intervention and control groups was 34.00 ± 6.60 and 36.90 ± 6.88 years, respectively. Two weeks after the intervention, the average SANS score was lower in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (99.70 ± 10.24 vs. 111.24 ± 7.08, P = 0.04). At 4 weeks post-intervention, the average SANS score in the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to the placebo group (84.39 ± 3.54 vs. 113.79 ± 3.75, P = 0.002). Conclusions: This study suggests that modafinil may be an effective adjunctive therapy for schizophrenia, particularly for treating anhedonia symptoms.

Association of non‐essential metals with Chinese schizophrenia: A case‐control study

AbstractBackgroundThe potential link between environmental pollutants, including metals, and schizophrenia development remains debated. This study aimed to explore the association between plasma levels of three non‐essential metals—barium (Ba), tungsten (W), and uranium (U)—and schizophrenia risk among Chinese individuals.MethodWe recruited a total of 221 patients and 219 healthy controls. Plasma levels of three non‐essential metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We employed unconditional logistic regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to explore the relationship between exposure to multiple metals and the risk of schizophrenia.ResultsLogistic regression analysis revealed that the highest quartile (Q4) of W had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.87 (95% CI: 1.08–3.21) compared to the lowest quartile (Q1), with a significant P‐trend of 0.017. For U, the ORs (95% CI) for Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 2.06 (1.19–3.56), 1.99 (1.15–3.44), and 1.74 (1.00–3.00), respectively. BKMR analyses revealed a progressive increase in the risk of schizophrenia with increasing cumulative levels of the three metals at concentrations below 35%, with U playing a major role in this association. U showed a non‐linear positive correlation with schizophrenia, particularly at the 75th percentile level. Moreover, potential interactions were observed between W and Ba, as well as between W and U.ConclusionHigher plasma W and U concentrations were positively associated with the risk of schizophrenia, which was potentially related to the severity of symptoms in schizophrenic patients.

Serum S100B is related to insulin resistance and zinc-α2-glycoprotein levels in patients with chronic schizophrenia

BackgroundElevated serum levels of S100B may associate with insulin resistance and other metabolic complication in schizophrenia patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum S100B levels with cardiometabolic parameters, serum levels of zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG), and the severity of schizophrenia symptoms in schizophrenic patients. We recruited 42 patients with chronic schizophrenia. The participant's body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Serum levels of low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c and HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, S100B, and ZAG levels were determined. The Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) was used to quantify insulin resistance (IR) and the severity of schizophrenia was measured using a positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) score.ResultsThe results showed that the mean serum S100B levels increased significantly with increasing HOMA-IR and ZAG levels (β = 0.595, 95% confidence interval (CI) (8.722 to 26.002), p < 0.001; and β = 0.334, 95% CI 0.067 to 0.525, p = 0.013 respectively). Patients under treatment with atypical antipsychotic medications (AAPM) had lower serum S100B levels (p = 0.035).ConclusionOur results suggest that alteration in glucose metabolism and ZAG secretion may increase serum S100B levels in patients with schizophrenia.

HUBUNGAN HALUSINASI DENGAN KEJADIAN PERILAKU KEKERASAN PADA PASIEN SKIZOFRENIA DI RUMAH SAKIT KHUSUS JIWA PROVINSI BENGKULU

There are around 450 million people with mental disorders in the world, including schizophrenia. The prevalence of schizophrenia in Indonesia has reached 400,000 people or as much as 1.7 per 1,000 population. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by changes in thought processes, perceptions, behavior, and decreased social functioning. Some of these signs and symptoms will influence each other including hallucinations and violent behavior. The research objective was to determine the relationship between hallucinations and violent behavior in schizophrenic patients at the Special Mental Hospital in Bengkulu Province. The method in this study is a quantitative study using an analytic research design and a cross sectional design. The sample in this study was 78 respondents who were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study used the chi-square statistical test. The results of this study indicate that there are a small proportion of 20 (25.7%) who experience violent behavior and more than 45 (57.7%) who experience hallucinations. The results of the chi-square statistical test obtained a p value of 0.015 &lt;0.05, meaning that there was a relationship between hallucinations and violent behavior in schizophrenic patients at the Special Mental Hospital in Bengkulu Province. The conclusion in this study is that hallucinatory symptoms in schizophrenic patients can lead to violent behavior. Suggestions in this study are that nurses should evaluate schizophrenic patients more in practicing how to deal with hallucinations so that violent behavior does not occur and intervene according to the signs and symptoms that arise Keywords: Schizophrenia, violent behavior, hallucinations

Effect of transdermal drug delivery therapy on anxiety symptoms in schizophrenic patients.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transdermal drug delivery therapy for schizophrenia with anxiety symptoms. A total of 80 schizophrenic patients (34 males and 56 females) with comorbid anxiety disorders were randomly assigned to the treatment group (n = 40) and the control group (n = 40) with 6 weeks of follow-up. The patients in the treatment group received the standard antipsychotic drug treatment along with transdermal drug delivery therapy. The evaluation of the patients included the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17), and treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS) at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after transdermal drug delivery therapy. The Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) was assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. After 3 and 6 weeks of treatment, the HAMA scale scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the HAMD-17 scale scores, PANSS total scores, and subscale scores between the two groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, no significant differences in adverse effects were observed between the two groups during the intervention period (p > 0.05). After 6 weeks of penetration therapy, there was a low negative correlation between total disease duration and the change in HAMA scale score (pretreatment-posttreatment) in the treatment group. Combined traditional Chinese medicine directed penetration therapy can improve the anxiety symptoms of patients with schizophrenia and has a safe profile.

Genetic variations in DOCK4 contribute to schizophrenia susceptibility in a Chinese cohort: A genetic neuroimaging study

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests that the DOCK4 gene increases susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, no study has hitherto repeated this association in Chinese, and further investigated the relationship between DOCK4 and clinical symptoms in schizophrenic patients using clinical scales and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). MethodsIn this study, we genotyped three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2074127, rs2217262, and rs2074130) within the DOCK4 gene using a case-control design (including 1289 healthy controls and 1351 patients with schizophrenia). 55 first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and 59 healthy participants were divided by the genotypes of rs2074130 into CC and CT+TT groups. We further investigated the association with clinical symptoms and neural characteristics (brain activation/connectivity and nodal network metrics). ResultsOur results showed significant associations between all selected SNPs and schizophrenia (all P < 0.05). In patients, letter fluency and motor speed scores of T allele carriers were significantly higher than the CC group (all P < 0.05). Interestingly, greater brain activity, functional connectivity, and betweenness centrality (BC) in language processing and motor coordination were also observed in the corresponding brain zones in patients with the T allele based on a two-way ANCOVA model. Moreover, a potential positive correlation was found between brain activity/connectivity of these brain regions and verbal fluency and motor speed. ConclusionOur findings suggest that the DOCK4 gene may contribute to the onset of schizophrenia and lead to language processing and motor coordination dysfunction in this patient population from China.

Metoclopramide as a Potential Antipsychotic Against Long-Term Methionine Exposure in Zebrafish.

Methionine (MET) contributes to brain function and is required for proper functioning of the central nervous system. However, exceptionally high levels of MET and its metabolites in plasma have been found to be toxic and can lead to cell alterations. Long-term exposure to MET has been shown to mimic psychotic symptoms in schizophrenic patients and rodents. The present study evaluated behavioral and neurochemical effects of long-term exposure to MET in zebrafish. Five groups of zebrafish were exposed to MET at a concentration of 4.5 mM for 7 days, along with acute exposure to 25 μM of clozapine and 750, 1000, and 1250 μM of metoclopramide. In contrast, the normal group was exposed to only water and dimethyl sulfoxide. After the treatment, social interaction, anxiety, memory, and locomotion of zebrafish and serotonin levels in zebrafish brains were evaluated. Our results showed that metoclopramide was not only beneficial in improving MET-induced cognitive impairment but it also prevented social withdrawal in zebrafish exposed to MET. In addition, metoclopramide reversed anxiety-like behavior, as indicated by significant changes in locomotion activity. Despite slight changes in serotonin levels in the zebrafish brain, an in vitro serotonin assay failed to demonstrate significant differences between the disease control, normal, and two treatment groups. Finally, results from the study showed that repeated administration of MET induced schizophrenia-like symptoms, although metoclopramide ameliorated the MET-mediated negative symptoms and cognitive deficits in zebrafish. Overall, our findings suggest a new perspective to further explore the antipsychotic properties of metoclopramide.

Relationship of serum homocysteine and vitamin D with positive, negative, and extrapyramidal symptoms in schizophrenia: a case–control study in Iran

BackgroundSchizophrenia is a devastating condition characterized by frequent recurrences, cognitive decline, and emotional and functional disabilities. This condition includes positive and negative symptoms and cognitive impairments resistant to drug treatment. According to studies, many biomarkers can affect this disorder. However, there is little information about vitamin D and homocysteine levels in patients with disease complications. We aimed to investigate this relationship in schizophrenia.MethodIn this case–control study, 33 patients with schizophrenia and 33 healthy individuals were enrolled from Golestan, the north of Iran, in 2021. Blood samples were taken from all participants to assess vitamin D and homocysteine serum levels. In addition, schizophrenic patients completed the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Simpson-Angus Extrapyramidal Side Effects Scale (SAS). Data analysis was performed at a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS 16 software.ResultsOf the 66 participants, 66.7% had vitamin D deficiency, and 71.2% had normal homocysteine levels. However, the serum level of vitamin D was lower in schizophrenic patients than in controls (p = 0.035), and serum homocysteine levels were higher in the schizophrenic group than in controls (p < 0.001). Vitamin D levels in patients with schizophrenia were significantly correlated with the overall assessment of extrapyramidal symptoms (r = 0.35, p = 0.04). However, no significant relationship existed between vitamin D and homocysteine levels and PANSS results (p > 0.05).ConclusionSerum levels of vitamin D and homocysteine were significantly lower and higher in schizophrenic patients than in the control group. Improvement of extrapyramidal symptoms in schizophrenic patients had a direct and significant relationship with serum vitamin D.

The Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy : Drawing on Mrs. “K” on The Ability to Control Auditory Hallucinations in The Flamboyant Room Dr. RSJ. Radjiman Wediodiningrat Lawang

Introduction: Hallucinations are defined as perceptual disturbances in which an object is not stimulated from outside, this sensory perception disorder covers all five senses. One effort that can be done to overcome hallucination is by occupational drawing therapy. Drawing therapy can release the patient’s emotions, express themselves through non-verbal ways and build communication. This final scientific paper aims to determine the drawing strategy for reducing hearing hallucination symptoms. Method: The research design uses a qualitative case study. This case study explores a problem in patients with sensory percepyion disorders: auditory hallucination with a sample of 1 person. Result: After 3 days of drawing therapy, there were changes in the symptoms that appeared in Mrs. “K” before and after being given the intervention of occupational therapy drawing, where before being given therapeutic therapy there were 12 symptoms (85%) from 14 symptoms and after the intervention was given 3 symptoms (22%).Therapy can minimize the patient’s interaction with his own world, remove thoughts, feeling, or emotions that have been influencing, unconscious behavior, motivate and provide joy, entertainment, and attention to the mind from hallucinations so that the mind does not focus on the hallucinations. Conclusion: Drawing therapy is effective in reducing auditory therapy is effective in reducing auditory symptoms in schizophrenic patients.

Testing the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Staden schizophrenia anxiety rating scale.

Accurate assessment of anxiety disorders and their symptomatology in schizophrenic patients is important for prognosis and treatment. Measuring anxiety on the traditional anxiety assessment scales such as the Hamilton Anxiety Rating (HAMA) Scale or the self-rating depression scale (SAS) is challenging and often considered unsuitable for assessing anxiety symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The Staden schizophrenia anxiety rating scale (S-SARS) has been shown to reliably measure specified and undifferentiated anxiety in schizophrenia. The present study aims to test the reliability and validity of the S-SARS version, thereby facilitating Chinese psychiatrists in assessing anxiety symptoms in schizophrenic patients. A total of 300 patients meeting ICD-10 diagnostic criteria of schizophrenia were recruited by convenience sampling. We used the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to evaluate the structural validity of S-SARS and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to acquire the cutoff point of S-SARS to define the severity of anxiety. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's and Krippendorff's α scores. 1-week test-retest reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Correlation analysis with HAMA was used to determine the Chinese version of S-SARS criterion validity. We have the following results: Our version of S-SARS showed Cronbach's α score as 0.899, Krippendorff's α as 0.874, and a correlation coefficient of 0.852 between S-SARS and HAMA. The EPA demonstrated that the contribution rate of major factors was 69.45%. All the items of S-SARS were located in one factor and showed a high factor load (0.415–0.837). The correlation coefficient of S-SARS and HAMA was 0.852. Our results indicated that Chinese version of S-SARS showed good constructive validity and reliability. It also showed better criterion validity compared to HAMA. The S-SARS and its Chinese version can thus serve as an effective tool for assessing anxiety symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Indices and the Severity of Symptoms in Male Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia

Objectives: Hypovitaminosis D is suggested to be related to the high risk of metabolic disorders and symptoms of schizophrenia. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on cardio-metabolic indices and the severity of symptoms in schizophrenic patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with schizophrenia (N=42) were randomly assigned to 2 groups, i.e., intervention (2000 IU of vitamin D daily; n=21) and placebo groups (n=21). The intervention was administered for 8 weeks. Anthropometric, clinical, and laboratory measures were assessed at both baseline and end of the trial. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was performed to assess the schizophrenia symptoms. Results: Vitamin D supplementation leads to a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (P=0.006). In addition, a significant improvement was found in the PANSS negative subscale score (PANSS-NSS) and PANSS total score (PANSS-TS; P=0.005 and P=0.015, respectively). At the baseline, there was a significant negative correlation between PANSS-NSS, PANSS positive subscale score (PANSS-PSS), and PANSS-TS with serum levels of vitamin D (r=-0.42, P=0.010; r=-0.34, P=0.041; and r=-0.47, P=0.004, respectively). Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation may have helpful efficacy on some cardio-metabolic indices and schizophrenia severity.

Can levetiracetam improve clinical symptoms in schizophrenic patients? A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Schizophrenia is associated with persistent cognitive deficits, which worsen treatment outcomes despite increasing antipsychotic doses. This study aimed to assess the effect of levetiracetam on the severity of schizophrenia symptoms and cognitive deficits in these patients. In this randomized, controlled, three-blind randomized clinical trial approved by Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran (IRCT20101130005280N31), forty chronic schizophrenic patients aged 18-60 years were randomly divided into two groups of levetiracetam and placebo. The levetiracetam group received levetiracetam for 8 weeks. The symptoms were evaluated by Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS), Stroop test, Digit Span test and Wisconsin Test at baseline, 4th week, and 8th week. Data were analyzed through SPSS V. 23 software, descriptive tests and inferential statistics. At the end of the study, all subscales of the PANSS questionnaire reduced significantly (P < 0.05). Also, all subscales of the cognitive tests had significant changes. The trends of digit span tests, correct number of consonants and inconsonant were increasing. While the trends related to consonant errors, inconsistent errors, consistent reaction time and nonconsistent reaction time were decreasing. The changes in the number of classes were increased while changes in preservation error were decreased. The results showed that levetiracetam has significant effects on clinical symptoms, especially negative symptoms. Also, it impacts significantly on cognitive functions. It is recommended that it be added to the pharmacological regimen of these patients to improve their clinical symptoms, quality of life and treatment outcomes.

Matrix metalloproteinase-3 serum levels in schizophrenic patients

Objectives It has been reported that matrix metalloproteinase, MMP-3 may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of mental disorders. However, there are no data on the level of MMP-3 in people suffering from schizophrenia, or its influence on the mental state of these people. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an antipsychotic treatment on the blood levels of MMP-3, as well as investigating its relationship with insight into schizophrenia. Methods Thirty people with schizophrenia were included in the study. The concentration of MMP-3 in the blood serum was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Insight into the disease was assessed using the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale. Results The antipsychotic treatment applied decreased the levels of MMP-3 in patients with schizophrenia (p = 0.005), however, the statistically significant interaction (p = 0.02) indicates that the decrease only concerned men. There was also a statistically significant correlation between the level of MMP-3 and insight into the disease (p = 0.02). Conclusion MMP-3 may be associated with gender, treatment and symptoms in schizophrenic patients. KEY POINTS MMP3 could be used as a potential biomarker for schizophrenia. The level of MMP-3 decreased due to the applied antipsychotic treatment. The higher the level of MMP-3 in a group of people with schizophrenia, the better insight into their disease.

A Polymorphism in the BDNF Gene (rs11030101) is Associated With Negative Symptoms in Chinese Han Patients With Schizophrenia.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein (CREB) gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia. Methods: This study used a case-control design, and diagnoses were made based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition criteria. One hundred and thirty-four patients with schizophrenia were recruited from the Third People’s Hospital of Zhongshan City from January 2018 to April 2020. Sixty-four healthy controls were recruited from the same region. Genotypes at the BDNF gene single nucleotide polymorphisms rs11030101, rs2030324, and rs6265 and the CREB gene single nucleotide polymorphisms rs6740584 and rs2551640 were determined using a MassARRAY mass spectrometer. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analyses were performed, and genotype and allele frequencies were compared between groups. The positive and negative symptom scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate the association between the BDNF and CREB gene polymorphisms and schizophrenic symptoms. Results: There was no significant difference in genotype or allele frequencies for rs11030101, rs2030324, rs6265, rs6740584, or rs2551640 between schizophrenic patients and controls (p > 0.05). In addition, there were no significant differences in rs11030101, rs2030324, rs6265, rs6740584, or rs2551640 genotype frequencies between the two groups in the dominant, recessive, or over-dominant models (p > 0.05). Three loci in the BDNF gene and two loci in the CREB gene were in a state of strong linkage disequilibrium. The frequency of haplotype AAC (rs11030101/rs2030324/rs626), composed of three loci in the BDNF gene, was significantly increased in schizophrenic patients compared with control subjects. There were significant differences in the subscores of PANSSS for negative symptoms, in patients with different rs11030101 genotypes of the BDNF gene (p < 0.05). There was also significant differences in the PANSS scores for the general symptom G12 (judgment and lack of insight) in patients with different rs6265 genotypes of the BDNF gene (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The BDNF gene rs11030101/rs2030324/rs6265 AAC haplotype was potentially associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia. In addition, genotypes at the rs11030101 and rs6265 loci may affect the negative symptoms and general symptoms of schizophrenic patients, respectively.

Relationship between Polymorphism of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene with Symptoms of Depression in Schizophrenic Patients

In schizophrenic patients, symptoms of depression are often found which can lead to adverse effects on the treatment process, such as increasing the length of treatment, increasing the possibility of relapse, non-adherence in taking medication, and can also lead to suicide in schizophrenic patients. In schizophrenic patients, the activity of the central angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene is altered and angiotensin II interacts with central dopamine, thereby contributing to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In addition, it is likely that the ACE gene variant is also involved in the development of depressive symptoms in schizophrenic patients. This research is a categorical analytic study with a cross sectional method, the sampling method is non-probability sampling with consecutive sampling type, with a total sample of 42 people. There was no significant difference between depression symptoms and ACE gene polymorphisms with P value = 0.746. There was no significant difference between depression symptoms and ACE gene polymorphisms.

Study of Negative Symptoms among 100 Schizophrenic Patients

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a clinical syndrome of variable but profoundly disruptive, psychopathology that involves cognition, emotion, perception and other aspects of behavior. The expression of these manifestations varies across patients and over time, but the effect of the illness is always severe and usually long lasting. The disorder usually begins before age 25, persists throughout life, and affects persons of all social classes. Both patients and their families often suffer from poor care and social ostracism because of widespread ignorance about the disorder. Schizophrenia is equally prevalent in men and women. Objective: To find out the pattern and frequency of negative symptoms in Schizophrenic patients. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st June to 31st December 2014 among 100 schizophrenic patients. For demographic assessment every patient was interviewed by a semi-structured questionnaire, after taking informed consent. Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) was used to interview the Schizophrenic patient. The scale is internationally well accepted research instrument for assessing negative symptoms in Schizophrenic patient. The study was conducted in Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Dhaka and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. Sampling size was 100 where Schizophrenia was diagnosed by psychiatrists. Results: The age group of the patients was from 18 years to 59 years with mean age 27.3 years (SD ±11.0), most of the patients were below the age of 30 years. Eighty six (86%) out of one hundred patients were found to have negative symptom. Most of the patient were male, literate, Muslim and came from a middle class family background. Onset of the disease was mostly insidious in nature. Conclusion: Schizophrenia is a major psychiatric disorder. Both the patient and their families suffer a lot by schizophrenia and its consequences. So improving the management of negative symptoms may reduce the overall burden of schizophrenic patients and their caregivers. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 17, No 1 (June) 2021: 22-25

Use of Flashcard Games in the Application of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in Schizophrenic Patients with Risk of Violent Behavior

The increase in maladaptive behavior of schizophrenic patients in recent times, such as violent behavior, hitting people, breaking things until they commit a murder, has been troubling for the community. This situation is a serious concern for all parties, especially health workers, to provide comprehensive and effective mental nursing care management in reducing the symptoms of maladaptive behavior. Group therapy based on Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with Flashcard media is one of the development and innovation models of psychotherapy that can be useful in overcoming violent behavior in schizophrenia patients. This study was aimed to determine the effectiveness of CBT with flashcards on changes in violent behavior in schizophrenic patients. The research design was used a quasi-experimental pre-posttest with a control group. A sample of 50 people includes 25 people in the intervention group and 25people in the control group. The results were showed that the reduction in signs and symptoms of schizophrenic patients was greater in the intervention group than in the control group, with a value of p=0,000. The CBT therapy with flashcards was effective 66.6% in reducing violent behavior. CBT therapy with flashcards is recommended to be applied as effective, efficient, and easy therapy for health professionals and families to reduce violent behavior.

Effect of Adjuvant Vitamin C on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and Improvement of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenic Patients

AIM: This study aims to determine the effect of adjuvant Vitamin C on brain-derived neurotropic factors (BDNF) levels and improvement of negative symptoms in schizophrenic patients. METHODS: This study was conducted at Hasanuddin University Hospital and its affiliate with 60 schizophrenic patients (30 controls, 27 treatments, and three dropout patients). The ELISA sample examination method was used to examine blood levels of BDNF, and Vitamin C levels before and after administration of Vitamin C. In addition, the negative symptoms were measured using the PANSS score. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in BDNF levels in treatments group compared the control at 4th–8th weeks with p = 0.005 (4th week) and ≤0.0001 (&lt;0.05) (8th week). The improvement in PANSS scores for negative symptoms in the treatment groups compared to the controls at the 2nd, 4th, and 8th weeks resulted in p = 0.042 (2nd week) and &lt;0.0001 (4th–8th weeks). Furthermore, there was an increase in serum Vitamin C levels in the treatment groups with an initial average value = 4.762 and after 8 weeks = 148.155. Strong correlation between increased BDNF levels and improvement in negative symptoms on the PANSS score was found with p = 0.001 (4th week) and ≤0.0001 (8th week). CONCLUSION: The administration of Vitamin C significantly increases BDNF levels and improves the PANSS score for negative symptoms in the treatments compared to the control groups.

Pengaruh Modal Sosial terhadap Fungsi Kognitif pada Pasien Skizofrenia di RSUD dr. Soeselo

This study wanted to look at the relationship and influence of social capital on cognitive function in schizophrenic patients. Social capital is a concept that arises from the results of interaction in society with a long process and is believed to be one of the main components in driving togetherness, mobility of ideas, mutual trust and mutual benefit to achieve mutual progress. Interactions that form networks in togetherness in social capital contain norms, values and mutual understanding that facilitate cooperation in a group. Social capital is generally associated with health and is considered an important etiology in schizophrenia where in the early stages of schizophrenia there are significant cognitive symptoms making it very difficult for people with the disorder to work, study or work in social life. This research method uses the design of latitude cut study, conducted in dr. hospital. soeselo and using MMSE instruments. The results of the study found a link between social capital and cognitive symptoms in schizophrenic patients where in individuals with good social capital was shown to better adjust to cognitive function. Conclusions on individuals with good social capital can adjust better because individuals have had better coping, perception and adjustment about themselves and their environment, individuals already have the ability to maintain their communication and interaction in public life.