Determinación del perfil de cognición social en individuos con esquizofrenia y su comparación con primeros episodios psicóticos / Determination of the social cognition profile in individuals with schizophrenia and its comparison with first psychotic episodes

La Esquizofrenia es uno de los trastornos mentales con mayor investigación y su conceptualización ha variado a lo largo de la historia. Este interés se debe a la heterogeneidad en su expresión clínica y al gran impacto que presenta en la vida de los individuos acompañado de un gasto social elevado, explicado por dos características esenciales, deterioro global e inicio precoz. Clásicamente su expresión clínica se determinaba por un conjunto de síntomas positivos y negativos, siendo los últimos los que mayormente afectan la evolución y el pronóstico. Sin embargo, los síntomas de la esfera de la cognición (social y no social) centran gran parte de la investigacion actual y se presentan como un elemento explicativo de la heterogeneidad del trastorno, del deterioro funcional y social, como diana terapéutica y como recurso para el diagnóstico precoz e intervenciones tempranas fase específicas. Este estudio tiene el objetivo de describir y comparar las alteraciones en la cognición social en individuos con Esquizofrenia y primeros episodios psicóticos. Específicamente evidenciar las alteraciones de la cognición social características en individuos con Esquizofrenia y su comparación con individuos que han presentado un primer episodio psicótico, estudiar la relación de la alteración de la cognición social con la presencia y gravedad de los síntomas negativos de la Esquizofrenia y describir el patrón de alteración de la cognición social en individuos que han presentado un primer episodio psicótico agudo no afectivo y afectivo Se obtuvieron datos de 2 grupos poblaciones (63 individuos con Esquizofrenia y 16 individuos que presentaron un primer episodio psicótico), en ambos grupos se realizó la Escala de Síntomas Positivos y Negativos (PANSS), el Hinting Task y el Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), además de otras variables para su caracterización y comparación.Tanto en el grupo con Esquizofrenia (-0,653; p<0,001) como en el grupo de primer episodio psicotico (-0,608; p=0,012) se evidenció una correlación negativa estadísticamente significativa entre RMET y PANSS negativo, así como una correlación negativa estadísticamente significativa en el grupo de Esquizofrenia (-0,673; p<0,001) y grupo de primer episodio psicótico (-0,608; p=0,012) entre Hinting Task y PANSS negativo. No se observó una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre las escalas de cognición social y PANSS positivo y general. Se puede concluir de esta investigación que existe una asociación entre la gravedad de los síntomas negativos y las alteraciones en la cognición social, independientemente del diagnóstico, mientras que no se encontró asociación entre los síntomas positivos y generales con la cognición social. Surge la hipótesis de que las alteraciones de la cognición social en el primer episodio psicótico pueden afectar de manera desigual diferentes dominios. Estos hallazgos resaltan la importancia de una evaluación global de los individuos, tanto en la investigación como en la atención clínica, para desarrollar enfoques de tratamiento más precisos y diagnósticos más adecuados. Los datos obtenidos pueden ser un insumo para el desarrollo de intervenciones individualizadas, herramientas de diagnóstico precoz y programas fase-específicos, que permitan una mejoría de la calidad de vida y a una optimización de los recursos en salud.

Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas (PCDT) complementares de esquizofrenia no Estado de Goiás - versão 2022 / Clinical protocol and complementary therapeutic guidelines (PCDT) for schizophrenia in the State of Goiás - version 2022

Protocolo estadual que complementa o PCDT do Ministério da Saúde e ambos devem ser considerados como referência diagnóstica e terapêutica pelos profissionais de saúde, em Goiás, para o tratamento de pessoas com o transtorno de esquizofrenia. A esquizofrenia é um transtorno mental grave que ocorre em cerca de 1% da população, independente de nível sociocultural. É caracterizada por períodos de intensas distorções do pensamento e da percepção (surtos) e pela inadequação e embotamento do afeto. Ao longo do tempo, pode aparecer prejuízos cognitivos em uma parcela significativa dos pacientes , principalmente os que não seguem tratamento regular

State protocol that complements the Ministry of Health's PCDT and both should be considered as a diagnostic and therapeutic reference by health professionals in Goiás for the treatment of people with schizophrenia disorder. Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that occurs in around 1% of the population, regardless of sociocultural level. It is characterized by periods of intense distortions of thought and perception (outbreaks) and by inadequacy and blunting of affect. Over time, cognitive impairment may appear in a significant portion of patients, especially those who do not follow regular treatment

eHealth tools for assessing psychomotor activity in schizophrenia: a systematic review

Objective: Psychomotor abnormalities are relevant symptoms in the clinical presentation of schizophrenia, and assessing them could facilitate monitoring. New technologies can measure psychomotor activity objectively and continuously, but evidence on the topic is scarce. Our aim is to systematically review the existing evidence about eHealth tools for assessing psychomotor activity in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Method: We performed a systematic search of the PubMed and Embase databases and identified 15 relevant articles on eHealth tools for assessing psychomotor activity in schizophrenia. Results: eHealth devices accurately assessed psychomotor activity and were well accepted. Abnormalities in psychomotor activity helped differentiate between different subtypes of schizophrenia. Abnormal increases in psychomotor activity were correlated with acute presentations, while lower activity was associated with relapses, deterioration, and negative symptoms. Conclusion: Actigraphy is still the preferred eHealth device in research settings, but mobile applications have great potential. Further studies are needed to explore the possibilities of psychomotor monitoring and mobile health applications for preventing relapses in schizophrenia. eHealth could be useful for monitoring psychomotor activity, which might help prevent relapses.

"Paciente-problema": imaginário coletivo de enfermeiros acerca do usuário com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia / "Problem-patient": collective imaginary of nurses about the user diagnosed with schizophrenia

Resumo O estudo teve por objetivo compreender crenças e emoções acerca do usuário com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia vigentes no imaginário coletivo de enfermeiros inseridos na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Trata-se de estudo de abordagem qualitativa pautado pelo método investigativo psicanalítico. Os participantes foram 15 enfermeiros que atuavam no referido nível de atenção em saúde de uma cidade de médio porte. A coleta de dados foi realizada com o emprego do Procedimento de Desenho-Estória com Tema (PDE-T) e a análise de dados buscou captar campos de sentido mediante a execução dos movimentos técnicos preconizados para a operacionalização do método investigativo psicanalítico. Verificou-se que, de modo não-consciente, o usuário com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia é representado negativamente no imaginário coletivo dos participantes, pois é visto como alguém inconveniente, que cria alvoroço e desperta medo, sobretudo devido à sua "agitação" supostamente típica. Assim, deparar-se com tal usuário corresponde, para os participantes, a uma situação a ser "resolvida" com rapidez. Este estudo, portanto, demarca dificuldades no tocante à atenção em saúde mental oferecida ao usuário com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia, as quais estão relacionadas a elementos não-conscientes da subjetividade grupal que, ao mesmo tempo, possuem caráter social e individual.

Abstract This study aimed to understand beliefs and emotions about the user diagnosed with schizophrenia current in the collective imaginary of nurses working in Primary Health Care. It is a qualitative study based on the psychoanalytic investigative method. The participants were 15 nurses who worked at the referred level of health care in a medium-sized city. Data collection was performed using the Drawing-Story with Theme Procedure (PDE-T) and data analysis sought to capture fields of meaning through the execution of the technical movements recommended for the operationalization of the psychoanalytic investigative method. It was found that, in a non-conscious way, the user diagnosed with schizophrenia is negatively represented in the collective imaginary of the participants, because he is seen as an inconvenient person, who creates uproar and arouses fear, mainly due to his supposedly typical "agitation". Thus, facing such a user means, for the participants, a situation to be quickly "solved". Therefore, this study highlights difficulties concerning mental health care offered to users diagnosed with schizophrenia, which are related to non-conscious elements of group subjectivity that, at the same time, have a social and individual character.

Grupos de Terapia Ocupacional como estratégia de cuidado em saúde mental: a percepção de familiares cuidadores de pessoas com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia / Occupational Therapy Groups as a mental health care strategy: the perception of family caregivers of people diagnosed with schizophrenia

A esquizofrenia é um transtorno mental crônico que pode alterar a cognição, as relações afetivas, o funcionamento ocupacional e tornar a pessoa dependente para a realização de atividades de vida diária, como o autocuidado e a higiene pessoal. Após a Reforma Psiquiátrica, junto à rede substitutiva de saúde mental, a família assume papel relevante no cuidado do parente acometido pelo referido transtorno. Contudo, na maioria das vezes o familiar cuidador se mostra despreparado ao se deparar com as dificuldades cotidianas do parente sob seus cuidados, seja na oferta do auxílio necessário para o desempenho ocupacional ou no modo em lidar com as crises. Desta forma, considerando as proposições da literatura científica sobre programar estratégias psicossociais de atenção ao cuidador e ao grupo familiar, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar, na perspectiva dos familiares cuidadores, como os Grupos de Terapia Ocupacional os auxiliam nos cuidados de pessoas com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia. Pesquisa de natureza qualitativa descritiva, realizada em uma Associação de apoio à pessoa com transtorno mental de um município do interior do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Teve como participantes seis familiares cuidadores de pessoas com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia de suas próprias famílias, usuárias da referida Associação, que passaram por intervenções por meio de Grupos de Terapia Ocupacional, em cinco encontros semanais, com duração de cinquenta minutos, que foram gravados, com abordagem predominante sobre aspectos da vida ocupacional, e responderam, também, um Questionário Autoaplicável, com questões respondidas antes e depois das intervenções com os referidos Grupos. Os dados coletados através dos Grupos e de parte do Questionário Autoaplicável (especialmente sobre as contribuições grupais), foram transcritos e analisados à luz da análise de conteúdo. Os resultados mostraram que os conteúdos provenientes do Questionário Autoaplicável e dos Grupos de Terapia Ocupacional se diferenciaram em três aspectos, dando origem a três categorias, sendo elas: 1) Ocupações, 2) Papel de Cuidador e 3) Percepções sobre os Grupos de Terapia Ocupacional, que possibilitaram a identificação das dificuldades vivenciadas pelas participantes a partir do olhar delas próprias. Assim, foi possível considerar que na perspectiva das familiares cuidadoras, os Grupos de Terapia Ocupacional as auxiliaram nos cuidados de seus familiares com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia à medida que forneceu escuta e informações referentes ao transtorno mental, as auxiliando na elaboração de estratégias para enfrentamento de dificuldades cotidianas com o seu familiar. Proporcionou uma maior percepção do papel desempenhado no grupo familiar através das ocupações e promoveu o cuidado para elas mesmas, que demonstraram se perceberem mais instrumentalizadas após a participação nos Grupos em questão, facilitando as tarefas de cuidados. Como limitações, pode-se apontar o número relativamente pequeno de encontros grupais, como também, o número relativamente pequeno de participantes. Entende-se, portanto, que realizações de estudos envolvendo Grupos de Terapia Ocupacional com um número maior de encontros, e voltados a um número maior de familiares cuidadores de seus parentes com esquizofrenia, podem mostrar resultados ainda melhores e com benefícios a mais familiares com características semelhantes à das participantes da presente pesquisa

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that can alter cognition, personal relationships, occupational functionality, and lead a person to depend on others for daily activities performance, such as self-care and personal hygiene. With the Psychiatric Reform and the substitute mental health network, the family assumed an important role in the care of the relative affected by the referred disorder. However, most of the time, the family caregivers are unprepared to support the relative under their care, either in offering the help needed for occupational performance or when dealing with the relative in crises. Thus, considering the propositions of the scientific literature about planning psychosocial strategies of care to support the family caregivers, this study aimed to analyze how Occupational Therapy Groups assist them in the care of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, from the perspective of family caregivers. Qualitative and descriptive research was carried out in an Association to support people with mental disorders in a city of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. In this study, we included six family caregivers, from people diagnosed with schizophrenia in their own families, and users of that Association, who underwent interventions through Occupational Therapy Groups, in five weekly meetings. Meetings lasted fifty minutes, were recorded, and the predominant approach was on aspects of occupational life. The subjects answered a Self-Applicable Questionnaire, with questions answered before and after the interventions with the referred Groups. The data collected from the Groups and part of the Self-Applicable Questionnaire (especially on group contributions), were transcribed and analyzed in the light of content analysis. The results showed that the contents of the Self-administered Questionnaire and the Occupational Therapy Groups differed in three main aspects, namely: 1) Occupations, 2) Role of Caregiver and 3) Perceptions about Occupational Therapy Groups, which allowed for the identification of the difficulties experienced by the participants from their perspective. Therefore, from the perspective of family caregivers, the Occupational Therapy Groups helped them to care for their relatives with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The groups provided listening and information regarding the mental disorder, helping them to elaborate strategies to face difficulties with your relative. Furthermore, the groups provided a greater perception of their role in the family group through occupations and promoted self-care so the caregivers perceived themselves to be more instrumentalized after participating in the groups, facilitating care tasks. As limitations, one can point out the relatively small number of group meetings, as well as the relatively small number of participants. In conclusion, Occupational Therapy Groups have great potential to improve the care and benefit more caregiving family members, especially with a greater number of meetings and the inclusion of greater number of family caregivers of their relatives with schizophrenia

Schneider's first-rank symptoms as predictors of remission in antipsychotic-naive first-episode psychosis

Objective: German psychiatrist Kurt Schneider proposed the concept of first-rank symptoms (FRS) of schizophrenia in 1959. However, their relevance for diagnosis and prediction of treatment response are still unclear. Most studies have investigated FRS in chronic or medicated patients. The present study sought to evaluate whether FRS predict remission, response, or improvement in functionality in antipsychotic-naive first-episode psychosis. Methods: Follow-up study of 100 patients at first episode of psychosis (FEP), with no previous treatment, assessed at baseline and after 2 months of treatment. The participants were evaluated with the standardized Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and for presence of FRS. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that, in this sample, up to three individual FRS predicted remission: voices arguing, voices commenting on one's actions, and thought broadcasting. Conclusion: Specific FRS may predict remission after treatment in FEP patients. This finding could give new importance to Kurt Schneider's classic work by contributing to future updates of diagnostic protocols and improving estimation of prognosis.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and content validity of the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS) for use in Brazil

Abstract Background The Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS) assesses the presence and intensity of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Objectives This study aimed to carry out the BNSS cross-cultural adaptation to the Brazilian Portuguese language and verify its content validity and reliability. Methods This is a methodological study that followed these steps: (1) implementation of the cross-cultural adaptation and translation protocol, (2) BNSS adapted content validation, and (3) reliability assessment. Six experts participated in the adaptation process. The sample consisted of 30 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and assisted at the Brazilian Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS), in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, which was the research setting. Results The cross-cultural adaptation was successful due to the values obtained for each aspect evaluated, such as semantic (0.922), idiomatic (0.910), experiential (0.961), and conceptual equivalence (0.974). The same happened with content validity regarding clarity of language (0.935), practical relevance (0.974), and theoretical relevance (0.948). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.884 for the entire instrument, and the items ranged from 0.865 to 0.882. Discussion The BNSS adaptation process has shown to be satisfactory for use in the Brazilian context, constituting a useful clinical tool for teaching and research.

Comparative assessment of quality of life of patients with schizophrenia attending a community psychiatric centre and a psychiatric hospital

Background: Over the past few decades, there has been an emphasis on the de-institutionalisation of psychiatric care with a focus on community care. With Quality of Life (QoL) as an outcome measure, this study compared the QoL of patients with schizophrenia attending a psychiatric hospital and a community psychiatric centre. Design: This was a cross-sectional study in two psychiatric facilities Methods: Data were obtained through a socio-demographic and clinical questionnaire; the QoL was assessed with the WHOQOL-BREF and patient satisfaction with care with CPOSS. Total and domain scores of WHOQOL-BREF for each group were calculated and compared with each other and other group characteristics. Diagnosis of schizophrenia was based on ICD-10.Results: Participants from the two centres did not differ significantly on any of the socio-demographic characteristics measured. Similarly, there was no significant difference in their overall mean WHOQOL-BREF scores as well as the mean WHOQOL-BREF of domain scores. However, the married and females from both centres significantly had higher mean WHOQOL-BREF scores than their male counterparts. Patients in remission for more than two years or those on a single type of medication (either oral or depot preparation) from both centres significantly had higher mean WHOQOL-BREF score compared with those who had less than two years of remission or on both oral and depot preparations. Conclusion: Overall QoL of patients managed at the two centres was comparable, with similar socio-demographic as well as clinical variables influencing QoL. This suggests that patients with schizophrenia can be well managed at community psychiatric centres

Schizophrenia and violence: study in a general psychiatric hospital with HCR-20 and MOAS / Esquizofrenia e violência: estudo em um hospital psiquiátrico clínico com o HCR-20 e a MOAS

Abstract Objective: This preliminary study aimed to identify and compare characteristics related to violent behavior in inpatients with schizophrenia at a general psychiatric hospital using the Historical, Clinical, and Risk Management 20 (HCR-20), the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS), and sociodemographic data. Method: Violent and nonviolent participants were selected based on psychiatric admission reports. Participants with reports of aggressive behavior and HCR-20 total score ≥ 21 upon admission were assigned to the violent patient group. Participants without aggressive behavior and with HCR-20 total score < 21 upon admission were assigned to the nonviolent patient group. The MOAS was applied to characterize the degree of severity of the violent behavior. Results: HCR-20 and its subscales were effective in differentiating between the violent and nonviolent participant groups. Twelve of the 20 HCR-20 items were useful for distinguishing between the groups, although total HCR-20 scores were more reliable when applied to the nonviolent patient group. The MOAS did not show high degrees of severity for the types of aggression observed in the participants. Conclusion: HCR-20 was useful and reliable for distinguishing between violent and nonviolent patients with schizophrenia in this clinical psychiatric setting. Item analysis identified the most relevant characteristics in each group. The use of the HCR-20 in clinical psychiatric settings should be encouraged.

Resumo Objetivo: Este estudo preliminar tem por objetivo identificar e comparar características relacionadas ao comportamento violento em pacientes com esquizofrenia internados em um hospital psiquiátrico utilizando o Historical, Clinical, and Risk Management 20 (HCR-20), a Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS), e dados sociodemográficos. Método: Foram selecionados participantes com e sem histórico de comportamento violento, referidos nos relatórios de internação hospitalar. Participantes violentos e com escore total do HCR-20 ≥ 21 na internação foram selecionados para o grupo violento. Participantes não violentos com escore total do HCR-20 < 21 na internação foram selecionados para o grupo não violento. A MOAS foi aplicada para caracterizar o grau de severidade do comportamento violento. Resultados: O HCR-20 e suas subescalas foram eficazes na diferenciação entre os participantes dos grupos. Doze dos 20 itens do HCR-20 foram úteis na diferenciação entre os grupos, apesar do escore total do HCR-20 ter sido mais confiável quando aplicado ao grupo não violento. A MOAS não apresentou graus de severidade elevados para os tipos de agressividade observados nos participantes. Conclusão: O HCR-20 foi útil e confiável na distinção entre pacientes esquizofrênicos violentos e não violentos em ambiente psiquiátrico clínico, já que a análise dos itens identificou as características mais relevantes em cada grupo. O uso do HCR-20 em ambientes psiquiátricos clínicos deveria ser encorajado.

Characterization of neurological soft signs in a Brazilian sample of stable patients with schizophrenia / Caracterização de sinais neurológicos sutis em uma amostra brasileira de pacientes estáveis com esquizofrenia

Abstract Introduction: Neurological soft signs (NSS) have been considered one of the target features and a potential endophenotype for schizophrenia. The present study aimed to characterize NSS in a sample of patients with chronic schizophrenia and to compare them with healthy control individuals. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the presence of NSS in a sample of stable patients (n = 24) diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV criteria, recruited at the Schizophrenia Outpatient Clinic of Instituto Raul Soares, Belo Horizonte, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Assessment was made with the Brief Motor Scale (BMS), and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) were evaluated with the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS) and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). A control group (n = 21) was also submitted to the same battery of tests. Results: We observed a significant difference in relation to BMS and SAS scores (p < 0.0001), revealing that individuals with schizophrenia present more NSS and EPS than healthy ones. BMS total scores correlated positively with SAS scores (r = 0.495, p = 0.014), but not with AIMS scores, indicating that NSS could be influenced by the intensity of EPS. Nevertheless, we observed that this relationship remained only for motor coordination tasks (r = 0.550, p = 0.005), while motor sequencing tasks were not influenced by EPS (r = 0.313, p = 0.136). Conclusion: The results suggest that NSS are more frequent in patients with schizophrenia and that motor sequencing tasks could be more specific to the syndrome.

Resumo Introdução: Sinais neurológicos sutis (SNS) têm sido considerados características básicas e potenciais endofenótipos na esquizofrenia. O presente estudo procurou caracterizar os SNS em uma amostra de pacientes com esquizofrenia crônica e compará-los com indivíduos controles saudáveis. Métodos: Neste estudo, avaliamos a presença de SNS em uma amostra de pacientes estáveis (n = 24) com o diagnóstico de esquizofrenia de acordo com os critérios do DSM-IV, recrutados no Ambulatório de Esquizofrenia do Instituto Raul Soares, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil. A avaliação foi realizada com a Escala Motora Breve (BMS) e sinais extrapiramidais (SEP) foram observados com a Escala de Simpson-Angus (SAS) e a Escala de Movimentos Involuntários Anormais (AIMS). Um grupo controle (n = 21) também foi submetido à mesma bateria de testes. Resultados: Observamos uma diferença significativa em relação aos escores da BMS e da SAS (p < 0,0001), revelando que indivíduos com esquizofrenia apresentam mais SNS e SEP que indivíduos saudáveis. Os escores da BMS se correlacionaram positivamente com os da SAS (r = 0,495, p = 0,014), mas não com os da AIMS, indicando que os SNS podem ser influenciados pela intensidade de SEP. No entanto, observamos que essa relação permaneceu somente para as tarefas de coordenação motora (r = 0,550, p = 0,005), enquanto as tarefas de sequenciamento motor não foram influenciadas pelos SEP (r = 0,313, p = 0,136). Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que os SNS são mais frequentes em pacientes com esquizofrenia e que tarefas de sequenciamento motor podem ser mais específicas na síndrome.

Exposure to violence: associations with psychiatric disorders in Brazilian youth

Objective: The effects of exposure to violent events in adolescence have not been sufficiently studied in middle-income countries such as Brazil. The aims of this study are to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among 12-year-olds in two neighborhoods with different socioeconomic status (SES) levels in São Paulo and to examine the influence of previous violent events and SES on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders. Methods: Students from nine public schools in two neighborhoods of São Paulo were recruited. Students and parents answered questions about demographic characteristics, SES, urbanicity and violent experiences. All participants completed the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS) to obtain DSM-IV diagnoses. The data were analyzed using weighted logistic regression with neighborhood stratification after adjusting for neighborhood characteristics, gender, SES and previous traumatic events. Results: The sample included 180 individuals, of whom 61.3% were from low SES and 39.3% had experienced a traumatic event. The weighted prevalence of psychiatric disorders was 21.7%. Having experienced a traumatic event and having low SES were associated with having an internalizing (adjusted OR = 5.46; 2.17-13.74) or externalizing disorder (adjusted OR = 4.33; 1.85-10.15). Conclusions: Investment in reducing SES inequalities and preventing violent events during childhood may improve the mental health of youths from low SES backgrounds.

Esquizofrenia paranoide. Un acercamiento a su estudio a propósito de un caso / Paranoid schizophrenia. An approach to its study on the purpose of a case

RESUMEN La esquizofrenia es una de las enfermedades más invalidantes de los seres humanos, conocida como el «cáncer de la psiquiatría¼. Se impone como un gran reto social debido a su incidencia, su potencial en cronicidad y severidad así como las consecuencias que implica para la familia y la sociedad en general. La alta prevalencia de la enfermedad, de 1/100 habitantes, independientemente de las características sociales o económicas de los diferentes países, hace de esta un factor de gran impacto por su gran repercusión humana, económica y social, pues afecta al ser humano en la etapa más productiva de la vida. En el 75 % de los casos los primeros síntomas de la enfermedad aparecen entre los 16 y 25 años de edad. Por el grado de incapacidad que produce se afectan los estudios, la vida social y laboral. En este trabajo, se muestra a través del estudio de un caso ingresado en el Hospital Psiquiátrico “Antonio Guiteras Holmes”, de Matanzas, las principales afectaciones de esta enfermedad en las esferas afectiva, cognitiva y conductual (AU).

ABSTRACT The schizophrenia is one of the most invaliding diseases of the human beings, known as “the cancer of Psychiatrics.” It is a great social challenge due to its incidence, its potential in chronicity and severity, and also the consequences it implies for the family and society in general. The high prevalence of this disease, 1/100 inhabitants, regardless of the social and economic characteristics of the different countries, makes it a factor of great impact owing its social, economic and human repercussion because it affects the human being during the most productive stage of his life. In 75 % of the cases, the first disease’s symptoms appear between the ages of 16 and 25 years. Because of the disability level it produces, the social and professional life and the studies are affected. In this work, through the study of a case admitted in the Psychiatric Hospital “Antonio Guiteras Holmes”, of Matanzas, the main burdens of this disease in the affective, cognitive and behavioural spheres are shown (AU).

Reliability and validity of the Medication Adherence Rating Scale in a cohort of patients with schizophrenia from Nigeria / Confiabilidade e validade da Medication Adherence Rating Scale em uma coorte de pacientes com esquizofrenia na Nigéria

Abstract Introduction Assessing adherence in schizophrenia facilitates interventions that optimize outcomes. Adherence rating questionnaires are feasible and non-intrusive; however, no validated measure exists in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the 10-item Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). Methods This was a cross-sectional study of a cohort of patients with schizophrenia (n=230). A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Scale for the Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD) and the MARS were all administered by an interviewer. Results The MARS demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.76). The scale was reducible to a 3-factor construct (1 - medication adherence behavior, 2 - attitude to taking medications, and 3 - negative side effects and attitude to psychotropics), with significant though weak external validity in relation to psychopathology (p<0.001) and insight (p<0.001). The first factor showed good internal consistency (α=0.80), comprising six items that could serve as a reliable proxy measure of adherence in place of the MARS Conclusion The MARS demonstrated fair psychometric characteristics in assessing adherence in patients with schizophrenia in this cohort. The scale may be useful in the dimensional assessment of medication adherence for schizophrenia in sub-Saharan African settings.

Resumo Introdução Avaliar adesão ao tratamento na esquizofrenia facilita intervenções que otimizam desfechos. Questionários de avaliação da adesão são factíveis e não intrusivos; no entanto, não há uma medida validada na África subsaariana. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da escala de 10 itens intitulada Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). Métodos Este foi um estudo transversal de uma coorte de pacientes com esquizofrenia (n=230). Um questionário sociodemográfico e os instrumentos Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Scale for the Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD) e a MARS foram todos administrados por um entrevistador. Resultados A MARS demonstrou boa confiabilidade (alfa de Cronbach: 0,76). Foi possível reduzir a escala a um construto de 3 fatores (1 - comportamento de adesão à medicação, 2 - atitude em relação a tomar medicação, e 3 - efeitos colaterais negativos e atitude em relação aos psicotrópicos), com validade externa significativa, embora fraca, em relação à psicopatologia (p<0,001) e ao insight (p<0,001). O primeiro fator mostrou boa consistência interna (α=0,80), incluindo seis itens que poderiam servir como uma medida substituta confiável de adesão no lugar da MARS Conclusão A MARS demonstrou características psicométricas satisfatórias ao avaliar adesão em pacientes com esquizofrenia nesta coorte. A escala pode ser útil na avaliação dimensional da adesão ao tratamento para esquizofrenia em contextos africanos subsaarianos.

A smart approach for delivery of aripiprazole via oro-soft palatal mucosal route for improved therapeutic efficacy

Effective management of schizophrenia, acute mania, mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorders, and depression can be managed with aripiprazole moiety. In the present research work an attempt was made to minimize the dose related side effects thus improving the quality life of the patients. A novel biopolymer was isolated from the fruits of Trachyspermum ammi. Ten optimized nanosized aripiprazole loaded formulations were prepared in 1-5% concentration of biopolymer (FA1-FA5) and sodium CMC (FM1-FM5) by solvent casting technique. The formulated flexy films were evaluated for thickness, folding endurance, weight uniformity, surface pH, mucoadhesivity, In-vitro drug release studies, In-vivo pharmacodynamic study and stability studies. The isolated biopolymer showed inbuilt fimability and mucoadhesivity and consists of carbonyl, hydroxyl and thiocarbonyl functional groups. All formulations showed folding endurance from 153 to 170, mucoadhesion time in the range of 24-48hrs., and in-vitro drug release was performed using dynamic Franz Diffusion cell and analyzed using BIT-SOFTWARE. The experimental animals showed improved activity score on actophotometer. The formulated nanosized aripiprazole loaded bio-flexy films showed pharmacotherapeutic response. Conclusion can be drawn that optimized formulation showed effective Pharmacodynamic activity and can be used as for improving therapeutic efficacy of aripiprazole through this platform.

Metacognición en esquizofrenia: déficits metacognitivos y psicoterapia / Metacognition in schizophrenia: metacognitive deficits and psychotherapy

Resumen El concepto de Metacognición, definido inicialmente por Flavell, se refiere a la capacidad de tener estados mentales sobre otros estados mentales, propios y ajenos, en orden de resolver los desafíos que plantea la vida. A través de una hipótesis modular de Metacognición, Semerari y Lysaker han identificado dominios que abarcan diversas áreas de ésta, siendo de gran utilidad en la comprensión de los pacientes con trastornos psiquiátricos graves: Autorreflexividad, Comprensión de la mente de Otros, Descentración y Maestría. Estos dominios se han estudiado fundamentalmente por medio de la Metacognitive Assessment Scale-Abbreviated (MAS-A). El presente trabajo revisa el conocimiento actual de los déficits metacognitivos en Esquizofrenia, el método de evaluación, y su relación con la sintomatologia, función neurocognitiva, funcionamiento social y alianza terapéutica en estos pacientes. Finalmente, se presentan los diversos modelos de psicoterapias integrativas, que abordan con un enfoque rehabilitador los déficits metacognitivos de los pacientes con Esquizofrenia, profundizando en la evidencia existente sobre la más estudiada actualmente, la Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT).

The concept of Metacognition, initially defined by Flavell, refers to the ability to have mental states about their own mental states, and the mental states of others, in order to solve the challenges of life. Through a modular hypothesis of Metacognition, Semerari and Lysaker have identified domains that cover diverse areas of this, being very useful in the understanding of patients with serious psychiatric disorders: Self-reflectivity, Understanding of others' minds, Decentration and Mastery. These domains have been studied mainly through the Metacognitive Assessment Scale-Abbreviated (MAS-A). The present work reviews the current knowledge of the metacognitive deficits in Schizophrenia, the evaluation method, and its relation with the symptomatology, neurocognitive function, social functioning and therapeutic alliance in these patients. Finally, the different models of integrative psychotherapies are presented, with a rehabilitative approach over the metacognitive deficits of patients with schizophrenia, reviewing the most studied currently, the Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT).

Entre lo pseudoneurótico y lo limítrofe / Among the pseudo-neurotic and the borderline

El término Pseudoneurótico recogería el problema de la interface fenomenológica entre psicosis y neurosis. Acuñan este término para tratar de especificar un cuadro psicopatológico caracterizado por exhibir manifestaciones clínicas pan-neuróticas, pan-sexuales y pan-ansiosas, enmascarando síntomas de una real esquizofrenia. Los fenómenos psicóticos serían sutiles y breves y en ocasiones se sufriría de episodios psicóticos intensos diurnos o nocturnos tales como pesadillas que se continúan con alucinaciones. La esquizofrenia Pseudoneurótica, junto con los conceptos de demencia precoz atenuada, esquizofrenia latente, esquizofrenia ambulatoria, estructura de personalidad pre esquizofrénica y esquizofrenia límite, se reclutaron en la noción de personalidad límite.

The term Pseudoneurotic would pick up the problem of the phenomenological interface between psychosis and neurosis. This term was coined trying to specify a psychopathological disorder characterized by exhibiting pan-neurotic, pan-sexual and pan-anxious clinical manifestations, masking symptoms of a real schizophrenia. Pseudoneurotic schizophrenia, together with the concepts of attenuated early dementia, latent schizophrenia, ambulatory schizophrenia, preschizophrenic personality structure and borderline schizophrenia, were recruited into the notion of borderline personality.

Mental Health Literacy toward Schizophrenia in College Students from El Salvador and the United States of America / Conocimiento sobre Esquizofrenia en Estudiantes Universitarios de El Salvador y los Estados Unidos de América

ABSTRACT The present study tested the hypothesis that El Salvador (E.S.) college students will show less knowledge, recognition, and help-seeking attitudes, and more social distance and negative attributions toward schizophrenia than will U.S. students. It is also of interest in this study to investigate if E.S. college students would have lower mental health literacy and thus, more social distance attitudes toward schizophrenia, than would U.S. students. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was used. The predicted variable was country of membership: El Salvador and the U.S. The predictors were recognition, knowledge, social distance, helpseeking attitudes, and negative attribution toward schizophrenic patients. The participants (N = 340) were students from a university in E.S. and in California. Through a survey, participants were asked to diagnose a person described in a case vignette. Knowledge of schizophrenia and social distance attitudes were measured. Principal component analyses using oblimin rotation were conducted to build composite factors from the observed variables. The discriminant function accurately predicted 74.4% of the participants' country of membership, X(1) = 75.23, p < 0.001. At the individual level, 69.9% of individuals from the U.S. and 77.5% of individuals from E.S. were correctly classified. Furthermore, results indicated that U.S. students recognized schizophrenia at a higher rate, compared to E.S. students. In the E.S. group, social distance attitudes differed with level of MHL. These findings are troublesome in that social distance attitudes inhibit help-seeking behavior. Education programs aimed at promoting mental health awareness among the E.S. population are indicated.

RESUMEN El presente estudio investigó la diferencia en conocimiento sobre esquizofrenia, su identificación, actitudes de búsqueda de ayuda, distanciamiento social y atribuciones negativas entre estudiantes universitarios salvadoreños y estadounidenses. También fue de interés en este estudio explorar si los estudiantes universitarios salvadoreños con menor nivel de conocimiento buscarían mayor distanciamiento social hacia una persona con esquizofrenia, que los estudiantes estadounidenses. Se utilizó análisis de función discriminante (DFA). La variable predicha fue país de pertenencia: El Salvador y Estados Unidos. Los predictores fueron el reconocimiento, el conocimiento, la distancia social, la actitud hacia búsqueda de ayuda y la atribución negativa a las personas con esquizofrenia. Los participantes (N = 340) fueron estudiantes de una universidad en E.S. y en California. A través de una encuesta, se pidió a los participantes que diagnosticaran a una persona, a través de una historia de caso. Se midió el conocimiento sobre la esquizofrenia y las actitudes de distanciamiento social. Se utilizó análisis de componentes principales (PCA) con rotación oblimin para construir factores compuestos de las variables observadas. La función discriminante predijo con precisión el 74.4% del país de pertenencia de los participantes, x (1) = 75.23, p < 0.001. A nivel individual, el 69.9% de los individuos de los Estados Unidos y el 77.5% de los individuos de E.S. fueron clasificados correctamente. Los resultados indicaron que los estudiantes estadounidenses reconocían la esquizofrenia a una tasa más alta, en comparación con los estudiantes salvadoreños. En el grupo de E.S., las actitudes de distancia social diferían con el nivel de conocimiento sobre esquizofrenia. Estos hallazgos son problemáticos porque las actitudes de distancia social (estigma) obstaculizan la búsqueda de ayuda. Se recomiendan programas educativos dirigidos a promover la concientización sobre salud mental entre la población salvadoreña.