Schizoaffective Disorder: How long does it take to diagnose? A case report / Transtorno Esquizoafetivo: Quanto tempo leva para diagnosticar?: "relato de caso"

Introduction: It is reported a case of a 57-year-old woman with multiple psychiatric hospitalizations, during which different diagnostic hypotheses and therapeutic procedures were proposed. Case report: After analyzing the patient's clinical records, the medical team proposed a diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder. This disorder presents a high risk of recurrent hospitalizations and high costs associated with therapeutic and follow-up withdrawal, yet there is limited data to assess the post-discharge critical periods. Final considerations: Further research in this area is required to adopt effective therapeutic strategies, reduce the probability of hospital admissions, improve prognosis, and lessen associated financial costs.

Introdução: é relatado o caso de uma mulher de 57 anos com múltiplas hospitalizações psiquiátricas, durante as quais diferentes hipóteses diagnósticas e terapêuticas associadas foram propostas. Relato do caso: Após análise dos registos clínicos, a equipa médica propôs o diagnóstico de Perturbação Esquizoafetiva. Esta Perturbação apresenta um elevado risco de re-internamento, para além do custo associado ao abandono do seguimento clínico e terapêutico. Porém, não existem dados suficientes que avaliem os períodos pós-alta. Consideracoes finais: Portanto, tornam-se necessárias pesquisas mais amplas na área para adotar estratégias terapêuticas eficazes, reduzir a probabilidade de re-internamento, melhorar o prognóstico e minimizar os custos financeiros associados.

A Look At The Difficulties In The Diagnosis, Management And Treatment Of Patients With Schizoaffective Disorder

In this case we discuss patient RJ (not real initials) a young African American Muslim male who presents near the start of his illness and the struggles he is facing of accepting his diagnosis and treatment plan. This case illustrates several problems facing patients especially the difficulties in the diagnosis, management and treatment of people with schizoaffective disorder and other psychotic diseases.

Initial Seizure Threshold in Brief-Pulse Bilateral Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to report the initial seizure threshold (IST) of a brief-pulse bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (BP-BL ECT) in Korean patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and to identify IST predictors. METHODS: Among 67 patients who received ECT and diagnosed with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder based on the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, we included 56 patients who received 1-millisecond BP-BL ECT after anesthesia with sodium thiopental between March 2012 and June 2018. Demographic and clinical information was gathered from electronic medical records, and a multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of the IST. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 36.9±12.0 years and 30 (53.6%) patients were male. The mean and median IST were 105.9±54.5 and 96 millicoulombs (mC), respectively. The IST was predicted by age, gender, and dose (mg/kg) of sodium thiopental. Other physical and clinical variables were not associated with the IST. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the IST of 1-ms BP-BL ECT following sodium thiopental anesthesia in Korean patients was comparable to those reported in previous literature. The IST was associated with age, gender, and dose of sodium thiopental.

Síndromes psicóticos / Psychotic syndromes: clinical case summary

Paciente de 47 años, casada, con 3 hijos. Antecedentes de patología psiquiátrica en madre y hermano. Sin antecedentes psiquiátricos previos. Ingresa hace 4 años al Servicio. Con síntomas polimorfos, varios diagnósticos desde el ingreso, pero con respuesta al tratamiento y con periodos de estabilidad psicopatológica demás de un año. Conocida en varios dispositivos del servicio. Diagnósticos: Trastorno Delirante, Obs. Trastorno Afectivo Bipolar, Trastorno Esquizoafectivo

Patient 47 years old, married, with 3 children. History of psychiatric pathology in mother and brother. No previous psychiatric history. Enter the Service 4 years ago. With polymorphic symptoms, several diagnoses from admission, but with response to treatment and with periods of psychopathological stability over a year. Known in several service devices. Diagnoses: Delusional Disorder, Obs. Bipolar Affective Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder

Early trauma, attachment experiences and comorbidities in schizophrenia / Relação entre traumas precoces, experiências de apego e comorbidades na esquizofrenia

Abstract Objective To evaluate attachment patterns in subjects with schizophrenia and their relationships to early traumatic events, psychotic symptoms and comorbidities. Methods Twenty patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) underwent retrospective symptom assessment and careful assessment of the number and manner of childhood caregiver changes. The Diagnostic Interview for Psychosis and Affective Disorders (DI-PAD) was used to assess symptoms related to schizophrenia (positive and negative symptoms), depression and mania. Anxiety disorder comorbidities were assessed by the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Yale-Brown Obsessions and Compulsions Scale (Y-BOCS) and Panic and Schizophrenia Interview (PaSI). Experience in Close Relationships - Relationship Structures (ECR-RS) and Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form (ETISR-SF) were used to assess attachment patterns and traumatic history, respectively. Results Moderate and significant correlations between attachment patterns and early trauma showed that greater severity of anxious attachment was predicted by a higher frequency of total early traumas (Spearman ρ = 0.446, p = 0.04), mainly general traumas (ρ = 0.526, p = 0.017; including parental illness and separation, as well as natural disaster and serious accidents). Among the correlations between early trauma and comorbid symptoms, panic attacks occurring before the onset of schizophrenia showed significant and positive correlations with ETISR-SF total scores and the sexual trauma subscale. Conclusion Children with an unstable early emotional life are more vulnerable to the development of psychopathology, such as panic anxiety symptoms. Traumatic events may also predict later schizophrenia.

Resumo Objetivos Avaliar o padrão de apego em portadores de esquizofrenia e discutir a relação que tais padrões apresentam com a sintomatologia psicótica e as comorbidades dos pacientes investigados. Métodos Vinte pacientes diagnosticados com esquizofrenia de acordo com os critérios do Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais, 5ª edição (DSM-5) foram submetidos a avaliação de sintomas retrospectivos e avaliação cuidadosa do número e modo de mudança de cuidador da infância. A Entrevista Diagnóstica para Psicoses e Transtornos Afetivos (DI-PAD) foi utilizada para avaliar sintomas relacionados à esquizofrenia (sintomas positivos e negativos), depressão e mania. As comorbidades de transtorno de ansiedade foram avaliadas pela Escala de Ansiedade Social de Liebowitz (LSAS), Escala de Sintomas Obsessivo-Compulsivos de Yale-Brown (Y-BOCS) e Entrevista de Pânico e Esquizofrenia (PaSI). Os instrumentos Questionário das Experiências nas Relações Próximas-Estruturas Relacionais (ECR-RS) e Inventário de Autorrelato de Trauma Precoce - Forma Curta (ETISR-SF) foram utilizados para avaliar padrões de apego e histórico traumático, respectivamente. Resultados Foram identificadas correlações significativas entre a ocorrência de traumas precoces e o apego do tipo ansioso. Também foi verificada a relação entre traumas gerais e sintomas de pânico, constatando-se que as crises de pânico antecipam surtos quando predominam sintomas ansiosos, somáticos, alucinações e ideias delirantes. Foi observado que a ocorrência de traumas precoces contribui para o pânico, elevando o risco de episódios psicóticos. Conclusão . Os resultados indicam que as adversidades ambientais na infância estão associadas com o risco de desenvolvimento de esquizofrenia e de outras psicoses mais tarde na vida.

The Effect of Metformin on Antipsychotic-induced Weight Gain in Patients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the effect of metformin on weight loss was assessed to determine whether metformin should be recommended for the prevention or treatment of weight gain in patients receiving antipsychotic medication for the treatment of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to June 2018. In addition, the references of relevant articles were also examined. Using Review Manager 5, the pooled estimates of the weighted mean difference (WMD) of the changes in body weight and body mass index (BMI) and the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 15 RCTs. The pooled analysis showed that compared with placebo, metformin led to significant reductions in body weight (WMD: −2.09, 95% CI: −2.59, −1.60; p<0.00001) and BMI (WMD: −0.90, 95% CI: −1.08, −0.72; p<0.00001). The effect of metformin on weight loss was greater in patients receiving olanzapine than in patients receiving clozapine (body weight, WMD: −2.39, 95% CI: −3.76, −1.02; p=0.0006 for olanzapine; −1.99, 95% C: −3.47, −0.51; p=0.009 for clozapine; BMI, WMD: −1.15, 95% CI: −1.74, −0.57, p=0.0001 for olanzapine; WMD: 0.76, 95% CI: −1.23, −0.28; p=0.002 for clozapine). CONCLUSION: Metformin can be recommended to manage olanzapine-induced weight gain in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The magnitude of the reductionss in body weight and BMI implieds that the use of metformin to attenuate olanzapine-induced weight gain can minimize the risk of coronary heart disease.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Schizophrenia in Korea: A Multicenter Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE: We designed a nationwide study with limited exclusion criteria to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Korea and its relationship with antipsychotic medications. METHODS: This multicenter, cross-sectional, and observational study included patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Sixteen hospitals enrolled 845 patients aged 18 to 65 years prescribed any antipsychotic medication between August 2011 and August 2013. MetS was diagnosed using the criteria of the modified Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program with the Korean abdominal obesity definition (waist circumference ≥85 cm in women, ≥90 cm in men). RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS in all patients was 36.5% and was significantly higher in men than women (men, 40.8%; women, 32.2%) and was significantly correlated with age [odds ratio (OR) 1.02] and duration of illness (OR 1.03). The prevalence of MetS across antipsychotic drugs in the major monotherapy group was as follows: 18.8% for quetiapine, 22.0% for aripiprazole, 33.3% for both amisulpride and paliperidone, 34.0% for olanzapine, 35% for risperidone, 39.4% for haloperidol, and 44.7% for clozapine. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS is very high in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Screening and monitoring of MetS is also strongly recommended.

Tardive Dystonia Related with Aripiprazole

Tardive dystonia is characterized by sustained, generally slow involuntary twisting movements. It is estimated to occur at a frequency of 1% to 4% among patients who are taking an antipsychotic agent. Unlike the first generation antipsychotics, the second generation antipsychotics are less likely to cause neuroleptic-induced movement disorder. For aripiprazole, only a few cases have been reported for tardive dystonia. We present a young male, who developed a severe tardive dystonia after taking aripiprazole for 5 years. The patient was admitted to for the treatment of both hisdystonic and psychotic symptoms. Olanzapine was administered instead of aripiprazole and while his psychotic symptoms improved, the dystonic symptoms were continued. Therefore, olanzapine was switched to clozapine while augmenting with benzodiazepine, anti-cholinergic, and ginko biloba to control his tardive dystonia. After 2 weeks of treatment, the dystonic movement decreased remarkably.

Comparative Study of Olanzapine versus Haloperidol in the Treatment of Schizoaffective Disorder.

Background: The growing awareness of the impact of antipsychotic drug on patients quality of life has created the need for deeper insight into the side effects, other best drug for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder. Objective:- The study was conducted to find out whether olanzapine is more safe than haloperidol in treating schizoaffective disorder and compare the overall clinical efficacy of Olanzapine Vs haloperidol in Schizoaffective disorder. Methods: The sample was taken from sixty patients fulfilling ICD-10 criteria for schizoaffective disorder consenting for study attending the psychiatry OPD and emergency of G.G.S. Medical College and Hospital Faridkot aged between 15-60 years the patients were selected from either sex. After screening the patients who were found positive for schizoaffective disorder, Then these patients were divided into two groups and put on medicine olanzapine (n=30) and tab Haloperidol (n=30) for six weeks. After that all the patients further assessed for clinical status and side effects using BPRS, PANSS, CGI scale, UKU Side Effect Rating Scale and final diagnosis was made according to ICD-10 criteria. Results: The current study was a randomized, double blind, parallel design comparative trial between olanzapine and haloperidol for a period of six weeks for the management of schizoaffective disorder. Total 60 patients who met ICD-10 criteria for schizoaffective disorder were randomly allocated: 30 each in olanzapine and haloperidol groups. 55 patients had completed the protocol .27 in haloperidol group and 28 in olanzapine group. In our study, in haloperidol group we had 8 schizoaffective manic type and 9 schizoaffective depressive type patients, while in case of olanzapine group the number of schizoaffective manic type was 7 and depressive type was 21 i.e. comparable in both groups. Conclusion: The results of the study revealed that overall superior efficacy and safety advantage of olanzapine over haloperidol suggests that olanzapine represents an important alternate treatment option in schizoaffective disorder. These positive findings are encouraging prospective trails in related disorders such as bipolar depression, depression with psychotic features or other psychotic states with prominent mood symptoms.

Síntomas depresivos inducidos por el retiro de benzodiacepinas en el trastorno esquizoafectivo. Reporte de un caso / Depressive symptoms induced by benzodiazepine withdrawal in schizoaffective disorder. Case report

Resumen Introducción: Dentro del espectro de las enfermedades psiquiátricas, una de las más complejas es el trastorno esquizoafectivo debido al reto diagnóstico y al manejo psicofarmacológico. Esta enfermedad combina síntomas cardinales de la esquizofrenia con síntomas de trastornos del afecto. El tratamiento se enfoca entonces a mejorar los síntomas psicóticos y regular el estado de ánimo. Dentro de los fármacos que se utilizan se encuentran las benzodiacepinas, que deben retirarse gradualmente para evitar recaídas o síntomas de abstinencia. En este reporte comentamos el caso de una paciente que después del retiro gradual hasta la suspensión de clonazepam presentó síntomas depresivos que remitieron tras la reinstalación del fármaco. Reporte del caso: Mujer de 31 años de edad sin antecedentes de importancia para su padecimiento actual. Inició con síntomas psicóticos que requirieron hospitalización, donde se agregaron síntomas maniatiformes y se integró el diagnostico de episodio maniaco con síntomas psicóticos. Se manejó con un antipsicótico, estabilizador del estado de ánimo y benzodiacepinas, con lo que sus síntomas remitieron. A los dos años presentó un cuadro psicótico sin síntomas afectivos y se diagnosticó como trastorno esquizoafectivo según el DSM V. Por su mejoría se disminuyeron los fármacos de forma gradual. Tras la suspensión del clonazepam, la paciente presentó síntomas depresivos que remitieron al reinstalar el fármaco. Discusión: La aparición súbita de síntomas depresivos se consideró como una posible recaída dada la patología de base. Estrictamente hablando, la paciente no cumplía criterios para diagnosticar un síndrome de abstinencia a benzodiacepinas. En la literatura se reporta que en algunos casos los síntomas depresivos pueden ser parte de este espectro, sin embargo no se especifica ni temporalidad ni alguna otra característica relevante. Tras el reinicio del fármaco a la dosis mínima que utilizaba la paciente, en menos de dos semanas se logró la remisión total de un episodio que cumplía los criterios diagnósticos para un trastorno depresivo mayor. Esto nos permitió establecer una relación directa entre la suspensión del clonazepam y la aparición de dichos síntomas. Conclusiones: A pesar de que el manejo dependerá de las características de cada paciente y las preferencias de su médico, vale la pena tener en mente la aparición de síntomas poco usuales asociados con el uso de los fármacos aun a pesar de seguir los lineamientos establecidos para el cambio y suspensión, en este caso, de las benzodiacepinas.

Abstract Introduction: Within the spectrum of psychiatric illnesses one of the most complex is the schizoaffective disorder due to the fact that both, its diagnosis and pharmacological management are challenging. This disease combines cardinal symptoms of schizophrenia and mood disorders symptoms. The aim of the treatment focuses on improving both psychotic symptoms and mood stabilization. Benzodiazepines are frequently used, and should be gradually reduced in order to prevent either a relapse or withdrawal symptoms. Here, we report the case of a 31-year-old female patient that after a gradual reduction of benzodiazepines and the suspension of clonazepam developed depressive symptoms, which subsided after the drug reinstatement. Case report: A 31-year-old female with no relevant past medical history developed psychotic symptoms that required hospitalization. Maniac symptoms appeared and therefore, the diagnosis was a manic episode with psychotic symptoms. Antipsychotic drugs, a mood stabilizer and benzodiazepines were the treatment used and the patient showed clinical improvement. She was free of clinical manifestations for two years, until the patient presented a psychotic episode without mood symptoms; therefore she was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder according to the DSM V criteria. After clinical improvement drugs were decreased gradually. Following the suspension of clonazepam the patient had depressive symptoms that disappeared after the reinstatement of the drug. Discussion: The sudden appearance of depressive symptoms was considered as a possible relapse linked to the underlying disease. Strictly speaking, the patient did not meet the criteria for benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. The literature reports that in some cases depressive symptoms may be part of this spectrum, however neither a temporality nor any other relevant characteristics were specified. After restarting the drug at the lowest dose that the patient used, total remission of the major depressive disorder was achieved in less than two weeks. This allowed us to establish, at our discretion, a direct link between the suspension of clonazepam and the appearance of these symptoms. Conclusion: Although the management depends on the characteristics of each patient and the physician preferences, it is worth keeping in mind the possibility of unusual symptoms that may appear even by following the correct guidelines established for a correct decrease doses and the suspension of benzodiazepines.

Thought and language disorders in very early onset schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder

Abstract Background Thought and language disorders are main features of adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders however studies on such abnormalities are scant in young patients with very early onset psychosis (VEOS). The aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between language and thought disorders in patients with very early onset schizophrenia (SCZ), schizoaffective disorders (SCA) and bipolar disorders (BD). Method Forty-one patients (18 SCZ, 16 BD, and 7 SCA) with mean age less than 15 years old were assessed through a series of neurocognitive and psycholinguistic tests, including the Thought, Language and Communication Scale (TLC). Results SCZ group performed worse in all tests as well as the TLC, followed by SCA and BD groups respectively. Thought disorders were related to deficits in executive functioning and semantic processing, and the metaphors’ test was the best predictor of TLC functioning. Discussion TD in SCZ, SCA and BD are one of the most important features in patients with VEOS and that the evaluation of metaphor comprehension can be an important instrument in the early detection of this disorder.

Clinical Usefulness of Aripiprazole and Lamotrigine in Schizoaffective Presentation of Tuberous Sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis is not as rare as once thought and has high psychiatric comorbidities. However, bipolar or psychotic features associated with tuberous sclerosis have been rarely reported. This report first presents a tuberous sclerosis patient, resembling a schizoaffective disorder of bipolar type. A patient with known tuberous sclerosis displayed mood fluctuation and psychotic features. Her symptoms did not remit along with several psychiatric medications. After hospitalization, the patient responded well with lamotrigine and aripiprazole without exacerbation. As demonstrated in this case, tuberous sclerosis may also encompass bipolar affective or psychotic features. We would like to point out the necessity to consider bipolarity in evaluating and treating tuberous sclerosis.

Where does her mood come from? An organic approach to a once functional patient / De onde vem seu humor? Uma abordagem orgânica para um paciente previamente funcional

Objective: To report the rare development of manic symptoms in a patient with schizophrenia and discuss its differential diagnosis. Case description: Diagnostic criteria were based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10). A 63-year-old female (diagnosed with schizophrenia since she was 28) was brought to the emergency room with symptoms consistent with manic episode and physical examination suggestive of thyrotoxicosis. Graves' disease was confirmed by subsequent laboratory tests. She was treated successfully with radioiodine ablation, leading to full remission of manic symptoms. Comments: Schizophrenia is a chronic disease that affects about 1% of the population worldwide. The main symptoms of the disorder are altered affection, delusions, and hallucinations. Graves' disease is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies increase the production and release of thyroid hormones. There are reports about the development of mood symptoms in patients with Graves' disease that remit with adequate treatment. .

Objetivo: Relatar um caso raro de desenvolvimento de sintomas maníacos em uma paciente com esquizofrenia e discutir o diagnóstico diferencial desses sintomas. Descrição do caso: Foram utilizados como base os critérios diagnósticos da Classificação Internacional de Doenças, 10ª edição (CID-10). Paciente de 63 anos do sexo feminino e com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia desde os 28 anos foi levada a emergência com sintomas compatíveis com episódio de mania e exame físico sugestivo de tireotoxicose. Doença de Graves foi confirmada por exames subsequentes. A paciente foi tratada com sucesso com ablação por iodo radioativo, levando à remissão dos sintomas maníacos. Comentários: A esquizofrenia é uma doença crônica que afeta cerca de 1% da população mundial. Os principais sintomas do transtorno são o embotamento afetivo, alucinações e delírios. A doença de Graves é uma doença autoimune em que o estímulo humoral aumenta a produção e liberação de hormônios pela tireoide. Há relatos na literatura sobre o desenvolvimento de sintomas maníacos em pacientes com doença de Graves, os quais remitem mediante tratamento adequado. .

Impact of Cannabis Use on Long-Term Remission in Bipolar I and Schizoaffective Disorder

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of regular cannabis use on long-term remission of mood symptoms in bipolar spectrum disorders. METHODS: The 24-month prospective observational study included patients (n=239) with bipolar I disorder and schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. Participants were classified as regular cannabis users (three times or more per week) or non-users. The primary outcome measure was the achievement of remission on the evaluations during the 24 months. RESULTS: Of the 234 participants for whom data was available, 25 (10.7%) were regular cannabis users, and the group comprised significantly more males than females. In the total population, cannabis use was significantly associated with decreased likelihood of remission during the 24-month follow-up period. Subgroup analyses showed that cannabis use was significantly associated with lower remission rates on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale in females (n=139) and patients prescribed mood stabilizers alone (n=151), whereas in males (n=95) and patients prescribed olanzapine and/or a mood stabilizer (n=83), cannabis use was significantly associated with lower remission rates on the Young Mania Rating Scale. Remission rates were lowest in the concurrent cannabis and tobacco smoking group (n=22) followed by the tobacco smoking only group (n=97), and the non-smoker group (n=116). The post-hoc analysis revealed that all remission rates were significantly lower in the concurrent cannabis and the tobacco smoking group compared to the non-smoker group. CONCLUSION: Cannabis use negatively affects the long-term clinical outcome in patients with bipolar spectrum disorders. A comprehensive assessment and integrated management of cannabis use are required to achieve better treatment outcomes for bipolar spectrum disorders.

Drug Treated Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective and Bipolar Disorder Patients Evaluated by qEEG Absolute Spectral Power and Mean Frequency Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Research of electroencephalograph (EEG) power spectrum and mean frequency has shown inconsistent results in patients with schizophrenic, schizoaffective and bipolar disorders during medication when compared to normal subjects thus; the characterization of these parameters is an important task. METHODS: We applied quantitative EEG (qEEG) to investigate 38 control, 15 schizophrenic, 7 schizoaffective and 11 bipolar disorder subjects which remaine under the administration of psychotropic drugs (except control group). Absolute spectral power (ASP), mean frequency and hemispheric electrical asymmetry were measured by 19 derivation qEEG. Group mean values were compared with non parametrical Mann-Whitney test and spectral EEG maps with z-score method at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Most frequent drug treatments for schizophrenic patients were neuroleptic+antiepileptic (40% of cases) or 2 neuroleptics (33.3%). Schizoaffective patients received neuroleptic+benzodiazepine (71.4%) and for bipolar disorder patients neuroleptic+antiepileptic (81.8%). Schizophrenic (at all derivations except for Fp1, Fp2, F8 and T6) and schizoaffective (only at C3) show higher values of ASP (+57.7% and +86.1% respectively) compared to control group. ASP of bipolar disorder patients did not show differences against control group. The mean frequency was higher at Fp1 (+14.2%) and Fp2 (+17.4%) in bipolar disorder patients than control group, but no differences were found in frequencies between schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients against the control group. Majority of spectral differences were found at the left hemisphere in schizophrenic and schizoaffective but not in bipolar disorder subjects. CONCLUSION: The present report contributes to characterize quantitatively the qEEG in drug treated schizophrenic, schizoaffective or bipolar disorder patients.

Trastorno esquizoafectivo: ¿Cuánto de esquizofrenia? ¿Cuánto de bipolar? / Schizoaffective disorder: How much belongs to schizophrenia? How much belongs to bipolar disorder?

Introduction: Schizoaffective Disorder represents a controversial clinical entity, in regard to nosology and classification criteria. It has been considered as a variant of Schizophrenia, as a mixed entity between Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder and as a Bipolar Disorder subtype Method: Classificatory, clinical issues, neuropsychology and genetics research contributions are reviewed. Discussion and Conclusion: Schizoaffective Disorder concept at present time, differs from its original description, maintaining lack of definitive clarity with respect to its nosology. Considering neurocognitive impairment within its course, Schizoaffective Disorder looks much closer to affective psychosis than to Schizophrenia. From genetic research field emerges data that challenge the classic dichotomist distinction between affective psychosis and Schizophrenia established by E. Kraepelin, raising again the question about thinking in psychosis as a continuum in which Schizoaffective Disorder could represent an intermediate state...

Introducción: El Trastorno Esquizoafectivo constituye un área de controversias respecto a su nosología y criterios para su clasificación. Ha sido considerado como una variante de la Esquizofrenia, un cuadro mixto en el cual coexisten la Esquizofrenia y el Trastorno Bipolar y como un subtipo del Trastorno Bipolar. Método: Se revisan aspectos diagnósticos, clasificatorios y características psicopatológicas del trastorno en su concepción actual y aportes desde la perspectiva de la investigación neuropsicológica y la genética. Discusión y Conclusiones: El concepto actual de Trastorno Esquizoafectivo, difiere de su descripción original manteniéndose la falta de claridad definitiva respecto a su nosología. Tomando en consideración las alteraciones neurocognitivas que acompañan su evolución, el Trastorno Esquizoafectivo guardaría una mayor afinidad con las psicosis afectivas que con la Esquizofrenia. Desde la investigación genética surgen datos que cuestionan la distinción dicotómica clásica entre las psicosis afectivas y la Esquizofrenia establecida por E. Kraepelin, replanteándose la formulación de la psicosis en un continuum del cual el Trastorno Esquizoafectivo podría representar un estadio intermedio...

Differential Diagnosis of Schizophrenia & Co-morbid Psychiatric Conditions in Schizophrenia and their Management

Schizophrenia is a complex, heterogeneous, and disabling psychiatric disorder that impairs cognitive, perceptual, emotional, and behavioural functioning. It has a worldwide prevalence rate of about 1%. There are a number of physical and mental illnesses which are co-morbid with schizophrenia and this article will include a brief description and management of some of the commoner ones. Similarly, it can be mimicked by several mental and physical illnesses and accurate diagnosis is important to reduce the disability associated with the illness. Morbidity and mortality is elevated in patients in Schizophrenia as compared to the general population. More than 50% of patients with schizophrenia have co-morbid psychiatric or medical conditions including impairment of cognitive function, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, substance abuse, and aggressive behaviour, and these reflect on prognosis of both acute as well chronic schizophrenia.

Schizoaffective Disorder / 대한정신분열병학회지

Schizoaffective disorders are a controversially discussed but existing nosological category describing an episodic condition meeting the criteria of both schizophrenia and mood disorders and lying on a continuum between these two prototypes. Both DSM-IV and ICD-10 classify them within the group of "schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders" with ICD-10 not requiring the absence of mood symptoms for a certain time. Cross-sectionally, schizoaffective disorder can be subdivided into schizodepressive, schizomanic and mixed types. In a longitudinal way, unipolar and bipolar types are distinguished. The division into schizo-dominated and mood dominated types is based on the severity and dominance of the schizophreniform symptomatology and implies significant consequences for treatment and prognosis. In addition, concurrent types should be differentiated from sequential types. Schizoaffective disorder is not rare; lifetime prevalence is estimated at 0.3%. About one third of all psychotic patients suffer from schizoaffective disorder. About two thirds of the patients do not only have schizoaffective episodes but also pure schizophreniform or mood episodes or episodes of acute and transient psychotic disorder. In more than 50% of the patients, symptoms remit more or less completely. The others suffer from light, moderate or severe residual states, which might affect their social adaptation. The suicide rate in schizoaffective disorder is about 12%. The treatment of schizoaffective disorder primarily is a combination of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Long-term prophylactic treatment mainly consists of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Differential diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is not at all easy. It must be distinguished from psychotic mood disorder, where the psychotic symptoms are mood-congruent. Although DSM-IV allows even mood-incongruent psychotic symptoms in psychotic mood disorder, these cases should better be allocated to schizoaffective disorder. Schizoaffective disorder must also be distinguished from schizophrenia with mood symptoms. In the latter, the mood symptoms are not complete and not so prominent to meet the criteria of a mood episode, or they occur after the schizophreniform have remitted. Sometimes, schizoaffective disorder is mixed up with acute and transient psychotic disorder, although these two conditions do not have very much in common.

How Can We Differentiate Schizoaffective Disorder from Mood Disorder with Psychotic Feature? / 대한정신분열병학회지

Difficulties surrounding the classification of mixed psychotic and mood symptoms continue to plague psychiatric nosology. Since schizoaffective disorder was first defined in the literature, it has raised a considerable controversy regarding its clinical distinction from schizophrenia and mood disorder, especially mood disorder with psychotic feature. Recently, it seems that more people are diagnosed as mood disorder with psychotic feature rather than schizoaffective disorder when they are showing concurrent psychotic and mood symptoms. This may be due to unwillingness to make severe diagnosis at first and aggressive trend to expand the diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder. Over-diagnosis of mood disorder with psychotic feature would expose the patients to unnecessary mood stabilizer. Therefore, it is critical to make exact diagnosis based on current diagnostic criteria and other relevant study findings. We conducted in-depth review into diagnostic criteria of DSM and ICD-10 for schizoaffective disorder and mood disorder with psychotic feature and other related studies comparing clinical features between the two disorders. As a result, important points helpful in differentiating the two disorders are highlighted and future suggestions are described.

Schizoaffective Disorder / 대한정신분열병학회지

Schizoaffective disorders are a controversially discussed but existing nosological category describing an episodic condition meeting the criteria of both schizophrenia and mood disorders and lying on a continuum between these two prototypes. Both DSM-IV and ICD-10 classify them within the group of "schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders" with ICD-10 not requiring the absence of mood symptoms for a certain time. Cross-sectionally, schizoaffective disorder can be subdivided into schizodepressive, schizomanic and mixed types. In a longitudinal way, unipolar and bipolar types are distinguished. The division into schizo-dominated and mood dominated types is based on the severity and dominance of the schizophreniform symptomatology and implies significant consequences for treatment and prognosis. In addition, concurrent types should be differentiated from sequential types. Schizoaffective disorder is not rare; lifetime prevalence is estimated at 0.3%. About one third of all psychotic patients suffer from schizoaffective disorder. About two thirds of the patients do not only have schizoaffective episodes but also pure schizophreniform or mood episodes or episodes of acute and transient psychotic disorder. In more than 50% of the patients, symptoms remit more or less completely. The others suffer from light, moderate or severe residual states, which might affect their social adaptation. The suicide rate in schizoaffective disorder is about 12%. The treatment of schizoaffective disorder primarily is a combination of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers or antidepressants. Long-term prophylactic treatment mainly consists of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Differential diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is not at all easy. It must be distinguished from psychotic mood disorder, where the psychotic symptoms are mood-congruent. Although DSM-IV allows even mood-incongruent psychotic symptoms in psychotic mood disorder, these cases should better be allocated to schizoaffective disorder. Schizoaffective disorder must also be distinguished from schizophrenia with mood symptoms. In the latter, the mood symptoms are not complete and not so prominent to meet the criteria of a mood episode, or they occur after the schizophreniform have remitted. Sometimes, schizoaffective disorder is mixed up with acute and transient psychotic disorder, although these two conditions do not have very much in common.