The history of multiple adverse childhood experiences in patients with schizophrenia is associated with more severe symptomatology and suicidal behavior with gender-specific characteristics.

The current study aims to compare the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) between patients with schizophrenia and non-psychiatric control group, and to analyze the association of having suffered multiple ACEs with clinical symptoms of schizophrenia and suicidal behavior. A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted across three facilities in Buenos Aires, Argentina. One-hundred patients with schizophrenia and 50 healthy subjects were assessed with the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire (ACE-Q), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). We observed that the prevalence of at least one ACE in schizophrenic patients was almost double in comparison with the non-psychiatric control group. Multiple ACEs were associated with persistent auditory hallucinations and lower negative symptoms in both sexes. Higher frequency of death ideation and a higher number of suicide attempts were reported among women. The strength of this study is the possibility of comparing the presence of ACEs between schizophrenic patients and non-psychiatric control using the same questionnaire in an under-reported sample of low socio-economic patients assisted in public hospitals. A limitation is that the history of ACEs relied on the retrospective assessment of childhood experiences, and adults could over-report ACEs because of recall bias.

Prevalence and clinical impact of childhood adversities in women with schizophrenia.

Patients with schizophrenia have higher rates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) than the general population, and those who suffered multiple traumatic experiences have a higher prevalence of positive symptoms, poorer social functioning and more suicidal ideations and behavior. The current study aims to determine the prevalence of ACEs in a female patient sample with schizophrenia. An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants included 50 female patients older than 18 years, with schizophrenia. Semi-structured interviews and the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire were conducted. We observed that 90% experienced at least one ACE. Most (52%) suffered 4 or more ACEs. A high prevalence of emotional abuse and neglect was found and a significant relationship between patients who suffered multiple ACEs and the presence of suicidal behavior and persistent auditory hallucinations.

[Vicissitudes of hospitalization and emergency in a Prison Psychiatric hospital]. / Vicisitudes en el ingreso y la emergencia de un Hospital Psiquiátrico Penitenciario.

This paper evaluates the Reform of the Psychiatrist Central Ward for Men (Unit 20 of the Federal Prison System). The aim is to study the process of adopting a new paradigm for medically assisting psychiatric prisoner-patients and its consequences. It concludes that the medical condition of a psychiatric prisoner should be clarified and referred to the Department of Forensic Medicine by a Criminal Court straightaway, and that the Department of Forensic Medicine should act more promptly. It also suggests the relative reduction in working hours of both teams.