Fingerprints as Predictors of Schizophrenia: A Deep Learning Study.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: The existing developmental bond between fingerprint generation and growth of the central nervous system points to a potential use of fingerprints as risk markers in schizophrenia. However, the high complexity of fingerprints geometrical patterns may require flexible algorithms capable of characterizing such complexity. STUDY DESIGN: Based on an initial sample of scanned fingerprints from 612 patients with a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis and 844 healthy subjects, we have built deep learning classification algorithms based on convolutional neural networks. Previously, the general architecture of the network was chosen from exploratory fittings carried out with an independent fingerprint dataset from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The network architecture was then applied for building classification algorithms (patients vs controls) based on single fingers and multi-input models. Unbiased estimates of classification accuracy were obtained by applying a 5-fold cross-validation scheme. STUDY RESULTS: The highest level of accuracy from networks based on single fingers was achieved by the right thumb network (weighted validation accuracy = 68%), while the highest accuracy from the multi-input models was attained by the model that simultaneously used images from the left thumb, index and middle fingers (weighted validation accuracy = 70%). CONCLUSION: Although fitted models were based on data from patients with a well established diagnosis, since fingerprints remain lifelong stable after birth, our results imply that fingerprints may be applied as early predictors of psychosis. Specially, if they are used in high prevalence subpopulations such as those of individuals at high risk for psychosis.

Huellas dactilares como predictores de la esquizofrenia: un estudio de aprendizaje profundo / Fingerprints as Predictors of Schizophrenia: A Deep Learning Study

El vínculo existente entre la formación de huellas dactilares y el crecimiento del sistema nervioso central apunta a un uso potencial delas huellas dactilares como marcadores de riesgo en la esquizofrenia.Sin embargo, la elevada complejidad de los patrones geométricos delas huellas dactilares requiere algoritmos flexibles capaces de caracterizar dicha complejidad. A partir de una muestra inicial de huellasdactilares escaneadas de 612 pacientes con diagnóstico de psicosisno afectiva y 844 sujetos sanos, hemos construido algoritmos declasificación de aprendizaje profundo basados en redes neuronalesconvolucionales. Previamente, se eligió la arquitectura general de lared a partir de ajustes exploratorios realizados con un conjunto dedatos independiente de huellas dactilares del National Institute ofStandards and Technology. A continuación, la arquitectura de la redse aplicó para construir algoritmos de clasificación (paciente frentea controles) basados en modelos de un solo dedo y en modelos devarios dedos. Se obtuvieron estimaciones de la precisión de la clasificación aplicando un esquema de validación cruzada quíntuple.El mayor nivel de precisión de las redes basadas en un solo dedo loalcanzó la red del pulgar derecho (precisión = 68%), mientras quela mayor precisión de los modelos multientrada la obtuvo el modeloque utilizó simultáneamente imágenes de los dedos pulgar, índice ycorazón izquierdos (precisión = 70%). Aunque los modelos ajustadosse basaron en datos de pacientes con un diagnóstico bien establecido, dado que las huellas dactilares permanecen estables durantetoda la vida después del nacimiento, nuestros resultados implicanque las huellas dactilares pueden aplicarse como predictores tempranos de psicosis. Especialmente, si se utilizan en subpoblacionescon alta prevalencia de esquizofrenia, como las de personas con alto riesgo de psicosis. (AU)

The link between fingerprint generation and central nervous system growth points to a potential use of fingerprints as risk markersin schizophrenia. However, the high complexity of fingerprint geometric patterns requires flexible algorithms capable of characterizing such complexity. From an initial sample of fingerprints scanned from 612 patients diagnosed with non-affective psychosis and844 healthy subjects, we have built deep learning classification algorithms based on convolutional neural networks. Previously, thegeneral network architecture was chosen from exploratory fittingsperformed on an independent fingerprint dataset from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The network architecturewas then applied for buinding classification algorithms (patientsvs. controls) based on single-finger models and multi-finger models. Classification accuracy estimates were obtained by applyinga 5-fold cross-validation scheme. The highest level of accuracy ofthe single-finger-based networks was achieved by the right thumbnetwork (accuracy = 68%), whereas the highest accuracy of themulti-input models was obtained by the model that simultaneouslyused images of the left thumb, index and middle fingers (accuracy =70%). Although the fitted models were based on data from patientswith a well-established diagnosis, given that fingerprints remainstable throughout life after birth, our results imply that fingerprintscan be applied as early predictors of psychosis. Especially, if usedin subpopulations with high prevalence of schizophrenia, such as those at high risk for psychosis. (AU)

A randomized study on the efficacy of the Social Cognition Training Program-brief version in a sample of patients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, various interventions have been developed to train social cognition in schizophrenia, which have been shown to be effective in improving emotional processing, theory of mind and social perception, as well as community functioning. One of these interventions is the Social Cognition Training Program (SCTP), a program consisting of 24 sessions. For the present study we developed a brief version of 12 sessions with the aim to improve its applicability. To evaluate the effectiveness of this version, a randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing the SCTP to a neurocognitive training. METHOD: The trial was conducted with a sample of 299 patients with schizophrenia, with assessments conducted at baseline, posttreatment, and 6- and 12-month follow up. The assessment protocol included tests of emotion recognition, theory of mind, attributional style, symptomatology, community functioning, and neurocognitive functioning. RESULTS: The results obtained showed that the patients of the experimental group improved in the recognition of the emotions of sadness, anger, and fear, and in the first- and second-order theory of mind. However, no significant improvement was observed in the measures of community functioning. Improvements in first- and second-order theory of mind but not emotion recognition persisted at follow ups. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Results obtained showed that deficits in social cognition can be ameliorated, although it could be necessary to have booster sessions to maintain the benefits of the training and to complement the SCPT with another type of interventions aimed specifically at transferring the benefits of social cognition training to "real" life. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Emotion recognition in patients with schizophrenia: the role of sex / Reconocimiento de emociones en pacientes con esquizofrenia: el papel del sexo

BACKGROUND: Despite the abundant research on emotion recognition in schizophrenia, there are still some issues about which there is no conclusive data. The present study examined one these issues: the role that sex plays in emotion recognition. Method: The sample consisted of 440 participants, 220 patients with schizophrenia and 220 controls. Measures of the six basic emotions, psychopathology, and cognitive functioning were taken. The data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Controls perceived all emotions, except happiness, better than patients. In the patient group three main results were obtained: 1) men recognized disgust and neutral expressions better than women; 2) happiness and sadness were better recognized on female faces, while disgust and neutral expressions were better recognized on male faces; and 3) a significant interaction was seen between the stimulus sex and the participant sex only for the fear emotion. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained support the hypothesis that deficits in the recognition of emotions is a core feature of schizophrenia that affects both men and women to the same extent. There is no clear pattern of interaction between the sex of the perceiver and the sex of the photograph used as a stimulus

ANTECEDENTES: a pesar de haber abundante investigación sobre el reconocimiento de emociones en esquizofrenia, hay algunas cuestiones sobre las que no hay datos concluyentes. El presente estudio valoró una de esas cuestiones: el papel del género en el reconocimiento de emociones. MÉTODO: la muestra estuvo compuesta por 440 sujetos, 220 pacientes con esquizofrenia y 220 controles. Se tomaron medidas de las seis emociones básicas, psicopatología y funcionamiento cognitivo. Los datos se analizaron mediante un ANOVA de medidas repetidas. RESULTADOS: los controles percibieron todas las emociones mejor que los pacientes, excepto la alegría. En los pacientes destacaron tres resultados: 1) los hombres reconocieron mejor el asco y la expresión neutra; 2) las emociones de alegría y tristeza se reconocieron mejor en caras femeninas, y el asco en masculinas; 3) se observó un efecto de interacción entre el género de la fotografía y del participante solo para la emoción de miedo. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados apoyan que el déficit en el reconocimiento de emociones es un rasgo característico de la esquizofrenia, que afecta tanto a hombres como a mujeres. No se observa un patrón claro de interacciones entre el género del participante y el género de la imagen usada como estímulo

Emotion recognition in patients with schizophrenia: The role of sex.

BACKGROUND: Despite the abundant research on emotion recognition in schizophrenia, there are still some issues about which there is no conclusive data. The present study examined one these issues: the role that sex plays in emotion recognition. METHOD: The sample consisted of 440 participants, 220 patients with schizophrenia and 220 controls. Measures of the six basic emotions, psychopathology, and cognitive functioning were taken. The data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Controls perceived all emotions, except happiness, better than patients. In the patient group three main results were obtained: 1) men recognized disgust and neutral expressions better than women; 2) happiness and sadness were better recognized on female faces, while disgust and neutral expressions were better recognized on male faces; and 3) a significant interaction was seen between the stimulus sex and the participant sex only for the fear emotion. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained support the hypothesis that deficits in the recognition of emotions is a core feature of schizophrenia that affects both men and women to the same extent. There is no clear pattern of interaction between the sex of the perceiver and the sex of the photograph used as a stimulus.

Neurocognition functioning as a prerequisite to intact social cognition in schizophrenia.

Introduction: There are mixed findings regarding the relationships between neurocognition and social cognition in schizophrenia. This study aims to provide new empirical evidence to help determine the relationships between these constructs in schizophrenia.Methods: 299 stabilised patients with schizophrenia aged 18-65 years old were recruited. After having into account exclusion criteria, final sample was contained 284 patients. The Emotion Recognition Assessment Test (ERAT) was used to assess six basic emotions. To assess the theory of mind (ToM), the Hinting Task and the Faux-Pas Test were used, and the Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry (SCIP) was administered to assess cognitive functioning. Bivariate and multivariate analyses (partial correlations, canonical correlation, regression analysis, and confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis) were conducted.Results: Statistically significant relationships were found between the subtests of the SCIP and social cognitive measures. The redundancy coefficient in the canonical analysis was 0.13. The CFA analysis showed that the best model has a two-factor structure, in which neurocognition and social cognition are correlated factors. Less than 10% of patients with impaired cognitive functioning have a performance within normal range on social cognition tests.Conclusions: The findings show that neurocognition and social cognition are independent but related constructs.

¿Cómo se evalúa la cognición social en esquizofrenia en España? / How is assessed social cognition in schizophrenia in spain?

La cognición social es una de las áreas más estudiadas en esquizofrenia en los últimos años. Sin embargo, un problema que afecta a buena parte de los estudios realizados es que han utilizado pruebas sin validar para evaluar los diferentes dominios que la componen. El presente estudio tiene el objetivo de llevar a cabo una revisión sistemática para conocer cuáles son las pruebas más utilizadas en España para evaluar los dominios de la cognición social, ver si están validadas en español y si hay información sobre sus propiedades psicométricas. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, SCOPUS y PsycInfo con los términos "Social cognition AND (Schizo* OR Psychos*) AND Spain". Se identificaron un total de 62 estudios en los que se utilizaron hasta 34 pruebas diferentes. De éstas, sólo 12 están validadas en español. Una conclusión que se desprende de estos datos es la necesidad de utilizar pruebas adaptadas al español en los estudios que se lleven a cabo en nuestro medio

Social cognition is one of the most researched topics in schizophrenia in recent years. However, a problem that affects a good part of the studies carried out is that they have used unvalidated tests to evaluate the different domains that compose it. The present study aims to carry out a systematic review to know which tests are most used in Spain to assess the domains of social cognition, see if they are validated in Spanish and if there is information about their psychometric properties. A search was carried out in the PubMed, SCOPUS and PsycInfo databases with the terms "Social cognition AND (Schizo * OR Psychos *) AND Spain". A total of 62 studies were identified in which up to 34 different tests were used. Of these, only 12 are validated in Spanish. A conclusion that emerges from these data is the need to use tests adapted to Spanish in the studies that are carried out in our environment

Adaptación al español de la escala Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness para valorar el estigma personal / Adaptation into Spanish of the Internalised Stigma of Mental Illness scale to assess personal stigma

Introducción: En ocasiones los pacientes con esquizofrenia asumen como propio el estigma social relacionado con la enfermedad y se origina el denominado estigma personal. El estigma personal implica el autoestigma (interiorización de estereotipos negativos), el estigma percibido (percepción de rechazo) y el estigma experimentado (experiencias de discriminación). El estigma personal se relaciona con peor adherencia al tratamiento y peor funcionamiento social; por tanto, es importante contar con medidas adecuadas del estigma personal. Una de las medidas más utilizadas es la escala Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI). Esta escala está disponible en español, aunque la versión diseñada no se sometió a un análisis psicométrico riguroso. El presente estudio se plantea analizar las propiedades psicométricas de una nueva versión en español de la ISMI. Material y métodos: La nueva versión se tradujo como Estigma Interiorizado de Enfermedad Mental (EIEM). Se calcularon la consistencia interna y la fiabilidad test-retest en una muestra de 69 pacientes diagnosticados de esquizofrenia o trastorno esquizoafectivo. También se analizó el porcentaje de pacientes que mostraban estigma, y su relación con variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Resultados: La nueva versión obtuvo valores adecuados de consistencia interna y fiabilidad test-retest para el total de la prueba (0,91 y 0,95 respectivamente) y para las 5 subescalas que integran la EIEM, salvo la subescala de Resistencia al estigma (alfa de Cronbach 0,42). Conclusiones: La EIEM parece una escala adecuada para valorar el estigma personal en población española con trastorno mental grave, al menos en personas con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia o trastorno esquizoafectivo

Introduction: Patients with schizophrenia sometimes internalise social stigma associated to mental illness, and they develop personal stigma. Personal stigma includes self-stigma (internalisation of negative stereotypes), perceived stigma (perception of rejection), and experienced stigma (experiences of discrimination). Personal stigma is linked with a poorer treatment adherence, and worst social functioning. For this reason, it is important to have good measurements of personal stigma. One of the most frequently used measurements is the Internalised Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale. There is a Spanish version of the scale available, although its psychometric properties have not been studied. The main aim of this study is to analyse the psychometric properties of a new Spanish version of the ISMI scale. Material and methods: The new version was translated as Estigma Interiorizado de Enfermedad Mental (EIEM). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were calculated in a sample of 69 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The rate of patients showing personal stigma was also studied, as well as the relationship between personal stigma and sociodemographic and clinical variables. Results: The adapted version obtained good values of internal consistency and test-retest reliability, for the total score of the scale (0.91 and 0.95 respectively), as well as for the five subscales of the EIEM, except for the Stigma Resistance subscale (Cronbach's alpha 0.42). Conclusions: EIEM is an appropriate measurement tool to assess personal stigma in a Spanish population with severe mental disorder, at least in those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

Faux-Pas Test: A Proposal of a Standardized Short Version.

Previous research on theory of mind suggests that people with schizophrenia have difficulties with complex mentalization tasks that involve the integration of cognition and affective mental states. One of the tools most commonly used to assess theory of mind is the Faux-Pas Test. However, it presents two main methodological problems: 1) the lack of a standard scoring system; 2) the different versions are not comparable due to a lack of information on the stories used. These methodological problems make it difficult to draw conclusions about performance on this test by people with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to develop a reduced version of the Faux-Pas test with adequate psychometric properties. The test was administered to control and clinical groups. Interrater and test-retest reliability were analyzed for each story in order to select the set of 10 stories included in the final reduced version. The shortened version showed good psychometric properties for controls and patients: test-retest reliability of 0.97 and 0.78, inter-rater reliability of 0.95 and 0.87 and Cronbach's alpha of 0.82 and 0.72.

Adaptation into Spanish of the Internalised Stigma of Mental Illness scale to assess personal stigma. / Adaptación al español de la escala Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness para valorar el estigma personal.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with schizophrenia sometimes internalise social stigma associated to mental illness, and they develop personal stigma. Personal stigma includes self-stigma (internalisation of negative stereotypes), perceived stigma (perception of rejection), and experienced stigma (experiences of discrimination). Personal stigma is linked with a poorer treatment adherence, and worst social functioning. For this reason, it is important to have good measurements of personal stigma. One of the most frequently used measurements is the Internalised Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) scale. There is a Spanish version of the scale available, although its psychometric properties have not been studied. The main aim of this study is to analyse the psychometric properties of a new Spanish version of the ISMI scale. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The new version was translated as Estigma Interiorizado de Enfermedad Mental (EIEM). Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were calculated in a sample of 69 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The rate of patients showing personal stigma was also studied, as well as the relationship between personal stigma and sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: The adapted version obtained good values of internal consistency and test-retest reliability, for the total score of the scale (0.91 and 0.95 respectively), as well as for the five subscales of the EIEM, except for the Stigma Resistance subscale (Cronbach's alpha 0.42). CONCLUSIONS: EIEM is an appropriate measurement tool to assess personal stigma in a Spanish population with severe mental disorder, at least in those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Efficacy of the Social Cognition Training Program in a Sample of Outpatients with Schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: Social cognition is recognized to be a deficit in individuals suffering from schizophrenia. Numerous studies have explored the relationship between social cognition and social functioning in outpatients with schizophrenia through the use of different social cognition training programs. This study examines the efficacy of the Social Cognition Training Program (PECS in Spanish) in adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. METHODS: Data were derived from a sample of 44 non-hospitalized adult patients who presented with a DSM-IV-TR Axis I diagnosis of schizophrenia and 39 healthy controls. The 44 patients were divided into an experimental group (n=20) and a control task group (n=24) that received cognitive training. Healthy controls did not receive any treatment. Sociodemographic and clinical variables correlates were computed. The 2-way ANOVA was conducted to examine differences between groups in pre- and post-treatment measures. Intragroup differences were explored using the paired-samples t-test. RESULTS: At the end of the training, patients in the experimental group showed a higher performance compared to patients in the control task group in the Hinting Task Test and in the emotion recognition of sadness, anger, fear, and disgust. CONCLUSIONS: The PECS proved to be effective in the improvement of some areas of theory of mind and emotion recognition in outpatients with schizophrenia. The PECS is one of the first programs developed in Spanish to train social cognition, and the data obtained support the importance of expanding the social cognition programs to non-English language samples.

Efficacy of the Social Cognition Training Program in a sample of schizophrenic outpatients.

Objective: Social cognition is recognized to be a deficit in individuals suffering from schizophrenia. Numerous studies have explored the relationship between social cognition and social functioning in outpatients with schizophrenia through the use of different social cognition training programs. This study examines the efficacy of the Social Cognition Training Program (PECS in Spanish) in adults with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Methods: Data were derived from a sample of 44 non-hospitalized adult patients, who presented with a DSM-IV-R Axis I diagnosis of schizophrenia, and 39 healthy controls. Patients were divided into an experimental group and a control task group, that received cognitive training. Healthy controls did not receive any treatment. Sociodemographic and clinic variables correlates were computed. 2-way ANOVA was conducted to examine differences between groups in pre and post-treatment measures. Intragroup differences were explores using the paired-samples t-test. Results: At the end of the training, patients in the experimental group showed a higher performance compared to patients in the control task group, in the Hinting Task Test and in the emotion recognition of sadness, anger, fear, and disgust. Conclusions: The PECS proved to be effective in the improvement of some areas of theory of mind and emotion recognition, in outpatients with schizophrenia. The PECS is one of the first programs developed in Spanish to train social cognition, and the data obtained support the importance of expand the social cognition programs to non-English language samples.

El insight en la esquizofrenia y su relación con variables afectivas, cognitivas y psicopatológicas / Insight into schizophrenia and its relationship to affective, cognitive and psychopathological variables

La investigación sobre el insight ha concluido que se trata de una variable multidimensional, que se relaciona con otras variables como la sintomatología psicótica, el deterioro cognitivo y la depresión. En el presente estudio, realizado con una muestra de 136 sujetos diagnosticados de esquizofrenia, los autores plantean verificar un estudio anterior en el que establecían la existencia de dos factores del insight: un factor psicótico y un factor cognitivo. El primero hace referencia a un conocimiento general de la enfermedad, que correlaciona con la sintomatología psicótica. El factor cognitivo se refiere a un conocimiento más amplio y específico de la enfermedad y requiere el funcionamiento preservado de ciertas áreas cognitivas. Asimismo, se plantea estudiar la relación entre las diferentes dimensiones del insight y variables como la depresión, la ansiedad y las ideas de suicidio. Los resultados obtenidos corroboran la existencia de ambos factores. El factor psicótico se relacionó con la depresión y la ansiedad, mientras que el factor cognitivo no. Se discuten las consecuencias terapéuticas de estos resultados.

Posibilidad de establecer modelos predictivos en el campo de la rehabilitación psicosocial de personas con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia / No disponible

El objetivo de este estudio es llegar a establecer si es posible la determinación de modelos predictivos en el campo de la Rehabilitación Psicosocial que optimicen los procesos de reinserción social de las personas con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia. Nuestra hipótesis de trabajo es que el posible fracaso en el proceso de rehabilitación puede predecirse basándonos en variables significativas evaluadas de forma previa al inicio del programa de rehabilitación. Se estudió en una muestra de69 pacientes usuarios de un Centro de Rehabilitación Psicosocial la relación entre el progreso rehabilitador y el rendimiento neuropsicológico basal, psicopatología y tratamiento farmacológico, variables todas ellas que ya habían mostrado tal relación en un estudio previo. El análisis de regresión logística reveló que los predictores de progreso fueron las puntuaciones BPRS; puntuación total de la PANSS; puntuación de la escala positiva de la PANSS; puntuación de la escala «evaluación cognitiva» (evaluación durante los primeros 15 días del proceso de valoración y rehabilitación); dosis de anticolinérgicos(correctores de efectos secundarios de los antipsicóticos) y dosis de antipsicóticos de depósito utilizados. Nuestros datos apoyaron por tanto la posibilidad de establecer modelos predictivos del éxito o fracaso en el proceso de rehabilitación activa no pudiendo, no obstante, ser generalizables a otros modelos de rehabilitación (AU)

The aim of this study is to evaluate the possibility to develop predictive models in the field of Psychosocial Rehabilitation that optimize the processes of social rehabilitation of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The main hypothesis is that a possible failure in the rehabilitation process can be predicted based on significant variables assessed at the beginning of the treatment. A sample of 69 users of a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Centre was recruited and the relationship between progress in rehabilitation and neuropsychological performance baseline, psychopathology and drug treatment, all variables that had shown such a relationship in a previous study, was studied. The logistic regression analysis revealed that ‘scores in BPRS, PANSS (total score),PANSS (positive scale), «cognitive assessment» (evaluation during the first 15days of the assessment process); doses of anticholinergics and doses of antipsychotics were found as the predictors of progress. Our data supports the possibility to identify predictive models in our programal though it can not be generalized to ot herrehabilitation models (AU)

Relación entre insight y otras variables clínicas en esquizofrenia / No disponible

En el presente estudio, realizado con una muestra de 160 sujetos diagnosticados de esquizofrenia, se revisan resultados previos donde se establece la existencia de dos factores de insight: un factor que hace referencia a un conocimiento general de la enfermedad; y otro referido a un conocimiento más específico de la misma. Se estudian las relaciones entre estos factores y diferentes variables clínicas y sociodemográficas. Los resultados corroboran la existencia de ambos factores y relacionan un conocimiento más general de la enfermedad con síntomas psicóticos, depresión, ansiedad y satisfacción con el tratamiento; mientras que un conocimiento más específico de la enfermedad se relaciona con un menor deterioro cognitivo y no con otras variables. Se hace una valoración de los resultados (AU)

In this study, with a sample of 160schizophrenia outpatients, are reviewed preliminary results which establishes the existence of two factors of insight: one which refers to a general knowledge about illness; and a second one refers to a more specifics knowledge about illness and its consequences. Also, the relationships between these factors and clinical and sociodemographic variables are examined. The results confirm the existence of both factors and the relationship between a general knowledge about illness with psychotic symptoms, depression, anxiety and satisfaction with treatment; whereas more specific knowledge of the disease is associated with lower cognitive impairment and not with other variables. The results are discussed (AU)

Uso del test Barcelona para la valoración cognitiva de los pacientes con esquizofrenia: Utilidad de una puntuación total / No disponible

Introducción En los últimos años se han desarrollado diferentes baterías neuropsicológicas que valoran el deterioro cognitivo en esquizofrenia, y que ofrecen una puntuación para cada área que evalúan, así como una puntuación total. El presente artículo parte de un estudio anterior en el que se utilizó una versión reducida del Test Barcelona, y valora la utilidad de usar una puntuación total como medida del rendimiento global de los pacientes. Asi mismo, se comparó el rendimiento cognitivo de la muestra con baremos normalizados. Metodología La muestra fue de 235 pacientes. La utilidad de obtener una puntuación total se analizó mediante un análisis de componentes principales. Se valoró la relación de la puntuación total con variables sociodemográficas y clínicas (..) (AU)

Introduction In last years, different neuropsychological batteries have been developed to assess cognitive performance in schizophrenia. These batteries have a total score and an individual score for each cognitive domain. The present report takes into account a previous study in which was used a reduced version of Barcelona Test, and (..) (AU)

[Cognitive complaints in schizophrenia: relationship with insight and other cognitive measures]. / Percepción subjetiva de déficit cognitivos en esquizofrenia: su relación con insight y otras medidas cognitivas.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia have significant cognitive deficits. However, the subjective perception of these deficits do not always coincide with the neuropsychological test and clinical ratings. METHODOLOGY: This study evaluates the cognitive performance of 46 outpatients with schizophrenia, in a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program, by three different measures: neuropsychological tests (objective assessment), cognitive factor of PANSS (clinical ratings), and subjective scale of cognition, SSTICS (patient self-report). Also studies the possible relationship between subjective assessment of cognitive symptoms and insight of the mental disorder (SUMD). RESULTS: SSTICS total score correlated only with some neuropsychological subtest, but not with cognitive factor of PANSS. The clinical ratings is more consistent with neuropsychological test than the cognitive complaints. No relationship between SUMD and SSTICS. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the lack of correspondence among several measures, it is possible to think that have been evaluated different cognitive areas. So, it is important to consider all options of assessment in order to create cognitive rehabilitation programs. Cognitive complaints seems to be an independent variable of insight.

Efficacy of a social cognition training program for schizophrenic patients: a pilot study.

Psychosocial functioning impairment is recognized as a core feature of schizophrenia. Numerous studies have assessed the process that may underlie this impairment. In the last years, one of these processes that has been studied more is social cognition, which has been proposed as a mediator variable between neurocognition and functional outcome. Social cognition includes the subdomains of emotion recognition and social perception, and in recent years several authors have developed diverse training programs in these areas. The purpose of the present article is to assess the efficacy of the Social Cognition Training Program, a program that includes emotion recognition training and social perception training. The sample was made up of 14 outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to CIE-10 criteria, randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control. All patients were assessed before and after the training program. Cognitive and psychopathological variables, social functioning, emotion recognition and social perception performance were assessed. Results suggest improvement in social perception and interpretation in the experimental group, in comparison with the control group, but not in emotion recognition. No significant correlations were obtained between social cognition training and other variables tested.

Efficacy of a Social Cognition Training Program for Schizophrenic Patients: A Pilot Study

Psychosocial functioning impairment is recognized as a core feature of schizophrenia. Numerous studies have assessed the process that may underlie this impairment. In the last years, one of these processes that has been studied more is social cognition, which has been proposed as a mediator variable between neurocognition and functional outcome. Social cognition includes the subdomains of emotion recognition and social perception, and in recent years several authors have developed diverse training programs in these areas. The purpose of the present article is to assess the efficacy of the Social Cognition Training Program, a program that includes emotion recognition training and social perception training. The sample was made up of 14 outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia according to CIE-10 criteria, randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control. All patients were assessed before and after the training program. Cognitive and psychopathological variables, social functioning, emotion recognition and social perception performance were assessed. Results suggest improvement in social perception and interpretation in the experimental group, in comparison with the control group, but not in emotion recognition. No significant correlations were obtained between social cognition training and other variables tested (AU)

El deterioro en el funcionamiento psicosocial es un rasgo característico de la esquizofrenia. Diferentes estudios han valorado los procesos que se relacionan con este deterioro, destacando el papel de la cognición social como variable mediadora entre la neurocognición y el desempeño funcional de los pacientes con esquizofrenia. Dentro de la cognición social, dos de las áreas más estudiadas han sido la percepción de emociones y la percepción social, desarrollándose diferentes programas de entrenamiento en estas áreas. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo valorar la eficacia del Programa de Entrenamiento en Cognición Social, un programa que combina el entrenamiento en percepción de emociones y percepción social. La muestra estuvo compuesta por catorce pacientes, diagnosticados de esquizofrenia según criterios CIE-10, asignados de manera aleatoria a dos grupos: experimental y control. Todos los pacientes fueron valorados al inicio y al final del entrenamiento. Se evaluó el rendimiento en percepción de emociones y percepción social, así como variables cognitivas, psicopatológicas y de funcionamiento social. El grupo experimental obtuvo una mejora en percepción social en comparación con el grupo control, pero no en percepción de emociones. El entrenamiento en cognición social no tuvo ningún efecto significativo en las demás variables valoradas (AU)