Dispositional Mindfulness Mediates the Relationship between Psychotic Symptoms and Psychological Quality of Life / [El mindfulness disposicional media la relación entre los síntomas psicóticos y la calidad de vida psicológica]

Background: To assess the mediator effect of dispositional mindfulness on the relationship between psychotic symptoms and psychological quality of life of people experiencing psychosis. Method: One hundred thirty-eight participants with psychosis were recruited. Psychotic symptoms were assessed through the PANSS scale, dispositional mindfulness was assessed using the MAAS questionnaire, and psychological quality of life was tapped with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Mediational analysis was performed setting PANSS factors as independent variables, MAAS scores as mediator, and WHOQOL-BREF Psychological as dependent variable. Results: MAAS scores mediated the relationship between WHOQOL-BREF Psychological scores and PANSS Positive (b = -.246, BCa CI [-.345, -.153]), PANSS Negative (b = -.173, BCa CI [-.251, -.096]), and PANSS Depressed scores (b = -.227, BCa CI [-.31, -.148]). Conclusions: Dispositional mindfulness can ameliorate the negative impact of hallucinations, delusions, negative symptoms, and depression feelings on psychological quality of life of people experiencing psychosis.(AU)

Antecedentes: Evaluar el efecto mediador de la atención plena disposicional en la relación entre los síntomas psicóticos y la calidad de vida psicológica de las personas que experimentan psicosis. Método: Se reclutaron 138 participantes con psicosis. Los síntomas psicóticos se evaluaron mediante la escala PANSS, la atención plena disposicional se evaluó utilizando la escala MAAS y la calidad de vida psicológica se exploró con el cuestionario WHOQOL-BREF. Se realizó un análisis de mediación estableciendo los factores PANSS como variables independientes, los puntajes MAAS como mediador y WHOQOL-BREF Psicológico como variable dependiente. Resultados: Las puntuaciones en la MAAS mediaron la relación entre WHOQOL-BREF-Psicológico y PANSS Positivo (b = -.246, IC BCa [-.345, -.153]), PANSS Negativo (b = -.173, IC BCa [-.251, -.096]) y PANSS Depresión (b = -.227, IC BCa [-.31, -.148]). Conclusiones: El mindfulness disposicional puede reducir el impacto negativo de las alucinaciones, delirios, síntomas negativos y sentimientos de depresión en la calidad de vida psicológica de las personas que experimentan psicosis.(AU)

Trauma infantil en esquizofrenia. Implicaciones en los síntomas psicóticos positivos y negativos / Childhood trauma and schizophrenia. Implications for positive and negative psychotic symptomsresumen

La relación entre trauma infantil (TI) y la psicosis está bien establecida y son diversas las teorías sobre los factores que median en esta relación. También son muchos los estudios que exploran la influencia del TI en el curso de la psicosis en distintas áreas. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la influencia del TI en la presencia e intensidad de los síntomas psicóticos positivos (SPP) y negativos (SPN) en pacientes con trastornos del espectro esquizofrénico. Se incluyeron un total de 45 pacientes con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia o trastorno esquizoafectivo. Se valoraron datos sociodemográficos, los antecedentes de TI mediante el Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Short Form (CTQ-SF), así como la intensidad de los síntomas psicóticos positivos y negativos mediante la Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS+ y -).De la totalidad de la muestra, 35 pacientes, el 77,8 %, habían padecido algún tipo trauma infantil; el 55,6%, negligencia emocional; el 48,9%, abuso emocional: el 46,7%, negligencia física y el 40,0%, abuso sexual. No encontramos correlación entre CTQ-SF y PANSS+ y sí una relación inversa ente CTQ-SF v PANSS- (Rho -0.300, p=0.045). A diferencia de otros estudios no encontramos una correlación entre el TI y los SPP, a excepción del abuso físico con el ítem de excitación, tal vez debido a la cronicidad de los pacientes de nuestra muestra. La correlación moderada e inversa entre el TI y los SPN sugerimos que podría deberse a que los síntomas psicóticos positivos y negativos surgirían de diátesis distintas. Los síntomas negativos estarían en relación con déficits de neurodesarrollo y no relacionados con el estrés, como se ha sugerido en los síntomas psicóticos positivos. Sin embargo, dado que es trata de un hallazgo poco replicado, es difícil establecer conclusiones claras.(AU)

The relationship between childhood trauma (CT) and psychosis is well established and theories about the factors mediating this relationship are diverse. CT is associated with a worse prognosis of psychosis The aim of this study was to explore the influence of childhood trauma on the presence and intensity of positive (PPS) and negative psychotic symptoms (NPS) in patients with schizophrenic spectrum disorders. Forty-five patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizo affective disorder were included. Sociodemographic data, childhood trauma history using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the intensity of positive and negative psychotic symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS + and -), were valued. Of the total sample, 35 patients, 77.8%, had suffered some type of childhood trauma; 55.6%, emotional neglect; 48.9%, emotional abuse: 46.7%, physical neglect and 40.0%, sexual abuse. We did not find a correlation between CTQ-SF and PANSS+ and an inverse relationship between CTQ-SF v PANSS- (Rho -0.300, p=0.045). Unlike other studies, we did not find a correlation between CT and PPS, except for physical abuse with the excitation item, perhaps due to the chronicity of patients in our sample. The inverse corre lation between CT and NPS may be due to positive and negative psychotic symptoms arising from different diameters. NPS could be related to neurological development deficits and not related to stress, as suggested in PPS. However, since it is a finding with little replication, it is difficult to draw clear conclusions.(AU

Proyecto de huertos terapéuticos para personas usuarias con esquizofrenia en el poniente almeriense / Project of therapeutic gardens for users with schizophrenia in poniente Almeria

Introducción: el objetivo principal es diseñar un programa de huertos terapéuticos para personas usuarias y usuarias con esquizofrenia del Poniente Almeriense. Métodos: durante las 12 semanas que dura la intervención, el terapeuta ocupacional trabajará junto a los participantes en actividades de jardinería y cultivo de plantas. Se realizarán 24 sesiones, realizando 2 sesiones semanales de 2 horas de duración cada una. Discusión: el resultado esperado es reducir los síntomas positivos y negativos de la esquizofrenia, favoreciendo un mejor desempeño ocupacional y bienestar físico, mental y social. (AU)

Introduction: The main objective is to design a program of therapeutic gardens for users with schizophrenia in Poniente Almeria. Methods: During the 12 weeks that the intervention lasts, the Occupational Therapist will work together with the participants in gardening and plant cultivation activities. There will be 24 sessions, with 2 weekly sessions of 2 hours each. Discussion: The expected result is to reduce the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, favoring better occupational performance and physical, mental and social well-being. (AU)

Cariprazina como alternativa farmacológica en el tratamiento de la psicosis en la enfermedad de Parkinson / Cariprazine as a pharmacological alternative in the treatment of psychosis in Parkinson's disease

Introducción: La enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) se presenta de forma frecuente como complicación con la presencia de síntomas psicóticos.ObjetivoDescribir el proceso terapéutico de los síntomas psicóticos asociado a la EP evaluando posibles alternativas farmacológicas.Caso clínicoMujer de 41 años con diagnóstico precoz de EP (con diagnóstico de EP a edad temprana), mala respuesta al tratamiento dopaminérgico, con la presencia de síntomas psicóticos y la necesidad de implantación de neuroestimulación profunda. Ingresa por una nueva presentación de síntomas psicóticos estando en tratamiento con dosis bajas de levodopa.ResultadoSe produce una mala respuesta a la clozapina y se ensaya el tratamiento con cariprazina con mejoría sintomática, buena tolerabilidad y nulos efectos secundarios.ConclusionesCariprazina puede ser una alternativa ante el fracaso del tratamiento con clozapina. (AU)

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) frequently presents as a complication with the presence of psychotic symptoms.ObjectiveTo describe the therapeutic process of PD-related psychotic symptoms, evaluating possible pharmacological alternatives.Clinical caseA 41-year-old woman with early diagnosis of PD (diagnosed at an early age), poor response to dopaminergic treatment, with the presence of psychotic symptoms and the need for a deep brain stimulator. The patient was admitted due to new onset of psychotic symptoms while on low-dose levodopa.ResultAfter poor response to treatment with clozapine, cariprazine was tried with improvement of symptoms, good tolerability, and no side effects.ConclusionsCariprazine may be an alternative in the event of clozapine treatment failure. (AU)

Relato de caso: avaliação do risco de suicídio no transtorno depressivo maior grave com sintomas psicóticos / Case report: evaluation of suicide risk in severe major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms

Para além de sua sintomatologia clássica, o Transtorno Depressivo Maior (TDM) pode cursar com episódios únicos ou recorrentes de quadros psicóticos, marcados pela presença de delírios e alucinações cujos conteúdos associam-se frequentemente a ideias negativas e depressivas de morte, ruína, culpa e punição merecida. Esta condição está fortemente conectada a alto risco suicida, motivo pelo qual deve-se diagnosticar e intervir de maneira positiva o mais precocemente possível, a fim de que a vida, o sentido e a qualidade de viver do indivíduo possam ser restaurados e preservados. O caso relatado refere-se a uma paciente com diagnóstico atual de TDM grave e recorrente com sintomas psicóticos e alta intencionalidade suicida. Apresenta o humor constantemente deprimido, choro fácil e frequente, hipobulia, distúrbios do sono e sentimentos de menos-valia. Ademais, seu quadro cursa com sonhos e sensações estranhas relacionados a entidades malignas, assim como com alucinações visuais persistentes e delírios religiosos de pecado, culpa exagerada e punição divina. Frente à resistência dos sintomas ao tratamento farmacológico inicial, foram discutidas outras possibilidades de abordagem, conduta e diagnósticos diferenciais paralelamente à avaliação constante do risco de suicídio. [au]

In addition to its classic symptomatology, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) may go through single or recurring episodes of psychotic events marked by the presence of delusions and hallucinations, with contents which are frequently associated to negative and depressive ideas about death, ruin, guilt and deserved punishment. This condition is strongly linked to high suicide risks, constituting the main reason why it is necessary to diagnose and positively intervene as soon as possible in order to restore and preserve the person's life, meaning and quality of life. The case reported herein refers to a female patient with a current diagnosis of severe and recurrent MDD with psychotic episodes and high suicidal tendencies. This patient constantly presents depressed mood, frequent and easy crying, hypobulia, sleep disorders and devaluation of herself. Furthermore, her case occurs with strange dreams and sensations related to evil entities, along with persistent visual hallucinations and religious delusions of sin, excessive guilt and divine punishment. Due to the symptoms resistance to the initial pharmacological treatment, other possibilities of approach, conduct and differential diagnoses were discussed in parallel to a continual evaluation of the suicide risk. [au]

Behavioural and psychiatric symptoms in cognitive neurology. / Síntomas conductuales y psiquiátricos en neurología cognitiva.

Behavioural and psychiatric symptoms (BPS) are frequent in neurological patients, contribute to disability, and decrease quality of life. We recorded BPS prevalence and type, as well as any associations with specific diagnoses, brain regions, and treatments, in consecutive outpatients examined in a cognitive neurology clinic. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 843 consecutive patients was performed, including a review of BPS, diagnosis, sensory impairment, lesion topography (neuroimaging), and treatment. The total sample was considered, and the cognitive impairment (CI) group (n=607) was compared to the non-CI group. RESULTS: BPS was present in 59.9% of the patients (61.3% in the CI group, 56.4% in the non-CI group). One BPS was present in 31.1%, two in 17.4%, and three or more in 11.4%. BPS, especially depression and anxiety, are more frequent in women than in men. Psychotic and behavioural symptoms predominate in subjects aged 65 and older, and anxiety in those younger than 65. Psychotic symptoms appear more often in patients with sensory impairment. Psychotic and behavioural symptoms are more prevalent in patients with degenerative dementia; depression and anxiety in those who suffer a psychiatric disease or adverse effects of substances; emotional lability in individuals with a metabolic or hormonal disorder; hypochondria in those with a pain syndrome; and irritability in subjects with chronic hypoxia. Behavioural symptoms are more frequent in patients with anomalies in the frontal or right temporal or parietal lobes, and antipsychotics constitute the first line of treatment. Leaving standard treatments aside, associations were observed between dysthymia and opioid analgesics, betahistine and statins, and between psychotic symptoms and levodopa, piracetam, and vasodilators.

Revisión crítica de la propuesta del DMS-5: el "síndrome de síntomas psicóticos atenuados" / Critical revision of the proposed DSM-5

Se considera la propuesta del Grupo de Trabajo en Psicosis del DSM‑5 de incluir el ®síndrome de síntomas psicóticos atenuados¼ (previamente: ®riesgo de psicosis¼) como categoría diagnóstica. Es un paso necesario, ya que el DSM‑IV no posibilita diagnosticar formas psicóticas menores o en fase inicial, pero el intento evidencia que la nosología actual no permite hacerlo. Los criterios diagnósticos propuestos son semejantes a los criterios nucleares de los trastornos psicóticos del DSM‑IV, con dos variantes: a) que los síntomas son atenuados y con prueba de realidad conservada y b) que la sumatoria propuesta es dimensional y no categorial (estructural), como lo es la sumatoria algorítmica y disyuntiva del DSM‑IV. Para que la construcción de la categoría diagnóstica exprese la realidad clínica que fundamenta la propuesta son necesarios principios psicopatológicos diferentes a los que organizan el proyecto del DSM‑5.

The proposal of the DSM‑5’s Psychosis Work Group to include “attenuated psychotic symp‑toms syndrome” (previously: “psychosis risksyndrome”) as a diagnostic category is consi‑dered. To identify the first phase of psychosisis a necessary step, taking into account thatthe DSM‑IV does not allow to diagnose neitherminor psychotic forms, nor initial phase forms. However, the attempt makes evident that the current nosology does not enable to do so. The suggested diagnostic criteria are similar to the nuclear criteriafor Psychotic Disorders of theDSM‑IV, but with two variants: a) that the symptoms are “in attenuated form with intact reality testing” and b) that the proposed summationis dimensional and not categorical (structural),as well as the algorithmic and disjunctive sum‑mation of the DSM‑IV. In order to build the diagnostic category expressing the clinical reality underlying the proposal of the Psychosis WorkGroup, different psychopathological principlesthan those that organize the draft of the DSM‑5are required.

Rasgos de personalidad en pacientes con esquizofrenia / Personality traits in patients with schizophrenia

In recent years, research on the comorbidity of personality disorders and other clinical conditions has increased. Nevertheless, it is quite surprising that very little research has been done in terms of personality and its disorders in patients with schizophrenia. Most of the studies related to the binomial construct of personality disorders and schizophrenia are limited to the study of premorbid personality, which emphasizes the importance of the interaction between trait-personality disorder-schizophrenia symptoms. The study of personality in patients with schizophrenia suggests several issues that must be considered, including the trait-state interactions and the role of personality in the course of schizophrenia. The conceptual definition of trait emerges from the dimensional classification of models of personality. In this way, knowing that some personality features are present in all individuals, we can assume that their deviation in a quantitative level results in abnormal personality features that constitute personality disorders or even can be expressed as a specific expression of some schizophrenia symptoms. Although there is growing evidence in the knowledge of schizophrenia, there are very few models that include the scientific neurobio-logical evidence of the disease and personality features. An inclusive model may promote our understanding of the relationship between schizophrenia symptoms and the personality features of the patient who suffers the disease. So far, we are still far from reaching scientific consensus to be unanimously shared by all researchers with respect to both issues. Nevertheless, the importance of personality in schizophrenia is undeniable, so future longitudinal that assess personality characteristics since illness onset should be warranted. These studies may be extremely useful to determine personality stability during the course of the illness and may help to determine the prognosis and treatment implications of personality in schizophrenia.

En los últimos años han proliferado las investigaciones y publicaciones sobre la comorbilidad de los trastornos de personalidad con otras entidades clínicas. En este marco sorprende la escasez de estudios que se centren en la personalidad y sus trastornos en los pacientes con esquizofrenia. Las investigaciones llevadas a cabo en el binomio trastorno de personalidad-esquizofrenia se han limitado al estudio de la personalidad premórbida, las cuales se orientan hacia la importancia de la interacción rasgo-trastorno de personalidad-síntomas en la esquizofrenia. El estudio de la personalidad en la esquizofrenia sugiere varias cuestiones que deben ser consideradas, incluyendo las interacciones rasgo-estado y la función de la personalidad en la esquizofrenia. El concepto de rasgo surge en los modelos dimensionales de clasificación de la personalidad. Si consideramos que los rasgos de la personalidad están presentes en todos los individuos, cabría decir que una desviación en el nivel cuantitativo de los mismos caracteriza los rasgos anormales que constituirán los trastornos de personalidad o en una expresión específica de los síntomas de la esquizofrenia. A pesar de los avances crecientes en el conocimiento de la esquizofrenia, existen pocos modelos que integren los avances neurobiológicos con la personalidad, lo cual permitiría un mayor entendimiento de la relación entre los síntomas de la esquizofrenia y la personalidad del individuo que la padece. Hasta el momento, aún nos encontramos lejos de poder alcanzar acuerdos científicos que sean compartidos unánimemente por todos los investigadores con respecto a ambas cuestiones. Sin embargo, la importancia de la personalidad en la esquizofrenia es innegable, lo que hace necesario la realización de estudios longitudinales que evalúen de forma específica las características de la personalidad desde el inicio de la esquizofrenia para poder determinar su estabilidad o variabilidad de acuerdo al curso del padecimiento y sus implicaciones pronósticas y de tratamiento.