MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Schizophrenia Research' source. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:36:01 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645276&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996412000114%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We would like to correct an error regarding the affiliation and disclosure of Shitij Kapur, MD, a co-author of the above paper that was published in the August 2011 issue of Schizophrenia Research. Dr. Kapur was listed as an employee of Eli Lilly and Company which is not correct. Dr. Kapur was indeed a contributor to this manuscript and his affiliation is the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London. His financial disclosures include grant support from AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and GlaxoSmithKline; consulting/scientific advisor/speaking engagements with AstraZeneca, Bioline, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), Lundbeck, Otsuka, Organon, Pfizer, Servier, and Solay Wyeth. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645276 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5645276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645240&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996412000278%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645240 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5645240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645265&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006372%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Psychopathology and neuropsychological functioning independently predict dangerous behavior in FEP patients. Some correlations with neuropsychology (e.g., of aggression with concentration/attention) are absent in multivariate analyses and may thus constitute a proxy of psychopathological features. In addition to clinical data, BPRS-EC can be used as a predictor of dangerous behavior. Patients with severe aggression and suicidality show different patterns of neuropsychological dysfunction, indicating that suicidality should not be conceptualized as subtype of aggressive behavior. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645265 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5645265 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645275&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006311%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Medication nonadherence is associated with poorer outcome in schizophrenia. A 1–10day gap in taking medication is associated with a 2-fold increase in risk of hospitalization (). As the gap increases to more than 30days the risk quadruples (). Discontinuation of medication increases the risk of relapse nearly 5 fold (). Approximately one third of patients with schizophrenia are nonadherent to pharmacologic treatment (). (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645275 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5645275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645247&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006256%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The occurrence of weight gain in schizophrenia (SZ) has profound clinical impact and interacts with antipsychotic medication, life style and disease severity. The functional neuroanatomy underlying altered nutritional behavior is unraveled, but dysregulated reward anticipation might be one of the involved neuronal mechanisms. The striatum, a core region of the reward network and salience attribution, was previously shown to regulate appetite perception and eating behavior. We studied patients suffering from chronic schizophrenia with a stable medication in comparison to age and gender matched healthy adults. Every subject had to undergo a 6h fasting period before a newly developed, appetite-provoking fMRI task was applied. Subjects saw visual stimuli of appetitive food items in a... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645247 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645263&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100627X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that GABRB2 expression was under epigenetic regulation that varied with development, genotype and disease status, and these regulatory mechanisms were observably disrupted in SCZ and BPD. This study provided insight into the complex inheritance patterns of psychiatric disorders, and pointed to the involvement of epigenetic dysregulation in the disease process of major psychotic disorders. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645263 Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645274&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006293%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In the hippocampus of schizophrenia, important dysfunctions in glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission () are commonly found suggesting that the delicate balance between excitation and inhibition, which is critical in generating hippocampal oscillatory network activity, is disrupted in schizophrenia. The interactions of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission give rise to theta oscillations (3–12Hz) as well as co-occurring more rapid slow- (25–50Hz) and fast- (100–200Hz) gamma oscillations which are known to be essential for memory processes (). Theta–gamma coupling may be perturbed in schizophrenia, significantly contributing to the cognitive symptoms in this disease (). We therefore investigated if theta–gamma coupling could be altered in a model of schizophre... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645274 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535653&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006475%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535653 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:15:26 +0100 5535653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645262&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006207%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this study was to determine the association between Val66Met and hippocampal volume in patients with first episode psychosis. Secondary analyses explored age-related associations and the relationship between Val66Met and memory.Method: Hippocampal volume and BDNF genotyping were obtained for 58 patients with first-episode psychosis and 39 healthy volunteers. Patients were recruited from an early psychosis program serving a catchment-area population.Results: Hippocampal volume was significantly smaller in patients than controls (F1,92=4.03, p (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645262 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645268&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006050%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Dear Editors, In schizophrenia, there is strong evidence for familiality of age at onset (AAO) (), suggested by genetic linkage to specific chromosomal regions (). (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645268 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645266&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006244%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We present the process of obtaining normative data for the MCCB in Spain with administration of the battery to a general community standardization sample. In addition, we examine the influence of age, gender, and educational level on test performance. The MCCB was administered to a total sample of 210 healthy volunteers, at three Spanish sites. For each site, recruitment of the sample was stratified according to age, gender, and educational level. Our findings indicate significant age, gender, and education effects on the normative data for the MCCB in Spain, which are comparable to those effects described for the original standardized English version in the U.S. The fact that the normative data are comparable, and that the variables age, gender, and education have a similar influence on p... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645266 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645266 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645264&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100630X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales (WSS) have been widely used in the study of clinical and non-clinical samples. However, researchers often find the length of the scales prohibitive. The present study examined the reliability and validity of recently developed 15-item short forms of the Perceptual Aberration, Magical Ideation, Physical Anhedonia, and Revised Social Anhedonia Scales in two large samples of non-clinically ascertained young adults. The scales demonstrated good reliability and correlated highly with the original scales. The validity of the scales was assessed by comparing the association of the original and shortened WSS with interview measures of psychotic-like and schizophrenia-spectrum symptoms and impaired functioning, as well as with questionnaire measures of pers... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645264 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645267&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006165%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we investigated the neural correlates at rest of AVH in schizophrenia using an MRI-based technique of perfusion imaging using continuous arterial spin labelling [CASL] (). The objectives of our study were threefold: first, we tested the hypothesis that patients with schizophrenia with treatment-refractory AVH would exhibit symptom-related perfusion changes within a speech-related network, as predicted by AVH models of dysfunctional speech generation and misattribution (). Second, we investigated the symptom-specificity of brain perfusion abnormalities in AVH patients by including a group of non-hallucinating schizophrenic patients. Third, we explored the relationship between regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and multiple dimensions of AVH, as assessed by symptom-specific p... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645267 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645249&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006062%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Septum pellucidum (SP) and cavum SP (CSP) were delineated in two samples. The Longitudinal Study examined structural MR-images in first-episode schizophrenia (FESZ) and controls at two time-points. The Cross-Sectional Study examined structural and diffusion-tensor MR measures, including hippocampus and fornix, in chronic schizophrenia (SZ) at one time-point.CSP and SP measurements remained stable over time in FESZ and controls. Compared to controls, CSP were smaller in FESZ, but not in chronic SZ. SP were larger in chronic SZ, but not in FESZ. In chronic SZ only, SP-Length was correlated negatively with fornix-FA and hippocampal volume, and positively with chlorpromazine-equivalent dosage. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645249 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645254&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006281%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Add-on agents with alpha-2 antagonist activity appear to improve the efficacy of D2 antagonists for the treatment of schizophrenia by reducing negative symptoms. These results support conducting a more definitive confirmatory clinical trial. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645254 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645254 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645257&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006190%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: What constitutes maintenance phase and its treatment in schizophrenia has not yet been established in the literature. While discontinuation and intermittent or targeted strategies are not generally recommended, there is controversy regarding dose reduction or lower dose therapy, especially with regards to atypical antipsychotics. Further evidence is needed in order to derive treatment recommendations on antipsychotics in this critical treatment phase of schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645257 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645256&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006074%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Antipsychotic drugs (APDs) are effective in treating some of the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. APDs take time to achieve a therapeutic effect which suggests that changes in gene expression are involved in their efficacy. We hypothesized that there would be altered expression of specific genes associated with the etiology or treatment of schizophrenia in frontal cortex of rats that received chronic treatment with a typical APD (haloperidol) vs. an atypical APD (clozapine). Rats were administered clozapine, haloperidol, or sterile saline intraperitoneally daily for 21days. Frontal cortices from clozapine-, haloperidol-, and saline-treated rats were dissected and subjected to microarray analysis. We observed a significant (1.5 fold, p (Source: Schizophrenia Resear... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645256 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645260&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006141%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we investigated the involvement of the gene encoding GAP-43 in the susceptibility to schizophrenia.Methods: We searched for genetic variants in the promoter region and 3 exons (including both UTR ends) of the GAP-43 gene using direct sequencing in a sample of patients with schizophrenia (n=586) and non-psychotic controls (n=576), both being Han Chinese from Taiwan, and conducted an association and functional study.Results: We identified 11 common polymorphisms in the GAP-43 gene. SNP and haplotype-based analyses displayed no associations with schizophrenia. Additionally, we identified 4 rare variants in 5 out of 586 patients, including 1 variant located at the promoter region (c.-258-4722G>T) and 1 synonymous (V110V) and 2 missense (G150R and P188L) variants located at exon ... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645260 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645259&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006189%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Relatively intact sensorimotor gating is associated with a good clinical response following a 6–8months course of NICE compliant CBTp in schizophrenia. Pharmacological or psychological interventions capable of improving PPI may enhance the effectiveness of CBTp in people with schizophrenia, particularly in those who fail to show clinical improvement with currently available antipsychotic drugs and adjunctive CBTp. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645259 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645259 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645255&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006037%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Rimonabant did not improve global cognitive functioning, but did improve a specific learning deficit based on response to positive feedback. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645255 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645255 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645250&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006049%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Schizophrenia appears to be associated with a deficit in activation of right hemisphere components of a ToM network. Such deficits are shared in part by those at high genetic risk but unaffected by schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645250 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645243&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100555X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Although the conclusions are limited by the cross sectional nature of the study, anomalies of cerebral asymmetry in early onset patients may be an index of disease progression, and reflect directly on the disease process. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645243 Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645258&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411006025%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Objective: The primary aim of this study was to compare electronic monitoring with other measures of adherence to antipsychotic medication in outpatients with schizophrenia. The secondary aim of the study was to analyze the relationships between adherence and other clinical parameters.Method: Fifty-one patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were monitored over an eight-week period. Medication adherence was assessed using the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS), which is a bottle cap with a microprocessor that records the occurrence and times of bottle opening, patient self-reports, a clinician rating scale, and pill counts. Agreements among adherence measures and the relationships between adherence and other clinical factors were assessed.Results: The rate of non-adherence a... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645258 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645252&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005573%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Use of R-LAI was associated with lower rates of hospitalisation compared to non-use of R-LAI. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645252 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448539&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005901%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448539 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 04:08:43 +0100 5448539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645245&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005597%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The etiology of schizophrenia has been proposed to be neurodevelopmental based on neuroimaging and molecular biological studies. If there is neuronal vulnerability based on neurodevelopment failures in schizophrenic brains, then the impact of aging may have a greater effect on schizophrenic brains than on normal brains. To determine the impact of aging on schizophrenic brains, we investigated the age-related morphological changes of the cross-sectional area of the gray matter (GM) in the left Heschl's gyrus (HG) and the left superior gyrus (STG) in 22 schizophrenic and 24 age- and sex-matched normal control postmortem brains two-dimensionally. The subject groups were divided into younger groups (30–54years of age) and older groups (65–84years of age) on the basis of age at de... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645245 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645244&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005469%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Diminished language-related asymmetry in the IFG seems to be an early disorder specific neural marker of schizophrenia, supporting its pathogenic role. The relation of this regional abnormality to reduced inter-hemispheric functional connectivity and symptom severity supports the role of large-scale brain disorganization in schizophrenia. This may relate to the known structural abnormalities of the corpus callosum leading to functional hemispheric dysconnection. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645244 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645261&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005603%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The excess risk of schizophrenia in offspring of parents who have a psychotic, bipolar affective or other psychiatric disorder is not currently explained by the SNP variation included in this study in accordance with findings from published genetic studies. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645261 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645251&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005494%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Although controlled studies are clearly needed, using a priori, confidence interval-based criteria, case reports/series suggest that in refractory patients who benefited from clozapine, careful rechallenge can be considered after neutropenia and NMS, but not after agranulocytosis and myocarditis. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645251 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645246&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005548%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The current findings support the universality of emotion perception impairments in schizophrenia, and also suggest that facial emotion perception might be a potential endophenotype of schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645246 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535666&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005500%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the cognitive and clinical correlates of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) which was originally developed to be an endpoint for cognitive enhancement clinical trials. In a sample of 117 people with schizophrenia and 77 healthy control participants we found the following: a) the MCCB was highly sensitive to the type and level of impairment typically observed in schizophrenia, b) the MCCB composite score was highly correlated with WASI Estimated Full Scale IQ score, c) that the MCCB domain scores were generally moderately–highly intercorrelated, d) that MCCB performance was minimally related to clinical symptom type and severity, and e) the MCCB is sensitive to employment status with better performance in employed vs. unemploy... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535666 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5535666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535671&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005524%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We report here, for the first time, a patient with orthorexia nervosa, whose eating habits represented a prodrome for the development of a psychotic illness, viz., schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535671 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5535671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535663&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005391%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study investigated its effects on cognition, relative to placebo, in 440 patients with stable schizophrenia who were taking a single atypical antipsychotic medication and who were active cigarette smokers. Mean age was 41 (range 19 to 55) years and the majority of patients (88%) had a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. Patients were randomized to one of 3 doses of AZD3480: 5mg, 20mg, and 35/100mg (depending on CYP2D6 metabolic status), or to placebo. Treatment was given once daily for 12weeks. The primary outcome measure was change in cognitive function from baseline to Week 12, as measured by IntegNeuro computerized test battery of cognitive function scores. Secondary outcome measures included assessment of functional capacity (University of California at San Diego Performance Base... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535663 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5535663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535655&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005445%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: These results suggest that PPI is a relatively early vulnerability marker, while changes in other neurophysiological measures may only be detected or affected later during the illness course. Antipsychotic and antidepressant medication may aid in elevating PPI levels and potentially have a neuroprotective effect. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535655 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5535655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645269&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005470%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined neuronal and oligodendrocyte number in the medial division of the pulvinar (PM) of specimens from subjects with SZ and nonpsychiatric controls (NC), employing Nissl-stained sections from the Stanley Foundation Brain Collection in which some specimens are from the right hemisphere and others from the left (). Demographics and tissue processing are fully described elsewhere (), as is our delineation of PM (). Stereo Investigator 9 software (MBF Bioscience, Williston VT) was employed to implement the optical fractionator design () for estimating neuronal and oligodendrocyte numbers. Statistical methods were similar to those used previously (). (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645269 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535670&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005457%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Old/new effects on event-related potentials (ERP) were explored in 20 patients with schizophrenia and 20 paired comparison subjects during unfamiliar face recognition. Extrinsic perceptual changes – which influence the overall familiarity of an item while retaining face-intrinsic features for use in structural face encoding – were manipulated between the study phase and the test. The question raised here concerns whether these perceptual incongruities would have a different effect on the sense of familiarity and the corresponding behavioral and ERP measures in the two groups. The results showed that schizophrenia patients were more inclined to consider old faces shown against a new background as distractors. This drop in face familiarity was accompanied by the disappearance o... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535670 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5535670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535665&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005433%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: People with schizophrenia (PSZ) exhibit signs of reduced working memory (WM) capacity. However, this may reflect an impairment in managing its content, e.g. preventing irrelevant information from taking up available storage space, rather than a true capacity reduction. We tested the ability to eliminate and update WM content in 38 PSZ and 30 healthy control subjects (HCS). Images of real-world objects were presented consecutively, and a tone cued the item most likely to be tested for memory. On half the trials, randomly intermixed, a second tone occurred. Participants were informed that the item cued by the second tone was now the most likely to be tested, and the item cued by the first tone now the least likely, providing incentive to eliminate the first cued item from WM. Both ... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535665 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5535665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645271&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005421%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We would like to thank , for their comments on our findings of differential medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) signals across task runs in persons with schizophrenia (SZ). We hypothesized that the differences observed may be due to differences in task automatization in schizophrenia (). However, Maïza and Dollfus suggest that group differences across task runs may be due to greater variability of the fMRI signal in SZ across task repetitions (). In their recent work (), this variability was associated with poor task performance and it was observed in brain regions associated with the performance of more complex cognitive tasks. Methodological differences exist between our working memory (WM) paradigm and the others cited. In , intraclass correlation coefficients were used to quantify the r... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645271 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5645271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535664&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100541X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Contrary to patterns typically seen in younger patients and non-patient groups, increasing depression severity is associated with enhancement of memory and attention in geriatric schizophrenia spectrum disorder patients. Also, diverging from younger samples, depression severity was unassociated with patients adaptive and global cognitive functioning. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535664 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5535664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535654&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005408%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Emotion processing deficits are prominent in schizophrenia and exist prior to the onset of overt psychosis. However, developmental trajectories of neural circuitry subserving emotion regulation and the role that they may play in illness onset have not yet been examined in patients at risk for psychosis. The present study employed a cross-sectional analysis to examine age-related functional activation in amygdala and prefrontal cortex, as well as functional connectivity between these regions, in adolescents at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis relative to typically developing adolescents. Participants (n=34) performed an emotion processing fMRI task, including emotion labeling, emotion matching, and non-emotional control conditions. Regression analyses were used to predict ac... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535654 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5535654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645272&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004877%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Dear Editors, Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) using chemical shift imaging (CSI) allows spatially resolved assessment of metabolic profiles simultaneously in different brain areas. Studies using 1H MRS in schizophrenia patients have demonstrated reduction of neuronal viability marker N-acetylaspartate (NAA) in the hippocampus and prefrontal lobes (), while 31P MRS has focused on phospholipid metabolites and markers of cellular energy turnover, such as ATP and phosphocreatine (). Studies in high-risk populations like offspring of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder () have shown increased phosphodiesters (PDE) in prefrontal areas — a putative marker of phospholipid breakdown and possibly myelin pathology (). Hypothesising effects of genetic liability on these ma... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645272 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5645272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535667&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005330%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Elevated levels of CRP and exposure to HSV-1 are associated with the severity of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. These findings indicate that infection and inflammation may play a major role in the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535667 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5535667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535661&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005135%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study examines the convergent validity, discriminant validity, and test–retest reliability of four recently developed screening instruments. Screening instruments were included in an assessment battery and administered to a sample of 355 college students. Screening scores support the convergent and discriminant validity and the test–retest reliability of these measures. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535661 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5535661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535662&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005147%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study sample (N=80), 73 demonstrated significant neurocognitive impairment, yet on the MIC-CR, the average awareness and attribution scores indicated only partial awareness and attribution of neurocognitive deficits. The average MIC-SR score indicated rare frequency of cognitive difficulty in everyday life. Cronbach's alphas for the MIC-CR (0.83) and MIC-SR (0.93) were consistent with the initial validation study; test–retest reliability for both MIC assessments was significant (p (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535662 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5535662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645270&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100510X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We read the study published in Schizophrenia Research with great interest. In their fMRI study comparing cerebral activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPC) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during a working memory task in patients with schizophrenia, patients with psychotic bipolar disorders, and healthy controls, different activation patterns were observed between the groups. The authors also reported a different pattern of activation of the mPFC across two runs in schizophrenia patients, whereas the involvement of the mPFC appeared to be consistent across runs in healthy controls. This relevant finding might be interpreted in the light of reproducibility studies on cerebral activations in healthy subjects and schizophrenia patients (). Such inconsistent activations across... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645270 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5645270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645253&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100507X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Patients with schizophrenia who have predominant negative symptoms are often considered less responsive to treatment. This analysis of patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder compares changes in symptom severity between those with predominant versus merely prominent negative symptoms. Prominent negative symptoms were defined by a baseline score of ≥4 on at least 3, or ≥5 on at least 2, of the 7 Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative subscale items. Predominant negative symptoms were defined by the foregoing plus a PANSS positive score of (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645253 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5645253 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645242&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005123%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Behavioral abnormalities related to processing negative emotions such as fear have been demonstrated in schizophrenia. The amygdala is strongly associated with fear processing, and alterations in amygdala function and structure have been demonstrated in schizophrenia. Further, functional disconnectivity has been attributed as key to the etiology of schizophrenia, with a number of lines of evidence supporting this theory. In the present study, we examine the effective connectivity corresponding to fear processing, from the amygdala to the whole brain, and compare this between patients with schizophrenia and control participants. An implicit facial emotion processing task was performed by 19 patients with schizophrenia and 24 matched controls during fMRI scanning. During the task, ... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645242 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5645242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645241&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005111%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: We found an elevated mortality risk of suicide for both men and women aged 50years and over diagnosed with schizophrenia. Health care staff should be aware of elevated risk, particularly in older women diagnosed with schizophrenia, in relation to chronic disease courses, recent discharge, and suicide attempt. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645241 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5645241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535668&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005081%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we explored the associations between these and three additional SNPs in S100B and prefrontal functions (working memory and executive control) among 434 schizophrenia patients and 412 healthy controls. Results showed that, for both schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, two SNPs were significantly associated with prefrontal functions in the spatial domain (P value threshold was set at 0.014 after correcting for multiple comparisons), with the AA genotype of rs9722 and the GG genotype of rs2839357 linked to poorer performance. No SNP was associated with prefontal functions in the verbal domain (all Ps >0.05). These results extend our previous study and further confirm the important roles of the S100B gene in spatial abilities. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535668 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5535668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535660&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005019%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Among those with the ARMS, MMN amplitude reduction is associated with an increased likelihood of developing frank psychosis. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535660 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5535660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535659&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004981%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study investigated whether speech recognition in first-episode patients (FEPs) and chronic patients (CPs) of schizophrenia is more vulnerable to noise masking and/or speech masking than that in demographics-matched-healthy controls, and whether patients with schizophrenia can use primes to unmask speech. In a trial under the priming condition, before the target sentence containing three keywords was co-presented with a noise or speech masker, the prime (early part of the sentence including the first two keywords) was recited in quiet with the target-speaker's voice. The results show that in patients, target-speech recognition was more impaired under speech-masking conditions than noise-masking conditions, and the impairment in CPs (n=22) was larger than that in FEPs (n=12). Although w... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535659 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5535659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535658&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004944%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Neurological soft signs (NSS) – i.e. discrete deficits of sensory and motor function – are frequently found in schizophrenia and vary with psychopathological symptoms in the course of the disorder. Hence, persistence of NSS herald chronicity in first episode schizophrenia. To investigate the cerebral correlates of persisting NSS over time, 20 patients with first-episode schizophrenia underwent T1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after remission of the acute symptoms and after 1year of follow-up. NSS were rated on the Heidelberg Scale. Twenty age- and gender-matched control subjects were scanned once. Longitudinal gray matter (GM) changes were measured by using tensor based morphometry (TBM). At follow-up, patients demonstrated significantly decreased NSS scores. For further a... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535658 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5535658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448545&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005032%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: These data raise questions regarding the validity of the standard CASH in Moroccan immigrants in The Netherlands and support the validity of the CASH-CS. As a consequence, there are serious doubts about the validity of previous studies showing an increased incidence of schizophrenia in immigrants using standard diagnostic procedures. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448545 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333073&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005263%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333073 Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:34:30 +0100 5333073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448557&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004968%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The present study combined a time-locked paradigm and high-time-resolution event-related potential (ERP) recordings to examine different phases of working memory, including early visual processing and late memory-related processes of encoding, maintenance, and retrieval, in 67 adults with schizophrenia and 46 healthy controls. Alterations in ERP components were correlated with task performance. Patients performed significantly worse in the working memory task than healthy subjects, although all subjects' accuracy exceeded 80%. During encoding, the N1 and P2 component amplitudes were lower while the P300 amplitude was higher in schizophrenic patients compared to healthy controls. There were no differences between groups with respect to the mean amplitudes of the negative slow wave... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448557 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448540&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005093%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes It is well established that not all persons with schizophrenia respond equally well to all treatments. Heterogeneity in clinical course and heterogeneity in available treatments (for both efficacy and tolerability) make this complex brain disorder quite challenging to manage. Patients with an incomplete response to treatment are referred to as “treatment-resistant” or “treatment-refractory,” the latter having the connotations that the presentation is severe, however the two terms are often used interchangeably (). (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448540 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448540 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448542&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004907%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Discussion/conclusions: Simulated hallucinations have contradictory effects on stigma, increasing empathy but also the desire for social distance. They should therefore be used with caution. Further research is required to discover if there is a way of using simulated hallucination interventions that increases empathy without increasing the desire for social distance from people with mental illness. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448542 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448578&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005020%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The SEPS is a reliable and valid tool which can be used to evaluate outcome from treatment and which reflects the multi-dimensional experience of psychosis. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448578 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448574&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005056%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The current study provides converging statistical evidence that the conflict effect and mean reaction time of ANT yield acceptable test–retest reliabilities in healthy controls and, investigated longitudinally for the first time, also in schizophrenia. Obtained differences of alerting and orienting effects in schizophrenia case–control studies should be considered more carefully. The analysis of error rates revealed heterogeneous results and therefore is not recommended for case control studies in schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448574 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448560&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004993%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: More research is required that applies sound methodological practices, taking into consideration specificity for schizophrenia and possible confounding factors, to robustly identify the non-genetic risk factors and putative antecedents of schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448560 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448558&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005068%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: This is the first study to report an association between grandpaternal age and risk of schizophrenia. The selective effect of advanced maternal grandfather age suggests that the biological mechanisms involving the X-chromosome may differentially contribute to the association between paternal age and offspring risk of schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448558 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448549&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004956%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Defining outcomes in schizophrenia is a challenging task. It is imperative that the field agrees on how this population is better defined and what constitutes treatment response. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448549 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448549 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448547&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100497X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: As currently defined, remission appears to be a very difficult therapeutic target to attain and maintain in chronic schizophrenia and may differ by antipsychotic medication. Pragmatically, remission gradients may be effectively studied by applying modified duration and symptom criteria. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448547 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448543&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005007%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study aimed to examine the association between changes in symptoms and in SQOL among patients with schizophrenia. A pooled data set was obtained from eight longitudinal studies that had used the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) for measuring psychiatric symptoms and either the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile or the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life for assessing SQOL. The sample comprised 886 patients with schizophrenia. After controlling for heterogeneity of findings across studies using linear mixed models, a reduction in psychiatric symptoms was associated with improvements in SQOL scores. In univariate analyses, changes in all BPRS subscales were associated with changes in SQOL scores. In a multivariate model, only associations between changes in the BPRS depr... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448543 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448548&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411005044%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Because TAT did not reduce total healthcare costs, it did not contribute to cost-minimization. Its benefits are therefore questionable. No other adherence intervention has included analysis of cost-effectiveness or cost-minimization. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448548 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448579&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004841%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Our data suggest a hybrid conceptualization model with a representation of cases with prototypic schizophrenia or bipolar disorder at the extremes, but a large group of patients on the continuum between them that traditionally would be considered schizoaffective. A dimensional approach, using the Schizo-Bipolar Scale, characterized patients across a spectrum of psychopathology. This scale may provide a valuable means to examine the relationships between schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448579 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448579 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448573&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100483X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined neurocognitive functioning in a cross-diagnostic sample of patients with psychotic disorders. Based on previous findings, it was hypothesized that neurocognitive functioning would be impaired in all three patient groups, and that groups would be similarly impaired on all neuropsychological measures. Additionally, we predicted that negative symptoms but not positive, general, or mood symptoms, would be associated with neurocognitive functioning.Method: Neurocognitive functioning and symptoms were assessed in participants with schizophrenia (n=25), schizoaffective disorder (n=29), or bipolar disorder with psychosis (n=31), and in healthy controls (n=20).Results: Neurocognitive functioning was significantly impaired in all patient groups, and groups did not differ by diagnosis on ... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448573 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448573 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448565&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004920%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Our findings suggest that GSK3β is likely a risk gene for schizophrenia, and its expression alteration caused by the risk SNP in the promoter region may contribute to the etiology of schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448565 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448564&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004919%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Recently, several genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have reproduced the significant association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1344706 (located in intron 2 of the zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A) on chromosome 2q32.1) with schizophrenia. Bioinformatic analysis of the chromosome segment around rs1344706 suggests that a short conserved mammalian region exists approximately 3kb downstream of rs1344706. In the present work, we studied all SNPs in this conserved mammalian region and performed genetic analyses on samples from Chinese schizophrenia patients (n=516) and compared control subjects (n=520). Significant association between an allele of rs13423388 and schizophrenia was found (P=0.0012). Haplotype analysis of the three SNPs rs4666998, rs13423388, and rs5... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448564 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448561&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004932%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Large individual variation in the clinical presentation of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders raises key questions regarding their aetiological underpinnings. In this respect, age at onset of the disorder is a particularly interesting marker of liability, as it has been reported to be associated with other signs of developmental compromise, such as male gender, increased presence of familial history of psychosis and poor premorbid adjustment, as well as a more severe clinical outcome in terms of cognition and symptomatology. The association between these variables has encouraged a neurodevelopmental perspective of the aetiological mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. However, the complex relationships within neurobiological liability markers, and between the... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448561 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448551&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004518%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric illness with widespread impairments of cognitive functioning; however, a certain percentage of subjects are known to perform in the normal range on neuropsychological measures. While the cognitive profiles of these individuals have been examined, there has been relatively little attention to the neuroanatomical characteristics of this important subgroup. The aims of this study were to statistically identify schizophrenia subjects with relatively normal cognition, examine their neuroanatomical characteristics relative to their more impaired counterparts using cortical thickness mapping, and to investigate relationships between these characteristics and demographic variables to better understand the nature of cognitive heterogeneity in schizoph... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448551 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448546&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004749%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, we identified two potentially modifiable risk factors for rehospitalization: short duration of initial hospitalization and early non-adherence to medication. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448546 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448546 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448586&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004786%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The author states that Table 3 and the text on page 45 indicate opposite findings. The text says: (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448586 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448586 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448544&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004853%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Clinical status of primary negative symptoms in first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum disorder was unstable in the initial year of treatment. Baseline symptom assessment may not reliably predict development of persistent primary negative symptoms. Studying negative symptoms should take into account the longitudinal perspective, especially in the early course of psychotic disorders. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448544 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448544 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448580&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004865%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The role of social cognition (SC) in functional outcome and social neurobiology of schizophrenia is increasingly being realized (). Given the wide variation in symptom profile, course and final outcome of schizophrenia across different regions of the world (), it is likely that approaches to measurement of SC will need to be adapted to the specific cultures. In this letter, we underscore the need for a culturally appropriate test battery for SC in the background of how socio-psychological, developmental and neurobiological aspects of SC are influenced by culture. We then describe the development of such a measure for the Indian setting (SOCRATIS — Social Cognition Rating Tools in Indian Setting; available upon request from authors) (). (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448580 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448541&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004774%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: While internalization of stigma is an important contribution to psychological well-being in patients with psychosis, awareness of public stigma, even if this is not internalized, also is associated with lower self-esteem, and greater anxiety, anger/hostility, and engulfment in patients with better insight. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448541 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448541 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448583&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004725%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We write to correct an important issue in the reporting of our review on mortality () in the 5th edition of the ‘Just the Facts’ series (). Tandon et al. asserted that “ observed that long-term exposure to antipsychotics was associated with higher mortality (which they attributed not to antipsychotic treatment but to the confound of greater medical comorbidity linked to illness severity).” (p. 5) (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448583 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448569&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004737%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The findings suggest that both unawareness and overestimation of cognitive impairment characterise patients with schizophrenia, although the former is more common. Awareness of cognitive impairment occurs independently of insight into illness at the clinical level, although the two phenomena may be linked at a deeper level. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448569 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645273&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004506%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Whereas depressed mood, hopelessness, and previous suicide attempts have been well established as risk factors for suicidal behavior in schizophrenia (), the role of psychotic symptoms and their quality has remained more controversial (). Existing studies have focused on quantitative aspects of psychotic symptoms, to the exclusion of qualitative features. We question whether such a focus fosters premature conclusions regarding factors associated with suicidality in this patient group, and offer the distinction between pleasant versus unpleasant auditory hallucinations as a qualitative case in point. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645273 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5645273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5645248&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004695%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Findings from this novel study suggest that the ToM deficit in male schizophrenia patients may reflect impairment in the automatic or implicit processing of mentalizing. If replicated, this is an important finding that provides additional insight into the neural basis of impairments in social functioning that are experienced by patients with schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5645248 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5645248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448550&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004713%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Despite many neuroimaging studies on schizophrenia showing brain abnormalities the exact time course of their occurrence is unknown. Studies of gray matter are a powerful tool in biological psychiatry and provide an unprecedented opportunity for brain structure investigations. Here we compared cross-sectional and longitudinal structural neuroimaging studies distinguishing high-risk subjects developing psychosis from those who did not. These investigations on gray matter volumes in the prodromal phase potentially identify core structural markers of impending psychoses and clarify dynamic changes underlying the transition. Subjects at high risk of psychosis show qualitatively similar albeit less severe gray matter abnormalities as patients with psychosis. (Source: Schizophrenia Res... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448550 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448582&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004762%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We report another case of acute psychosis with sympathomimetic signs resulting from bath salt ingestion. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448582 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535657&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004683%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study had three aims: (i) to determine the prevalence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms (defined as a Clinical Global Impressions Scale-Bipolar Disorder (CGI-BP depression) score >3) in a large representative sample of FES patients; (ii) to compare the clinical and functional characteristics of FES patients with and without these depressive symptoms at service entry; and (iii) to compare the characteristics of FES patients with and without persistent depressive symptoms.Methods: Medical file audit methodology was employed to collect information on 405 patients with FES treated at the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC), Melbourne, Australia.Results: 26.2% (n=106) of the patients had moderate to severe depression at service entry. At service entry and at ... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535657 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5535657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448567&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004750%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Schizophrenia has been consistently shown to be associated with impairment in executive functioning. However, although frequently treated as such, the term executive functioning does not refer to a unitary cognitive function; it rather represents a set of basic, lower-level cognitive sub-components, e.g. updating, shifting, and cognitive inhibition. This specification into sub-components allows for a further differentiation of the executive deficits found in schizophrenia. Focusing on the sub-component of cognitive inhibition, we here present a meta-analysis of interference effect as assessed with the Stroop Color-Word Interference paradigm. Including the results of 36 studies with 1081 schizophrenia patients and 1026 healthy control subjects, it was shown that schizophrenia pati... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448567 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448559&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004476%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Introduction: Advanced paternal age (APA) is a risk factor for nonaffective psychosis (NAP) in the offspring, although the mechanism(s) of this association are not clear. The aim of this study was to examine whether later childbearing can be explained by parental schizophrenia, and in doing so, further evaluate the “de novo mutation” hypothesis for the association between APA and NAP.Methods: Using binary logistic regression, the association between APA and parental history of schizophrenia in the offspring, considering maternal and paternal history separately, was examined in 1) all persons with NAP born in Finland between 1950 and 1969 (Finnish NAP Cohort, n=13,712), and 2) members of the Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort (NFBC 1966, n=10,224), a general population birth c... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448559 Wed, 21 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448584&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004701%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We appreciate the interest of Drs. Weinmann and collaborators in our “Schizophrenia, Just the Facts” series and the opportunity to further emphasize the important public health issue of increased mortality among persons with schizophrenia. Drs. Weinmann and co-workers object to what they consider our inadequate consideration of the possible role of antipsychotic medications in this regard and further assert that antipsychotics should have a very limited role in the treatment of schizophrenia. Dr. Weinmann and colleagues' failure to read our papers in their entirety is regrettable as well as their selective “cherry-picking” of the scientific literature to support their potentially harmful recommendation that antipsychotic drug treatment not be utilized in the treatment of schizophre... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448584 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221022&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004610%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221022 Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:04:10 +0100 5221022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448585&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100449X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In 1954, Hoffer et al. reported that adrenochrome, an oxidative metabolite of epinephrine, was psychotomimetic in humans when administered intravenously (). This and other observations led the authors to hypothesize that adrenochrome is overproduced and responsible for some symptoms in schizophrenia (see review by ). Hoffer et al. further proposed that vitamin B3 (niacin) might be therapeutic for schizophrenia since it may act as a methyl acceptor to decrease the conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine, thus inhibiting adrenochrome synthesis. Although this transmethylation theory has received a great deal of criticism (), the psychotomimetic effect of adrenochrome seems to have been confirmed (). (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448585 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448575&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004440%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The study demonstrates the effectiveness, although nongeneralized, of IPT-cog and CACR in schizophrenia when applied within a psychiatric and psychosocial treatment regimen representative of the usual setting and modality of care, with no evident superiority of any of the methods, and indicates that the changes in functional outcome during treatment are modestly mediated by improvement in specific cognitive domains. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448575 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448571&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004427%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions bias. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448571 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448563&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004488%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study tested the hypothesis that treatment with l-kynurenine (L-KYN), which increases KYNA concentration, would produce deficits in social behavior similar to those associated with schizophrenia. Rats treated with L-KYN throughout adolescence exhibited decreased social interaction when tested drug-free as adults. In contrast, neither acute nor chronic treatment during adulthood affected social behavior. These findings demonstrate that increases in KYNA concentration produce deficits in social behavior and that the adolescent brain is particularly susceptible to the effects of high KYNA concentration. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448563 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448563 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333094&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004439%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study explored the history of help-seeking behavior in secondary mental health care services prior to the onset of the first episode of psychosis.Method: The psychiatric case register in The Hague was used to identify a cohort of 1753 people in the age range of 18–35 at first contact who developed a psychotic disorder in the period from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2009. We retrospectively examined the diagnoses made at first contact with psychiatric services.Results: 985 patients (56.2%) had been treated in secondary mental health services prior to the onset of psychosis. The most common disorders were mood and anxiety disorders (N=385 (39.1%)) and substance use disorders (N=211 (21.4%)). Affective psychoses were more often preceded by mood/anxiety disorders, while psychotic disor... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333094 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333080&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004464%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: A clear challenge for schizophrenia research is to improve markedly the efficacy of psychological treatments for delusional beliefs. Effect sizes for the first generation of cognitive approaches are weak to moderate. These therapies now lag behind the transformation over the past ten years in understanding the causes of delusions. This paper advocates an interventionist–causal model approach: to focus on one putative causal factor at a time, show that an intervention can change it, and examine the subsequent effects on the delusional beliefs. A number of new studies that illustrate this approach with patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who have not responded to previous treatment are reviewed. These early stage studies show great promise in terms of efficacy, althoug... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333080 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333080 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333078&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004452%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: FEP individuals with higher baseline functioning may benefit more from CBT than those with poorer functioning. Individuals with functional difficulties may benefit from alternative treatments initially, such as supported education or employment. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333078 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448562&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004373%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) a widespread neurotropic parasite, has been previously associated with schizophrenia and more recently with suicidal behavior. However, no previous study has examined the association of T. gondii with suicidal behavior in schizophrenia patients. 950 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia by SCID were recruited from the Munich area of Germany. Solid-enzyme immunoassay methods were used to measure IgG plasma antibodies to T. gondii, other neurotropic pathogens and gliadin. Logistic regression models were developed to analyze the association of T. gondii seropositivity or serointensity with history of suicidal behavior. In those younger than the median age of the sample, 38, T. gondii serointensity was associated with history of suicidal behavior (p=0... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448562 Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333077&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004415%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We examined the putative functional SNP, rs1045881, for association with schizophrenia, and the potential role of this SNP in clozapine response. The rs1045881 variant was not significantly associated with schizophrenia (N=302 case–control pairs), but with clozapine response (N=163; p=0.030). Baseline and BPRS scores after six months revealed a trend for rs1045881 genotype by treatment interaction (p=0.079). In the post hoc analysis, a significant association between BPRS negative symptoms score and genotype was observed (p=0.033). These results suggest that the rs1045881 NRXN1 polymorphism may influence clozapine response. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333077 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333077 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333074&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411002143%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: In this double-blind, fixed-dose comparison of lurasidone 120mg and ziprasidone 160mg, treatment with lurasidone was well-tolerated and safe, and was not associated with clinically significant changes from baseline in weight, metabolic parameters, or QTc interval. Study limitations include the relatively short trial duration and lack of placebo control. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333074 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333074 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333082&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004348%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This article compares data from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) collected from Chinese and American inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia to show how patterned differences in item ratings may reflect cultural attitudes of the raters. The Chinese sample (N=553) was based on consecutive admissions to four academic hospitals in Changsha, China. Only patients ill for 3 or more years were included in the analysis to match the chronically ill sample represented in the US CATIE sample. A total of 261 PANSS assessments were completed during a month when CATIE subjects had been hospitalized for 15days or more to optimize equivalence of the US and Chinese samples. Controlling for age and gender, the total PANSS and the three sub-scores were all significantly lower in the Chinese t... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333082 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448581&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004361%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Clozapine remains the gold standard treatment for people with treatment resistance or persistent symptoms of schizophrenia. Unfortunately, there is little evidence to guide pharmacological treatment in patients who are partially or completely nonresponsive to clozapine. Adjunct antipsychotics and other pharmacological strategies to clozapine have not been robustly effective in double blind trials (). Adjunct lamotrigine to clozapine has the most convincing evidence to date for efficacy () possibly due to a synergistic action on glutamatergic pathways with clozapine (), but it is not robustly effective when added to other antipsychotics (). (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448581 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448553&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003823%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Neurometabolite concentrations in language-related brain regions are associated with thought disorder in childhood-onset schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448553 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448553 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448552&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100435X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The insula/claustrum region may be critical to the experience of delusions and more careful scrutiny of the claustrum in relation to schizophrenia appears warranted. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448552 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333087&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004300%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: This study suggests that drug use-related impairment co-morbid with schizophrenia may not be a function of use per se but rather, of the severity of use. It highlights the importance of comprehensive assessment and treatment of illicit substance abuse in schizophrenia. Long-term treatment approaches that integrate harm reduction strategies may offer promise in maximizing positive outcomes for such dually diagnosed patients. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333087 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333076&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004294%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the existence of subgroups of patients characterized by distinct patterns of drug response. Further, findings suggest that patients who experience a poor response to one drug may be an optimal responder to another antipsychotic. Taken together these findings demonstrate the potential to personalize schizophrenia treatment and highlight the importance of identifying better predictors of drug response. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333076 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333076 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333075&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004269%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this analysis was to identify distinct patterns of placebo response trajectories that could capture individual variability in the time course of change during a 1-year trial using growth mixture latent class analyses. These long-term placebo response patterns were contrasted with two 6-week schizophrenia studies. The placebo response trajectory analysis that showed 58% (Group 4) had gradual improvement in the PANSS negative subscale score (p (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333075 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158512&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004385%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158512 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:25:58 +0100 5158512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535669&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004324%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Although schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders have both similar and differing clinical features, it is not well understood whether similar or differing pathophysiological processes mediate patients' cognitive functions. Using psychophysical methods, this study compared the performances of schizophrenia (SZ) patients, patients with schizoaffective disorder (SA), and a healthy control group in two face-related cognitive tasks: emotion discrimination, which tested perception of facial affect, and identity discrimination, which tested perception of non-affective facial features. Compared to healthy controls, SZ patients, but not SA patients, exhibited deficient performance in both fear and happiness discrimination, as well as identity discrimination. SZ patients, but not SA pa... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535669 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5535669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448554&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004336%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: N400, an event-related brain potential (ERP) waveform elicited by meaningful stimuli, is normally reduced (made less negative) by relatedness between the eliciting stimulus and preceding ones (N400 semantic priming). Schizophrenia patients' N400 semantic priming deficits suggest impairment in using meaningful context to activate related concepts in semantic memory. We aimed to examine the degree to which this impairment can be ameliorated by task instructions that more explicitly require processing of stimulus meaning. We recorded ERPs from 16 schizophrenia patients and 16 controls who viewed prime words each followed at 750-ms stimulus-onset asynchrony by an unrelated or related target word, or a nonword, in a non-semantic task (indicating whether a letter occurred in the target... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448554 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333096&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003926%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: A study of mortality for all patients with schizophrenia admitted to the University Hospital of North Norway during 1980–2006 was performed, with a special focus on gender differences and changes in mortality during a period of transition from hospital-based to community-based care. A total of 1111 patients with schizophrenia were included, and the cohort was linked to the Causes of Death Register of Norway. Males and females had 3.5 and 2.6 times, respectively, higher mortality than the general population. The standardized mortality ratios were higher during the last nine years than the first nine years, and for women admitted after 1992, we found evidence for an increasing difference in mortality compared to the general female population as well as an increase in absolute mor... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333096 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333093&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004270%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Our findings showed that attenuated psychotic symptoms do not contribute significantly to help-seeking behavior, suggesting that the relationships among PLEs, depressive symptoms, and help-seeking behavior should be reconsidered. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333093 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448577&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004282%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Clinical insomnia in outpatients with schizophrenia is highly prevalent and has a negative impact on quality of life and psychiatric symptoms. This study offers additional support to the association between poor sleep and higher weight, as well as indicating a potential link to night eating in this population. Assessment for sleep difficulties should be a routine part of clinical care. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448577 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333089&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004312%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objectives of this study are to assess accuracy of self-reported medical problems and to compare the accuracy reports in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and co-occurring AD compared to patients with AD only and to controls. Our hypothesis was that medical problems are under-reported in patients with co-occurring disorders, possibly due to the combination of alcohol use and symptoms of schizophrenia.Methods: Self-reported medical diagnoses were recorded and compared to medical records obtained from all area hospitals in 42 patients with schizophrenia and AD, 44 patients with schizoaffective disorder and AD, 41 patients with AD only, and 15 control subjects. Patients underwent medical history, physical examination, and review of medical records.Results: Patients w... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333089 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448555&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003914%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Schizophrenia has been conceptualized by dysfunctional cognition and behavior related to abnormalities in neural circuitry. The functioning of the neural circuitry can be assessed using the auditory steady state response (ASSR). Moreover, in recent years, research on high (>60Hz) gamma band oscillations has become of increasing interest. The current study used whole-head, 306-channel magnetoencephalography (MEG) and investigated low and high gamma band oscillations with the ASSR. The subjects comprised 17 patients with schizophrenia and 22 controls. The current study investigated the MEG-ASSR elicited by click trains of 20-, 30-, 40- and 80-Hz frequencies, and symptom–ASSR associations in patients with schizophrenia. The mean power, phase-locking factor, dipole moments and sour... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448555 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448555 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448568&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003951%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Retrieval interference and orthographic processing were evaluated in schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, and non-psychiatric control participants using a word fragment completion paradigm. Participants studied solutions and later completed corresponding fragments preceded by solutions, orthographically similar blocking words, or ampersands. Although schizophrenia patients completed fewest fragments, they showed equivalent repetition priming and blocking magnitude, supporting intact orthographic processing. Schizophrenia patients were more likely to commit intrusions in the blocking condition, whereas control participants displayed better mental control because they were more likely to withhold the response. These results suggest schizophrenia patients show abnormal f... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448568 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333092&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003847%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are a characteristic symptom in schizophrenia, and also occur in the general, non-clinical population. In schizophrenia patients, several specific cognitive deficits, such as in speech processing, working memory, source memory, attention, inhibition, episodic memory and self-monitoring have been associated with auditory verbal hallucinations. Such associations are interesting, as they may identify specific cognitive traits that constitute a predisposition for AVH. However, it is difficult to disentangle a specific relation with AVH in patients with schizophrenia, as so many other factors can affect the performance on cognitive tests. Examining the cognitive profile of healthy individuals experiencing AVH may reveal a more direct association be... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333092 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333085&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003938%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Schizophrenia is a highly debilitating illness that often results in disruption to independent living and employment. However, “gold standard” methods of assessing functional abilities to achieve these milestones are still lacking. In a sample of 367 individuals with schizophrenia, we examined the sensitivity and specificity of the Brief UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment (UPSA-B) to predict both residential and employment status. Of all individuals residing independently, 75.9% scored 78 or above on the UPSA-B, and of all individuals not residing independently, 59% scored below 78 on the UPSA-B. Of individuals who were employed, 73.9% scored above 82 on the UPSA-B, and of those not employed, 57.8% scored below 82. These results expand upon both the population base and ... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333085 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221030&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411004257%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Oxytocin has numerous prosocial and antipsychotic-like effects in animals. Prosocial effects of acute intranasal oxytocin administration have also been reported in human subjects. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial testing the effects of twice daily intranasal oxytocin treatment for 14days on psychotic symptoms and social cognition in patients with schizophrenia. PANSS scores declined significantly and several social cognition measures improved significantly or nearly significantly in oxytocin (N=11) but not placebo (N=9) recipients. Our results suggest that, in addition to reducing classic psychotic symptoms, oxytocin may diminish certain social cognition deficits that are not improved by current antipsychotic medications. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221030 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448556&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003872%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Schizophrenia patients (SZ) show early visual processing deficits in many, but not all, tasks. These deficits may be associated with dysregulation of intrinsic oscillatory activity that compromises signal-to-noise in the SZ brain. This question was studied using visual steady-state stimulation and post-steady-state presentation of transient visual stimuli. SZ had higher intrinsic oscillatory activity at the steady-state stimulation frequency (12.5Hz) and at the 6.25Hz subharmonic, showed a significant decrease in visual steady-state magnitude over 2s of stimulation, and were unable to promptly terminate the steady-state response following stimulation offset. If adjustment for levels of intrinsic brain activity were made, however, it would have appeared that SZ had activity of sim... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448556 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221035&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003896%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Although clinical outcome is associated with both brain volume (change) and DUI, we found no evidence for a relationship between DUI and brain volume (change). DUI and baseline brain volume or 5-year brain volume (change) seem to explain different parts of the variation in clinical outcome. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221035 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5535656&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003963%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Increased prolactin concentrations in antipsychotic-naïve patients do not appear to be due to important confounding variables, or to the effects of elevated TSH, ghrelin, or cortisol. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5535656 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5535656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221034&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003884%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Dysfunction of cerebral white matter (WM) is a potential factor underlying the neurobiology of schizophrenia. People with 22q11 deletion syndrome have altered brain morphology and increased risk for schizophrenia, therefore decreased WM integrity may be related to schizophrenia in 22q11DS. We measured fractional anisotropy (FA) and WM volume in 27 adults with 22q11DS with schizophrenia (n=12, 22q11DS SCZ+) and without schizophrenia (n=15, 22q11DS SCZ−), 12 individuals with idiopathic schizophrenia and 31 age-matched healthy controls. We found widespread decreased WM volume in posterior and temporal brain areas and decreased FA in areas of the frontal cortex in the whole 22q11DS group compared to healthy controls. In 22q11DS SCZ+ compromised WM integrity included inferior fronta... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221034 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221033&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003811%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The results suggest that the transcallosal misconnectivity thought to be associated with schizophrenia could reflect abnormalities in fiber geometry. These abnormalities in fiber geometry could potentially be underpinned by neurodevelopmental irregularities. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221033 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221032&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003975%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Delayed and prolonged HDRs for antisaccades in schizophrenia suggest that the functions necessary for successful antisaccade performance take longer to implement and are more persistent. If abnormally persistent neural responses on cognitively demanding tasks are a more general feature of schizophrenia, they may contribute to response perseveration, a classic behavioral abnormality. These findings also underscore the importance of evaluating the temporal dynamics of neural activity to understand cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221032 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221032 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448576&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003793%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The characteristics of homicide offenders with schizophrenia from Chuvashia do not appear to differ greatly from those of homicide offenders with schizophrenia from regions with far lower rates of homicide. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448576 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448572&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100380X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The nature of putative semantic anomalies in schizophrenia is controversial. Metaphor interpretation and use provide a useful methodology with which to probe semantics since metaphors are critical in reasoning processes and in how conceptual knowledge is organized. The first study examined free speech for figurative language. The second study explored whether emotional versus non-emotional metaphorical language interpretation elicits differences in the tendencies to produce idiosyncratic (bizarre) or literal interpretations or use of other metaphors to describe the meaning of a metaphor. The third study examined the interpretation of time metaphors. We expected the time perspective in ambiguous sentences to be differentially influenced by previously presented unambiguous sentence... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448572 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221036&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100394X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Neuroimaging techniques such as magnetization transfer imaging allow the detection of microstructural alterations of tissue, and for this reason have been applied to the study of disorders such as schizophrenia. However, they are also sensitive to partial volume effects arising from mixed compartments, such as those comprising cerebral spinal fluid, which makes separate evaluation of volumetric and structural alterations difficult. Ensuing regional differences in the distribution of data and signal-to-noise ratio add further potential bias to their assessment. In the present study we simultaneously applied tissue segmentation, statistical imputation, and nonparametric inference to address these issues and improve the validity of statistical inference. In a case study of N=32 schi... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221036 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221029&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003902%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Interventions to enhance medication adherence may be more effective if they focus on treatment related attitudes rather than on global insight into illness. Clinicians may not only enhance the patients' perceived necessity of antipsychotic treatment but also explore and address concerns and the patients' distrust in pharmacotherapy in a more personalized way. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221029 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333091&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003835%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: DLEs are common in the general population and appear to be independently associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviour. DLE may provide a marker of vulnerability to suicide, and thus could be of value in future suicide prevention research. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333091 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221038&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100377X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The 22q11.2 deletion is one of the most important known risk factor for developing schizophrenia (). While in the general population the prevalence of chromosome 22q11.2 deletions is one in 4000 individuals, among patients with schizophrenia, the number seems to be increased. However, the exact proportion of the patients whose disease is explained by the presence of the deletion is still in debate. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221038 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333083&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003860%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective was to determine the psychometric properties of the Dimensions of Psychosis Instrument (DIPI) in Mexican patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. One-hundred patients were recruited. Convergent and divergent validity were determined with the positive and negative scores of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale; a forced five-factor exploratory principal-components analysis with varimax rotation was developed. Total DIPI score shows an adequate convergent validity. The rotated principal component matrix accounted for 82.1% of the variance. Our study gives further support of the adequacy of the DIPI for the assessment of the five most common subjective experiences related to psychosis. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333083 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221031&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003859%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study directly comparing differences in hemodynamic changes with respect to the 3 clinical stages of psychosis. Furthermore, this study also demonstrates different patterns of impairment according to the progression of clinical stages using NIRS instruments. NIRS measurements for UHR and FEP individuals may be candidate biomarkers for the early detection of the clinical stages of psychosis. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221031 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221031 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221037&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003732%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) occurs in approximately 0.1% of hospitalized patients treated with antipsychotics () and is a lethal idiosyncratic reaction with a mortality rate of greater than10% (). A typical diagnosis of NMS requires core symptoms of hyperthermia and muscle rigidity, while the concept of atypical NMS associated with atypical antipsychotic treatment remains controversial (). For example, diaphoresis as the main manifestation is seen in 37.5% of aripiprazole cases (). Here, we report a case of aripiprazole-related atypical NMS with early detection and treatment. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221037 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333084&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003690%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the parallel client and clinician versions of the Illness Management and Recovery Scale (IMRS) developed to monitor the clients' progress in the Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) program in schizophrenia. A total of 107 study participants completed assessments of the IMRS, interview-based ratings of psychiatric symptoms, self-ratings of psychiatric symptoms, perception of recovery, and quality of life. Case managers completed the clinician version of the IMRS. Both versions of the scale demonstrated satisfactory internal reliability and strong test–retest reliability. The results also indicated convergent validity with interview-based ratings of psychiatric symptoms, self-rated symptoms, perception ... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333084 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333084 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333081&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003677%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Progress in the development of new pharmacological and psychosocial treatments for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia is impeded by limitations of available assessment instruments. The multi-site Collaboration to Advance Negative Symptom Assessment in Schizophrenia (CANSAS) was established to develop and validate a new clinical rating scale using a transparent, iterative, and data-driven process. The Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) was designed to address limitations of existing measures and assess consensus-based sub-domains, including asociality, avolition, anhedonia, affective blunting, and alogia. The structure and psychometric properties of the CAINS were evaluated in a sample of 281 schizophrenia and schizoaffective outpatients at four sites.... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333081 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333081 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333079&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003689%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We investigated whether improved early visual processing on cognitive remediation (CR) exercises generalizes to visual and auditory learning and information manipulation in schizophrenia. Fourteen participants received neuropsychological testing before and after CR consisting of visual, auditory and cognitive control training. Achievement on visual training exercises was strongly and significantly correlated with improved visual learning, but not improved verbal learning or increased ability to manipulate visual information. Improvement in training, not training time, predicted cognitive gain. Implications for improving cognitive outcomes from CR include ensuring the trained task is learned and providing exercises of multiple modalities. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333079 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333079 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5448570&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003719%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Our findings confirm that apathy has a stronger relationship to functional impairment than cognitive deficits on a cross-sectional basis in schizophrenia. Moreover, they suggest that apathy and executive dysfunction might represent different manifestations of the same syndrome, probably sharing a common neural substrate. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5448570 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5448570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333088&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003744%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The similarity between psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia such as hallucinations and delusions and those caused by administration of methamphetamine has been accepted. While the etiology of schizophrenia remains unclear, methamphetamine induced psychosis, which is obviously occurred by methamphetamine administration, had been widely considered as a human pharmaceutical model of exogenous psychosis. Although volume reductions in medial temporal lobe structure in patients with schizophrenia have repeatedly been reported, those in patients with methamphetamine psychosis have not yet been clarified. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) were obtained from 20 patients with methamphetamine psychosis and 20 age, sex, parental socio-economic background, and IQ matched healthy co... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333088 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221024&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003707%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Our review illustrates that the long-term outcome of UHR subjects that do not develop psychosis is to date under-investigated. The studies reporting remission rates suggest that UHR criteria capture a non-negligible proportion of subjects that do not convert to psychosis. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221024 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221024 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050199&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003756%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050199 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:16:16 +0100 5050199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333090&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003653%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, 119 individuals were assessed for PLEs and administered with a sensitive instrumental test of upper extremity dyskinesia. Present findings suggest a relationship between subtle dyskinesia and PLEs in the general population, and provide a new perspective of the psychosis continuum by indicating that basal ganglia pathology may also underlie PLEs at the non-clinical end of this spectrum. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333090 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333086&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003641%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Symptoms of childhood inattention–hyperactivity predict subsequent cannabis use in FEP. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333086 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221027&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003215%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: In subjects with schizophrenia who recently received oral risperidone but who remained symptomatic, acute treatment with monthly doses of 156-mg and 234-mg paliperidone palmitate significantly improved clinical symptoms, global illness ratings, and functioning compared with placebo, with no unexpected safety findings. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221027 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221027 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221026&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092099641100363X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study extends previous cross-sectional findings by examining the concurrent contributions of baseline motivational deficits, other negative symptoms, and other symptom domains on longitudinal functional outcomes in schizophrenia. Results of this longitudinal examination of 18 patients from our previous pilot study reveal that amotivation accounts for 74% and 72% of the variance in functional outcomes at baseline and 6-month follow-up, respectively. These findings further suggest a fundamental role for motivational deficits in predicting functional outcomes in schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221026 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5333095&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003227%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Objective: A premorbid IQ deficit supports a developmental dimension to schizophrenia and its cognitive aspects that are crucial to functional outcome. Better characterisation of the association between premorbid IQ and the disorder may provide further insight into its origin and etiology. We aimed to quantify premorbid cognitive function in schizophrenia through systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal, population-based studies, and to characterize the risk of schizophrenia across the entire range of premorbid IQ.Method: Electronic and manual searches identified general population-based cohort or nested case–control studies that measured intelligence before onset of schizophrenic psychosis using standard psychometric tests, and that defined cases using contemporaneo... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5333095 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5333095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221028&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003665%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The results suggest that RLAI may improve the trajectory of myelination in first-episode patients and have a beneficial impact on cognitive performance. Better adherence provided by LAI may underlie the modified trajectory of myelin development. In vivo MRI biomarkers of myelination can help clarify mechanisms of action of treatment interventions. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221028 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221025&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003628%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Although some schizophrenia patients can achieve both symptom remission and recovery in the early course of illness, the overall rate of symptom remission during the first post-hospitalization year is much higher than the rate of recovery. This suggests that interventions targeting work and social functioning are likely necessary to raise the chances of recovery. Cognitive factors can be predictive of good functional outcome even in the early course of schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221025 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158517&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003598%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The “Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome” (APS, sometimes referred to as the “schizophrenia prodrome”) is characterized by subthreshold psychotic-like symptoms and functional decline, and is often associated with significant disability. These symptoms may cause impairment and are of further interest due to their predictive relation to schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. These symptoms currently are not represented in the diagnostic system for mental health, and it is unclear how they are conceptualized by relevant professionals. The current study surveyed a national sample (n=303) of clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and general practitioners regarding their clinical appraisal of APS. Practitioners were asked to respond to vignettes representing three conditions: ... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158517 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5158517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5221023&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003197%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Discussion: To date, this is the longest follow-up study of an UHR sample. Poor functional outcome was associated with specific neurocognitive decrements, regardless of transition to psychosis. The detection of individuals with poor functioning at follow-up, against a background of previously identified risk factors for psychotic disorder, may yield a valid group in which to study biomarkers and treatment of schizophrenia. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5221023 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5221023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158528&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003239%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study supports the hypothesis that maternal infection during embryogenesis contributes to microglial activation in the offspring, which may therefore represent a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and underlines the need for new pharmacological treatment options in this regard. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158528 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5158528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158520&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003604%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We conducted data-mining analyses of genome wide association (GWA) studies of the CATIE and MGS-GAIN datasets, and found 13 markers in the two physically linked genes, PTPN21 and EML5, showing nominally significant association with schizophrenia. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis indicated that all 7 markers from PTPN21 shared high LD (r2>0.8), including rs2274736 and rs2401751, the two non-synonymous markers with the most significant association signals (rs2401751, P=1.10×10−3 and rs2274736, P=1.21×10−3). In a meta‐analysis of all 13 replication datasets with a total of 13,940 subjects, we found that the two non-synonymous markers are significantly associated with schizophrenia (rs2274736, OR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.86–0.97, P=5.45×10−3 and rs2401751, OR=0.92, 95% CI: 0.... Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158520 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5158520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158516&cid=s_36250_172_f&fid=36250&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.schres-journal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0920996411003240%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that sub-clinical psychosis generally represents a risk factor for the development of common mental disorders and a liability for co-occurring disorders. This refers in particular to dysthymia, bipolar disorder, social phobia, and obsessive–compulsive disorder. Proneness to psychosis could signal a fundamental tendency toward common mental disorders. (Source: Schizophrenia Research) Schizophrenia Research journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158516 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5158516