scholarly journals Association between social contact frequency and negative symptoms, psychosocial functioning and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia

2015 ◽  
Vol 230 (3) ◽  
pp. 860-866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karin Siegrist ◽  
Aurelie Millier ◽  
Ikbal Amri ◽  
Samuel Aballéa ◽  
Mondher Toumi
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Abplanalp ◽  
Kim T. Mueser ◽  
Daniel Fulford

Psychosocial functioning impairment is prevalent in first episode psychosis and chronic schizophrenia. The Quality of Life Scale (QLS) is a widely-used tool to measure psychosocial functioning; however, given the overlap between negative symptoms and functioning, along with the QLS being conceptualized initially as a measure of the deficit syndrome, it is unclear whether summing QLS items into a total score is an appropriate measure of overall psychosocial functioning. This study aimed to examine the centrality of QLS items and the appropriateness of using a QLS total score. Participants with first episode psychosis (n = 404) completed the QLS. Item centrality was assessed using a network analysis approach, while reliability and dimensionality of the QLS total score and subscales were measured using bifactor modeling and related psychometric indices. Network analysis results showed that an item relating to motivation was the most central item within the scale. Moreover, bifactor modeling results found that motivation and other items relating to negative symptoms may reflect the QLS total score more strongly than other functioning (i.e., Interpersonal, Instrumental) domains. Based on these findings, we urge researchers to use caution when using a QLS total score, as it may unequally confound functional domains and motivation. Moreover, our results continue to underscore the importance of negative symptoms, particularly motivational impairment, in psychosocial functioning. Future studies should aim to examine the centrality of other functioning measures in psychosis and schizophrenia, as our results suggest that psychosocial functioning may be greatly influenced by motivation.


2007 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 755-763 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. I. Sitzer ◽  
E. W. Twamley ◽  
T. L. Patterson ◽  
D. V. Jeste

BackgroundCognitive impairment and negative symptoms are two of the primary features of schizophrenia associated with poor social functioning. We examined the relationships between clinical characteristics, specific cognitive abilities and social skills performance in middle-aged and older out-patients with schizophrenia and normal comparison subjects.MethodOne hundred and ninety-four middle-aged and older schizophrenia out-patients and 60 normal comparison subjects were administered a standardized, performance-based measure of social skills using role-plays of various social situations [Social Skills Performance Assessment (SSPA)] and measures of current level of social contact (the Lehman Quality of Life Interview), psychiatric symptom severity [the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD)], insight [the Birchwood Insight Scale (IS)] and cognitive functioning [the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS)].ResultsPatients demonstrated worse social skills compared with normal subjects. Better performance on the SSPA was associated with having less severe positive and negative symptoms, fewer social contacts, and better attention, initiation/freedom from perseveration, visuospatial ability, abstraction ability and memory. After controlling for demographic, clinical and insight-related factors, abstraction ability was the strongest predictor of social skills performance, followed by frequency of social contact.ConclusionsSocial functioning (as measured through direct observation of social skills performance) was related to cognitive ability in out-patients with schizophrenia. Addressing such cognitive impairment may help to improve social functioning and result in greater overall quality of life.


2020 ◽  
pp. 070674372098243
Author(s):  
Alyna Turner ◽  
Andrea Baker ◽  
Olivia M. Dean ◽  
Adam J. Walker ◽  
Seetal Dodd ◽  
...  

Objectives: Garcinia mangostana Linn. (“mangosteen”) pericarp contains bioactive compounds that may target biological pathways implicated in schizophrenia. We conducted a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of adjunctive mangosteen pericarp, compared to placebo, in the treatment of schizophrenia. Methods: People diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), recruited across 2 sites (Brisbane and Victoria, Australia), were randomized to receive 24 weeks of adjunctive mangosteen pericarp (1,000 mg/day) or matched placebo. The primary outcome measure was the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale total score. Secondary outcomes included positive and negative symptoms, general psychopathology, clinical global severity and improvement, participant reported overall improvement, depressive symptoms, functioning, quality of life, and safety data at 24 and 28 weeks (4 weeks postdiscontinuation). Data were collected from July 2016 to February 2019. Results: Baseline assessments were conducted on 148 people (mangosteen = 74, placebo = 74); data analyses were conducted on 136 (92%) participants with postbaseline data. The treatment group had significantly higher symptom severity compared to placebo, and both groups significantly improved on all symptom, functioning, and quality of life measures over time. No between-group differences were found for the rate of change between baseline and 24 or 28 weeks. Conclusion: Despite promising preclinical and clinical work, our results do not support mangosteen pericarp extract as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Kristin H. Kroll ◽  
Joshua R. Kovach ◽  
Salil Ginde ◽  
Roni M. Jacobsen ◽  
Michael Danduran ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation programmes for paediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) have been shown to promote emotional and physical health without any associated adverse events. While prior studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of these types of interventions, there has been limited research into how the inclusion of psychological interventions as part of the programme impacts parent-reported and patient-reported quality of life. Materials and methods: Patients between the ages of 7 and 24 years with CHD completed a cardiac rehabilitation programme that followed a flexible structure of four in person-visits with various multidisciplinary team members, including paediatric psychologists. Changes in scores from the earliest to the latest session were assessed regarding exercise capacity, patient functioning (social, emotional, school, psychosocial), patient general and cardiac-related quality of life, patient self-concept, and patient behavioural/emotional problems. Results: From their baseline to final session, patients exhibited significant improvement in exercise capacity (p = 0.00009). Parents reported improvement in the patient’s emotional functioning, social functioning, school functioning, psychosocial functioning, cognitive functioning, communication, and overall quality of life. While patients did not report improvement in these above areas, they did report perceived improvement in certain aspects of cardiac-related quality of life and self-concept. Discussion: This paediatric cardiac rehabilitation programme, which included regular consultations with paediatric psychologists, was associated with divergent perceptions by parents and patients on improvement related to quality of life and other aspects of functioning despite improvement in exercise capacity. Further investigation is recommended to identify underlying factors associated with the differing perceptions of parents and patients.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S582-S582
Author(s):  
M.F. Molina López ◽  
M.C. Cancino Botello ◽  
A. Peña Serrano ◽  
M.D.L.A. Canseco Navarro

Introductionlong acting injectable formulations of antipsychotics are a valuable option for patients with schizophrenia, offering continuous medication delivery and stable dosage levels. Aripiprazole once-monthly is the first dopamine partial agonist available in long acting formulation approved in Europe for Schizophrenia with excellent results so far.Aimsto conduct a current review of articles related to the use and efficacy of Aripiprazole once monthly in patients with Schizophrenia.Methodssystematic review of the literature in English using the following keywords: “aripiprazole once-monthly”, “aripiprazole long acting formulation”, “schizophrenia”. PubMed database.ResultsAripiprazole once-monthly (AOM) formulation efficacy has been proven in many studies. The importance of maintaining an oral overlap during 14 days is highlighted in all studies that have been reviewed in order to reach therapeutic level; therefore, it can be used in patients with acute decompensations. Recent studies comparing AOM versus Paliperidone Palmitate once monthly (PP) have shown that patients with AOM had greater clinical improvement and, even though both drugs were well tolerated, when Quality of Life Style Scale was analyzed an important improvement in empathy, sense of purpose, emotional interaction and curiosity in the AOM group was observed.Conclusionslong acting injectable antipsychotics increase long-term adherence treatment and reduce risk of relapse. Because of its unique mechanism of action, Aripiprazole once-monthly improves positive and negative symptoms, giving the patient an opportunity to have a better quality of life.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 341-356
Author(s):  
Octavia Căpățînă ◽  
◽  
Cristina Pojoga ◽  
Bogdan Savu ◽  
Mihaela Fadgyas-Stănculete ◽  
...  

Background: In order to pursue recovery, Quality of life (QoL) and general functioning in patients with schizophrenia are milestones that need to be addressed in the treatment of the disease. The major aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between QoL, functionality and symptoms, and clinical characteristics of the disease, and to identify whether the two domains of negative symptoms, avolition/apathy and diminished expression, are predictive factors for the quality of life and functionality in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. In the present cross-sectional study, 87 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia completed a thorough battery of instruments evaluating: clinical symptoms, stigma, QoL, functionality, socio-demographic and clinical variables. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test the significance of predictor variables for QoL and functionality. Multiple regression analyses revealed that internalized stigma, depression, and excitement were significant predictors for the variability of QoL, and experiential deficit and cognitive symptoms were significant predictors of the variability of functioning. In patients with schizophrenia, functioning and quality of life are two related but different constructs. Even though they are strongly associated, they have different predictive factors. The clinical implication of these results is that both of these constructs should be assessed and that the strategies for improving them should be different.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 147
Author(s):  
Veeraraja B. Sathenahalli ◽  
G. R. Rajashekar Murthy ◽  
Netra Gouda ◽  
Sanjay K. Shivanna

Background: Thalassemia is an autosomal recessive congenital disease caused by the reduced or absent beta globin chain synthesis of hemoglobin tetramer. The degree of imbalance between alpha and non alpha globin chains determines the severity of clinical manifestations. The disabling nature of the disease and chronic therapy affects the normal life causing psychosocial burden. Overall patient’s life, such as education, free-time, physical activities, skills, capabilities, and family adjustment is affected. The effects of which often result in psychological, emotional and social compromise. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) measurement is a multidimensional concept that focuses on the impact of the disease and its treatment on the well being of an individual.Methods: A descriptive observational hospital based study was conducted over a period of 3 months. Transfusion dependency in thalassemic children aged between 5 years and 18 years was the inclusion criteria. Thalassemic children having debilitating illnesses unrelated to thalassemia were excluded. Quality of life was assessed using Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0)4. The tool assesses the quality of life in five domains: physical functioning (PF: 8 items), psychosocial functioning (sum of emotional, social and school functioning), emotional functioning (EF: 5 items), social functioning (SF: 5 items) and school functioning (SC: 5 items).Results: Total of 125 children were enrolled with a mean age of 9.4±4.6 years (age range 5-18 yrs). According to the PedsQL questionnaire, the quality of life was similarly assessed by both parents and children. The total mean QoL score of the parents was 72.36±11.47 and of the children was 77.63±14.17. Emotional, school and psycho-social function were significantly affected according to both child and parents without statistical significance.Conclusions: Thalassaemia patients and their parents require lifelong psychological support for prevention of mental health issues. By increasing the awareness and knowledge levels of the parents, we can help sick children in developing countries to get the best care locally and to thus improve HRQoL.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Oltean ◽  
Emily Beveridge ◽  
Lamia Hayawi ◽  
Vid Bijelic ◽  
Ahmed Nasr

There is paucity of evidence examining quality of life in children with HD and ARM prioritizing dimensions other than physical functioning, such as psychosocial functioning in a precise manner. As such, we have developed a systematic review protocol to narratively and quantitatively summarize the physical and psychosocial functioning of children affected by HD and ARM in hopes of addressing this limitation. The following databases were searched on Nov 5, 2019: MEDLINE including Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations (1946 to October 25, 2019) and Embase (1947 to 2019 October 25) and the CENTRAL Trials Registry of the Cochrane Collaboration (September 2019 Issue) using the Ovid interface. Searches were limited to English, to journal articles, and articles published since 2006. This review will identify retrospective and prospective cohort studies, case-control studies, case studies with greater than 5 participants, and randomized-control trials where the quality of life (i.e., physical and/or social functioning) of children aged 0-18 years with either anorectal malformations or Hirschprung’s disease is reported by children or parent proxies. Understanding the quality of life of children affected by HD and ARM after surgery will help clinical practitioners, specifically surgeons, create tailored and comprehensive protocols for managing these diseases while recognising the physical, social, and emotional toll they can inflict on children.


2021 ◽  
pp. 18-22
Author(s):  
Nimitha K J ◽  
Rajmohan V ◽  
T M Raghuram

BACKGROUND-Bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) is characterized by abnormalities in social cognition and emotional regulation are detrimental to psychosocial functioning and quality of life. OBJECTIVES- To understand the sociodemographic background, clinical characteristics in BPAD in remission and its relation with social emotional cognition and its impact on quality of life and functioning of the patient. METHODS-A cross sectional study with a sample size of 100 consenting patients based on convenience sampling who are diagnosed to have BPAD in remission. Sociodemographic questionnaire and clinical details of the patient were noted. SECT (cog state battery) was applied to all patients under calm and similar environment. RESULTS-Results showed there is a signicant difference in SECTspeed, response and stimuli based on the nature of rst and last episode, SECT score based on severity of episodes, SECT speed and stimuli based on education, SECT responses based on occupation. Middle socio-economic group had the best psychological QoL followed by high socio-economic group and it was worst in low socio-economic group. Physical and psychological domain has signicant difference based on residence. WHO QoL social quality of life had signicant difference between ECT treatments in the past, with people receiving ECT having a higher score on the social QoLscore. There was no signicant correlation seen between SEC sub scores and QoLdomain scores. CONCLUSION-The study concluded the QoLwas signicantly associated with socio-economic status, semi urban residence and ECT. There was no correlation between SEC and QoLscore in remitted bipolar.


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