Clinical Experience with Aripiprazole Treatment in Ten Elderly Patients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder: Retrospective Case Studies

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 862-867 ◽  
Author(s):  
Subramoniam Madhusoodanan ◽  
Ronald Brenner ◽  
Sanjay Gupta ◽  
Harsha Reddy ◽  
Olivera Bogunovic
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Patients ◽  
Tardive Dyskinesia ◽  
Clinical Global Impression ◽  
Schizoaffective Disorder ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Clinical Global Impression Scale ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Positive And Negative Symptoms

ABSTRACTBackground: Clinical trials of aripiprazole, a recentl Food and Drug Administration-approved atypical antipsychotic, included elderly patients, but more data are needed on the effects of aripiprazole in this population, especially those with comorbid medical illnesses.Objective: To assess the response and safety of aripiprazole treatment in elderly patients with phrenia or schizoaffective disorder.Method: Data was obtained by retrospective review of medical records. Aripiprazole was used to treat 10 elderly hospitalized patients between 62 and 85 years of age who manifested signs of psychosis related to schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. All patients had been treated previously with atypical and classic antipsychotics. Response was assessed by clinical observation of patients' behavior and Clinical Global Impression Scale assigned retrospectively.Results: Seven patients responded to treatment, two did not respond, and one had a partial response. The mean Clinical Global Impression Scale scores improved from 6 (severely ill) at baseline to 2.3 (much improved) at discharge. Treatment was discontinued in the two patients who did not respond. Of the seven patients who responded, four presented with positive symptoms and showed significant improvement while three presented with positive and negative symptoms and both symptoms improved significantly. Four patients had preexisting extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and these symptoms decreased in three patients. In addition, two patients were able to discontinue antiparkinson medications. One patient who had severe tardive dyskinesia showed significant improvement in the dyskinetic symptoms. Four patients showed postural hypotension (without clinical symptoms) which resolved over time without treatment. Six patients showed a mean weight loss of 5.2 lbs. No adverse consequences occurred when divalproex sodium, carbamazepine, clonazepam or citalopram were given concurrently.Conclusion: The reduction of both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and the lack of significant EPS, tardive dyskinesia, sedation, weight gain, anticholinergic effects, and QTc prolongation gives preliminary indication that aripiprazole may be a safe and effective medication for elderly patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Anti-DNA antibodies in the blood of patients with schizophrenia possess DNA-hydrolyzing activity

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s247-s248
Author(s):  
E. Ermakov ◽  
L. Smirnova ◽  
L. Sinyanskii ◽  
D. Dobrygina ◽  
A. Semke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Dnase Activity ◽  
Positive Symptoms ◽  
Linear Forms ◽  
Dna Antibodies ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Positive And Negative Symptoms

IntroductionAutoantibodies (Abs) to different neuronal receptors and DNA were detected in the blood of patients with schizophrenia. Abs hydrolyzing DNA were detected in pool of polyclonal autoantibodies in autoimmune and infectious diseases, such catalytic Abs were named abzymes.ObjectivesTo investigate the level of anti-DNA antibodies and DNA-hydrolyzing activity of IgG from the serum of patients with schizophrenia depending on leading clinical symptoms.Aims– To measure the concentration of anti-DNA Abs in serum of patients with leading positive and negative symptoms;– to determine DNA-hydrolyzing activity of IgG.MethodsIn our study, 51 patients were included. The levels of antiDNA Abs were determined using ELISA. DNA-hydrolyzing activity was detected as the level(%) of supercoiled pBluescript DNA transition in circular and linear forms. Statistical analysis was performed in “Statistica 9.0”.ResultsAnti-DNA Abs of patients with schizophrenia not only bind DNA, but quite efficiently hydrolyze the substrate. IgG of patient with schizophrenia were shown to possess DNA hydrolyzing activity. It should be noted that DNAase activity of IgG in patients with schizophrenia with a negative symptoms was significantly higher, than in patients with positive symptoms (Table 1).ConclusionsThe data show a correlation with the level of DNase activity and leading symptoms of patients with schizophrenia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Tardive Dyskinesia and Positive and Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia

1996 ◽  
Vol 168 (6) ◽  
pp. 702-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Owen Yuen ◽  
Michael P. Caligiuri ◽  
Richard Williams ◽  
Ruth A. Dickson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Tardive Dyskinesia ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Positive Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Measures ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Positive And Negative Symptoms

BackgroundControversy surrounds the relationship between tardive dyskinesia (TD) and symptoms of schizophrenia. While some studies reported that negative symptoms of schizophrenia may be a risk factor for TD, others reported a relationship between TD and positive symptoms.MethodEighty-four patients were studied, of whom 47 met criteria for TD. Clinical and instrumental procedures were used to increase the sensitivity of our assessments of the presence and severity of TD. Stepwise logistic and linear regression procedures were used to identify demographic variables, psychopathology, and motor parameters associated with the presence and severity of TD.ResultsA 3-factor model consisting of age, clinical tremor, and negative symptoms explained 25% of the variance in clinical TD severity. A 6-factor model consisting of female gender, instrumental and clinical measures of parkinsonism, positive, and negative symptoms explained 49% of the variance in severity of instrumentally derived dyskinesia.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the presence of TD may be associated with positive symptoms; that the severity of TD may be related to negative symptoms; and that the relationship between negative symptoms and TD severity may be influenced by the presence of parkinsonism.

Combined clozapine-lithium treatment for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Moldavsky ◽  
D Stein ◽  
R Benatov ◽  
P Sirota ◽  
A Elizur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Schizoaffective Disorder ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Lithium Treatment ◽  
Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale ◽  
Psychiatric Rating ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Psychiatric Rating Scale ◽  
Positive And Negative Symptoms

SummaryThree adolescent and two adult patients suffering from chronic excited psychoses (either schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder) resistant to traditional neuroleptics and clozapine were treated with combined clozapine-lithium. Improvement was assessed with the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Clinical Global Impressions, administered before and during combined clozapine-lithium treatment. All patients demonstrated a significant improvement with this combination. There was no occurrence of agranulocytosis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome or other clinically significant adverse effects.

scholarly journals O3.1. CLUSTER ANALYSIS FINDS THREE CLINICALLY-RELEVANT SUBGROUPS OF TRAIT EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA OUTPATIENTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S5-S6
Author(s):  
Henry Cowan ◽  
Vijay Mittal ◽  
Daniel Allen ◽  
James Gold ◽  
Gregory Strauss
Keyword(s):  
Negative Affect ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Schizoaffective Disorder ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Symptom Presentation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Affective Traits ◽  
Trait Affect

Abstract Background Previous research shows that trait emotion is more affected than state emotion in schizophrenia. This literature is also somewhat inconsistent, particularly in terms of specific links between affective traits and clinical symptoms. The current study examined whether subgroups of trait emotional experience predict symptom presentation and functional outcome in schizophrenia. Methods In this cross-sectional observational study, 192 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (SZ) and 149 matched healthy controls completed the trait version of the Positive and Negative Affect Scale and symptom and functional outcome assessments. Cluster and discriminant function analyses identified distinct profiles of trait affect, which were then compared on clinical and functional variables. Results Three SZ clusters reflected normative affect (n = 80, 42%), low trait positive affect (PA; n = 54, 28%), and high trait negative affect (NA; n = 58, 30%), compared to controls. Symptom profiles differentiated the three subgroups. Compared to the Normative Affect cluster, the Low PA cluster had more severe negative symptoms; the High NA cluster had more severe positive symptoms, disorganization, anxiety, and depression; and both the Low PA and High NA cluster had poorer overall functioning. Diagnostic and medication status also differentiated the three subgroups. The Low PA subgroup was most likely to be prescribed 1st-generation antipsychotics, while the High NA subgroup was most likely to be diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Discussion Distinct subgroups with unique trait affect profiles can be identified within the broader diagnosis of schizophrenia. These subgroups show meaningful clinical differences in presentation, with theoretical and clinical implications.

Implications of data-driven analyses for personalized therapy in psychosis: a systematic review of cluster- and trajectory-based modelling studies

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tesfa Dejenie Habtewold ◽  
Lyan H. Rodijk ◽  
Edith J. Liemburg ◽  
Grigory Sidorenkov ◽  
H. Marike Boezen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modelling Studies ◽  
Positive And Negative Symptoms

AbstractIntroductionTo tackle the phenotypic heterogeneity of schizophrenia, data-driven methods are often applied to identify subtypes of its (sub)clinical symptoms though there is no systematic review.AimsTo summarize the evidence from cluster- and trajectory-based studies of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, their siblings and healthy people. Additionally, we aimed to highlight knowledge gaps and point out future directions to optimize the translatability of cluster- and trajectory-based studies.MethodsA systematic review was performed through searching PsycINFO, PubMed, PsycTESTS, PsycARTICLES, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science electronic databases. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies published from 2008 to 2019, which reported at least two statistically derived clusters or trajectories were included. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted the data.ResultsOf 2,285 studies retrieved, 50 studies (17 longitudinal and 33 cross-sectional) conducted in 30 countries were selected for review. Longitudinal studies discovered two to five trajectories of positive and negative symptoms in patient, and four to five trajectories of cognitive deficits in patient and sibling. In cross-sectional studies, three clusters of positive and negative symptoms in patient, four clusters of positive and negative schizotypy in sibling, and three to five clusters of cognitive deficits in patient and sibling were identified. These studies also reported multidimensional predictors of clusters and trajectories.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that (sub)clinical symptoms of schizophrenia are more heterogeneous than currently recognized. Identified clusters and trajectories can be used as a basis for personalized psychiatry.

Positive and Negative Symptoms

1992 ◽  
Vol 161 (5) ◽  
pp. 610-614 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miron Baron ◽  
Rhoda S. Gruen ◽  
Joan M. Romo-Gruen
Keyword(s):  
Negative Symptom ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Nuclear Families ◽  
Schizotypal Personality ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenic ◽  
Symptom Patterns ◽  
Morbidity Risk ◽  
Positive And Negative Symptoms

The authors assessed the relevance of clinical symptoms to genetic research in schizophrenia in the nuclear families of 65 chronic schizophrenic probands. The morbidity risk for schizophrenia and schizotypal personality (a ‘spectrum’ disorder) was markedly reduced in first-degree relatives of probands with predominant negative symptoms, as compared with relatives of probands with other symptom patterns. The data support the notion that negative-symptom schizophrenia has an attenuated genetic component.

scholarly journals Stereopsis deficits in patients with schizophrenia in a Han Chinese population

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Hui ◽  
Hai Sen Xia ◽  
An Shu Tang ◽  
Yi Feng Zhou ◽  
Guang Zhong Yin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Population ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Han Chinese ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Han Chinese Population ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Marked Deficit ◽  
Positive And Negative Symptoms

Abstract Although cognitive and sensory deficits have been identified as a core feature of schizophrenia, only a small portion of visual sensorium has been explored. To date, studies on visual system of three-dimensional percepts based on two-dimensional information still are limited. This study is the first to examine the integrity of stereopsis of schizophrenia in a Han Chinese population, and to further investigate the correlation of stereopsis with clinical symptoms. 100 patients with schizophrenia and 80 healthy controls were recruited. We assessed stereoacuity using the Titmus Stereopsis Test and clinical symptoms using Chinese versions of the Scales for the Assessment of Positive and Negative Symptoms (SAPS and SANS). There was a significant difference in log seconds of arc between two groups (p < 0.0001). The percentage of patients with correct stereopsis detection was significantly reduced at 400, 200, 140, 100, 80, 60, 50, and 40 seconds of arc than healthy controls (all, p < 0.01). Log seconds of arc in patients was not correlated with total scores and subscores of SAPS and SANS (all, p > 0.05). Our findings support that patients with schizophrenia have a marked deficit of stereopsis in a Han Chinese population. However, clinical symptoms do not influence stereopsis of schizophrenia.

scholarly journals Development of the Thought Disorder Measure for the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology

Assessment ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 107319112110153
Author(s):  
David C. Cicero ◽  
Katherine G. Jonas ◽  
Michael Chmielewski ◽  
Elizabeth A. Martin ◽  
Anna R. Docherty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Thought Disorder ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Item Level ◽  
Scale Scores ◽  
Report Measure ◽  
Positive And Negative Symptoms

The Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology consortium aims to develop a comprehensive self-report measure to assess psychopathology dimensionally. The current research describes the initial conceptualization, development, and item selection for the thought disorder spectrum and related constructs from other spectra. The thought disorder spectrum is defined primarily by the positive and disorganized traits and symptoms of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. The Thought Disorder Sub-Workgroup identified and defined 16 relevant constructs and wrote 10 to 15 items per each construct. These items were administered, along with detachment and mania items, to undergraduates and people with serious mental illness. Three hundred and sixty-five items across 25 scales were administered. An exploratory factor analysis of the scale scores suggested a two-factor structure corresponding to positive and negative symptoms for two samples. The mania scales loaded with the positive factor, while the detachment scales loaded with the negative factor. Item-level analyses resulted in 19 preliminary scales, including 215 items that cover the range of thought disorder pathology, and will be carried forward for the next phase of data collection/analysis.

scholarly journals Effect of Cuscuta epithymum Acquainted with Risperidone on the Improvement of Clinical Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Triple-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maedeh Parvizi ◽  
Farbod Fadai ◽  
Moahammad Reza Khodaei-Ardakani ◽  
Gholamreza Amin ◽  
Leila Abdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Substantial Improvement ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
The Status ◽  
Positive And Negative Symptoms

Background: Cuscuta epithymum (CE) is an established medicinal herb utilized for treating psychosis in Persian medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CE combined with risperidone on the clinical symptoms and the cognitive impairment in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: In this triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial, the intervention group received a dose of 500 mg of CE in the form of a capsule to be taken twice a day accompanied by an appropriate dose of risperidone. The control group was presented with a placebo identical to that of the CE capsule plus the allocated dose of risperidone. The PANSS and SCoRS questionnaires were used to assess the status of subjects prior to the initiation of the intervention as well as being put to use at the end of the second, fourth, and eighth week post-intervention. Registering and recording intel concerning positive and negative symptoms felt by participants (PANNS), and a test to assess the cognitive impairment of the individuals. Results: After eight weeks of treatment, all negative and positive symptoms besides hostility and somatic concern exhibited a significant improvement in the CE group (P <0.05). In contrast, the CE placebo group displayed no substantial improvement in the cases of the positive, negative and general symptoms (P>0.05) regarding cognitive impairment, after eight weeks of treatment, all symptoms were greatly improved in the CE group (P<0.05), while the effect of the placebo  on the patients cognitive impairment remained mostly stationary (P>0.05). Consequently, after eight weeks after the intervention, we can determine that the CE treatment has been noticeably more effective at improving positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that CE, possessing possible antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, safely improved the positive and negative symptoms, and cognitive impairment of patients with schizophrenia.[GMJ.2019;8:e1334]

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