Hallucinations Under Psychedelics and in the Schizophrenia Spectrum: An Interdisciplinary and Multiscale Comparison

Abstract The recent renaissance of psychedelic science has reignited interest in the similarity of drug-induced experiences to those more commonly observed in psychiatric contexts such as the schizophrenia-spectrum. This report from a multidisciplinary working group of the International Consortium on Hallucinations Research (ICHR) addresses this issue, putting special emphasis on hallucinatory experiences. We review evidence collected at different scales of understanding, from pharmacology to brain-imaging, phenomenology and anthropology, highlighting similarities and differences between hallucinations under psychedelics and in the schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Finally, we attempt to integrate these findings using computational approaches and conclude with recommendations for future research.

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Factor Structure of the Bern Psychopathology Scale in a Sample of Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.07.010 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 30 (7) ◽

pp. 880-884 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Fabian U. Lang ◽

Annabel S. Stierlin ◽

Katharina Stegmayer ◽

Sebastian Walther ◽

Thomas Becker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Factor Structure ◽

University Hospital ◽

Future Research ◽

Motor Behaviour ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽

Longitudinal Assessment ◽

Symptom Pattern ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽

Binary Division ◽

Spectrum Disorders

AbstractBackground:The Bern Psychopathology Scale (BPS) is based on a system-specific approach to classifying the psychopathological symptom pattern of schizophrenia. It consists of subscales for three domains (language, affect and motor behaviour) that are hypothesized to be related to specific brain circuits. The aim of the study was to examine the factor structure of the BPS in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.Methods:One hundred and forty-nine inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders were recruited at the Department of Psychiatry II, Ulm University, Germany (n = 100) and at the University Hospital of Psychiatry, Bern, Switzerland (n = 49). Psychopathology was assessed with the BPS. The VARCLUS procedure of SAS® (a type of oblique component analysis) was used for statistical analysis.Results:Six clusters were identified (inhibited language, inhibited motor behaviour, inhibited affect, disinhibited affect, disinhibited language/motor behaviour, inhibited language/motor behaviour) which explained 40.13% of the total variance of the data. A binary division of attributes into an inhibited and disinhibited cluster was appropriate, although an overlap was found between the language and motor behaviour domains. There was a clear distinction between qualitative and quantitative symptoms.Conclusions:The results argue for the validity of the BPS in identifying subsyndromes of schizophrenia spectrum disorders according to a dimensional approach. Future research should address the longitudinal assessment of dimensional psychopathological symptoms and elucidate the underlying neurobiological processes.

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Schizophrenia

10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199797004.013.011 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

Alex S. Cohen ◽

Dallas A. Callaway ◽

Tracey L. Auster

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Empirical Investigation ◽

Cognitive Behavioral ◽

Future Research ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽

Treatment Considerations ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

New Treatments

Depressive symptoms commonly occur in individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Empirical investigation of this comorbidity has revealed a number of interesting and potentially confusing findings. The purpose of this review is to summarize this literature, focusing on clinical, cognitive, behavioral, phenomenological, and neurobiological processes that are common and potentially disparate to these disorders. Additionally, the review will discuss four depression-related paradoxes that have emerged within the schizophrenia literature. It concludes with a brief summary of treatment considerations for patients with schizophrenia with co-morbid depressive symptoms. It is hoped that this chapter can serve as an organizing framework for future research and can help focus efforts on designing new treatments for ameliorating depression-related symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

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Trustworthiness judgments are associated with interpersonal functioning in individuals with schizophrenia

Journal of Experimental Psychopathology ◽

10.1177/2043808719827094 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 204380871982709

Author(s):

Michal Hajdúk ◽

Dana Krajčovičová ◽

Miroslava Zimányiová ◽

Viera Kořínková ◽

Anton Heretik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Interactions ◽

Social Functioning ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Cognitive Biases ◽

Interpersonal Functioning ◽

Future Research ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorders

Rapid and accurate trustworthiness judgments are important during successful day-to-day social interactions because they can influence the decision whether to approach someone and initiate social interaction. The aim of the present study was to analyze associations between these judgments and self-reported and clinician-rated social functioning. The sample consisted of 48 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 35 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and educational level. A trustworthiness task, subjective, and clinician-rated scales for social functioning were administered to both samples. Trustworthiness judgments did not differ between patients and healthy controls. Both groups were able to discriminate between trustworthy and untrustworthy faces. Trustworthiness ratings were associated with self-reported and clinician-rated measures of interpersonal functioning in patients with schizophrenia. Despite the absence of differences between groups, in patients with schizophrenia, a tendency to mistrust based on facial appearance was related to worse functional outcome, predominantly in the domain of disturbed interpersonal functioning. This study highlights the importance of future research into social–cognitive biases in schizophrenia.

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Latent class analysis identified phenotypes in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder who engage in aggressive behaviour towards others

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2019.05.005 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 60 ◽

pp. 86-96 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

S. Lau ◽

M.P. Günther ◽

S. Kling ◽

J. Kirchebner

Keyword(s):

Latent Class Analysis ◽

Aggressive Behaviour ◽

Latent Class ◽

Class Analysis ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽

Case Histories ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽

Similarities And Differences ◽

Spectrum Disorders

AbstractPrior research on Hodgins’ (2008) typology of offenders with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) has revealed inconsistencies in the number of subgroups and the operationalization of the concept. This study addressed these inconsistencies by applying latent class analysis (LCA) based on the most frequently explored variables in prior research. This novel case-centred methodology identified similarities and differences between the subjects contained in the sample instead of the variables explored. The LCA was performed on 71 variables taken from data on a previously unstudied sample of 370 case histories of offenders with SSD in a centre for inpatient forensic therapies in Switzerland. Results were compared with Hodgins’ theoretically postulated patient typologies and confirm three separate homogeneous classes of schizophrenic delinquents. Previous inconsistencies and differences in operationalizations of the typology of offenders with SDD to be found in the literature are discussed.

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Yoga-Based Group Intervention for In-patients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders—A Qualitative Approach

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.715670 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Theresa Schulze ◽

Eric Hahn ◽

Inge Hahne ◽

Niklas Bergmann ◽

Lukas Marian Fuchs ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Group Intervention ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Complementary Therapy ◽

Diagnostic Interview ◽

Future Research ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽

Subjective Experiences ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorders

Background: Yoga may pose a promising complementary therapy in the multimodal treatment of in-patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, to date, no studies have qualitatively examined in-patients' with SSD experiences of Yoga as well as their perceptions of its limitations and benefits as a treatment component. This qualitative study aimed to explore for the first time the mechanisms and processes of Yoga-based Group Intervention (YoGI) for in-patients with SSD in Germany by asking for their subjective experiences. Findings could serve as a preliminary basis for developing an effective and evidence-based YoGI manual tailored to this patient group.Materials and Methods: In total, 25 semi-structured interviews were conducted directly after YoGI, for which responses were either noted down by hand or audio-recorded. The interview guide was pilot-tested and consisted of 14 questions to explore the personal articulated experiences of participation in YoGI from in-patients with SSD. Positive, negative, depressive, and anxiety symptoms were assessed during a diagnostic interview and through questionnaires. The interview data was transcribed, coded by two independent researchers, and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. The research team collaboratively discussed emerging categories to reduce redundancy and form meaningful themes and subthemes.Results: The analysis revealed seven main themes. YoGI was perceived as feasible and focusing on individual adaptation, captured by the theme inclusivity. Nevertheless, participants encountered challenges; thus, physical limitations need to be considered. While practising together, participants experienced interconnectedness and developed a mindful stance as they accepted their limitations and adapted exercises with self-compassion. Patients described that following the flow of the asanas required physical persistence, which ultimately led many participants to experience confidence and relaxation. YoGI affected symptom representation as heightened awareness led participants to notice impeding as well as improved symptoms.Conclusion: YoGI showed various promising effects on in-patients with SSD. Future research should examine to what extent these effects can be sustained and how the mindful approach during YoGI can be transferred to areas outside the Yoga class. Furthermore, a randomised controlled trial could investigate the effectiveness of a manualised YoGI.

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Schizophrenia: family studies and treatment of spectrum disorders

Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience ◽

10.31887/dcns.2000.2.4/mtsuang ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 2 (4) ◽

pp. 381-391

Keyword(s):

Family Studies ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Future Research ◽

Substantial Part ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽

Genetic Studies ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽

Common Etiology ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Conceptual Foundations

A substantial part of the contribution of genetic studies to the treatment of schizophrenia involves its emphasis on reliable and valid diagnoses. One consequence of this focus is the recognition that schizophrenic illness is broader than the diagnostic entity of schizophrenia itself, and instead consists of a "spectrum" of related disorders. Because some of the symptoms in these disorders differ from each other, they provide an opportunity to determine which ones reflect a common etiology. To the extent that such symptoms are identifiable, they may provide a foundation for treatment and even prevention strategies. In this paper, we focus on a clinical condition - "schizotaxia" - that may reflect the liability for schizophrenia. To characterize the nature and extent of this proposed syndrome, we will review results from family studies in our laboratory, and consider conceptual foundations and criteria for assessment. A more general consideration of treatment strategies for schizophrenia spectrum disorders follows, along with suggestions for future research. Our initial attempts to treat and validate schizotaxia are encouraging, and raise the possibility that early treatment might eventually prevent or attenuate the development of other, more severe disorders in the schizophrenia spectrum, including schizophrenia itself.

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Psychosis in Women: Time for Personalized Treatment

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11121279 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 1279

Author(s):

Marianna Mazza ◽

Emanuele Caroppo ◽

Domenico De Berardis ◽

Giuseppe Marano ◽

Carla Avallone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Great Part ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Psychosocial Treatment ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽

Drug Induced ◽

Clinical Onset ◽

Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽

Treatment Plans ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Staging Model

Early detection and prompt treatment of psychosis is of the utmost importance. The great variability in clinical onset, illness course, and response to pharmacological and psychosocial treatment is in great part gender-related. Our aim has been to review narratively the literature focusing on gender related differences in the psychoses, i.e., schizophrenia spectrum disorders. We searched the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases on 31 July 2021, focusing on recent research regarding sex differences in early psychosis. Although women, compared to men, tend to have better overall functioning at psychotic symptom onset, they often present with more mood symptoms, may undergo misdiagnosis and delay in treatment and are at a higher risk for antipsychotic drug-induced metabolic and endocrine-induced side effects. Furthermore, women with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have more than double the odds of having physical comorbidities than men. Tailored treatment plans delivered by healthcare services should consider gender differences in patients with a diagnosis of psychosis, with a particular attention to early phases of disease in the context of the staging model of psychosis onset.

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