Facial and vocal markers of schizophrenia measured using remote smartphone assessments (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac Galatzer-Levy ◽  
Anzar Abbas ◽  
Vidya Koesmahargyo ◽  
Vijay Yadav ◽  
Mercedez Perez-Rodrigueq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Clinical Assessments ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Experimental Laboratory ◽  
Vocal Acoustics ◽  
Vocal Intensity ◽  
Negative Syndrome ◽  
Facial Expressivity

BACKGROUND Machine learning-based facial and vocal measurements have demonstrated relationships with schizophrenia diagnosis and severity. Here, we determine their accuracy when acquired through automated assessments conducted remotely through smartphones. Demonstrating utility and validity of remote and automated assessments conducted outside of controlled experimental settings can facilitate scaling such measurement tools to aid in risk assessment and tracking of treatment response in difficult to engage populations. OBJECTIVE We aim to assess the accuracy of these facial and vocal markers through remote assessments and compare them with traditional clinical assessments of schizophrenia severity. METHODS Measurements of facial and vocal characteristics including facial expressivity, vocal acoustics, and speech prevalence were assessed in 20 schizophrenia patients over the course of 2 weeks in response to two classes of prompts previously utilized in experimental laboratory assessments: evoked prompts, where subjects are guided to produce specific facial expressions and phonations, and spontaneous prompts, where subjects are presented stimuli in the form of emotionally evocative imagery and asked to freely respond. Facial and vocal measurements were assessed in relation to schizophrenia symptom severity using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. RESULTS Vocal markers including speech prevalence, vocal jitter, fundamental frequency, and vocal intensity demonstrated specificity as markers of negative symptom severity while measurement of facial expressivity demonstrated itself as a robust marker of overall schizophrenia severity. CONCLUSIONS Established facial and vocal measurements, collected remotely in schizophrenia patients via smartphones in response to automated task prompts, demonstrated accuracy as markers of schizophrenia severity. Clinical implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Facial and vocal markers of schizophrenia measured using remote smartphone assessments

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac R. Galatzer-Levy ◽  
Anzar Abbas ◽  
Vidya Koesmahargyo ◽  
Vijay Yadav ◽  
M. Mercedes Perez-Rodriguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Experimental Laboratory ◽  
Vocal Acoustics ◽  
Vocal Intensity ◽  
Negative Syndrome ◽  
Facial Expressivity

AbstractBackgroundMachine learning-based facial and vocal measurements have demonstrated relationships with schizophrenia diagnosis and severity. Here, we determine their accuracy of when acquired through automated assessments conducted remotely through smartphones. Demonstrating utility and validity of remote and automated assessments conducted outside of controlled experimental settings can facilitate scaling such measurement tools to aid in risk assessment and tracking of treatment response in difficult to engage populations.MethodsMeasurements of facial and vocal characteristics including facial expressivity, vocal acoustics, and speech prevalence were assessed in 20 schizophrenia patients over the course of 2 weeks in response to two classes of prompts previously utilized in experimental laboratory assessments: evoked prompts, where subjects are guided to produce specific facial expressions and phonations, and spontaneous prompts, where subjects are presented stimuli in the form of emotionally evocative imagery and asked to freely respond. Facial and vocal measurements were assessed in relation to schizophrenia symptom severity using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.ResultsVocal markers including speech prevalence, vocal jitter, fundamental frequency, and vocal intensity demonstrated specificity as markers of negative symptom severity while measurement of facial expressivity demonstrated itself as a robust marker of overall schizophrenia severity.ConclusionEstablished facial and vocal measurements, collected remotely in schizophrenia patients via smartphones in response to automated task prompts, demonstrated accuracy as markers of schizophrenia severity. Clinical implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Nicotine dependence and illness severity in schizophrenia

2012 ◽  
Vol 201 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajeev Krishnadas ◽  
Sameer Jauhar ◽  
Susan Telfer ◽  
Somashekara Shivashankar ◽  
Robin G. McCreadie
Keyword(s):  
Nicotine Dependence ◽  
Social Adjustment ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Never Smokers ◽  
Negative Syndrome ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Higher Doses

BackgroundReasons for the increased prevalence of cigarette smoking in schizophrenia are unclear. Studies assessing clinical symptoms have sampled heterogeneous populations, with discrepant findings.AimsTo examine the relationship between clinical features, social adjustment and nicotine dependence in a geographically defined population of people with schizophrenia.MethodCross-sectional clinical study of 131 people with schizophrenia in Nithsdale, Scotland.ResultsSmokers were younger, mostly males and three times more likely to be unemployed. Those with severe nicotine dependence had greater scores on the positive subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and were prescribed higher doses of antipsychotic. Those with mild–moderate dependence had greater scores on the PANSS negative subscale. Greater symptom severity was associated with poorer social adjustment. Psychopathology and social adjustment were similar in quitters and never-smokers.ConclusionsOur findings indicate an association between nicotine dependence, clinical symptoms and social adjustment in schizophrenia. Although causal links cannot be inferred, identifying the relationship between nicotine dependence and psychopathology may have some value in the management of smoking in schizophrenia. Further longitudinal studies are required to explore this relationship.

scholarly journals Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Serum Level and Severity Symptom of Bataknese Male Patients with Schizophrenia in North Sumatera, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 1957-1961
Author(s):  
Deasy Hendriati ◽  
Elemeida Effendy ◽  
Mustafa Mahfud Amin ◽  
Vita Camellia ◽  
Muhammad Surya Husada
Keyword(s):  
Serum Level ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenia ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Male Patients ◽  
Negative Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that is multi-causative and multi-factor, generally affecting about 1% of the population. The elevation level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) offers several protections from other neurodegenerative processes that occur in schizophrenia since this deficit of neurotrophic factors can contribute to changes in brain structure and function that underlie the schizophrenia psychopathology.AIM: To analyse the correlation between BDNF serum levels and symptom severity by using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) instrument in Bataknese male patients with schizophreniaMETHODS: This study was a correlative analytical study with a cross-sectional approach using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) instrument to assess symptom severity with 60 subjects of Bataknese male patients with chronic schizophrenia. Moreover, this research was conducted at the Psychiatric Hospital of Prof. Dr M. Ildrem Medan, Indonesia. BDNF serum was analysed with the Quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique by via Quantikine ELISA Human CXCL8/IL-8 HS. Also, the data analysis was performed through Spearman's correlative bivariate analytics using SPSS software.RESULTS: A negative correlation between the BDNF serum level and the negative scale PANSS score in men with schizophrenia (r = -0.820, p < 0.001) was found. Moreover, there is a negative correlation between BDNF serum levels and PANSS total scores in men with schizophrenia (r = -0.648, p < 0.001)CONCLUSION: BDNF serum level in Bataknese male patients with schizophrenia has a relationship that affects the severity of symptoms in schizophrenic patients, especially for negative symptoms.

scholarly journals Cannabidiol modulation of hippocampal glutamate in early psychosis

2021 ◽  
pp. 026988112110011
Author(s):  
Aisling O’Neill ◽  
Luciano Annibale ◽  
Grace Blest-Hopley ◽  
Robin Wilson ◽  
Vincent Giampietro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scale Score ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Neurochemical Mechanisms ◽  
Antipsychotic Effect ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Negative Syndrome

Background: Emerging evidence supports the antipsychotic effect of cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating component of cannabis, in people with psychosis. Preclinical findings suggest that this antipsychotic effect may be related to cannabidiol modulating glutamatergic signalling in the brain. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cannabidiol on the neurochemical mechanisms underlying psychosis. Methods: We investigated the effects of a single oral dose of cannabidiol (600 mg) in patients with psychosis, using a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, repeated-measures, within-subject cross-over design. After drug administration, 13 patients were scanned using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure left hippocampal glutamate levels. Symptom severity was rated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale 60 min before drug administration (pre-scan), and 270 min after drug administration (post-scan). Effects of cannabidiol on hippocampal glutamate levels, symptom severity, and correlations between hippocampal glutamate and symptoms were investigated. Results: Compared to placebo, there was a significant increase in hippocampal glutamate ( p=0.035), and a significantly greater decrease in symptom severity ( p=0.032) in the psychosis patients under cannabidiol treatment. There was also a significant negative relationship between post-treatment total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score and hippocampal glutamate ( p=0.047), when baseline Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale score, treatment (cannabidiol vs placebo), and interaction between treatment and glutamate levels were controlled for. Conclusions: These findings may suggest a link between the increase in glutamate levels and concomitant decrease in symptom severity under cannabidiol treatment observed in psychosis patients. Furthermore, the findings provide novel insight into the potential neurochemical mechanisms underlying the antipsychotic effects of cannabidiol.

Factor Structure of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) Differs by Sex

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 207-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Walsh-Messinger ◽  
Daniel Antonius ◽  
Mark Opler ◽  
Nicole Aujero ◽  
Deborah M. Goetz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Negative Syndrome

Risk factors associated with treatment-resistant schizophrenia in first-episode psychosis

2017 ◽  
Vol Ano 7 ◽  
pp. 8-12
Author(s):  
Ana Beatriz de Oliveira Assis ◽  
Jayse Gimenez Pereira Brandão ◽  
Pedro Otávio Piva Espósito ◽  
Osmar Tessari Junior ◽  
Bruno Berlucci Ortiz
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
First Episode Psychosis ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Episode Psychosis ◽  
Negative Syndrome

Objetivo: Ainda não está claro quais são os fatores de risco para a esquizofrenia resistente ao tratamento (ERT) em primeiro episódio psicótico (PEP). O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar indicadores de risco para ERT em PEP. Métodos: Foram selecionados 53 pacientes em primeiro episódio psicótico, com diagnóstico de esquizofrenia, que deram entrada à enfermaria de psiquiatria do Hospital das Clínicas Luzia de Pinho Melo entre 2011 e 2015. Ao ser admitido na enfermaria, o paciente era avaliado com a Escala de Sintomas para as Síndromes Positiva e Negativa (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale – PANSS) e recebia tratamento inicial por 4 semanas. Caso sua resposta fosse inferior a 40% de redução na PANSS, o antipsicótico era trocado, e as escalas eram aplicadas novamente após mais 4 semanas. Após a falha com dois antipsicóticos, em doses plenas, por 4 semanas cada, a clozapina era introduzida, e o paciente era considerado ERT. Uma regressão logística foi aplicada onde sexo, idade de início, tempo de doença não tratada, uso de substâncias, avaliação global do funcionamento inicial e PANSS inicial total foram inseridos como variáveis independentes, e ERT foi inserida como variável dependente. Resultados: Tempo de doença não tratada apresentou significância de p = 0,038 e Exp (B) = 4,29, enquanto que PANSS total apresentou p = 0,012 e Exp (B) = 1,06. Conclusão: Identificar os fatores associados à resistência precoce ao tratamento poderia permitir aos clínicos evitar o atraso na introdução da clozapina e prevenir um pior prognóstico para esses pacientes.

Standardized training in the rating of the six-item Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS-6)

2021 ◽  
Vol 228 ◽  
pp. 438-446
Author(s):  
Pernille Kølbæk ◽  
David Dines ◽  
Johanna Hansen ◽  
Mark Opler ◽  
Christoph U. Correll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Negative Syndrome

scholarly journals Amusia and protolanguage impairments in schizophrenia

2014 ◽  
Vol 44 (13) ◽  
pp. 2739-2748 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Kantrowitz ◽  
N. Scaramello ◽  
A. Jakubovitz ◽  
J. M. Lehrfeld ◽  
P. Laukka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Remediation ◽  
Thought Disorder ◽  
Musical Ability ◽  
Group Status ◽  
Treatment Development ◽  
Discrimination Ability ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Language And Music ◽  
Auditory Tasks ◽  
Negative Syndrome

BackgroundBoth language and music are thought to have evolved from a musical protolanguage that communicated social information, including emotion. Individuals with perceptual music disorders (amusia) show deficits in auditory emotion recognition (AER). Although auditory perceptual deficits have been studied in schizophrenia, their relationship with musical/protolinguistic competence has not previously been assessed.MethodMusical ability was assessed in 31 schizophrenia/schizo-affective patients and 44 healthy controls using the Montreal Battery for Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA). AER was assessed using a novel battery in which actors provided portrayals of five separate emotions. The Disorganization factor of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used as a proxy for language/thought disorder and the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was used to assess cognition.ResultsHighly significant deficits were seen between patients and controls across auditory tasks (p < 0.001). Moreover, significant differences were seen in AER between the amusia and intact music-perceiving groups, which remained significant after controlling for group status and education. Correlations with AER were specific to the melody domain, and correlations between protolanguage (melody domain) and language were independent of overall cognition.DiscussionThis is the first study to document a specific relationship between amusia, AER and thought disorder, suggesting a shared linguistic/protolinguistic impairment. Once amusia was considered, other cognitive factors were no longer significant predictors of AER, suggesting that musical ability in general and melodic discrimination ability in particular may be crucial targets for treatment development and cognitive remediation in schizophrenia.

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