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Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 49, Iss. 1, (Jan 2019): 140-148. DOI:10.1017/S0033291718000600
Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are currently conceptualized as distinct disorders. However, the relationship between these two disorders has been revisited in recent years due to evidence that they share phenotypic and genotypic expressions. This study aimed to identify ASD traits in patients with schizophrenia, and to define their demographic, psychopathological, cognitive and functional correlates.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 49, Iss. 1, (Jan 2019): 113-120. DOI:10.1017/S0033291718000570
Hearing voices can be a distressing and disabling experience for some, whilst it is a valued experience for others, so-called ‘healthy voice-hearers’. Cognitive models of psychosis highlight the role of memory, appraisal and cognitive biases in determining emotional and behavioural responses to voices. A memory bias potentially associated with distressing voices is the overgeneral memory bias (OGM), namely the tendency to recall a summary of events rather than specific occasions. It may limit access to autobiographical information that could be helpful in re-appraising distressing experiences, including voices.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 49, Iss. 1, (Jan 2019): 66-74. DOI:10.1017/S003329171800048X
Specialized early intervention (EI) following a first episode of psychosis (FEP) are effective at reducing negative symptoms, although its trajectory warrants systematic assessment. However, findings are equivocal as to whether extended gains are made post 2 years of EI and whether there is additional benefit of extending EI for an additional 3 years.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 49, Iss. 1, (Jan 2019): 132-139. DOI:10.1017/S0033291718000594
Similar to visual hallucinations in visually impaired patients, auditory hallucinations are often suggested to occur in adults with hearing impairment. However, research on this association is limited. This observational, cross-sectional study tested whether auditory hallucinations are associated with hearing impairment, by assessing their prevalence in an adult population with various degrees of objectified hearing impairment.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 49, Iss. 1, (Jan 2019): 75-83. DOI:10.1017/S003329171800051X
Working memory (WM) deficits in schizophrenia (SCZ) have been linked to impairments in the encoding phase that are associated with aberrant neuronal functioning. Similar abnormalities have been observed in unaffected first-degree relatives (REL) and are thus discussed as candidate endophenotypes. The process of WM consolidation – i.e. the formation of durable WM representations – is assumed to be impaired in SCZ, but no study has investigated WM consolidation and neuronal correlates of visual WM encoding in REL before.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 49, Iss. 1, (Jan 2019): 32-48. DOI:10.1017/S0033291718002660
To identify factors which may help or hinder decision-making ability in people with psychosis, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis of their performance on the Iowa and Cambridge Gambling Tasks.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Simulation training is an effective teaching tool enabling learners to gain a subjective understanding of a range of skills. Our aim in this study was to pilot and evaluate a newly‐designed simulation of auditory hallucinations as a future training tool for clinicians.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS Athens details. To access full-text: click “Log in/Register” (top right hand side). Click ‘Institutional Login’ then select 'OpenAthens Federation', then ‘NHS England’. Enter your Athens details to view the article.
Hearing voices groups (HVGs) are effective avenues of support for people who hear voices in the general population yet their application and adaptation for people with learning disabilities who hear voices are scarce.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS Athens details. To access full-text: click “Log in/Register” (top right hand side). Click ‘Institutional Login’ then select 'OpenAthens Federation', then ‘NHS England’. Enter your Athens details to view the article.
People with schizophrenia experience significant deficits in the kinds of empathic skills that are the foundation for interpersonal relationships. Researchers have speculated that deficits in empathic skills in schizophrenia may be related to disturbances in metacognition and heightened levels of personal distress. To explore this issue, this study examined whether better metacognition and reduced personal distress would be associated with improved performance on cognitive and affective empathy tasks.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Free access. The integrated model of insight in schizophrenia suggests that poor insight is the result of multiple factors which compromise persons’ abilities to integrate streams of information into a personal awareness of psychiatric challenges, and make adaptive responses. This model hypothesizes that metacognitive deficits, or difficulties forming a complex and integrated understanding of the self and others, influence insight, regardless of other proximal causes including clinical profile. To explore this possibility, we performed a latent class analysis on 324 adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Free access. Two decades of research in the context of clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis has addressed a time-honored value in medicine1: early detection and intervention to reduce severity and persistence of illness. Despite validation of the concept including substantial transition rates to full psychosis,2 CHR has been criticized.3 Perceived problems include concerns with pathologizing normative behavior, introducing stigma and therapeutics with high risk/benefit profiles by associating CHR with schizophrenia, and the false assignment to psychosis risk of persons whose attenuated psychosis symptoms are presumed to reflect disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Individualized metacognitive training (MCT+) is a novel psychotherapy that has been designed to specifically target delusional beliefs in people with psychosis. It works by developing an awareness of the implausible content of delusional beliefs, while also targeting the cognitive biases that contribute to their formation and maintenance. It was expected that MCT+ would lead to significantly greater reductions in delusional severity compared to a cognitive remediation (CR) active control condition. . Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
When each of us entered the field of clinical psychology/psychiatry, we were drawn to the complex and seemingly irrational symptoms displayed by patients with psychosis and their struggles to make sense of the world. These symptoms, which often involved bizarre ideas, were especially puzzling in patients who seemed otherwise intellectually intact. . Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Free access. Between 5% and 10% of people with psychosis will die by suicide, a rate which is 20–75 times higher than the general population. This risk is even greater in those not taking antipsychotic medication. We examined whether negative appraisals of psychotic experiences and negative metacognitive beliefs about losing mental control mediated a relationship between psychotic symptoms and suicidal ideation in this group.
Free access. An article in the UK article The Telegraph suggests that events in a person’s life can lead to mental illness (March 28, 2016 by Sarah Knapton, Science Editor, The Telegraph) Most of the information I have read about mental illness implies that mental illness is most often associated with genes, but this new information tells me that it should not be genetics getting all the research.
Recently, I thought of the UK article again when in my home town, a gunman, with seemingly no cause, opened fired and killed a police officer at the local bus station. I wondered what events in his life may have led to this horribly sad situation.
The article and the recent shooting caused me to reflect on what events in my own life might have led to my diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Cross-sectional study on the association of decision-making capacity for treatment and research in inpatients with schizophrenia and related psychoses.
Taking part in regular physical activity is linked to a more positive outlook on general health in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, according to a new report.
Researchers continue to build on findings from NIMH’s Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) program, which investigated the effectiveness of early intervention services for people experiencing first episode psychosis. Two recent studies add to the evidence that team-based early intervention services are feasible in real-world health care settings and result in improved outcomes for patients.
Comment. Many smokers and health-care providers believe that smoking can reduce stress and other symptoms related to poor mental health. In The Lancet Psychiatry, Jentien Vermeulen and colleagues 1 examined the self-medication hypothesis in a prospective cohort study of patients with a non-affective psychosis (n=1094), unaffected siblings (n=1047), and control participants (n=579).. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
The self-medication hypothesis postulates that the high prevalence of smoking in patients with psychosis can be explained by the ameliorating effect of smoking on symptoms. However, there are few large prospective studies testing this hypothesis. We aimed to examine the multi-cross-sectional and prospective associations of changes in smoking behaviour with symptoms and quality of life.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Individuals with psychotic disorders are at high risk of suicidal behavior. The study examined whether response to item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), which asks about thoughts of death or self-harm, predicts suicidal behavior among outpatients with diagnoses of psychotic disorders.. Login at top right hand side of page using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens for full text.
Findings In this Danish nationwide cohort study of 105 018 patients with myocardial infarction, patients with schizophrenia who were not exposed to cardioprotective medication had an excess mortality rate; however, exposure to medication was associated with a reduced mortality.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Editorial. People with schizophrenia die a mean of 15 years younger than the general population,1 a gap that has not improved over time and may be worsening.2 Over the past decade, this statistic has become a catalyst for efforts to improve the physical health and longevity of populations with schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses across the globe.3 Given the extensive body of literature documenting the problem of excess mortality in schizophrenia, surprisingly little is known about the mechanisms that underlie it.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Three cross-sectional studies were conducted on 860 outpatients with schizophrenia who underwent rating with the 3 most conceptually contemporary measures. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the 1- and 2-factor models provided a poor fit for the data; however, 5-factor and hierarchical models provided an excellent fit.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
This naturalistic functional magnetic resonance imaging study examines the association of age at onset and longitudinal course of prefrontal activity in youths. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Open access. By combining regional homogeneity (ReHo) and functional connectivity (FC) analyses, this study aimed to explore brain functional alterations in Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome (APS), which could provide complementary information for the neurophysiological indicators for schizophrenia (SZ) associated brain dysfunction.
Open access. People with a psychotic disorder have an increased risk of becoming the victim of a crime. To prevent victimization a body-oriented resilience therapy using kickboxing exercises was developed. This study aims to explore the feasibility of the therapy, to improve the therapy protocol and to explore suitable outcomes for a RCT.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-funded scientists have discovered a pattern in the way a brain circuit works that may help predict the onset of psychosis. High levels of chatter, or “hyperconnectivity,” in a circuit involving the cerebellum, thalamus, and cortex emerged as a potential “neural signature” in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study by Tyrone Cannon, Ph.D. of Yale University and colleagues.
Digital health interventions present an important opportunity to improve health care for people with psychosis or bipolar disorder, but despite their potential, integrating and implementing them into clinical settings has been difficult worldwide. This Review aims to identify factors affecting implementation of digital health interventions for people affected by psychosis or bipolar disorder.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 48, Iss. 16, (Dec 2018): 2730-2739. DOI:10.1017/S0033291718000363
Background
Previous work has identified associations between psychotic experiences (PEs) and general medical conditions (GMCs), but their temporal direction remains unclear as does the extent to which they are independent of comorbid mental disorders.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Open access. Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 48, Iss. 16, (Dec 2018): 2637-2657. DOI:10.1017/S0033291718001125
Background
The mental and physical health of individuals with a psychotic illness are typically poor. Access to psychosocial interventions is important but currently limited. Telephone-delivered interventions may assist. In the current systematic review, we aim to summarise and critically analyse evidence for telephone-delivered psychosocial interventions targeting key health priorities in adults with a psychotic disorder, including (i) relapse, (ii) adherence to psychiatric medication and/or (iii) modifiable cardiovascular disease risk behaviours.
Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 48, Iss. 16, (Dec 2018): 2757-2765. DOI:10.1017/S0033291718000399
Background
Epidemiological evidence suggests risk for psychosis varies with ethnicity in Western countries. However, there is little evidence to date on the cross-cultural validity of screening instruments used for such comparisons.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 48, Iss. 16, (Dec 2018): 2776-2785. DOI:10.1017/S0033291718000442
Background
Neurocognitive deficits are often seen as core features of schizophrenia, and as primary determinants of poor functioning. Yet, our clinical observations suggest that individuals who score within the impaired range on standardized tests can reliably perform better in complex real-world situations, especially when performance is embedded within a positive socio-affective context.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Open access. Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 48, Iss. 16, (Dec 2018): 2668-2675. DOI:10.1017/S003329171800017X
Background
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is common in clozapine-treated patients although the actual prevalence, phenomenology and risk factors remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to address the three aforementioned questions.
Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 48, Iss. 16, (Dec 2018): 2710-2716. DOI:10.1017/S0033291718000338
Background: Neurological, visual and hearing deviations have been observed in the offspring of parents with schizophrenia. This study test whether children to parents hospitalized with schizophrenia have increased the likelihood of childhood neurological disorder.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
The purpose of this article is to review the most recent literature on psychotic symptoms in borderline personality disorder (BPD).. MPFT staff can use the OVID link, or you can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
Open access. Cognitive behavioural therapy has been used for schizophrenia, but to which extent it is effective is still controversial. Results of existing meta-analyses are of difficult interpretation, because they mainly present effect sizes in the form of standardized mean differences between intervention and control groups based on rating scales, which are of unclear clinical meaning. No meta-analysis has considered the number of patients responding to treatment yet. Based on this ground, we present the first meta-analysis examining the response rates of patients with schizophrenia and positive symptoms to cognitive behavioural therapy.
Open access. The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between early reduction in psychotic symptoms and the ultimate response in patients with schizophrenia treated by atypical antipsychotics, and to determine the best time to switch or maitain the regimen. We also explore the possible predictors for the clinical response.
Twin studies suggest that genetic factors contribute to continuity in mental health problems and that environmental factors are the major contributor to developmental change. The authors investigated the influence of psychiatric risk alleles on early-onset mental health trajectories and whether the trajectories were subsequently modified by exposure to childhood victimization.. Login at top right hand side of page using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens for full text.
Team-based coordinated specialty care (CSC) for first episode psychosis (FEP) resulted in more optimal prescribing of antipsychotics and fewer side effects when compared with typical community care, according to findings from NIMH’s Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode (RAISE) project.
To determine if hearing loss is associated with increased risk of incident psychosis in later life.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
The Altman Self‐Rating Mania Scale (ASRM) was originally published in 1997 as a self‐rated measure aimed at assessing the severity of manic symptoms [1]. The published ASRM consists of the following five symptom items: i) elevated mood, ii) Increased self‐esteem, iii) decreased need for sleep, iv) pressured speech, and v) psychomotor agitation, which are rated by the patients via endorsement of one of five statements ranging from 0 (symptom not present) to 4 (symptom present in severe degree) [1].. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Large‐scale epidemiological studies have demonstrated a protective effect of clozapine on mortality in people with schizophrenia. Clozapine is reserved for use in patients with treatment‐resistant schizophrenia (TRS), but evidence of clozapine's effect on mortality exclusively within TRS samples is inconclusive. Hence, we aimed to investigate the effect of clozapine use on all‐cause mortality in TRS patients.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Open access. In this study, the treatment of schizophrenia patients with aripiprazole once-monthly (AOM) was evaluated under real-life conditions in a naturalistic setting.
Keith Laws discusses new research examining the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy on improving the quality of life of people with schizophrenia. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Social and occupational impairments contribute to the burden of psychosis and depression. There is a need for risk stratification tools to inform personalized functional-disability preventive strategies for individuals in at-risk and early phases of these illnesses.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are severe and complex brain disorders characterized by substantial clinical and biological heterogeneity. However, case-control studies often ignore such heterogeneity through their focus on the average patient, which may be the core reason for a lack of robust biomarkers indicative of an individual’s treatment response and outcome.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
In this investigation comparing 33 individuals at clinical high risk of psychosis who were part of a double-blind randomized clinical trial and 19 healthy control individuals, a single oral dose of cannabidiol modulated activation in the striatum, medial temporal cortex, and midbrain. In each of these regions, the level of activation following administration of cannabidiol to patients at clinical high risk of psychosis was intermediate between the response in healthy control individuals who did not receive any drug and in patients at clinical high risk receiving placebo.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Letter. . MPFT staff can use the OVID link, or you can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
Some evidence suggests that off-label use of mirtazapine (15 mg) is effective in treatment of acute antipsychotic-associated akathisia (AAA). We analyzed whether a lower dose of mirtazapine (7.5 mg) maintained its antiakathisia properties while exhibiting better tolerability in patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders who developed acute AAA. . MPFT staff can use the OVID link, or you can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
Cessation of clozapine therapy and insufficient response may result in relapse of psychotic symptoms and in clinical admissions. However, discontinuation rates are high. Identifying patients at risk for unsuccessful clozapine use might enable clinicians to direct specific attention to them. . MPFT staff can use the OVID link, or you can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
Although discontinuing antipsychotics clearly increases the risk of relapse in schizophrenia, some patients remain clinically well without continuous antipsychotic treatment. However, data on the characteristics of such patients are still scarce. . MPFT staff can use the OVID link, or you can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
Antipsychotics produce electroencephalogram (EEG) modifications and increase the risk of epileptic seizure. These modifications remain sparsely studied specifically for atypical antipsychotics. In this context, our study focuses on EEG modifications associated with atypical strict antipsychotic monotherapies. . MPFT staff can use the OVID link, or you can request a copy of this article by replying to this email. Please ensure you are clear which article you are requesting.
Both rare copy number variants (CNVs) and common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) contribute to liability to schizophrenia, but their etiological relationship has not been fully elucidated. The authors evaluated an additive model whereby risk of schizophrenia requires less contribution from common SNPs in the presence of a rare CNV, and tested for interactions. . Login at top right hand side of page using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens for full text.
Pharmacogenomic studies of antipsychotics have typically examined effects of individual polymorphisms. By contrast, polygenic risk scores (PRSs) derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can quantify the influence of thousands of common alleles of small effect in a single measure. The authors examined whether PRSs for schizophrenia were predictive of antipsychotic efficacy in four independent cohorts of patients with first-episode psychosis (total N=510). . Login at top right hand side of page using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens for full text.
Treatment with most antipsychotics is associated with an increased risk of weight gain and metabolic disturbances. In a randomized trial, we previously demonstrated that 16 weeks of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist liraglutide treatment vs. placebo significantly reduced glucometabolic disturbances and body weight in prediabetic, overweight/obese schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder patients treated with clozapine or olanzapine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the beneficial effects of the 16‐week intervention were sustained beyond the intervention period.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Conclusions: In the first study of its kind, early psychosis service users’ were largely positive about the potential use of DHIs [digital health interventions] supporting and managing mental health. Overall, service users felt that DHIs were a progressive, modern, and relevant platform for health care delivery. Concerns were expressed around privacy and data security and practical barriers inherent within DHIs, all of which require further attention
Within the embryonic early psychosis field in the early 1990s, the conceptualisation and definition of an at-risk or ultra-high-risk (UHR) mental state for psychosis was a breakthrough which transformed the clinical and research landscape in psychiatry. Twenty-five years later, we have a new evidence base that has illuminated the neurobiology of the onset phase of psychotic disorder, delivered Cochrane level 1 evidence showing that the onset of full-threshold sustained psychotic disorder can be at least delayed, and is paving the way to a new generation of transdiagnostic research. Here, we document the contribution of the UHR approach to understanding the underlying mechanisms of psychosis onset as well as the long-term outcomes.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Free access. Early intervention is a fundamental principle in health care and the past two decades have seen it belatedly introduced into the field of mental health. This began in psychotic disorders, arguably the least promising place to start. The steady accumulation of scientific evidence for early intervention has eventually overwhelmed the sceptics, transformed thinking in psychotic disorders and created an international wave of service reform. This paradigm shift has paved the way to a more substantial one: early intervention across the full diagnostic spectrum. 75% of mental illnesses emerge before the age of 25 years, and young people bear the major burden for those disorders that threaten the many decades of productive adult life. The paradox is that young people aged between 12 and 25 years have had by far the worst levels of access to mental health care across the whole lifespan.
Journal of Abnormal Psychology (Oct 22, 2018). DOI:10.1037/abn0000384
Visual shape completion is a fundamental process that constructs contours and shapes on the basis of the geometric relations between spatially separated edge elements. People with schizophrenia are impaired at distinguishing visually completed shapes, but when does the impairment emerge and how does it evolve with illness duration? The question bears on the debate as to whether cognition declines after illness onset. . To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
This study examines if YKL‐40 is increased in individuals with psychotic disorders and if elevated YKL‐40 levels at baseline is associated with subsequent development of type 2 diabetes.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Several studies have observed that dissociative experiences are frequently reported by individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), especially amongst patients that report a history of adverse/traumatic life experiences. This review examined the magnitude and consistency of the relationship between childhood adversity (sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, bullying, natural disasters and mass violence) and dissociation across three SMI diagnostic groups: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and personality disorders.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Open access. I explain the notion of contributory injustice, a kind of epistemic injustice, and argue that it occurs within psychiatric services, affecting (at least) those who hear voices. I argue that individual effort on the part of clinicians to avoid perpetrating this injustice is an insufficient response to the problem; mitigating the injustice will require open and meaningful dialogue between clinicians and service user organisations, as well as individuals. I suggest that clinicians must become familiar with and take seriously concepts and frameworks for understanding mental distress developed in service user communities, such as Hearing Voices Network, and by individual service users. This is especially necessary when these concepts and frameworks explicitly conflict with medical or technical understandings of users’ experiences. I defend this proposal against three objections.
Summary: This Cochrane review supports existing recommendations for risperidone and advances understanding of the use of valproate in patients with schizophrenia who are agitated or aggressive.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
J.C. conducted clinical trials of antipsychotics sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceuticals between 1978 and 1998 and met Dr Paul Janssen. . To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Open access. The antibiotic minocycline has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties that could prevent or reverse progressive neuropathic changes implicated in recent-onset schizophrenia. In the BeneMin study, we aimed to replicate the benefit of minocycline on negative symptoms reported in previous pilot studies, and to understand the mechanisms involved.
Open access. Comment. In The Lancet Psychiatry, Bill Deakin and colleagues10 report findings from BeneMin, a randomised controlled trial of 207 participants that compared minocycline with placebo as an adjunctive treatment to usual antipsychotic treatment. The BeneMin study was unique because not only did it examine the effect of minocycline on clinical symptoms, but it also explored its potential function through brain imaging (grey-matter volume and blood-oxygen-level-dependent response in the dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex) and serum inflammatory markers (circulating interleukin 6 [IL-6] and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] concentrations).
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is highly prevalent in schizophrenia and often a consequence of unhealthy behaviour. Reward‐related brain areas might be associated with MS, since they play a major role in regulating health behaviour. This study examined the relationship between MS and brain volumes related to the reward system in schizophrenia.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Results: According to participants, engaging with lived experience videos was a pivotal experience of using the website. Participants engaged with peers through choosing and watching the videos and reflecting on their own experience in discussions that opened up with a mental health worker. Benefits of seeing others talking about their experience included “being inspired,” “knowing I’m not alone,” and “believing recovery is possible.”
Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that young adults diagnosed with schizophrenia are amenable to use a smartphone app to monitor their health, manage their medication, and stay alert of the early signs of illness exacerbation. This may empower them to stay on track with their illness, thus in control of it.
We tested the age‐varying associations of cannabis use (CU) frequency and disorder (CUD) with psychotic, depressive, and anxiety symptoms in adolescent and adult samples. Moderating effects of early onset (≤15 years) and sex were tested.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
An influential psychological model of persecutory delusions proposed that they are caused by a bias towards holding others responsible for negative events (an externalising attributional bias), preventing the individual from becoming aware of underlying low self-esteem. An early version of the model predicted self-esteem would, therefore, be preserved in people with these delusions, but a later version suggested it would be unstable, and that there would be a discrepancy between explicit and implicit self-esteem, with the latter being lower. We did a comprehensive meta-analytical test of the key predictions of this model and assessed the quality of evidence.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Comment. In The Lancet Psychiatry, Philip Murphy and colleagues 1 report a meta-analysis in which they assessed key predictions of the 1994 2 version and 2001 update 3 of the paranoia as defence model of persecutory delusions. This model attempts to account for the formation of persecutory delusions but is controversial.. Please contact the library to request a copy of this article - http://bit.ly/1Xyazai
Vishal Bhavsar reviews an EU study of nearly 3,000 people across 6 EU countries, looking at the treated incidence of schizophrenia and psychotic disorders.
The ability to perceive the motion of biological objects, such as faces, is a critical component of daily function and correlates with the ability to successfully navigate social situations (social cognition). Deficits in motion perception in schizophrenia were first demonstrated about 20 years ago but remain understudied, especially in the early, potentially prodromal, stages of the illness. The authors examined the neural bases of visual sensory processing impairments, including motion, in patients with schizophrenia (N=63) and attenuated psychosis (clinical high risk) (N=32) compared with age-matched healthy control subjects (N=67).. Login at top right hand side of page using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens for full text.
The emphasis on reducing the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) has highlighted complex barriers to accessing appropriate services. Internet and social media use by individuals with first-episode psychosis (FEP) was examined to explore how these platforms might be used to facilitate treatment initiation.. Login at top right hand side of page using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens for full text.
This study offers preliminary support for the feasibility and acceptability of digital interventions for psychosis in informal caregiver populations. However, the findings underpin a clear need for greater development in the range of caregiver-focused digital approaches on offer and robust evaluation of their outcomes.
Open access. Religious delusions (RDs) tend to occur relatively often in patients with affective or non‐affective psychosis. Few studies exist about RDs in later life. The current study explores (1) the distribution of RDs across diagnosis, (2) how RDs relate to other types of delusions, and (3) how RDs relate to several dimensions or characteristics of delusions..
Open access. This study aimed to assess the heterogeneity and stability of cognition in patients with a non‐affective psychotic disorder and their unaffected siblings. In addition, we aimed to predict the cognitive subtypes of siblings by their probands.
Structural MRI (sMRI) increasingly offers insight into abnormalities inherent to schizophrenia. Previous machine learning applications suggest that individual classification is feasible and reliable and, however, is focused on the predictive performance of the clinical status in cross‐sectional designs, which has limited biological perspectives. Moreover, most studies depend on relatively small cohorts or single recruiting site. Finally, no study controlled for disease stage or medication's effect. These elements cast doubt on previous findings’ reproducibility.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Book review.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details. To read a copy of the book in this review, please contact the library
Psychological Assessment (Sep 20, 2018). DOI:10.1037/pas0000645
Paranoia can be conceptualized as consisting of a hierarchy of cognitions, ranging from commonly experienced thoughts about less severe perceived threats, up to less common, persecutory thoughts about extreme threats, which are associated with distressing psychosis. This review systematically appraises self-report paranoia questionnaires validated for use among the general population; the type of paranoia assessed, measurement or psychometric properties, and subsequent validation with clinical samples are all considered.. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Suzi Gage on a GWAS of lifetime cannabis use, which reveals new risk loci, genetic overlap with psychiatric traits, and a causal influence of schizophrenia.
To examine characteristics of placebo responders and seek optimal criteria of early improvement with placebo for predicting subsequent placebo response in patients with schizophrenia.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Open access. An evidence‐base is emerging indicating detrimental and beneficial effects of social media. Little is known about the impact of social media use on people who experience psychosis.
Open access. No consensus exists on whether clozapine should be prescribed in early stages of psychosis. This systematic review and meta‐analysis therefore focus on the use of clozapine as first‐line or second‐line treatment in non‐treatment‐resistant patients.
Psychological Medicine; Cambridge Vol. 48, Iss. 11, (Aug 2018): 1915-1916. DOI:10.1017/S0033291718000764
While the large sample size (N = 2245) and use of an early childhood sample (ages 6–12 years) are notable strengths of the study, the greatest advance comes from how the authors conceptualized the childhood trauma exposure construct. [...]research has suggested that much of the co-occurrence between psychotic experiences and suicidal behavior can be accounted for by shared risk factors, particularly those that are associated with elevated stress and exposure to trauma (DeVylder et al. 2015b) and arise in the context of greater multi-morbidity and clinical severity (Kelleher et al. 2014b).. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details.
Open access. The pathophysiology of psychosis is incompletely understood. Disruption in cortical glutamatergic signalling causing aberrant striatal dopamine synthesis capacity is a proposed model for psychosis, but has not been tested in vivo. We therefore aimed to test the relationship between cortical glutamate concentrations and striatal dopamine synthesis capacity, and psychotic symptoms..
Auditory verbal hallucinations are hallmark symptoms of schizophrenia and are amongst the most disturbing symptoms of the disorder. Although not entirely understood, the relationship between the voice hearer and their voices has been shown to be an important treatment target. Understanding voice hearers' standpoints through qualitative analysis is central to apprehend a deeper comprehension of their experience and further explore the relevance of interpersonal interventions. Compared with other dialogical intervention, virtual reality‐assisted therapy (Avatar Therapy) enables patients to be in a tangible relation with a representation of their persecutory voice.. To read the full article, log in using your MPFT NHS OpenAthens details.
Open access. Despite the availability of numerous antipsychotic medications, many patients with schizophrenia continue to experience side effects that contribute to the overall burden of the illness. The present U.S. survey of patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder aimed to assess patient attitudes toward antipsychotic treatment, and understand key factors about willingness to try a new medication.
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