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Hill RA, Kouremenos K, Tull D, Maggi A, Schroeder A, Gibbons A, Kulkarni J, Sundram S, Du X. Bazedoxifene - a promising brain active SERM that crosses the blood brain barrier and enhances spatial memory. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 121:104830. [PMID: 32858306 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Over 20 years of accumulated evidence has shown that the major female sex hormone 17β-estradiol can enhance cognitive functioning. However, the utility of estradiol as a therapeutic cognitive enhancer is hindered by its unwanted peripheral effects (carcinogenic). Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) avoid the unwanted effects of estradiol by acting as estrogen receptor antagonists in some tissues such as breast and uterus, but as agonists in others such as bone, and are currently used for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, understanding of their actions in the brain are limited. The third generation SERM bazedoxifene has recently been FDA approved for clinical use with an improved biosafety profile. However, whether bazedoxifene can enter the brain and enhance cognition is unknown. Using mice, the current study aimed to explore if bazedoxifene can 1) cross the blood-brain barrier, 2) rescue ovariectomy-induced hippocampal-dependent spatial memory deficit, and 3) activate neural estrogen response element (ERE)-dependent gene transcription. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), we firstly demonstrate that a peripheral injection of bazedoxifene can enter the brain. Secondly, we show that an acute intraperitoneal injection of bazedoxifene can rescue ovariectomy-induced spatial memory deficits. And finally, using the ERE-luciferase reporter mouse, we show in vivo that bazedoxifene can activate the ERE in the brain. The evidence shown here suggest bazedoxifene could be a viable cognitive enhancer with promising clinical applicability.
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Boehm KJ, Ayzman Y, Blake R, Garcia A, Sequoia K, Sundram S, Sweet W. Machine Learning Algorithms for Automated NIF Capsule Mandrel Selection. FUSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15361055.2020.1777673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Larsen KM, Dzafic I, Darke H, Pertile H, Carter O, Sundram S, Garrido MI. Aberrant connectivity in auditory precision encoding in schizophrenia spectrum disorder and across the continuum of psychotic-like experiences. Schizophr Res 2020; 222:185-194. [PMID: 32593736 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.05.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to generate a precise internal model of statistical regularities is impaired in schizophrenia. Predictive coding accounts of schizophrenia suggest that psychotic symptoms may be explained by a failure to build precise beliefs or a model of the world. The precision of this model may vary with context. For example, in a noisy environment the model will be more imprecise compared to a model built in an environment with lower noise. However compelling, this idea has not yet been empirically studied in schizophrenia. METHODS In this study, 62 participants engaged in a stochastic mismatch negativity paradigm with high and low precision. We included inpatients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (N = 20), inpatients with a psychiatric disorder but without psychosis (N = 20), and healthy controls (N = 22), with comparable sex ratio and age distribution. Bayesian mapping and dynamic causal modelling were employed to investigate the underlying microcircuitry of precision encoding of auditory stimuli. RESULTS We found strong evidence (exceedance P > 0.99) for differences in the underlying connectivity associated with precision encoding between the three groups as well as on the continuum of psychotic-like experiences assessed across all participants. Critically, we show changes in interhemispheric connectivity between the two inpatient groups, with some connections further aligning on the continuum of psychotic-like experiences. CONCLUSIONS While our results suggest continuity in backward connectivity alterations with psychotic-like experiences regardless of diagnosis, they also point to specificity for the schizophrenia spectrum disorder group in interhemispheric connectivity alterations.
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Van Rheenen TE, Cropley V, Fagerlund B, Wannan C, Bruggemann J, Lenroot RK, Sundram S, Weickert CS, Weickert TW, Zalesky A, Bousman CA, Pantelis C. Cognitive reserve attenuates age-related cognitive decline in the context of putatively accelerated brain ageing in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Psychol Med 2020; 50:1475-1489. [PMID: 31274065 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719001417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In schizophrenia, relative stability in the magnitude of cognitive deficits across age and illness duration is inconsistent with the evidence of accelerated deterioration in brain regions known to support these functions. These discrepant brain-cognition outcomes may be explained by variability in cognitive reserve (CR), which in neurological disorders has been shown to buffer against brain pathology and minimize its impact on cognitive or clinical indicators of illness. METHODS Age-related change in fluid reasoning, working memory and frontal brain volume, area and thickness were mapped using regression analysis in 214 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 168 healthy controls. In patients, these changes were modelled as a function of CR. RESULTS Patients showed exaggerated age-related decline in brain structure, but not fluid reasoning compared to controls. In the patient group, no moderation of age-related brain structural change by CR was evident. However, age-related cognitive change was moderated by CR, such that only patients with low CR showed evidence of exaggerated fluid reasoning decline that paralleled the exaggerated age-related deterioration of underpinning brain structures seen in all patients. CONCLUSIONS In schizophrenia-spectrum illness, CR may negate ageing effects on fluid reasoning by buffering against pathologically exaggerated structural brain deterioration through some form of compensation. CR may represent an important modifier that could explain inconsistencies in brain structure - cognition outcomes in the extant literature.
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Gumley A, Bradstreet S, Ainsworth J, Allan S, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Beattie L, Bell I, Birchwood M, Briggs A, Bucci S, Castagnini E, Clark A, Cotton SM, Engel L, French P, Lederman R, Lewis S, Machin M, MacLennan G, Matrunola C, McLeod H, McMeekin N, Mihalopoulos C, Morton E, Norrie J, Reilly F, Schwannauer M, Singh SP, Smith L, Sundram S, Thomson D, Thompson A, Whitehill H, Wilson-Kay A, Williams C, Yung A, Farhall J, Gleeson J. Early Signs Monitoring to Prevent Relapse in Psychosis and Promote Well-Being, Engagement, and Recovery: Protocol for a Feasibility Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Harnessing Mobile Phone Technology Blended With Peer Support. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e15058. [PMID: 31917372 PMCID: PMC6996736 DOI: 10.2196/15058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Relapse in schizophrenia is a major cause of distress and disability and is predicted by changes in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and suspiciousness (early warning signs [EWSs]). These can be used as the basis for timely interventions to prevent relapse. However, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the implementation of EWS interventions. Objective This study was designed to establish the feasibility of conducting a definitive cluster randomized controlled trial comparing Early signs Monitoring to Prevent relapse in psychosis and prOmote Well-being, Engagement, and Recovery (EMPOWER) against treatment as usual (TAU). Our primary outcomes are establishing parameters of feasibility, acceptability, usability, safety, and outcome signals of a digital health intervention as an adjunct to usual care that is deliverable in the UK National Health Service and Australian community mental health service (CMHS) settings. We will assess the feasibility of candidate primary outcomes, candidate secondary outcomes, and candidate mechanisms for a definitive trial. Methods We will randomize CMHSs to EMPOWER or TAU. We aim to recruit up to 120 service user participants from 8 CMHSs and follow them for 12 months. Eligible service users will (1) be aged 16 years and above, (2) be in contact with local CMHSs, (3) have either been admitted to a psychiatric inpatient service or received crisis intervention at least once in the previous 2 years for a relapse, and (4) have an International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnosis of a schizophrenia-related disorder. Service users will also be invited to nominate a carer to participate. We will identify the feasibility of the main trial in terms of recruitment and retention to the study and the acceptability, usability, safety, and outcome signals of the EMPOWER intervention. EMPOWER is a mobile phone app that enables the monitoring of well-being and possible EWSs of relapse on a daily basis. An algorithm calculates changes in well-being based on participants’ own baseline to enable tailoring of well-being messaging and clinical triage of possible EWSs. Use of the app is blended with ongoing peer support. Results Recruitment to the trial began September 2018, and follow-up of participants was completed in July 2019. Data collection is continuing. The database was locked in July 2019, followed by analysis and disclosing of group allocation. Conclusions The knowledge gained from the study will inform the design of a definitive trial including finalizing the delivery of our digital health intervention, sample size estimation, methods to ensure successful identification, consent, randomization, and follow-up of participants, and the primary and secondary outcomes. The trial will also inform the final health economic model to be applied in the main trial. Trial Registration International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): 99559262; http://isrctn.com/ISRCTN99559262 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/15058
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Wells R, Jacomb I, Swaminathan V, Sundram S, Weinberg D, Bruggemann J, Cropley V, Lenroot RK, Pereira AM, Zalesky A, Bousman C, Pantelis C, Weickert CS, Weickert TW. The Impact of Childhood Adversity on Cognitive Development in Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2020; 46:140-153. [PMID: 31050754 PMCID: PMC6942153 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Childhood adversity, such as physical, sexual, and verbal abuse, as well as neglect and family conflict, is a risk factor for schizophrenia. Such adversity can lead to disruptions of cognitive function during development, undermining intellectual capabilities and academic achievement. Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with cognitive impairments that may become evident during childhood. The Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank database comprises a large community cohort (N = 1169) in which we previously identified 3 distinct cognitive groups among people with schizophrenia: (1) Compromised, current, and estimated premorbid cognitive impairment; (2) Deteriorated, substantial decline from estimated premorbid function; and (3) Preserved, performing in the normal cognitive range without decline. The compromised group displayed the worst functional and symptom outcomes. Here, we extend our previous work by assessing the relationship among these categories of cognitive abilities and reported childhood adversity in 836 patients and healthy controls. Exploratory factor analysis of the Childhood Adversity Questionnaire revealed 3 factors (lack of parental involvement; overt abuse; family breakdown and hardship). People with schizophrenia reported significantly more childhood adversity than healthy controls on all items and factors. People with schizophrenia in the compromised group reported significantly more lack of parental involvement and family breakdown and hardship and lower socioeconomic status than those in the deteriorated group. The cognitive groups were not related to family history of psychosis. These findings identify specific social and family factors that impact cognition, highlighting the important role of these factors in the development of cognitive and functional abilities in schizophrenia.
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Schroeder A, Nakamura JP, Hudson M, Jones NC, Du X, Sundram S, Hill RA. Raloxifene recovers effects of prenatal immune activation on cognitive task-induced gamma power. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 110:104448. [PMID: 31546114 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no treatment available for the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, but evidence suggests that selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) may provide relief. Our recent animal model data showed that a lack of female sex hormones in mice impairs the ability of hippocampal neurons to synchronise and generate oscillations within the frequency range of 30-80 Hz (gamma power) leading to cognitive impairment, while both estradiol and the SERM, raloxifene, recovered this. Given that cognitive impairment is accompanied by abnormal gamma power in schizophrenia, this study aimed to determine the effects of raloxifene on gamma power during spatial memory tasks in the prenatal immune challenged (poly-I:C) mouse model with relevance to schizophrenia. Pregnant dams received the viral mimetic poly-I:C (20 mg/kg, i.p.) at gestational day 17. Male and female offspring were treated with placebo or raloxifene implants at adulthood. Local field potentials from the CA1 hippocampus were simultaneously recorded during the Y-maze test of short term spatial memory and the cheeseboard maze test of long-term spatial learning and memory and cognitive flexibility. In female but not male mice, poly I:C exposure reduced gamma power during decision making and prolonged the time spent in the centre (decision making phase) during the Y-maze task. Female poly-I:C exposed mice also showed increased gamma power during acquisition of the cheeseboard long term memory task and perseverative behaviour. Treatment with raloxifene recovered gamma power and decision making deficits in the Y-maze and restored gamma power changes during the cheeseboard maze task as well as perseverative behaviour. Male mice showed no electrophysiological or behavioural effects of poly-I:C or raloxifene treatment. In summary, poly-I:C exposure induced female specific cognitive impairments accompanied by altered neural oscillations in the gamma frequency and raloxifene recovered these abnormalities.
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Nakamura JP, Schroeder A, Hudson M, Jones N, Gillespie B, Du X, Notaras M, Swaminathan V, Reay WR, Atkins JR, Green MJ, Carr VJ, Cairns MJ, Sundram S, Hill RA. The maternal immune activation model uncovers a role for the Arx gene in GABAergic dysfunction in schizophrenia. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 81:161-171. [PMID: 31175998 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark feature of schizophrenia is altered high frequency neural oscillations, including reduced auditory-evoked gamma oscillatory power, which is underpinned by parvalbumin (PV) interneuron dysfunction. Maternal immune activation (MIA) in rodents models an environmental risk factor for schizophrenia and recapitulates these PV interneuron changes. This study sought to link reduced PV expression in the MIA model with alterations to auditory-evoked gamma oscillations and transcript expression. We further aligned transcriptional findings from the animal model with human genome sequencing data. We show that MIA, induced by the viral mimetic, poly-I:C in C57Bl/6 mice, caused in adult offspring reduced auditory-evoked gamma and theta oscillatory power paralleled by reduced PV protein levels. We then showed the Arx gene, critical to healthy neurodevelopment of PV interneurons, is reduced in the forebrain of MIA exposed mice. Finally, in a whole-genome sequenced patient cohort, we identified a novel missense mutation of ARX in a patient with schizophrenia and in the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium 2 cohort, a nominal association of proximal ARX SNPs with the disorder. This suggests MIA, as a risk factor for schizophrenia, may be influencing Arx expression to induce the GABAergic dysfunction seen in schizophrenia and that the ARX gene may play a role in the prenatal origins of schizophrenia pathophysiology.
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Harrington A, Darke H, Ennis G, Sundram S. Evaluation of an alternative model for the management of clinical risk in an adult acute psychiatric inpatient unit. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2019; 28:1099-1109. [PMID: 31206989 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite their widespread use, typical visual observation practices are not evidence-based and adverse events - such as self-harm and absconding - still occur even under the most intense forms of observation. This study aimed to (i) develop and implement an engagement-focused systematized model of clinical risk management in an adult acute psychiatric inpatient unit; and (ii) prospectively evaluate its effect on rates of violence, self-harm, absconding, sexually inappropriate behaviour, and seclusion. A new model of engagement-focused clinical risk management was developed using a participatory action research framework and implemented in an adult acute psychiatric inpatient unit. Using a mirror-image design, rates of violence/aggression, self-harm, absconding, sexually inappropriate behaviour, and seclusion were compared before and after implementation, and staff satisfaction levels were measured. The clinical engagement-based model was introduced, and 1087 admissions before implementation (24 months) were compared with 965 admissions post-implementation (18 months). The new model was associated with significantly reduced rates of absconding (pre: 10.5/1000 occupied bed days, 95% CI [9.0, 12.1] compared with post: 6.5/1000 occupied bed days [5.2, 8.1], P < 0.001) and seclusion (pre: 43.7/1000 occupied bed days, 95% CI [40.6, 46.9] compared with post: 30.9/1000 occupied bed days [27.9, 34.1], P < 0.0001). Rates of aggression, deliberate self-harm, and sexually inappropriate behaviour were non-significantly decreased. Findings suggest that this engagement-focused model of clinical risk management in an adult psychiatric inpatient unit significantly reduced adverse patient events and was preferred by staff over current practice. Other psychiatric inpatient facilities may see a reduction in adverse events following the introduction of this well-tolerated risk management model.
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Hoffmann C, Van Rheenen TE, Mancuso SG, Zalesky A, Bruggemann J, Lenroot RK, Sundram S, Weickert CS, Weickert TW, Pantelis C, Cropley V, Bousman CA. Exploring the moderating effects of dopaminergic polymorphisms and childhood adversity on brain morphology in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2018; 281:61-68. [PMID: 30253269 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental etiologies may contribute to schizophrenia and its associated neurobiological profile. We examined the interaction between dopaminergic polymorphisms, childhood adversity and diagnosis (schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder) on dopamine-related brain structures. Childhood adversity histories and structural MRI data were obtained from 249 (153 schizophrenia/schizoaffective, 96 controls) participants registered in the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank. Polymorphisms in DRD2 and COMT were genotyped and a dopaminergic risk allelic load (RAL) was calculated. Regression analysis was used to test the main and interaction effects of RAL, childhood adversity and diagnosis on volumes of dopamine-related brain structures (caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus). A schizophrenia/schizoaffective diagnosis showed significant main effects on bilateral hippocampus, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and bilateral putamen volumes. RAL showed a significant main effect on left putamen volumes. Furthermore, across the whole sample, a significant two-way interaction between dopaminergic RAL and childhood adversity was found for left putamen volumes. No brain structure volumes were predicted by a three-way interaction that included diagnosis. Our finding suggests the left putamen may be particularly sensitive to dopaminergic gene-environment interactions regardless of diagnosis. However, larger studies are needed to assess whether these interactions are more or less pronounced in those with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders.
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Kong W, Li H, Qiao K, Kim Y, Lee K, Nie Y, Lee D, Osadchy T, Molnar RJ, Gaskill DK, Myers-Ward RL, Daniels KM, Zhang Y, Sundram S, Yu Y, Bae SH, Rajan S, Shao-Horn Y, Cho K, Ougazzaden A, Grossman JC, Kim J. Polarity governs atomic interaction through two-dimensional materials. NATURE MATERIALS 2018; 17:999-1004. [PMID: 30297812 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-018-0176-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The transparency of two-dimensional (2D) materials to intermolecular interactions of crystalline materials has been an unresolved topic. Here we report that remote atomic interaction through 2D materials is governed by the binding nature, that is, the polarity of atomic bonds, both in the underlying substrates and in 2D material interlayers. Although the potential field from covalent-bonded materials is screened by a monolayer of graphene, that from ionic-bonded materials is strong enough to penetrate through a few layers of graphene. Such field penetration is substantially attenuated by 2D hexagonal boron nitride, which itself has polarization in its atomic bonds. Based on the control of transparency, modulated by the nature of materials as well as interlayer thickness, various types of single-crystalline materials across the periodic table can be epitaxially grown on 2D material-coated substrates. The epitaxial films can subsequently be released as free-standing membranes, which provides unique opportunities for the heterointegration of arbitrary single-crystalline thin films in functional applications.
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Kelly S, Jahanshad N, Zalesky A, Kochunov P, Agartz I, Alloza C, Andreassen OA, Arango C, Banaj N, Bouix S, Bousman CA, Brouwer RM, Bruggemann J, Bustillo J, Cahn W, Calhoun V, Cannon D, Carr V, Catts S, Chen J, Chen JX, Chen X, Chiapponi C, Cho KK, Ciullo V, Corvin AS, Crespo-Facorro B, Cropley V, De Rossi P, Diaz-Caneja CM, Dickie EW, Ehrlich S, Fan FM, Faskowitz J, Fatouros-Bergman H, Flyckt L, Ford JM, Fouche JP, Fukunaga M, Gill M, Glahn DC, Gollub R, Goudzwaard ED, Guo H, Gur RE, Gur RC, Gurholt TP, Hashimoto R, Hatton SN, Henskens FA, Hibar DP, Hickie IB, Hong LE, Horacek J, Howells FM, Hulshoff Pol HE, Hyde CL, Isaev D, Jablensky A, Jansen PR, Janssen J, Jönsson EG, Jung LA, Kahn RS, Kikinis Z, Liu K, Klauser P, Knöchel C, Kubicki M, Lagopoulos J, Langen C, Lawrie S, Lenroot RK, Lim KO, Lopez-Jaramillo C, Lyall A, Magnotta V, Mandl RCW, Mathalon DH, McCarley RW, McCarthy-Jones S, McDonald C, McEwen S, McIntosh A, Melicher T, Mesholam-Gately RI, Michie PT, Mowry B, Mueller BA, Newell DT, O'Donnell P, Oertel-Knöchel V, Oestreich L, Paciga SA, Pantelis C, Pasternak O, Pearlson G, Pellicano GR, Pereira A, Pineda Zapata J, Piras F, Potkin SG, Preda A, Rasser PE, Roalf DR, Roiz R, Roos A, Rotenberg D, Satterthwaite TD, Savadjiev P, Schall U, Scott RJ, Seal ML, Seidman LJ, Shannon Weickert C, Whelan CD, Shenton ME, Kwon JS, Spalletta G, Spaniel F, Sprooten E, Stäblein M, Stein DJ, Sundram S, Tan Y, Tan S, Tang S, Temmingh HS, Westlye LT, Tønnesen S, Tordesillas-Gutierrez D, Doan NT, Vaidya J, van Haren NEM, Vargas CD, Vecchio D, Velakoulis D, Voineskos A, Voyvodic JQ, Wang Z, Wan P, Wei D, Weickert TW, Whalley H, White T, Whitford TJ, Wojcik JD, Xiang H, Xie Z, Yamamori H, Yang F, Yao N, Zhang G, Zhao J, van Erp TGM, Turner J, Thompson PM, Donohoe G. Widespread white matter microstructural differences in schizophrenia across 4322 individuals: results from the ENIGMA Schizophrenia DTI Working Group. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1261-1269. [PMID: 29038599 PMCID: PMC5984078 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 412] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The regional distribution of white matter (WM) abnormalities in schizophrenia remains poorly understood, and reported disease effects on the brain vary widely between studies. In an effort to identify commonalities across studies, we perform what we believe is the first ever large-scale coordinated study of WM microstructural differences in schizophrenia. Our analysis consisted of 2359 healthy controls and 1963 schizophrenia patients from 29 independent international studies; we harmonized the processing and statistical analyses of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data across sites and meta-analyzed effects across studies. Significant reductions in fractional anisotropy (FA) in schizophrenia patients were widespread, and detected in 20 of 25 regions of interest within a WM skeleton representing all major WM fasciculi. Effect sizes varied by region, peaking at (d=0.42) for the entire WM skeleton, driven more by peripheral areas as opposed to the core WM where regions of interest were defined. The anterior corona radiata (d=0.40) and corpus callosum (d=0.39), specifically its body (d=0.39) and genu (d=0.37), showed greatest effects. Significant decreases, to lesser degrees, were observed in almost all regions analyzed. Larger effect sizes were observed for FA than diffusivity measures; significantly higher mean and radial diffusivity was observed for schizophrenia patients compared with controls. No significant effects of age at onset of schizophrenia or medication dosage were detected. As the largest coordinated analysis of WM differences in a psychiatric disorder to date, the present study provides a robust profile of widespread WM abnormalities in schizophrenia patients worldwide. Interactive three-dimensional visualization of the results is available at www.enigma-viewer.org.
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Van Rheenen TE, Cropley V, Zalesky A, Bousman C, Wells R, Bruggemann J, Sundram S, Weinberg D, Lenroot RK, Pereira A, Shannon Weickert C, Weickert TW, Pantelis C. Widespread Volumetric Reductions in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Patients Displaying Compromised Cognitive Abilities. Schizophr Bull 2018; 44:560-574. [PMID: 28981831 PMCID: PMC5890481 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbx109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Progress toward understanding brain mechanisms in psychosis is hampered by failures to account for within-group heterogeneity that exists across neuropsychological domains. We recently identified distinct cognitive subgroups that might assist in identifying more biologically meaningful subtypes of psychosis. In the present study, we examined whether underlying structural brain abnormalities differentiate these cognitively derived subgroups. METHOD 1.5T T1 weighted structural scans were acquired for 168 healthy controls and 220 patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. Based on previous work, 47 patients were categorized as being cognitively compromised (impaired premorbid and current IQ), 100 as cognitively deteriorated (normal premorbid IQ, impaired current IQ), and 73 as putatively cognitively preserved (premorbid and current IQ within 1 SD of controls). Global, subcortical and cortical volume, thickness, and surface area measures were compared among groups. RESULTS Whole cortex, subcortical, and regional volume and thickness reductions were evident in all subgroups compared to controls, with the largest effect sizes in the compromised group. This subgroup also showed abnormalities in regions not seen in the other patient groups, including smaller left superior and middle frontal areas, left anterior and inferior temporal areas and right lateral medial and inferior frontal, occipital lobe and superior temporal areas. CONCLUSIONS This pattern of more prominent brain structural abnormalities in the group with the most marked cognitive impairments-both currently and putatively prior to illness onset, is consistent with the concept of schizophrenia as a progressive neurodevelopmental disorder. In this group, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative factors may be important for cognitive function.
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Bousman CA, Cropley V, Klauser P, Hess JL, Pereira A, Idrizi R, Bruggemann J, Mostaid MS, Lenroot R, Weickert TW, Glatt SJ, Everall IP, Sundram S, Zalesky A, Weickert CS, Pantelis C. Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) polymorphisms linked with psychosis transition are associated with enlarged lateral ventricles and white matter disruption in schizophrenia. Psychol Med 2018; 48:801-809. [PMID: 28826413 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291717002173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs4281084 and rs12155594) within the neuregulin-1 (NRG1) gene have been associated with psychosis transition. However, the neurobiological changes associated with these SNPs remain unclear. We aimed to determine what relationship these two SNPs have on lateral ventricular volume and white matter integrity, as abnormalities in these brain structures are some of the most consistent in schizophrenia. METHODS Structural (n = 370) and diffusion (n = 465) magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained from affected and unaffected individuals predominantly of European descent. The SNPs rs4281084, rs12155594, and their combined allelic load were examined for their effects on lateral ventricular volume, fractional anisotropy (FA) as well as axial (AD) and radial (RD) diffusivity. Additional exploratory analyses assessed NRG1 effects on gray matter volume, cortical thickness, and surface area throughout the brain. RESULTS Individuals with a schizophrenia age of onset ⩽25 and a combined allelic load ⩾3 NRG1 risk alleles had significantly larger right (up to 50%, p adj = 0.01) and left (up to 45%, p adj = 0.05) lateral ventricle volumes compared with those with allelic loads of less than three. Furthermore, carriers of three or more risk alleles, regardless of age of onset and case status, had significantly reduced FA and elevated RD but stable AD in the frontal cortex compared with those carrying fewer than three risk alleles. CONCLUSIONS Our findings build on a growing body of research supporting the functional importance of genetic variation within the NRG1 gene and complement previous findings implicating the rs4281084 and rs12155594 SNPs as markers for psychosis transition.
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Hocking DC, Mancuso SG, Sundram S. Development and validation of a mental health screening tool for asylum-seekers and refugees: the STAR-MH. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:69. [PMID: 29548315 PMCID: PMC5857116 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1660-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no screening tool for major depressive disorder (MDD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in asylum-seekers or refugees (ASR) that can be readily administered by non-mental health workers. Hence, we aimed to develop a brief, sensitive and rapidly administrable tool for non-mental health workers to screen for MDD and PTSD in ASR. METHODS The screening tool was developed from an extant dataset (n = 121) of multiply screened ASR and tested prospectively (N = 192) against the M.I.N.I. (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) structured psychiatric interview. Rasch, Differential Item Functioning and ROC analyses evaluated the psychometric properties and tool utility. RESULTS A 9-item tool with a median administration time of six minutes was generated, comprising two 'immediate screen-in' items, and a 7-item scale. The prevalence of PTSD &/or MDD using the M.I.N.I. was 32%, whilst 99% of other diagnosed mental disorders were comorbid with one or both of these. Using a cut-score of ≥2, the tool provided a sensitivity of 0.93, specificity of 0.75 and predictive accuracy of 80.7%. CONCLUSIONS A brief sensitive screening tool with robust psychometric properties that was easy to administer at the agency of first presentation was developed to facilitate mental health referrals for asylum-seekers and new refugees.
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Mostaid MS, Lee TT, Chana G, Sundram S, Shannon Weickert C, Pantelis C, Everall I, Bousman C. Elevated peripheral expression of neuregulin-1 (NRG1) mRNA isoforms in clozapine-treated schizophrenia patients. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:1280. [PMID: 29225331 PMCID: PMC5802529 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential expression of neuregulin-1 (NRG1) mRNA isoforms and proteins has been reported in schizophrenia, primarily in post-mortem brain tissue. In this study, we examined 12 NRG1 SNPs, eight NRG1 mRNA isoforms (type I, type I(Ig2), type II, type III, type IV, EGFα, EGFβ, pan-NRG1) in whole blood, and NRG1-β1 protein in serum of clozapine-treated schizophrenia patients (N = 71) and healthy controls (N = 57). In addition, using cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 15 healthy individuals, we examined the effect of clozapine on NRG1 mRNA isoform and protein expression. We found elevated levels of NRG1 mRNA, specifically the EGFα (P = 0.0175), EGFβ (P = 0.002) and type I(Ig2) (P = 0.023) containing transcripts, but lower NRG1-β1 serum protein levels (P = 0.019) in schizophrenia patients compared to healthy controls. However, adjusting for smoking status attenuated the difference in NRG1-β1 serum levels (P = 0.050). Examination of clinical factors showed NRG1 EGFα (P = 0.02) and EGFβ (P = 0.02) isoform expression was negatively correlated with age of onset. However, we found limited evidence that NRG1 mRNA isoform or protein expression was associated with current chlorpromazine equivalent dose or clozapine plasma levels, the latter corroborated by our PBMC clozapine exposure experiment. Our SNP analysis found no robust expression quantitative trait loci. Our results represent the first comprehensive investigation of NRG1 isoforms and protein expression in the blood of clozapine-treated schizophrenia patients and suggest levels of some NRG1 transcripts are upregulated in those with schizophrenia.
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Sundram S, Ventevogel P. The mental health of refugees and asylum seekers on Manus Island. Lancet 2017; 390:2534-2536. [PMID: 29191373 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)33051-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Carter O, Bennett D, Nash T, Arnold S, Brown L, Cai RY, Allan Z, Dluzniak A, McAnally K, Burr D, Sundram S. Sensory integration deficits support a dimensional view of psychosis and are not limited to schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1118. [PMID: 28485725 PMCID: PMC5534945 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual dysfunction is commonplace in schizophrenia and occurs alongside cognitive, psychotic and affective symptoms of the disorder. Psychophysical evidence suggests that this dysfunction results from impairments in the integration of low-level neural signals into complex cortical representations, which may also be associated with symptom formation. Despite the symptoms of schizophrenia occurring in a range of disorders, the integration deficit has not been tested in broader patient populations. Moreover, it remains unclear whether such deficits generalize across other sensory modalities. The present study assessed patients with a range of psychotic and nonpsychotic disorders and healthy controls on visual contrast detection, visual motion integration, auditory tone detection and auditory tone integration. The sample comprised a total of 249 participants (schizophrenia spectrum disorder n=98; bipolar affective disorder n=35; major depression n=31; other psychiatric conditions n=31; and healthy controls n=54), of whom 178 completed one or more visual task and 71 completed auditory tasks. Compared with healthy controls and nonpsychotic patients, psychotic patients trans-diagnostically were impaired on both visual and auditory integration, but unimpaired in simple visual or auditory detection. Impairment in visual motion integration was correlated with the severity of positive symptoms, and could not be accounted for by a reduction in processing speed, inattention or medication effects. Our results demonstrate that impaired sensory integration is not specific to schizophrenia, as has previously been assumed. Instead, sensory deficits are closely related to the presence of positive symptoms independent of diagnosis. The finding that equivalent integrative sensory processing is impaired in audition is consistent with hypotheses that propose a generalized deficit of neural integration in psychotic disorders.
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Cropley VL, Klauser P, Lenroot RK, Bruggemann J, Sundram S, Bousman C, Pereira A, Di Biase MA, Weickert TW, Weickert CS, Pantelis C, Zalesky A. Accelerated Gray and White Matter Deterioration With Age in Schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry 2017; 174:286-295. [PMID: 27919183 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.16050610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although brain changes in schizophrenia have been proposed to mirror those found with advancing age, the trajectory of gray matter and white matter changes during the disease course remains unclear. The authors sought to measure whether these changes in individuals with schizophrenia remain stable, are accelerated, or are diminished with age. METHOD Gray matter volume and fractional anisotropy were mapped in 326 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and in 197 healthy comparison subjects aged 20-65 years. Polynomial regression was used to model the influence of age on gray matter volume and fractional anisotropy at a whole-brain and voxel level. Between-group differences in gray matter volume and fractional anisotropy were regionally localized across the lifespan using permutation testing and cluster-based inference. RESULTS Significant loss of gray matter volume was evident in schizophrenia, progressively worsening with age to a maximal loss of 8% in the seventh decade of life. The inferred rate of gray matter volume loss was significantly accelerated in schizophrenia up to middle age and plateaued thereafter. In contrast, significant reductions in fractional anisotropy emerged in schizophrenia only after age 35, and the rate of fractional anisotropy deterioration with age was constant and best modeled with a straight line. The slope of this line was 60% steeper in schizophrenia relative to comparison subjects, indicating a significantly faster rate of white matter deterioration with age. The rates of reduction of gray matter volume and fractional anisotropy were significantly faster in males than in females, but an interaction between sex and diagnosis was not evident. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that schizophrenia is characterized by an initial, rapid rate of gray matter loss that slows in middle life, followed by the emergence of a deficit in white matter that progressively worsens with age at a constant rate.
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Mostaid MS, Mancuso SG, Liu C, Sundram S, Pantelis C, Everall IP, Bousman CA. Meta-analysis reveals associations between genetic variation in the 5' and 3' regions of Neuregulin-1 and schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1004. [PMID: 28094814 PMCID: PMC5545738 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic, post-mortem and neuroimaging studies repeatedly implicate neuregulin-1 (NRG1) as a critical component in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Although a number of risk haplotypes along with several genetic polymorphisms in the 5' and 3' regions of NRG1 have been linked with schizophrenia, results have been mixed. To reconcile these conflicting findings, we conducted a meta-analysis examining 22 polymorphisms and two haplotypes in NRG1 among 16 720 cases, 20 449 controls and 2157 family trios. We found significant associations for three polymorphisms (rs62510682, rs35753505 and 478B14-848) at the 5'-end and two (rs2954041 and rs10503929) near the 3'-end of NRG1. Population stratification effects were found for the rs35753505 and 478B14-848(4) polymorphisms. There was evidence of heterogeneity for all significant markers and the findings were robust to publication bias. No significant haplotype associations were found. Our results suggest genetic variation at the 5' and 3' ends of NRG1 are associated with schizophrenia and provide renewed justification for further investigation of NRG1's role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
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Mostaid MS, Lee TT, Chana G, Sundram S, Shannon Weickert C, Pantelis C, Everall I, Bousman C. Peripheral Transcription of NRG-ErbB Pathway Genes Are Upregulated in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:225. [PMID: 29163244 PMCID: PMC5681734 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigation of peripheral gene expression patterns of transcripts within the NRG-ErbB signaling pathway, other than neuregulin-1 (NRG1), among patients with schizophrenia and more specifically treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is limited. The present study built on our previous work demonstrating elevated levels of NRG1 EGFα, EGFβ, and type I(Ig2) containing transcripts in TRS by investigating 11 NRG-ErbB signaling pathway mRNA transcripts (NRG2, ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3, ErbB4, PIK3CD, PIK3R3, AKT1, mTOR, P70S6K, eIF4EBP1) in whole blood of TRS patients (N = 71) and healthy controls (N = 57). We also examined the effect of clozapine exposure on transcript levels using cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 15 healthy individuals. Five transcripts (ErbB3, PIK3CD, AKT1, P70S6K, eIF4EBP1) were significantly elevated in TRS patients compared to healthy controls but only expression of P70S6K (Pcorrected = 0.018), a protein kinase linked to protein synthesis, cell growth, and cell proliferation, survived correction for multiple testing using the Benjamini-Hochberg method. Investigation of clinical factors revealed that ErbB2, PIK3CD, PIK3R3, AKT1, mTOR, and P70S6K expression were negatively correlated with duration of illness. However, no transcript was associated with chlorpromazine equivalent dose or clozapine plasma levels, the latter supported by our in vitro PBMC clozapine exposure experiment. Taken together with previously published NRG1 results, our findings suggest an overall upregulation of transcripts within the NRG-ErbB signaling pathway among individuals with schizophrenia some of which attenuate over duration of illness. Follow-up studies are needed to determine if the observed peripheral upregulation of transcripts within the NRG-ErbB signaling pathway are specific to TRS or are a general blood-based marker of schizophrenia.
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Mostaid MS, Lloyd D, Liberg B, Sundram S, Pereira A, Pantelis C, Karl T, Weickert CS, Everall IP, Bousman CA. Neuregulin-1 and schizophrenia in the genome-wide association study era. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:387-409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Bennett D, Dluzniak A, Cropper SJ, Partos T, Sundram S, Carter O. Selective impairment of global motion integration, but not global form detection, in schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder. Schizophr Res Cogn 2016; 3:11-14. [PMID: 28740802 PMCID: PMC5506721 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that schizophrenia is associated with impaired processing of global visual motion, but intact processing of global visual form. This project assessed whether preserved visual form detection in schizophrenia extended beyond low-level pattern discrimination to a naturalistic form-detection task. We assessed both naturalistic form detection and global motion detection in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar affective disorder, and healthy controls. Individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder and bipolar affective disorder were impaired relative to healthy controls on the global motion task, but not the naturalistic form-detection task. Results indicate that preservation of visual form detection in these disorders extends beyond configural forms to naturalistic object processing.
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Hocking DC, Kennedy GA, Sundram S. Social factors ameliorate psychiatric disorders in community-based asylum seekers independent of visa status. Psychiatry Res 2015; 230:628-36. [PMID: 26518226 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The impact of industrialised host nations' deterrent immigration policies on the mental health of forced migrants has not been well characterised. The present study investigated the impact of Australia's refugee determination process (RDP) on psychiatric morbidity in community-based asylum-seekers (AS) and refugees. Psychiatric morbidity was predicted to be greater in AS than refugees, and to persist or increase as a function of time in the RDP. The effect on mental health of demographic and socio-political factors such as health cover and work rights were also investigated. Psychiatric morbidity was measured prospectively on five mental health indices at baseline (T1, n=131) and an average of 15.7 months later (T2, n=56). Psychiatric morbidity in AS significantly decreased between time points such that it was no longer greater than that of refugees at T2. Caseness of PTSD and demoralisation reduced in AS who gained protection; however, those who maintained asylum-seeker status at T2 also had a significant reduction in PTS and depression symptom severity. Reduced PTS and demoralisation symptoms were associated with securing work rights and health cover. Living in the community with work rights and access to health cover significantly improves psychiatric symptoms in forced migrants irrespective of their protection status.
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Wells R, Swaminathan V, Sundram S, Weinberg D, Bruggemann J, Jacomb I, Cropley V, Lenroot R, Pereira AM, Zalesky A, Bousman C, Pantelis C, Weickert CS, Weickert TW. The impact of premorbid and current intellect in schizophrenia: cognitive, symptom, and functional outcomes. NPJ SCHIZOPHRENIA 2015; 1:15043. [PMID: 27336046 PMCID: PMC4849463 DOI: 10.1038/npjschz.2015.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive heterogeneity among people with schizophrenia has been defined on the basis of premorbid and current intelligence quotient (IQ) estimates. In a relatively large, community cohort, we aimed to independently replicate and extend cognitive subtyping work by determining the extent of symptom severity and functional deficits in each group. METHODS A total of 635 healthy controls and 534 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were recruited through the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank. Patients were classified into cognitive subgroups on the basis of the Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (a premorbid IQ estimate) and current overall cognitive abilities into preserved, deteriorated, and compromised groups using both clinical and empirical (k-means clustering) methods. Additional cognitive, functional, and symptom outcomes were compared among the resulting groups. RESULTS A total of 157 patients (29%) classified as 'preserved' performed within one s.d. of control means in all cognitive domains. Patients classified as 'deteriorated' (n=239, 44%) performed more than one s.d. below control means in all cognitive domains except estimated premorbid IQ and current visuospatial abilities. A separate 138 patients (26%), classified as 'compromised,' performed more than one s.d. below control means in all cognitive domains and displayed greater impairment than other groups on symptom and functional measures. CONCLUSIONS In the present study, we independently replicated our previous cognitive classifications of people with schizophrenia. In addition, we extended previous work by demonstrating worse functional outcomes and symptom severity in the compromised group.
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