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Melillo A, Perrottelli A, Caporusso E, Coltorti A, Giordano GM, Giuliani L, Pezzella P, Bucci P, Mucci A, Galderisi S, Maj M. Research evidence on the management of the cognitive impairment component of the post-COVID condition: a qualitative systematic review. Eur Psychiatry 2024; 67:e60. [PMID: 39328154 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.1770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment (CI) is one of the most prevalent and burdensome consequences of COVID-19 infection, which can persist up to months or even years after remission of the infection. Current guidelines on post-COVID CI are based on available knowledge on treatments used for improving CI in other conditions. The current review aims to provide an updated overview of the existing evidence on the efficacy of treatments for post-COVID CI. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted for studies published up to December 2023 using three databases (PubMed-Scopus-ProQuest). Controlled and noncontrolled trials, cohort studies, case series, and reports testing interventions on subjects with CI following COVID-19 infection were included. RESULTS After screening 7790 articles, 29 studies were included. Multidisciplinary approaches, particularly those combining cognitive remediation interventions, physical exercise, and dietary and sleep support, may improve CI and address the different needs of individuals with post-COVID-19 condition. Cognitive remediation interventions can provide a safe, cost-effective option and may be tailored to deficits in specific cognitive domains. Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques and hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed mixed and preliminary results. Evidence for other interventions, including pharmacological ones, remains sparse. Challenges in interpreting existing evidence include heterogeneity in study designs, assessment tools, and recruitment criteria; lack of long-term follow-up; and under-characterization of samples in relation to confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS Further research, grounded on shared definitions of the post-COVID condition and on the accurate assessment of COVID-related CI, in well-defined study samples and with longer follow-ups, is crucial to address this significant unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Melillo
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Perrottelli
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Edoardo Caporusso
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Coltorti
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Maria Giordano
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Giuliani
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pezzella
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Bucci
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Armida Mucci
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Silvana Galderisi
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Maj
- World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Bucci P, Mucci A, Giordano GM, Caporusso E, Giuliani L, Gibertoni D, Rossi A, Rocca P, Bertolino A, Galderisi S. Insight in cognitive impairment assessed with the Cognitive Assessment Interview in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:1343-1354. [PMID: 37380743 PMCID: PMC11362188 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01641-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The Cognitive Assessment Interview (CAI) is an interview-based scale measuring cognitive impairment and its impact on functioning in subjects with schizophrenia (SCZ). The present study aimed at assessing, in a large sample of SCZ (n = 601), the agreement between patients and their informants on CAI ratings, to explore patients' insight in their cognitive deficits and its relationships with clinical and functional indices. Agreement between patient- and informant-based ratings was assessed by the Gwet's agreement coefficient. Predictors of insight in cognitive deficits were explored by stepwise multiple regression analyses. Patients reported lower severity of cognitive impairment vs. informants. A substantial to almost perfect agreement was observed between patients' and informants' ratings. Lower insight in cognitive deficits was associated to greater severity of neurocognitive impairment and positive symptoms, lower severity of depressive symptoms, and older age. Worse real-life functioning was associated to lower insight in cognitive deficit, worse neurocognitive performance, and worse functional capacity. Our findings indicate that the CAI is a valid co-primary measure with the interview to patients providing a reliable assessment of their cognitive deficits. In the absence of informants with good knowledge of the subject, the interview to the patient may represent a valid alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Armida Mucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia M Giordano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Edoardo Caporusso
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Giuliani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Dino Gibertoni
- Research and Innovation Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Paola Rocca
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', Bari, Italy
| | - Silvana Galderisi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Giuliani L, Pezzella P, Giordano GM, Fazio L, Mucci A, Perrottelli A, Blasi G, Amore M, Rocca P, Rossi A, Bertolino A, Galderisi S, Maj M. Illness-related variables and abnormalities of resting-state brain activity in schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1458624. [PMID: 39165501 PMCID: PMC11333936 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1458624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The development of neuroimaging biomarkers in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) requires a refined clinical characterization. A limitation of the neuroimaging literature is the partial uptake of progress in characterizing disease-related features, particularly negative symptoms (NS) and cognitive impairment (CI). In the present study, we assessed NS and CI using up-to-date instruments and investigated the associations of abnormalities in brain resting-state (rs)-activity with disease-related features. Methods Sixty-two community-dwelling SCZ subjects participated in the study. Multiple regression analyses were performed with the rs-activity of nine regions of interest as dependent variables and disease-related features as explanatory variables. Results Attention/vigilance deficits were negatively associated with dorsal anterior cingulate rs-activity and, together with depression, were positively associated with right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex rs-activity. These deficits and impairment of Reasoning/problem-solving, together with conceptual disorganization, were associated with right inferior parietal lobule and temporal parietal junction rs-activity. Independent of other features, the NS Expressive Deficit domain was associated with the left ventral caudate, while the Motivational Deficit was associated with the dorsal caudate rs-activity. Conclusion Neurocognitive deficits and the two negative symptom domains are associated with different neural markers. Replications of these findings could foster the identification of clinically actionable biomarkers of poor functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Giuliani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pezzella
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Fazio
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Libera Università Mediterranea Giuseppe Degennaro, Casamassima, Italy
| | - Armida Mucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Perrottelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Blasi
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Rocca
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvana Galderisi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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Perrottelli A, Giordano GM, Koenig T, Caporusso E, Giuliani L, Pezzella P, Bucci P, Mucci A, Galderisi S. Electrophysiological Correlates of Reward Anticipation in Subjects with Schizophrenia: An ERP Microstate Study. Brain Topogr 2024; 37:1-19. [PMID: 37402859 PMCID: PMC11199294 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-00984-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate alterations of event-related potentials (ERPs) microstate during reward anticipation in subjects with schizophrenia (SCZ), and their association with hedonic experience and negative symptoms. EEG data were recorded in thirty SCZ and twenty-three healthy controls (HC) during the monetary incentive delay task in which reward, loss and neutral cues were presented. Microstate analysis and standardized low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) were applied to EEG data. Furthermore, analyses correlating a topographic index (the ERPs score), calculated to quantify brain activation in relationship to the microstate maps, and scales assessing hedonic experience and negative symptoms were performed. Alterations in the first (125.0-187.5 ms) and second (261.7-414.1 ms) anticipatory cue-related microstate classes were observed. In SCZ, reward cues were associated to shorter duration and earlier offset of the first microstate class as compared to the neutral condition. In the second microstate class, the area under the curve was smaller for both reward and loss anticipation cues in SCZ as compared to HC. Furthermore, significant correlations between ERPs scores and the anticipation of pleasure scores were detected, while no significant association was found with negative symptoms. sLORETA analysis showed that hypo-activation of the cingulate cortex, insula, orbitofrontal and parietal cortex was detected in SCZ as compared to HC. Abnormalities in ERPs could be traced already during the early stages of reward processing and were associated with the anticipation of pleasure, suggesting that these dysfunctions might impair effective evaluation of incoming pleasant experiences. Negative symptoms and anhedonia are partially independent results.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Perrottelli
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - G M Giordano
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - T Koenig
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - E Caporusso
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - L Giuliani
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - P Pezzella
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - P Bucci
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - A Mucci
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - S Galderisi
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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5
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Cipolla S, Catapano P, D’Amico D, Monda R, Sallusto NP, Perris F, De Santis V, Catapano F, Luciano M, Fiorillo A. Combination of Two Long-Acting Antipsychotics in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2024; 14:433. [PMID: 38790412 PMCID: PMC11117856 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 34% of patients with schizophrenia are resistant to several treatment trials. Lack of continuous and adequate treatment is associated with relapse, rehospitalization, a lower effect of antipsychotic therapy, and higher risk of side effects. Long-acting injectables antipsychotics (LAI APs) enhance compliance and improve clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia, and thus it may be advisable to administer two LAI APs at the same time in cases of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available literature regarding the combined use of two LAI APs in patients with schizophrenia or other psychotic spectrum disorders. METHODS An extensive literature search for relevant articles regarding any combination of two long-acting injectable antipsychotics has been performed from inception up to 9 February 2024, on PubMed, Scopus and APA PsycInfo, according to the PRISMA statement. Only studies reporting combination of two LAI APs and its clinical outcome in patients with schizophrenia and related disorders were selected. RESULTS After the selection process, nine case reports, four case series and two observational retrospective studies were included in the final analysis. All patients treated with dual LAI APs reported a good response, and no new or unexpected adverse effects due to the combination of two LAIs were reported. Different drug combinations were used, and the most frequent association resulted in aripiprazole monohydrate + paliperidone palmitate once monthly (32 times). CONCLUSIONS Our review highlights that the treatment regimen with two concurrent LAI APs is already widely used in clinical practice and is recognized as providing a promising, effective, and relatively safe therapeutic strategy for treating the schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Luciano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Largo Madonna delle Grazie 1, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (P.C.); (D.D.); (R.M.); (N.P.S.); (F.P.); (V.D.S.); (F.C.); (A.F.)
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Giordano GM, Pezzella P, Mucci A, Austin SF, Erfurth A, Glenthøj B, Hofer A, Hubenak J, Libiger J, Melle I, Nielsen MØ, Rybakowski JK, Wojciak P, Galderisi S, Sachs G. Negative symptoms and social cognition as mediators of the relationship between neurocognition and functional outcome in schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1333711. [PMID: 38356912 PMCID: PMC10864497 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1333711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In this study we assessed the contribution of psychopathology, including the two domains of negative symptoms (motivational deficit and expressive deficit), processing speed as an index of neurocognition, and emotion recognition, as an index of social cognition, to poor functional outcomes in people with schizophrenia. Methods The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to evaluate positive symptoms and disorganization and the Brief Negative Symptom Scale to assess negative symptoms. The Symbol Coding and the Trail Making Test A and B were used to rate processing speed and the Facial Emotion Identification Test to assess emotion recognition. Functional outcome was assessed with the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP). Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of functional outcome. Mediation analyses was used to investigate whether social cognition and negative symptom domains fully or partially mediated the impact of processing speed on functional outcome. Results One hundred and fifty subjects from 8 different European centers were recruited. Our data showed that the expressive deficit predicted global functioning and together with motivational deficit fully mediated the effects of neurocognition on it. Motivational deficit was a predictor of personal and social functioning and fully mediated neurocognitive impairment effects on the same outcome. Both motivational deficit and neurocognitive impairment predicted socially useful activities, and the emotion recognition domain of social cognition partially mediated the impact of neurocognitive deficits on this outcome. Conclusions Our results indicate that pathways to functional outcomes are specific for different domains of real-life functioning and that negative symptoms and social cognition mediate the impact of neurocognitive deficits on different domains of functioning. Our results suggest that both negative symptoms and social cognition should be targeted by psychosocial interventions to enhance the functional impact of neurocognitive remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia M. Giordano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pezzella
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Armida Mucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Stephen F. Austin
- Psychiatric Research Unit, Region Zealand Psychiatry, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Andreas Erfurth
- 6th Psychiatric Department, Otto-Wagner-Spital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birte Glenthøj
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR) and Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS), Mental Health Center Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alex Hofer
- Medical University Innsbruck, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry I, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jan Hubenak
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Jan Libiger
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czechia
| | - Ingrid Melle
- NORMENT Centre, Institute of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette Ø. Nielsen
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR) and Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS), Mental Health Center Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Janusz K. Rybakowski
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Pawel Wojciak
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Silvana Galderisi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sachs
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Giordano GM, Sanmarchi F, Mucci A, Rucci P, Brando F, Caporusso E, Giuliani L, Melillo A, Pezzella P, Bucci P, Rocca P, Rossi A, Bertolino A, Rossi R, Pergola G, Galderisi S, Maj M. External validation of the five domains of negative symptoms: Focus on cognition, functional capacity, and real-world functioning. Eur Psychiatry 2023; 67:e3. [PMID: 38097401 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.2478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The conceptualization of negative symptoms (NS) in schizophrenia is still controversial. Recent confirmatory factor-analytic studies suggested that the bi-dimensional model (motivational deficit [MAP] and expressive deficit [EXP]) may not capture the complexity of NS structure, which could be better defined by a five-factor (five NS domains) or a hierarchical model (five NS domains as first-order factors, and MAP and EXP, as second-order factors). A validation of these models is needed to define the structure of NS. To evaluate the validity and temporal stability of the five-factor or the hierarchical structure of the brief negative symptom scale (BNSS) in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ), exploring associations between these models with cognition, social cognition, functional capacity, and functioning at baseline and at 4 years follow-up. METHODS Clinical variables were assessed using state-of-the-art tools in 612 SCZ at two-time points. The validity of the five-factor and the hierarchical models was analyzed through structural equation models. RESULTS The two models had both a good fit and showed a similar pattern of associations with external validators at the two-time points, with minor variations. The five-factor solution had a slightly better fit. The associations with external validators favored the five-factor structure. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that both five-factor and hierarchical models provide a valid conceptualization of NS in relation to external variables and that five-factor solution provides the best balance between parsimony and granularity to summarize the BNSS structure. This finding has important implications for the study of pathophysiological mechanisms and the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia M Giordano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Armida Mucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Rucci
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Brando
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Edoardo Caporusso
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Giuliani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Melillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pezzella
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Bucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Rocca
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Pergola
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Silvana Galderisi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Rucci P, Caporusso E, Sanmarchi F, Giordano GM, Mucci A, Giuliani L, Pezzella P, Perrottelli A, Bucci P, Rocca P, Rossi A, Bertolino A, Galderisi S, Maj M. The structure stability of negative symptoms: longitudinal network analysis of the Brief Negative Symptom Scale in people with schizophrenia. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e168. [PMID: 37674282 PMCID: PMC10594087 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The structure of negative symptoms of schizophrenia is still a matter of controversy. Although a two-dimensional model (comprising the expressive deficit dimension and the motivation and pleasure dimension) has gained a large consensus, it has been questioned by recent investigations. AIMS To investigate the latent structure of negative symptoms and its stability over time in people with schizophrenia using network analysis. METHOD Negative symptoms were assessed in 612 people with schizophrenia using the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS) at baseline and at 4-year follow-up. A network invariance analysis was conducted to investigate changes in the network structure and strength of connections between the two time points. RESULTS The network analysis carried out at baseline and follow-up, supported by community detection analysis, indicated that the BNSS's items aggregate to form four or five distinct domains (avolition/asociality, anhedonia, blunted affect and alogia). The network invariance test indicated that the network structure remained unchanged over time (network invariance test score 0.13; P = 0.169), although its overall strength decreased (6.28 at baseline, 5.79 at follow-up; global strength invariance test score 0.48; P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS The results lend support to a four- or five-factor model of negative symptoms and indicate overall stability over time. These data have implications for the study of pathophysiological mechanisms and the development of targeted treatments for negative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rucci
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Caporusso
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia M. Giordano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Armida Mucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Giuliani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pezzella
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Perrottelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Bucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Rocca
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvana Galderisi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, Naples, Italy
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Toni C, Luciano M, Arsenio E, Boiano A, Corvino E, Della Rocca B, Lapadula MV, Tretola L, Sampogna G, Fiorillo A. The Efficacy of Psychoeducational Family Intervention for Major Depression: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1199. [PMID: 37626555 PMCID: PMC10452175 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13081199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess the efficacy of a psychoeducational family intervention (PFI) to reduce the severity of depressive symptoms and to improve psychosocial functioning and to increase social contacts in a sample of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The degree to which PFI will reduce patients' relapses, hospitalizations, and self-stigmatization and will improve their quality of life will also be assessed. Other secondary outcomes include the improvement of relatives' coping strategies, family burden, expressed emotions and quality of life. This non-profit, unfunded, national, multicentric randomized controlled trial with blinded outcome assessments will be carried out in 24 Italian university outpatient units. Families will be assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months post-randomization. Our working hypothesis is that the PFIs will reduce the patients' severity of depressive symptoms, their relapses, and their hospitalizations, and that they will improve their psychosocial functioning and quality of life. We expect these results to be maintained after 12 and 24 months, albeit with a reduction in magnitude. The sample will consist of 384 patients randomized at a 1:1 ratio and stratified according to center, age, gender, and educational level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Luciano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (C.T.); (E.A.); (A.B.); (E.C.); (B.D.R.); (M.V.L.); (L.T.); (G.S.); (A.F.)
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Giordano GM, Pezzella P, Giuliani L, Fazio L, Mucci A, Perrottelli A, Blasi G, Amore M, Rocca P, Rossi A, Bertolino A, Galderisi S. Resting-State Brain Activity Dysfunctions in Schizophrenia and Their Associations with Negative Symptom Domains: An fMRI Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13010083. [PMID: 36672064 PMCID: PMC9856573 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the neurobiological correlates of the two negative symptom domains of schizophrenia, the Motivational Deficit domain (including avolition, anhedonia, and asociality) and the Expressive Deficit domain (including blunted affect and alogia), focusing on brain areas that are most commonly found to be associated with negative symptoms in previous literature. Resting-state (rs) fMRI data were analyzed in 62 subjects affected by schizophrenia (SZs) and 46 healthy controls (HCs). The SZs, compared to the HCs, showed higher rs brain activity in the right inferior parietal lobule and the right temporoparietal junction, and lower rs brain activity in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the bilateral anterior dorsal cingulate cortex, and the ventral and dorsal caudate. Furthermore, in the SZs, the rs brain activity in the left orbitofrontal cortex correlated with negative symptoms (r = -0.436, p = 0.006), in particular with the Motivational Deficit domain (r = -0.424, p = 0.002), even after controlling for confounding factors. The left ventral caudate correlated with negative symptoms (r = -0.407, p = 0.003), especially with the Expressive Deficit domain (r = -0.401, p = 0.003); however, these results seemed to be affected by confounding factors. In line with the literature, our results demonstrated that the two negative symptom domains might be underpinned by different neurobiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Maria Giordano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pezzella
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Giuliani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0815666512
| | - Leonardo Fazio
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, 70010 Casamassima, Italy
| | - Armida Mucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Perrottelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Blasi
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Rocca
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari ‘Aldo Moro’, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Silvana Galderisi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
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11
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Bucci P, Giordano GM, Mucci A, Rocca P, Rossi A, Bertolino A, Aguglia E, Altamura C, Amore M, Bellomo A, Biondi M, Carpiniello B, Cascino G, Dell'Osso L, Fagiolini A, Giuliani L, Marchesi C, Montemagni C, Pettorruso M, Pompili M, Rampino A, Roncone R, Rossi R, Siracusano A, Tenconi E, Vita A, Zeppegno P, Galderisi S, Maj M. Sex and gender differences in clinical and functional indices in subjects with schizophrenia and healthy controls: Data from the baseline and 4-year follow-up studies of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses. Schizophr Res 2023; 251:94-107. [PMID: 36610377 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Gender differences in clinical and psychosocial aspects of schizophrenia have been widely reported. Findings have not always been consistent, and some of them need further research. In a large sample of community dwelling persons with schizophrenia, we investigated gender differences in clinical, cognitive and functional indices, as well as their changes over a 4-year follow-up and their impact on real-life functioning. Gender differences in personal resources, cognitive and functional indices were explored also in a sample of healthy controls. Men with respect to women had an earlier age of illness onset, a worse premorbid adjustment in the academic domain, more severe avolition, expressive deficit and positive symptoms, lower prevalence of comorbidity for affective disorders, less frequent use of two coping strategies ('religion' and 'use of emotional support') and more frequent positive history of substance and alcohol abuse. In addition, men were more impaired in verbal learning, while women in reasoning/problem solving. Some patterns of gender differences observed in healthy controls were not confirmed in patients. Men's disadvantages in the clinical picture did not translate into a worse outcome. This finding may be related to the complex interplay of several factors acting as predictors or mediators of outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Armida Mucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Rocca
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Altamura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonello Bellomo
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giammarco Cascino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Fagiolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Clinical Department of Mental Health, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luigi Giuliani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Marchesi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Cristiana Montemagni
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Pettorruso
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Rampino
- Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Rita Roncone
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alberto Siracusano
- Department of Systems Medicine, Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Tenconi
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Psychiatric Unit, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Mental Health, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zeppegno
- Department of Translational Medicine, Psychiatric Unit, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Silvana Galderisi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Naples, Italy
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- The members of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses involved in this study are listed in the Acknowledgments
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