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Chisholm K, Schirmbeck F, Pinkham AE, Sasson NJ, Simons CJP, de Haan L, Harvey PD, Penn DL, Ziermans T. A Cross-sectional Conceptual Replication and Longitudinal Evaluation of the PANSS-Autism-Severity-Score Measure Suggests it Does Not Capture Autistic Traits in Individuals With Psychosis. Schizophr Bull 2023:sbad161. [PMID: 37992238 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbad161] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism and psychosis co-occur at elevated rates, with implications for clinical outcomes, functioning, and suicidality. The PANSS-Autism-Severity-Score (PAUSS) is a measure of autism trait severity which has not yet been validated externally or longitudinally. STUDY DESIGN Participants were derived from the GROUP and SCOPE datasets. Participants included 1448 adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD), 800 SSD-siblings, 103 adults diagnosed with an autistic spectrum condition (ASC), and 409 typically-developing controls (TC). Analyses from the original validation study were conducted with SSD participants, and extended into ASC, SSD-sibling, and TC participants. Test-retest reliability of the PAUSS at 2-weeks and long-term stability 3 and 6-years was also examined. STUDY RESULTS Results differed in important ways from the original validation. SSD participants reported higher PAUSS scores than other groups, with only a fraction of ASC participants scoring as "PAUSS-Autistic." Cronbach's alpha was acceptable for the SSD cohort only. Two-week stability of the PAUSS was fair to good for all PAUSS scores. Long-term stability was poor for most PAUSS items but fair for total PAUSS score. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that the PAUSS does not appear appropriate for assessing autism, with the low rate of PAUSS-Autistic in the ASC population suggesting the PAUSS may not accurately reflect characteristics of autism. The relative lack of long-term stability is cause for concern and suggestive that the PAUSS is capturing features of psychosis rather than autism traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Chisholm
- School of Psychology, Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, Aston University, Aston St, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
| | - Frederike Schirmbeck
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arkin Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amy E Pinkham
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Noah J Sasson
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Claudia J P Simons
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GGzE Institute for Mental Health Care, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Meibergdreef, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Arkin Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip D Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Research Service, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, USA
| | - David L Penn
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Ziermans
- Department of Psychology, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Barlati S, Nibbio G, Morena D, Cacciani P, Corsini P, Mosca A, Deste G, Accardo V, Regina V, Lisoni J, Turrina C, Valsecchi P, Vita A. Autistic Symptoms in Schizophrenia: Impact on Internalized Stigma, Well-Being, Clinical and Functional Characteristics. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:801651. [PMID: 35432047 PMCID: PMC9005776 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.801651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) symptoms and internalized stigma (or self-stigma) can have a negative impact on cognitive and functional outcomes in people living with schizophrenia. Aim of the present study were to assess and compare internalized stigma, subjective well-being and other socio-demographic, clinical and functional characteristics in people diagnosed with schizophrenia with and without prominent autistic features. Ninety-four inpatients were assessed with measures of internalized stigma, subjective well-being, global clinical severity, schizophrenia symptoms severity, real-world functioning, medication side effects and attitude toward prescribed medications. Subjects with high levels of ASD symptoms were identified with the PANSS Autism Severity Score and compared to other participants. Predictors of prominent ASD features were also assessed. Thirteen patients showed prominent ASD symptoms. They were characterized by fewer years of education, worse real-world functioning and greater symptoms severity. No between-group differences were observed regarding subjective well-being and global internalized stigma severity; however, participants in the "autistic schizophrenia" group showed better stigma resistance. A worse clinical condition and fewer years of education emerged as predictors of autistic schizophrenia. Despite showing a more severe clinical presentation of the disorder and worse functional impairment, participants with prominent ASD symptoms do not present worse subjective well-being or more severe internalized stigma; on the contrary, they show better stigma resistance. ASD symptoms could therefore play a protective role in the internalization of stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Barlati
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Cacciani
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Corsini
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mosca
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Deste
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Vivian Accardo
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Regina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lisoni
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cesare Turrina
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Valsecchi
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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3
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Nibbio G, Barlati S, Calzavara-Pinton I, Necchini N, Invernizzi E, Dell'Ovo D, Lisoni J, Deste G, Vita A. Assessment and correlates of autistic symptoms in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders measured with the PANSS Autism Severity Score: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:934005. [PMID: 36111306 PMCID: PMC9468543 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.934005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are considered separate entities, but the two spectra share important similarities, and the study of these areas of overlap represents a field of growing scientific interest. The PANSS Autism Score (PAUSS) was recently developed specifically to assess autistic symptoms in people living with SSD reliably and quickly. The aims of the present systematic review were to provide a comprehensive assessment of the use of the PAUSS scale in available literature and to systematically analyze cognitive, functional and neurobiological correlates of autistic symptoms measured with this instrument in SSD. The systematic literature search included three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO) as well as a manual search in Google Scholar and in reference lists of included papers. Screening and extraction were conducted by at least two independent reviewers. Out of 213 identified records, 22 articles referring to 15 original studies were included in the systematic review. Studies were conducted in several different countries by independent groups, showing consistent scientific interest in the use of the scale; most works focused on cognitive and functional correlates of ASD symptoms, but some also considered neurobiological features. Results of included studies showed that autistic symptoms in people with SSD are consistently associated with worse cognitive performance, especially in the social cognition domain, and with worse psychosocial functioning. However, the presence of autistic symptoms appears to also have a protective role, particularly on functioning, in subjects with more severe psychotic symptoms. Further exploring the impact of autistic symptoms could be of significant scientific and clinical interest, allowing the development of tailored interventions to improve treatment for people living with SSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Necchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Invernizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Dario Dell'Ovo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lisoni
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Deste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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4
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Fernandez A, Pasquet-Levy M, Laure G, Thümmler S, Askenazy F. [Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Psychiatric Comorbidities and Associated Pathologies in Patients with Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia and Premorbid Autistic Symptoms.]. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2021; 66:1042-1050. [PMID: 33563032 PMCID: PMC8689449 DOI: 10.1177/0706743721990822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia (COS) is a rare (1/40000), severe and neurodevelopmental form of schizophrenia beginning before 13 years of age. Little is known about comorbidities and specific COS-related disorders. Thus, the objective of our study was to evaluate them from a psychiatric, neurodevelopmental and somatic perspective. METHOD This is an ancillary study of the GenAuDiss protocol. A standardized psychiatric interview (K-SADS-PL DSM5) and a neuropsychological assessment (WISC-V/WAIS-IV) were carried out in outpatients with COS as well as a medical history collection concerning pregnancy, perinatal period, development, biography and medical and psychiatric, personal, and family history. RESULTS 20 outpatients were included. The mean age of onset of COS was 8.90 years (+/- 2.30). Psychiatric comorbidities (DSM5) were Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (15/20 patients), Anxiety Disorders (14/20) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (13/20). The average IQ was 70.26 (+/- 18.09). A language delay and a break in school career were noted in 18/20 patients. Finally, the main associated somatic disorder was asthma (15/20 patients). DISCUSSION We highlighted in our patients with COS a high frequency of comorbidities including at least one systematic psychiatric disorder. However, although COS is a severe condition impacting the patient, his family and society, its management remains essentially symptomatic. In clinical practice, it is necessary to look for all these comorbidities and to manage them in order to improve the overall quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fernandez
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent,
Hôpitaux Pédiatriques de Nice CHU-LENVAL, 57 avenue de la Californie, Nice,
France
- Université Côte d'Azur, CoBTek, FRIS, Nice, France
| | - M Pasquet-Levy
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent,
Hôpitaux Pédiatriques de Nice CHU-LENVAL, 57 avenue de la Californie, Nice,
France
| | - G Laure
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent,
Hôpitaux Pédiatriques de Nice CHU-LENVAL, 57 avenue de la Californie, Nice,
France
- Université Côte d'Azur, CoBTek, FRIS, Nice, France
| | - S Thümmler
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent,
Hôpitaux Pédiatriques de Nice CHU-LENVAL, 57 avenue de la Californie, Nice,
France
- Université Côte d'Azur, CoBTek, FRIS, Nice, France
| | - F Askenazy
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent,
Hôpitaux Pédiatriques de Nice CHU-LENVAL, 57 avenue de la Californie, Nice,
France
- Université Côte d'Azur, CoBTek, FRIS, Nice, France
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5
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Deste G, Vita A, Nibbio G, Barlati S, Penn DL, Pinkham AE, Harvey PD. Autistic symptoms in people with schizophrenia: Neurocognitive, socio-cognitive, clinical and real-world functional characteristics of individuals without autistic features. Schizophr Res 2021; 236:12-18. [PMID: 34364032 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) symptoms are frequent in people living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and have a relevant impact on their daily life. However, current literature is mostly focused on investigating correlates of high levels of ASD symptoms, leaving largely unexplored the clinical, neurocognitive, socio-cognitive and functional characterization of individuals with minimal or absent ASD symptoms, which may represent a peculiar sub-population. METHODS A total of 361 patients (mean age 41.7 years; 117 females) included in the SCOPE study were assessed with clinical, neurocognitive, socio-cognitive, functional capacity, social skills and real-world functioning measures. The severity of ASD symptoms was assessed with the PANSS Autism Severity Scale (PAUSS): individuals with a PAUSS score < 10 were considered without significant ASD symptoms. RESULTS Seventy-two (19.95%) participants had no significant ASD symptoms and presented a less severe clinical status, as well as a better cognitive and socio-cognitive performance and functional profile. Lower non-autistic SSD symptoms severity and better social skills, functional capacity, global cognitive and Theory of Mind/Mental State Attribution (as measured by the Hinting task) performance and real-world social relationships emerged as predictors of non-ASD symptoms status in the logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSION Individuals without ASD symptoms represent a minority of people diagnosed with SSD that appears to be characterized by specific correlates, resulting in a less severe situation and more positive outcomes. As these factors could have a relevant impact on treatment response, assessing the severity of ASD symptoms could be an important step required to define a personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Deste
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - David L Penn
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America; School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Amy E Pinkham
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, United States of America.
| | - Philip D Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America; Research Service, Miami VA Healthcare System, United States of America.
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