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Morroni D, Konstantinou P, Gkleka C, Kassianos AP, Karekla M. Examining cognitive behavioral therapy interventions for unaccompanied minors: a systematic review and qualitative research synthesis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02500-z. [PMID: 38935131 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02500-z] [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: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review examined the evidence on effectiveness and acceptability of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions in improving quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being of unaccompanied minors (UM). METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and Open Dissertations databases were used to identify quantitative and qualitative studies. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools were used for quality assessment. Narrative synthesis and qualitative research synthesis were carried out to collate the findings. RESULTS 18 studies were included. Two studies examined QoL, and five studies examined acceptability of interventions. Most quantitative studies (n = 10) were appraised as methodologically weak. Trauma-Focused CBT appears to have the most evidence demonstrating effectiveness in ameliorating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Promising findings (i.e., increased mindfulness and psychological flexibility) were observed for third wave interventions but further replication is required. CONCLUSIONS The literature is tainted by under-powered studies, lacking blinding, and follow-up assessments. Female UM remain largely underrepresented. This review calls for a drastic augmentation of high quality quantitative and qualitative research focusing on augmenting QoL and examining acceptability rather than merely aiming for psychological symptom reduction in UM to enhance overall well-being and functionality. The research protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021293881).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafne Morroni
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia, 1678, Cyprus
| | - Pinelopi Konstantinou
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia, 1678, Cyprus
- Department of Psychology, School of Sciences, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Larnaca, Cyprus
| | - Chrysilia Gkleka
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia, 1678, Cyprus
| | | | - Maria Karekla
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia, 1678, Cyprus.
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Nibbio G, Pinton IC, Barlati S, Stanga V, Bertoni L, Necchini N, Zardini D, Lisoni J, Deste G, Vita A. Predictors of psychosocial functioning in people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders that committed violent offences and in those that did not: Results of the Recoviwel study. Schizophr Res 2024; 270:112-120. [PMID: 38896937 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.06.023] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Psychosocial functioning represents a core treatment target of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD), and several clinical and cognitive factors contribute to its impairment. However, determinants of psychosocial functioning in people living with SSD that committed violent offences remain to be more thoroughly explored. This study aims to separately assess and compare predictors of psychosocial functioning in people with SSD that did and that did not commit violent offences considering several clinical, cognitive and violence-related parameters. Fifty inmates convicted for violent crimes in a forensic psychiatry setting diagnosed with SSD (OP group) and fifty participants matched for age, gender, education, and diagnosis (Non-OP group) were included in the study. A higher risk of violent relapse as measured by HCR-20 clinical subscale scores (p < 0.002) and greater global clinical severity as measured by CGI-S scores (p = 0.023) emerged as individual predictors of worse psychosocial functioning, as measured by PSP scores, in the OP group. Greater global clinical severity (p < 0.001), worse performance in the processing speed domain as measured by the BACS Symbol Coding (p = 0.002) and TMT-A tests (p = 0.016) and higher levels of non-planning impulsivity as measured by BIS-11 scores (p < 0.001) emerged as individual predictors of worse psychosocial functioning in the Non-OP group. These results confirm that clinical severity impacts psychosocial functioning in all individuals diagnosed with SSD and suggest that while cognitive impairment clearly represents a determinant of worse functional outcomes in most patients, the risk of violent relapse is a specific predictor of worse psychosocial functioning in people with SSD that committed criminal offences.
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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.
| | - Valentina Stanga
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bertoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nicola Necchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Zardini
- 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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Vita A, Barlati S, Ceraso A, Nibbio G, Durante F, Facchi M, Deste G, Wykes T. Durability of Effects of Cognitive Remediation on Cognition and Psychosocial Functioning in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Am J Psychiatry 2024; 181:520-531. [PMID: 38476043 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230396] [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: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive remediation provides substantial improvements in cognitive performance and real-world functioning for people living with schizophrenia, but the durability of these benefits needs to be reassessed and better defined. The aims of this study were to provide a comprehensive assessment of the durability of the benefits of cognitive remediation for cognition and functioning in people living with schizophrenia and evaluating potential moderators of effects. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO, and reference lists of included articles and Google Scholar were inspected. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials of cognitive remediation in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in which follow-up assessments were included. Screening and data extraction were performed by at least two independent reviewers. Cohen's d was used to measure outcomes. Primary outcomes were changes in cognition and functioning from baseline to conclusion of follow-up. Moderators of the durability of effects were assessed. RESULTS Of 2,840 identified reports, 281 full texts were assessed and 130 reports on 67 studies with 5,334 participants were included. Cognitive remediation produced statistically significant positive effects that persisted at the end of follow-up in global cognition (d=0.23) and in global functioning (d=0.26). Smaller study samples and single-center studies were associated with better cognitive outcomes; longer treatment and follow-up duration, techniques for transferring cognitive gains to the real world, integration with psychiatric rehabilitation, group format of delivery, and more female participants in the sample were associated with better functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive remediation provides durable improvements in cognition and functioning in schizophrenia. This finding corroborates the notion that cognitive remediation should be implemented more widely in clinical and rehabilitation practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Nibbio, Facchi, Deste); Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Ceraso, Durante, Deste); Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London (Wykes)
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Nibbio, Facchi, Deste); Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Ceraso, Durante, Deste); Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London (Wykes)
| | - Anna Ceraso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Nibbio, Facchi, Deste); Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Ceraso, Durante, Deste); Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London (Wykes)
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Nibbio, Facchi, Deste); Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Ceraso, Durante, Deste); Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London (Wykes)
| | - Francesca Durante
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Nibbio, Facchi, Deste); Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Ceraso, Durante, Deste); Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London (Wykes)
| | - Michele Facchi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Nibbio, Facchi, Deste); Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Ceraso, Durante, Deste); Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London (Wykes)
| | - Giacomo Deste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Nibbio, Facchi, Deste); Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Ceraso, Durante, Deste); Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London (Wykes)
| | - Til Wykes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Nibbio, Facchi, Deste); Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy (Vita, Barlati, Ceraso, Durante, Deste); Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Maudsley Hospital, London (Wykes)
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Wykes T, Bowie CR, Cella M. Thinking About the Future of Cognitive Remediation Therapy Revisited: What Is Left to Solve Before Patients Have Access? Schizophr Bull 2024:sbae075. [PMID: 38780191 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbae075] [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: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In our previous paper on the Future of Cognitive Remediation published more than 10 years ago, we envisaged an imminent and wide implementation of cognitive remediation therapies into mental health services. This optimism was misplaced. Despite evidence of the benefits, costs, and savings of this intervention, access is still sparse. The therapy has made its way into some treatment guidance, but these documents weight the same evidence very differently, causing confusion, and do not consider barriers to implementation. This paper revisits our previous agenda and describes how some challenges were overcome but some remain. The scientific community, with its commitment to Open Science, has produced promising sets of empirical data to explore the mechanisms of treatment action. This same community needs to understand the specific and nonspecific effects of cognitive remediation if we are to provide a formulation-based approach that can be widely implemented. In the last 10 years we have learned that cognitive remediation is not "brain training" but is a holistic therapy that involves an active therapist providing motivation support, and who helps to mitigate the impact of cognitive difficulties through metacognition to develop awareness of cognitive approaches to problems. We conclude that, of course, more research is needed but, in addition and perhaps more importantly at this stage, we need more public and health professionals' understanding of the benefits of this therapy to inform and include this approach as part of treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Til Wykes
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Matteo Cella
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Barlati S, Nibbio G, Vita A. Evidence-based psychosocial interventions in schizophrenia: a critical review. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024; 37:131-139. [PMID: 38410981 PMCID: PMC10990032 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000925] [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: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD) are severe conditions that frequently produce significant impairment in cognitive performance, social skills and psychosocial functioning. As pharmacological treatment alone often provides only limited improvements on these outcomes, several psychosocial interventions are employed in psychiatric rehabilitation practice to improve of real-world outcomes of people living with SSD: the present review aims to provide a critical overview of these treatments, focusing on those that show consistent evidence of effectiveness. RECENT FINDINGS Several recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have investigated in detail the acceptability, the effectiveness on several specific outcomes and moderators of response of different psychosocial interventions, and several individual studies have provided novel insight on their implementation and combination in rehabilitation practice. SUMMARY Cognitive remediation, metacognitive training, social skills training, psychoeducation, family interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, physical exercise and lifestyle interventions, supported employment and some other interventions can be fully considered as evidence-based treatments in SSD. Psychosocial interventions could be of particular usefulness in the context of early intervention services. Future research should focus on developing newer interventions, on better understanding the barriers and the facilitators of their implementation in clinical practice, and exploring the opportunities provided by novel technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Barlati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Dark F, Galloway G, Gray M, Cella M, De Monte V, Gore-Jones V, Ritchie G. Reward Learning as a Potential Mechanism for Improvement in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders Following Cognitive Remediation: Protocol for a Clinical, Nonrandomized, Pre-Post Pilot Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e52505. [PMID: 38252470 PMCID: PMC10845020 DOI: 10.2196/52505] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is common with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Cognitive remediation (CR) is effective in improving global cognition, but not all individuals benefit from this type of intervention. A better understanding of the potential mechanism of action of CR is needed. One proposed mechanism is reward learning (RL), the cognitive processes responsible for adapting behavior following positive or negative feedback. It is proposed that the structure of CR enhances RL and motivation to engage in increasingly challenging tasks, and this is a potential mechanism by which CR improves cognitive functioning in schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE Our primary objective is to examine reward processing in individuals with schizophrenia before and after completing CR and to compare this with a group of matched clinical controls. We will assess whether RL mediates the relationship between CR and improved cognitive function and reduced negative symptoms. Potential differences in social RL and nonsocial RL in individuals with schizophrenia will also be investigated and compared with a healthy matched control group. METHODS We propose a clinical, nonrandomized, pre-post pilot study comparing the impact of CR on RL and neurocognitive outcomes. The study will use a combination of objective and subjective measures to assess neurocognitive, psychiatric symptoms, and neurophysiological domains. A total of 40 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (aged 18-35 years) will receive 12 weeks of CR therapy (n=20) or treatment as usual (n=20). Reward processing will be evaluated using a reinforcement learning task with 2 conditions (social reward vs nonsocial reward) at baseline and the 12-week follow-up. Functional magnetic resonance imaging responses will be measured during this task. To validate the reinforcement learning task, RL will also be assessed in 20 healthy controls, matched for age, sex, and premorbid functioning. Mixed-factorial ANOVAs will be conducted to evaluate treatment group differences. For the functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis, computational modeling will allow the estimation of learning parameters at each point in time, during each task condition, for each participant. We will use a variational Bayesian framework to measure how learning occurred during the experimental task and the subprocesses that underlie this learning. Second-level group analyses will examine how learning in patients differs from that observed in control participants and how CR alters learning efficiency and the underlying neural activity. RESULTS As of September 2023, this study has enrolled 15 participants in the CR group, 1 participant in the treatment-as-usual group, and 11 participants in the healthy control group. Recruitment is expected to be completed by September 2024. Data analysis is expected to be completed and published in early 2025. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study will contribute to the knowledge of CR and RL processes in severe mental illness and the understanding of the systems that impact negative symptoms and cognitive impairments within this population. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/52505.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Dark
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Woolloongabba, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Graham Galloway
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia
- Herston Imaging Research Facility, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marcus Gray
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | | | - Veronica De Monte
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | | | - Gabrielle Ritchie
- Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Woolloongabba, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Deste G, Kakli M, Barlati S, Nibbio G, Dossou P, Degila SL, Ceraso A, Lisoni J, Calzavara-Pinton I, Villa S, Vita A. Application of cognitive remediation in the world: new experiences from two schizophrenia rehabilitation centers in Togo and Benin. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-023-02603-z. [PMID: 38184811 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02603-z] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE People with schizophrenia in Sub-Saharan Africa often live in very difficult conditions, suffer important social isolation and usually do not receive any kind of treatment. In this context, some non-governmental initiatives have come to light, providing accommodation, food, primary healthcare, medications and, in some cases, education and rehabilitation. The aims of this study were to assess feasibility, effects, and acceptability of a Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT) intervention in the particular context of psychiatric rehabilitation in Togo and Benin. METHODS Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia accessing the "Saint Camille" association rehabilitation centers in Togo and Benin during the enrollment period were allocated consecutively with a 1:1 proportion to receive a manualized CRT intervention (46 one-hour sessions over 14 weeks) or continuing Treatment As Usual (TAU). The assessment included validated measures of cognitive performance and real-world functioning and was performed at baseline and at the conclusion of treatment. RESULTS All subjects that were invited into the study agreed to participate and completed the intervention, for a total of 36 participants. CRT produced greater improvements than TAU in processing speed, working memory, verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, and executive functions measures, with moderate to large effect sizes, in particular in processing speed and working memory domains. CONCLUSIONS CRT represents a feasible and effective psychosocial intervention that can be implemented even in contexts with very limited resources, and could represent an important instrument to promote the rehabilitation process of people living with schizophrenia in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Deste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mawuko Kakli
- Association Saint Camille de Lellis, Lomé, Togo
- Diocese of Aného, Aného, Togo
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | | | | | - Anna Ceraso
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lisoni
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Irene Calzavara-Pinton
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Villa
- Congregation "Suore Misericordine" mission in Fatebenefratelli Hospital of Afagnan, Afanyagan, Togo
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Frawley E, Heary C, Berry C, Cella M, Fowler D, Wykes T, Donohoe G. Participant perspectives on cognitive remediation and social recovery in early psychosis (CReSt-R): An acceptability study. Early Interv Psychiatry 2024; 18:34-41. [PMID: 37186460 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13424] [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: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
AIM Psychosis spectrum disorders continue to rank highly among causes of disability. This has resulted in efforts to expand the range of treatment targets beyond symptom remission to include other recovery markers, including social and occupational function and quality of life. Although the efficacy of psychosocial interventions in early psychosis has been widely reported, the acceptability of these interventions is less well-known. This study explores the participant perspective on a novel, psychosocial intervention combining cognitive remediation and social recovery therapy. METHODS We employed a qualitative research design, based on semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis. Six participants with early psychosis were recruited from the intervention arm of a randomized pilot study, three women and three men, aged between 22 and 27 years. RESULTS Four themes were developed through the analytical process, namely, (1) a solid therapeutic foundation, (2) multi-directional flow of knowledge, (3) a tailored toolset, and (4) an individual pathway to recovery. Participants also provided pragmatic feedback about how to improve the delivery of the therapy assessments and intervention. Both the themes and pragmatic feedback are described. CONCLUSIONS People with early psychosis described the intervention as acceptable, engaging, helpful and person-centred, suggesting its potential role in a multicomponent therapy model of early intervention in psychosis services. Participants in this study also highlight the importance of an individualized approach to therapy, the vital role of the therapeutic relationship and the ecological validity and value of adopting an assertive outreach delivery, providing therapy outside a conventional clinic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Frawley
- Centre for Neuroimaging, Cognition & Genomics (NICOG), School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Caroline Heary
- School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Clio Berry
- Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Matteo Cella
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - David Fowler
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Til Wykes
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Gary Donohoe
- Centre for Neuroimaging, Cognition & Genomics (NICOG), School of Psychology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Vita A, Barlati S, Deste G, Nibbio G, Penn DL, Pinkham AE, McIntyre RS, Harvey PD. Life engagement in people living with schizophrenia: predictors and correlates of patient life engagement in a large sample of people living in the community. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7943-7952. [PMID: 37522514 PMCID: PMC10755242 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723002106] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Life engagement represents a holistic concept that encompasses outcomes reflecting life-fulfilment, well-being and participation in valued and meaningful activities, which is recently gaining attention and scientific interest. Despite its conceptual importance and its relevance, life engagement represents a largely unexplored domain in schizophrenia. The aims of the present study were to independently assess correlates and predictors of patient life engagement in a large and well-characterized sample of schizophrenia patients. METHODS To assess the impact of different demographic, clinical, cognitive and functional parameters on life engagement in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia, data from the social cognition psychometric evaluation project were analyzed. RESULTS Overall schizophrenia and depressive symptom severity, premorbid IQ, neurocognitive performance, social cognition performance both in the emotion processing and theory of mind domains, functional capacity, social skills performance and real-world functioning in different areas all emerged as correlates of patient life engagement. Greater symptom severity and greater impairment in real-world interpersonal relationships, social skills, functional capacity and work outcomes emerged as individual predictors of greater limitations in life engagement. CONCLUSIONS Life engagement in people living with schizophrenia represents a holistic and complex construct, with several different clinical, cognitive and functional correlates. These features represent potential treatment targets to improve the clinical condition and also facilitate the process of recovery and the overall well-being of people living with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - David L. Penn
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy E. Pinkham
- Department of Psychology, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Roger S. McIntyre
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Brain and Discovery Foundation (BCDF), Toronto, Canada
| | - 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, FL, USA
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Vita A, Barlati S, Deste G, Rossi A, Rocca P, Bertolino A, Aguglia E, Altamura CA, Amore M, Bellomo A, Bucci P, Carpiniello B, Cuomo A, Dell’Osso L, Giuliani L, Marchesi C, Martinotti G, Monteleone P, Montemagni C, Nibbio G, Pasquini M, Pompili M, Rampino A, Roncone R, Rossi R, Siracusano A, Tenconi E, Zeppegno P, Galderisi S, Maj M. Autistic symptoms in unaffected first-degree relatives of people with schizophrenia: results from the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses multicenter study. Eur Psychiatry 2023; 66:e85. [PMID: 37869966 PMCID: PMC10755574 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.2455] [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] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autistic symptoms represent a frequent feature in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, the prevalence and the cognitive and functional correlates of autistic symptoms in unaffected first-degree relatives of people with SSD remain to be assessed. METHODS A total of 342 unaffected first-degree relatives related to 247 outpatients with schizophrenia were recruited as part of the multicenter study of the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses (NIRP). Autistic features were measured with the PANSS Autism Severity Scale. Three groups of participants, defined on the presence and severity of autistic symptoms, were compared on a wide array of cognitive and functional measures. RESULTS Of the total sample, 44.9% presented autistic symptoms; 22.8% showed moderate levels of autistic symptoms, which can be observed in the majority of people with SSD. Participants with higher levels of autistic symptoms showed worse performance on Working Memory (p = 0.014) and Social Cognition (p = 0.025) domains and in the Global Cognition composite score (p = 0.008), as well as worse on functional capacity (p = 0.001), global psychosocial functioning (p < 0.001), real-world interpersonal relationships (p < 0.001), participation in community activities (p = 0.017), and work skills (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of autistic symptoms was observed in first-degree relatives of people with SSD. Autistic symptoms severity showed a negative correlation with cognitive performance and functional outcomes also in this population and may represent a diagnostic and treatment target of considerable scientific and clinical interest in both patients and their first-degree relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vita
- Psychiatric Unit, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Psychiatric Unit, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Deste
- Psychiatric Unit, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, 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 Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, 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
| | - Paola Bucci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cuomo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Clinical Department of Mental Health, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, 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
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, G. d’Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Palmiero Monteleone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Cristiana Montemagni
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Psychiatric Unit, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 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
| | - 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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11
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De Simone MS, Costa A, Tieri G, Taglieri S, Cona G, Fiorenzato E, Carlesimo GA, Caltagirone C, Zabberoni S. The effectiveness of an immersive virtual reality and telemedicine-based cognitive intervention on prospective memory in Parkinson's disease patients with mild cognitive impairment and healthy aged individuals: design and preliminary baseline results of a placebo-controlled study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1268337. [PMID: 37928597 PMCID: PMC10622796 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1268337] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prospective memory (PM) impairments have been extensively documented in individuals with Parkinson's disease associated with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and in those with healthy aging. Considering how PM failure decreases individuals' quality of life and functional independence in the activities of daily living, training to enhance this ability could be a prior target of intervention. Objective Here, we aimed to present the study protocol and preliminary results of a novel immersive virtual reality (IVR) and telemedicine-based (TM) cognitive intervention focused on executive abilities (i.e., planning, shifting, and updating) to improve PM functioning in PD-MCI patients and healthy elderly individuals. Methods Outcome measures, collected before, immediately after and 2 months after the intervention, included: (1) pre-post training changes in objective cognitive functioning, evaluated with tests assessing executive functions and PM; (2) pre-post training changes in subjective perception of memory functioning, psychiatric symptoms, autonomy in daily living and quality of life, evaluated using the appropriate scales; (3) usability, feasibility and users' compliance with the proposed IVR and telemedicine program. The efficacy of this intervention compared to an active control condition is currently being evaluated in a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, which will be conducted on 30 eligible PD-MCI patients and 30 older adults. Results Preliminary results concerning between-group comparisons of demographic and neuropsychological screening data show a good balance among the intervention groups considered in this study. The results also suggest good levels of usability, feasibility and acceptability, thus supporting the notion that our intervention can be used to promote cognitive functioning, even in people with cognitive decline. Conclusion Considering the relatively low costs and easy accessibility to this program, it could prove valuable in primary prevention initiatives and early cognitive rehabilitation for dementia risk reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stefania De Simone
- Department of Psychology, Niccolò Cusano University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Costa
- Department of Psychology, Niccolò Cusano University, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Tieri
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Virtual Reality and Digital Neuroscience Lab, Department of Law and Digital Society, University of Rome Unitelma Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Cona
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Augusto Carlesimo
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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12
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Evans J, Tinch-Taylor R, Csipke E, Cella M, Pickles A, McCrone P, Stringer D, Oliver A, Reeder C, Birchwood M, Fowler D, Greenwood K, Johnson S, Perez J, Ritunnano R, Thompson A, Upthegrove R, Wilson J, Kenny A, Isok I, Joyce EM, Wykes T. Satisfaction with cognitive remediation therapy: its effects on implementation and outcomes using the cognitive remediation satisfaction scale. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 9:67. [PMID: 37777545 PMCID: PMC10542804 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00390-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive Remediation (CR) improves cognition and functioning but is implemented in a variety of ways (independent, group and one-to-one). There is no information on whether service users find these implementation methods acceptable or if their satisfaction influences CR outcomes. We used mixed participatory methods, including focus groups, to co-develop a CR satisfaction scale. This was refined using three psychometric criteria (Cronbach's alpha, item discrimination, test-retest agreement) to select items. Factor analysis explored potential substructures. The refined measure was used in structural equation joint modelling to evaluate whether satisfaction with CR is affected by implementation method and treatment engagement or influences recovery outcome, using data from a randomised controlled trial. Four themes (therapy hours, therapist, treatment effects, computer use) generated a 31-item Cognitive Remediation Satisfaction scale (CRS) that reduced to 18 Likert items, 2 binary and 2 open-ended questions following psychometric assessment. CRS had good internal consistency (Alpha = 0.814), test-retest reliability (r= 0.763), and concurrent validity using the Working Alliance Inventory (r = 0.56). A 2-factor solution divided items into therapy engagement and therapy effects. Satisfaction was not related to implementation method but was significantly associated with CR engagement. Therapy hours were significantly associated with recovery, but there was no direct effect of satisfaction on outcome. Although satisfaction is important to therapy engagement, it has no direct effect on outcome. CR therapy hours directly affect outcome irrespective of which implementation model is used, so measuring satisfaction early might help to identify those who are likely to disengage. The study has mixed methods design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Evans
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rose Tinch-Taylor
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emese Csipke
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matteo Cella
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul McCrone
- School of Health Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, UK
| | - Dominic Stringer
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Abigail Oliver
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Clare Reeder
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Max Birchwood
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - David Fowler
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Sonia Johnson
- Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jesus Perez
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosa Ritunnano
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | | | - Jon Wilson
- Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Alex Kenny
- Patient Advisory Board, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Iris Isok
- Patient Advisory Board, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eileen M Joyce
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Til Wykes
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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13
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Schuster T, Lowe A, Weide K, Kamp D, Riesbeck M, Bechdolf A, Brockhaus-Dumke A, Hurlemann R, Muthesius A, Klingberg S, Hellmich M, Schmied S, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Wölwer W. Feasibility of six-month outpatient cognitive remediation in schizophrenia: Experience from the randomized controlled integrated social cognition and social skills therapy study. Schizophr Res Cogn 2023; 33:100285. [PMID: 37159610 PMCID: PMC10163670 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2023.100285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia often have cognitive impairments that contribute to diminished psychosocial functioning. Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) has proven efficacy and is recommended by evidence-based treatment guidelines. Important moderators of efficacy include integration of CRT into a psychiatric rehabilitation concept and patient attendance at a sufficient number of therapy sessions. These conditions can probably best be met in an outpatient setting; however, outpatient treatment is prone to higher rates of treatment discontinuation and outpatient settings are not as well protected as inpatient ones and less closely supervised.The present study investigated the feasibility of outpatient CRT in schizophrenia over a six-month period. Adherence to scheduled sessions and safety parameters were assessed in 177 patients with schizophrenia randomly assigned to one of two matched CRT programs.Results showed that 58.8 % of participants completed the CRT (>80 % of scheduled sessions) and 72.9 % completed at least half the sessions. Predictor analysis revealed a high verbal intelligence quotient as favorable for good adherence, but this factor had only low general predictive power. During the six-month treatment phase, serious adverse events occurred in 15.8 % (28/177) of the patients, which is a comparable rate to that reported in the literature.Our findings support the feasibility of six-month outpatient CRT in schizophrenia in terms of adherence to scheduled sessions and safety. Trial registration number NCT02678858, DRKS00010033.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Schuster
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Germany
- Corresponding author at: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf/LVR Klinikum Düsseldorf, Bergische Landstrasse 2, 40629 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Agnes Lowe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Karolin Weide
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Kamp
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mathias Riesbeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Bechdolf
- Vivantes Klinikum Am Urban, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Germany
| | | | - René Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Ana Muthesius
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefan Klingberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Hellmich
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sabine Schmied
- Clinical Trials Center, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Wölwer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Germany
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14
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Barlati S, Nibbio G, Stanga V, Giovannoli G, Calzavara-Pinton I, Necchini N, Lisoni J, Deste G, Vita A. Cognitive and clinical characteristics of offenders and non-offenders diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: results of the Recoviwel observational study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1307-1316. [PMID: 36309882 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01510-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The association between schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and violent behavior is complex and requires further research. The cognitive correlates of violent behavior, in particular, remain to be further investigated. Aims of the present study were to comprehensively assess the cognitive and clinical profile of SSD violent offenders and evaluate individual predictors of violent behavior. Fifty inmates convicted for violent crimes in a forensic psychiatry setting and diagnosed with SSD were compared to fifty non-offender patients matched for age, gender, education, and diagnosis. Offender and non-offender participants were compared based on socio-demographic, clinical, and cognitive variables using non-parametric testing to select potential predictors of violent behavior. Multivariate logistic regressions were then performed to identify individual predictors of violent behavior. Offender participants showed more school failures, higher prevalence of substance use, higher Clinical Global Impression Severity Scale (CGI-S) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale Excited Component (PANSS-EC) scores, worse working memory and better attention performance, higher Historical Clinical and Risk Management scale 20 (HCR-20) and Hare Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R) scores in all subdomains and factors. School failures, higher PANSS-EC scores, worse working memory and processing speed, better attention performance, higher scores in HCR-20 Management subscale and the PCL-R "Callous" factor emerged as predictors of violent behavior. Better attentional performance was correlated with higher PCL-R "Callous" factor scores, worse cognitive performance in several domains with higher PCL-R "Unstable" factor scores. In conclusion, the present study highlights the importance of carefully assessing SSD patients with violent behavior in all clinical, cognitive, and behavioral aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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.
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina Stanga
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Giovannoli
- 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
| | - 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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15
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Wojtalik JA, Brown WJ, Mesholam-Gately RI, Kotwani A, Keshavan MS, Eack SM. Predictors of treatment discontinuation during an 18-month multi-site randomized trial of Cognitive Enhancement Therapy for early course schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2023; 326:115254. [PMID: 37267670 PMCID: PMC10527356 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115254] [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: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Treatment discontinuation during clinical trials in schizophrenia is a critical challenge, especially for longer-term interventions in the early course. This research explored predictors of treatment discontinuation in an outpatient early course schizophrenia sample (N = 102) during an 18-month multi-site trial of Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (n = 58) and Enriched Supportive Therapy (n = 44). Fifty-three (52%) participants discontinued, with no significant difference between the treatment groups in discontinuation rate. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models explored differences in key demographic and cognitive and behavioral outcomes between participants who completed and discontinued treatment. Significant multivariate predictors of discontinuation included IQ (linear) and problem solving (curvilinear). The concave shape of the problem solving prediction demonstrated that initially as scores were increasing the probability of non-completion was increasing. However, after a score of 41 (below average problem solving), the probability of being a non-completer decreased as performance increased. Non-completers had significantly lower IQ scores compared to completers. Post-hoc analyses indicated that participants who discontinued prior to mid-treatment exhibited the greatest intellectual challenges, with comparisons moderate-to-large in strength. IQ and problem solving are likely important factors to assess at pre-treatment in early course schizophrenia trials to identify those most vulnerable to discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Wojtalik
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Wilson J Brown
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, The Behrend College, Erie, PA, USA
| | - Raquelle I Mesholam-Gately
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts Mental Health Center Division of Public Psychiatry, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anju Kotwani
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Matcheri S Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts Mental Health Center Division of Public Psychiatry, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shaun M Eack
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USW; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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16
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Kunita K, Morimoto T, Kotake R, Sato-Nakamura S, Nakamura-Kukuminato N. Effect of combining motivational interviewing with cognitive remediation on personal recovery in patients with schizophrenia. Hong Kong J Occup Ther 2023; 36:20-30. [PMID: 37332296 PMCID: PMC10273794 DOI: 10.1177/15691861231167504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/objective We have been practising the Neuropsychological and Educational Approach to Remediation (NEAR) as cognitive remediation (CR) in a psychiatric hospital and have implemented it in combination with regular interviews based on Motivational Interviewing (MI) approximately 2 years after launching NEAR. In this study, we investigated whether combining MI with CR affected completion of the programme, cognitive functions, global functioning, and personal recovery of patients with schizophrenia by analysing medical records. Methods In this retrospective observational study, 14 participants were assigned to the NEAR group and 12 participants were assigned to the NEAR + MI group. Fifteen participants in the NEAR group (n = 6) and NEAR + MI group (n = 9) completed the programme. First, the difference in the completion rate between the groups was examined using the chi-squared test. Second, measures of cognitive functions, global functioning, and personal recovery pre-and post-intervention were examined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for those in each group who completed the programme. Third, therapeutic responses for each group were compared using the Mann-Whitney U tests. Results There were no statistically significant differences in completion rates between the groups. In the NEAR group, verbal memory and overall cognition improved after the intervention. On the other hand, not only cognitive functions but also global functioning and personal recovery improved in the NEAR + MI group. Moreover, changes in global functioning and personal recovery were significantly higher in the NEAR + MI group. Conclusion Study findings indicated that combining MI with CR improves cognitive functions, global functioning, and personal recovery in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Kunita
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hayashishita Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
- Forensic Psychiatry Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takafumi Morimoto
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hayashishita Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Reiko Kotake
- Department of Rehabilitation, Hayashishita Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
- Hokudai-dori Mental Health Clinic, Sapporo, Japan
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17
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Altman RAE, Tan EJ, Rossell SL. Access to cognitive remediation in Australia for people with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2023; 256:44-46. [PMID: 37146450 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Ariane Eva Altman
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Eric Josiah Tan
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Memory Ageing & Cognition Centre, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Susan Lee Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health & Brain Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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18
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Accardo V, Barlati S, Ceraso A, Nibbio G, Vieta E, Vita A. Efficacy of Functional Remediation on Cognitive and Psychosocial Functioning in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050708. [PMID: 37239180 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050708] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocognitive impairment is a prominent characteristic of bipolar disorder (BD), linked with poor psychosocial functioning. This study's purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of functional remediation (FR) in enhancing neurocognitive dysfunctions in a sample of remitted patients with diagnosis of BD in comparison to treatment as usual-TAU. To quantify the neurocognitive damage, the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Affective Disorders (BAC-A) will be used, and the overall psychosocial functioning will be measured with the Functioning Assessment Short Test-FAST. METHODS The randomized, rater-blinded, controlled study will include two arms (1:1) encompassing 54 outpatients with diagnosis of BD-I and BD-II, as defined by the DSM-5 criteria. In the experimental phase, remitted patients aged 18-55 years will be involved. At the baseline, at the end of intervention and at the 6-month follow-up, patients will be evaluated using clinical scales (Young Mania Rating Scale (Y-MRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)). Neurocognitive measurements and psychosocial functioning will be valued, respectively, with BAC-A and FAST. DISCUSSION The primary expected outcome is that following FR intervention, patients will exhibit improved cognitive abilities and psychosocial outcomes compared to the participants in the TAU group. It is now recognized that neurocognitive deficits are potential predictors of functional outcome in patients with BD. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the implementation of interventions that, in addition to symptomatic remission, are also aimed at neurocognitive dysfunctions in order to achieve a recovery of psychosocial functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Accardo
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Ceraso
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Altman RAE, Tan EJ, Rossell SL. Factors Impacting Access and Engagement of Cognitive Remediation Therapy for People with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:139-151. [PMID: 36448242 PMCID: PMC9974655 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221129073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurocognitive deficits are central in schizophrenia. Cognitive remediation has proven effective in alleviating these deficits, with medium effect sizes. However, sizeable attrition rates are reported, with the reasons still uncertain. Furthermore, cognitive remediation is not part of routine mental health care. We conducted a systematic review to investigate factors that influence access and engagement of cognitive remediation in schizophrenia. METHODS We systematically searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases for peer-reviewed articles including a cognitive remediation arm, access, and engagement data, and participants with schizophrenia spectrum disorders aged 17-65 years old. Duplicates and studies without a distinct cognitive remediation component, protocol papers, single case studies, case series, and reviews/meta-analyses were excluded. RESULTS We included 67 studies that reported data on access and engagement, and extracted quantitative and qualitative data. Access data were limited, with most interventions delivered on-site, to outpatients, and in middle- to high-income countries. We found a median dropout rate of 14.29%. Only a small number of studies explored differences between dropouts and completers (n = 5), and engagement factors (n = 13). Dropouts had higher negative symptomatology and baseline self-efficacy, and lower baseline neurocognitive functioning and intrinsic motivation compared to completers. The engagement was positively associated with intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, educational level, premorbid intelligence quotient, baseline neurocognitive functioning, some neurocognitive outcomes, and therapeutic alliance; and negatively associated with subjective cognitive complaints. Qualitative results showed good acceptability of cognitive remediation, with some areas for improvement. CONCLUSIONS Overall, access and engagement results are scarce and heterogeneous. Further investigations of cognitive remediation for inpatients, as well as remote delivery, are needed. Future clinical trials should systematically explore attrition and related factors. Determining influential factors of access and engagement will help improve the implementation and efficacy of cognitive remediation, and thus the recovery of people with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie Ariane Eva Altman
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eric Josiah Tan
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Susan Lee Rossell
- Centre for Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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Impact of Physical Exercise Alone or in Combination with Cognitive Remediation on Cognitive Functions in People with Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Critical Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020320. [PMID: 36831863 PMCID: PMC9954055 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise and cognitive remediation represent the psychosocial interventions with the largest basis of evidence attesting their effectiveness in improving cognitive performance in people living with schizophrenia according to recent international guidance. The aims of this review are to provide an overview of the literature on physical exercise as a treatment for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia and of the studies that have combined physical exercise and cognitive remediation as an integrated rehabilitation intervention. Nine meta-analyses and systematic reviews on physical exercise alone and seven studies on interventions combining physical exercise and cognitive remediation are discussed. The efficacy of physical exercise in improving cognitive performance in people living with schizophrenia is well documented, but more research focused on identifying moderators of participants response and optimal modalities of delivery is required. Studies investigating the effectiveness of integrated interventions report that combining physical exercise and cognitive remediation provides superior benefits and quicker improvements compared to cognitive remediation alone, but most studies included small samples and did not explore long-term effects. While physical exercise and its combination with cognitive remediation appear to represent effective treatments for cognitive impairment in people living with schizophrenia, more evidence is currently needed to better understand how to implement these treatments in psychiatric rehabilitation practice.
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Ruiz-Delgado I, Moreno-Küstner B, García-Medina M, Barrigón ML, Gonzalez-Higueras F, López-Carrilero R, Barrios-Mellado I, Barajas A, Pousa E, Lorente-Rovira E, Grasa E, Cid J, Barrau-Sastre P, Moritz S, Ochoa S. Is Metacognitive Training effective for improving neurocognitive function in patients with a recent onset of psychosis? Psychiatry Res 2022; 318:114941. [PMID: 36375331 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114941] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The aims are to assess improvements in memory, attention and executive function in first-episode psychosis after Metacognitive Training (MCT). A multicenter randomized clinical trial was performed with two arms: MCT and psychoeducational intervention. A total of 126 patients with a diagnosis of psychosis, less than 5 years from the onset of the disease, were included. Patients were assessed two or three moments (baseline, post-treatment, 6 months follow-up) depending on the test, with a battery of neurocognitive tests (TAVEC, TMTA-B, CPT, WCST, Stroop and premorbid IQ). General linear models for repeated measures were performed. A better improvement in the MCT was found by an interaction between group and time in CPT Hit index, TMTB, Stroop, recent memory and number of perseverations of the TAVEC. Considering three assessments, a better improvement was found in non-perseverative, perseverative and total errors of the WCST and TMTB. The MCT is an effective psychological intervention to improve several cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ruiz-Delgado
- UGC Salud Mental Hospital Regional de Málaga. Servicio Andaluz de Salud, Spain.
| | - Berta Moreno-Küstner
- PhD Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological treatments. Faculty of Psychology,University of Málaga. Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Malaga (IBIMA) Spain, GAP Research Group, Spain
| | | | - María Luisa Barrigón
- UGC Salud Mental Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain
| | | | - Raquel López-Carrilero
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat. Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain
| | - Irene Barrios-Mellado
- UGC Salud Mental Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío. Servicio Andaluz de Salud, Spain
| | - Ana Barajas
- Department of Research, Centre d'Higiene Mental Les Corts, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellatera, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Serra Húnter Programme, Government of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Pousa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain; Servei de Psiquiatría Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
| | - Esther Lorente-Rovira
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain; Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva Grasa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain; Servei de Psiquiatría Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica-Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Spain
| | - Jordi Cid
- Mental Health & Addiction Research Group, IdiBGi, Institut d'Assistencia Sanitària, Girona, Spain
| | - Paula Barrau-Sastre
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat. Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Universitat Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Steffen Moritz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susana Ochoa
- Etiopatogènia i tractament dels trastorns mentals greus (MERITT), Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat. Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Doctor Antoni Pujadas, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain.
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22
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Giordano GM, Caporusso E, Pezzella P, Galderisi S. Updated perspectives on the clinical significance of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Expert Rev Neurother 2022; 22:541-555. [PMID: 35758871 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2022.2092402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Negative symptoms in schizophrenia are associated with poor response to available treatments, poor quality of life, and functional outcome. Therefore, they represent a substantial burden for people with schizophrenia, their families, and health-care systems. AREAS COVERED In this manuscript, we will provide an update on the conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of this complex psychopathological dimension of schizophrenia. EXPERT OPINION Despite the progress in the conceptualization of negative symptoms and in the development of state-of-the-art assessment instruments made in the last decades, these symptoms are still poorly recognized, and not always assessed in line with current conceptualization. Every effort should be made to disseminate the current knowledge on negative symptoms, on their assessment instruments and available treatments whose efficacy is supported by research evidence. Longitudinal studies should be promoted to evaluate the natural course of negative symptoms, improve our ability to identify the different sources of secondary negative symptoms, provide effective interventions, and target primary and persistent negative symptoms with innovative treatment strategies. Further research is needed to identify pathophysiological mechanisms of primary negative symptoms and foster the development of new treatments.
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Vita A, Gaebel W, Mucci A, Sachs G, Barlati S, Giordano GM, Nibbio G, Nordentoft M, Wykes T, Galderisi S. European Psychiatric Association guidance on treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Eur Psychiatry 2022; 65:e57. [PMID: 36059103 PMCID: PMC9532218 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although cognitive impairment is a core symptom of schizophrenia related to poorer outcomes in different functional domains, it still remains a major therapeutic challenge. To date, no comprehensive treatment guidelines for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia are implemented. Methods The aim of the present guidance paper is to provide a comprehensive meta-review of the current available evidence-based treatments for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. The guidance is structured into three sections: pharmacological treatment, psychosocial interventions, and somatic treatments. Results Based on the reviewed evidence, this European Psychiatric Association guidance recommends an appropriate pharmacological management as a fundamental starting point in the treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. In particular, second-generation antipsychotics are recommended for their favorable cognitive profile compared to first-generation antipsychotics, although no clear superiority of a single second-generation antipsychotic has currently been found. Anticholinergic and benzodiazepine burdens should be kept to a minimum, considering the negative impact on cognitive functioning. Among psychosocial interventions, cognitive remediation and physical exercise are recommended for the treatment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Noninvasive brain stimulation techniques could be taken into account as add-on therapy. Conclusions Overall, there is definitive progress in the field, but further research is needed to develop specific treatments for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. The dissemination of this guidance paper may promote the development of shared guidelines concerning the treatment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia, with the purpose to improve the quality of care and to achieve recovery in this population.
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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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Vita A, Gaebel W, Mucci A, Sachs G, Erfurth A, Barlati S, Zanca F, Giordano GM, Birkedal Glenthøj L, Nordentoft M, Galderisi S. European Psychiatric Association guidance on assessment of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Eur Psychiatry 2022; 65:e58. [PMID: 36059109 PMCID: PMC9532219 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Impairment in a wide range of cognitive abilities has been consistently reported in individuals with schizophrenia. Both neurocognitive and social cognitive deficits are thought to underlie severe functional disabilities associated with schizophrenia. Despite the key role in schizophrenia outcome, cognition is still poorly assessed in both research and clinical settings. Methods In this guidance paper, we provide a systematic review of the scientific literature and elaborate several recommendations for the assessment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia both in research settings and in real-world clinical practice. Results Expert consensus and systematic reviews provided guidance for the optimal assessment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia. Based on the reviewed evidence, we recommend a comprehensive and systematic assessment of neurocognitive and social cognitive domains in schizophrenia, in all phases of the disorder, as well as in subjects at risk to develop psychosis. This European Psychiatric Association guidance recommends not only the use of observer reports but also self-reports and interview-based cognitive assessment tools. The guidance also provides a systematic review of the state of the art of assessment in the first episode of psychosis patients and in individuals at risk for psychosis. Conclusion The comprehensive review of the evidence and the recommendations might contribute to advance the field, allowing a better cognitive assessment, and avoiding overlaps with other psychopathological dimensions. The dissemination of this guidance paper may promote the development of shared guidelines concerning the assessment of cognitive functions in schizophrenia, with the purpose to improve the quality of care and to obtain recovery.
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