1
|
Du N, Meng X, Li J, Shi L, Zhang X. Decline in Working Memory in Stable Schizophrenia May Be Related to Attentional Impairment: Mediating Effects of Negative Symptoms, a Cross-Sectional Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2024; 20:149-158. [PMID: 38288268 PMCID: PMC10822768 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s447965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental illness, Cognitive deficits and negative symptoms (NS) are prevalent in individuals with SCZ and are crucial indicators of functional recovery. It is well known that cognitive symptoms and negative symptoms are interrelated and that negative symptoms can affect the ability to take cognitive tests. However, the specific relationship between attention, working memory (WM), and NS in stable SCZ remains unclear. This study aims to explore these associations and provide valuable insights for the subsequent treatment of SCZ. Methods We conducted a comprehensive assessment of 145 patients with stable SCZ using the Chinese Brief Neurocognitive Suite of Tests (C-BCT) and the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Results Patients with abnormal cognition exhibited significantly higher PANSS total scores, cognitive symptom scores, and NS than those with normal cognition (P<0.05). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations between digital breadth(DB) and continuous operation(CO) (r=0.389, P<0.001), as well as a significant negative correlation between DB and NS (r=-0.291, P<0.001). Moreover, CO showed a negative correlation with NS (r=-0.173, P<0.05). However, no significant correlations were found between the digital breadth-anterograde score and CO or NS (r=0.148, P>0.05; r=-0.068, P>0.05). Notably, NS were identified as a mediator in the relationship between attention and WM (effect size=0.024). Conclusion Our findings highlight significant associations between WM, attention, and NS in individuals with stable SCZ. Moreover, attention not only directly impacts WM but also indirectly influences it through NS. Addressing cognitive deficits and NS in the treatment of SCZ may lead to improved overall outcomes for affected individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Du
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, 230022, People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Clinical Center for Mental and Psychological Diseases, Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, 230022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojing Meng
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, 230022, People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Clinical Center for Mental and Psychological Diseases, Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, 230022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingwei Li
- Anhui Clinical Center for Mental and Psychological Diseases, Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, 230022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Shi
- Anhui Clinical Center for Mental and Psychological Diseases, Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, 230022, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xulai Zhang
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, 230022, People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Clinical Center for Mental and Psychological Diseases, Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, 230022, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pelizza L, Leuci E, Quattrone E, Azzali S, Paulillo G, Pupo S, Pellegrini P, Menchetti M. Longitudinal evaluation on negative symptoms in young people at Ultra-High Risk (UHR) of psychosis: results from a 2-year follow-up study in a real-world care setting. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1761-1771. [PMID: 37029806 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01600-2] [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: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Negative Symptoms (NS) severely affect real-world functioning also in young people at UHR for developing psychosis. However, longitudinal research on beneficial effects of specialized treatments for NS in UHR people is still relatively scarce and inconclusive, especially in real-world care settings. The aims of the present research were: (1) to evaluate the longitudinal stability of NS levels in young UHR subjects treated within a specialized "Early Intervention in Psychosis" (EIP) program across a 2-year follow-up period, and (2) to investigate any relevant association of NS changes with the specific treatment components offered within the EIP program. One hundred UHR individuals (aged 12-25 years) completed the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine significant associations between longitudinal changes in NS severity levels and the EIP treatment components. Across the follow-up, a significant decrease in NS clinical severity was observed. This reduction was associated with the intensity of individual psychotherapy sessions provided in the first year of treatment, a shorter duration of untreated illness at entry and the 2-year longitudinal decrease in positive symptom levels. In conclusion, NS are relevant in UHR people, but decrease over time together with the delivery of specialized EIP interventions. Specifically, our results showed that individual psychotherapy may reduce the clinical severity of NS at least during the first year of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pelizza
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Bologna, Via Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, BO, Italy.
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addictions, Azienda USL di Parma, Largo Palli 1/a, 43100, Parma, PR, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Leuci
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addictions, Azienda USL di Parma, Largo Palli 1/a, 43100, Parma, PR, Italy
| | - Emanuela Quattrone
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addictions, Azienda USL di Parma, Largo Palli 1/a, 43100, Parma, PR, Italy
| | - Silvia Azzali
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addictions, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola 2, 42100, Reggio Emilia, RE, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Paulillo
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addictions, Azienda USL di Parma, Largo Palli 1/a, 43100, Parma, PR, Italy
| | - Simona Pupo
- Division of Pain Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43100, Parma, PR, Italy
| | - Pietro Pellegrini
- Department of Mental Health and Pathological Addictions, Azienda USL di Parma, Largo Palli 1/a, 43100, Parma, PR, Italy
| | - Marco Menchetti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Università Degli Studi Di Bologna, Via Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, BO, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Melillo A, Caporusso E, Giordano GM, Giuliani L, Pezzella P, Perrottelli A, Bucci P, Mucci A, Galderisi S. Correlations between Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Deficits in Individuals at First Psychotic Episode or at High Risk of Psychosis: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7095. [PMID: 38002707 PMCID: PMC10672428 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227095] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review aims to identify correlations between negative symptoms (NS) and deficits in neurocognition and social cognition in subjects with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and at-high-risk populations (HR). A systematic search of the literature published between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2022 was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and PsycInfo. Out of the 4599 records identified, a total of 32 studies met our inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data on a total of 3086 FEP and 1732 HR were collected. The available evidence shows that NS correlate with executive functioning and theory of mind deficits in FEP subjects, and with deficits in the processing speed, attention and vigilance, and working memory in HR subjects. Visual learning and memory do not correlate with NS in either FEP or HR subjects. More inconsistent findings were retrieved in relation to other cognitive domains in both samples. The available evidence is limited by sample and methodological heterogeneity across studies and was rated as poor or average quality for the majority of included studies in both FEP and CHR populations. Further research based on shared definitions of first-episode psychosis and at-risk states, as well as on more recent conceptualizations of negative symptoms and cognitive impairment, is highly needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giulia Maria Giordano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Largo Madonna delle Grazie, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
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: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abram SV, Weittenhiller LP, Bertrand CE, McQuaid JR, Mathalon DH, Ford JM, Fryer SL. Psychological Dimensions Relevant to Motivation and Pleasure in Schizophrenia. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:827260. [PMID: 35401135 PMCID: PMC8985863 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.827260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motivation and pleasure deficits are common in schizophrenia, strongly linked with poorer functioning, and may reflect underlying alterations in brain functions governing reward processing and goal pursuit. While there is extensive research examining cognitive and reward mechanisms related to these deficits in schizophrenia, less attention has been paid to psychological characteristics that contribute to resilience against, or risk for, motivation and pleasure impairment. For example, psychological tendencies involving positive future expectancies (e.g., optimism) and effective affect management (e.g., reappraisal, mindfulness) are associated with aspects of reward anticipation and evaluation that optimally guide goal-directed behavior. Conversely, maladaptive thinking patterns (e.g., defeatist performance beliefs, asocial beliefs) and tendencies that amplify negative cognitions (e.g., rumination), may divert cognitive resources away from goal pursuit or reduce willingness to exert effort. Additionally, aspects of sociality, including the propensity to experience social connection as positive reinforcement may be particularly relevant for pursuing social goals. In the current review, we discuss the roles of several psychological characteristics with respect to motivation and pleasure in schizophrenia. We argue that individual variation in these psychological dimensions is relevant to the study of motivation and reward processing in schizophrenia, including interactions between these psychological dimensions and more well-characterized cognitive and reward processing contributors to motivation. We close by emphasizing the value of considering a broad set of modulating factors when studying motivation and pleasure functions in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha V. Abram
- Mental Health Service, Veterans Affairs San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Claire E. Bertrand
- Mental Health Service, Veterans Affairs San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - John R. McQuaid
- Mental Health Service, Veterans Affairs San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Daniel H. Mathalon
- Mental Health Service, Veterans Affairs San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Judith M. Ford
- Mental Health Service, Veterans Affairs San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Susanna L. Fryer
- Mental Health Service, Veterans Affairs San Francisco Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Leweke FM, Rohleder C, Gerth CW, Hellmich M, Pukrop R, Koethe D. Cannabidiol and Amisulpride Improve Cognition in Acute Schizophrenia in an Explorative, Double-Blind, Active-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:614811. [PMID: 33995015 PMCID: PMC8117353 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.614811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a principal phytocannabinoid constituent, has demonstrated antipsychotic properties in recent clinical trials. While it has also been suggested a promising candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, it failed to demonstrate efficacy in cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia as an add-on treatment (600 mg/day for 6 weeks) in 18 chronically ill patients co-treated with a variety of psychopharmacologic drugs. Here, we report on the results of parallel-group, active-controlled, mono-therapeutic, double-blind, randomized clinical trial (CBD-CT1; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00628290) in 42 acute paranoid schizophrenic patients receiving either CBD (up to 800 mg/day) or amisulpride (AMI, up to 800 mg/day) for four weeks in an inpatient setting with neurocognition as a secondary objective. Twentynine patients (15 and 14 in the CBD and AMI group, respectively) completed two cognitive assessments at baseline and the end of the treatment period. We investigated the following cognitive domains: pattern recognition, attention, working memory, verbal and visual memory and learning, processing speed, and verbal executive functions. When applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, p < 0.0004 would indicate statistical significance. There was no relevant difference in neurocognitive performance between the CBD and the AMI group at baseline, and we observed no post-treatment differences between both groups. However, we observed improvements within both groups from pre-to post-treatment (standardized differences reported as Cohen’s d) in visual memory (CBD: 0.49, p = 0.015 vs. AMI: 0.63, p = 0.018) and processing speed (CBD: 0.41, p = 0.004 vs. AMI: 0.57, p = 0.023). Furthermore, CBD improved sustained attention (CBD: 0.47, p = 0.013, vs. AMI: 0.52, p = 0.085), and visuomotor coordination (CBD: 0.32, p = 0.010 vs. AMI: 0.63, p = 0.088) while AMI led to enhanced working memory performance in two different paradigms (Subject Ordered Pointing Task–AMI: 0.53, p = 0.043 vs. CBD: 0.03, p = 0.932 and Letter Number Sequencing–AMI: 0.67, p = 0.017 vs. CBD: 0.08 p = 0.755). There was no relevant correlation between changes in neurocognitive parameters and psychotic symptoms or anandamide serum levels. This study shows that both CBD and AMI improve neurocognitive functioning with comparable efficacy in young and acutely ill schizophrenia patients via an anandamide-independent mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Markus Leweke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Youth Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cathrin Rohleder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Youth Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christoph W Gerth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of General Psychiatry, Rheinhessen-Fachklinik Alzey, Alzey, Germany
| | - Martin Hellmich
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ralf Pukrop
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dagmar Koethe
- Youth Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|