Functional recovery in patients with schizophrenia: recommendations from a panel of experts

Assessment of functional recovery in patients with schizophrenia, with a focus on early-phase disease: results from a Delphi consensus and narrative review

BACKGROUND

Treatment of schizophrenia has traditionally aimed for symptomatic remission without addressing many daily problems patients face. Although no standard definition of functional recovery in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) and early-phase (EP) schizophrenia exists in the literature, most clinicians consider it a useful concept in daily practice. We conducted a Delphi panel to develop expert consensus on assessing functional recovery in FEP and EP schizophrenia patients and defining its domains, which we compared with currently available patient- and clinician-reported outcome measures (PROMs, CROMs).

METHODS

The three-stage modified Delphi panel consisted of a 1:1 interview round and two online survey rounds involving five expert steering committee and 16 panel members. We conducted a narrative review of the literature in PubMed to identify instruments assessing functioning in people with schizophrenia.

RESULTS

Panelists were presented with 38 statements about functional recovery (definition, domains, and assessment) and approaches to achieving it. Panelists defined functional recovery for FEP and EP schizophrenia patients as a multidimensional state closely related to quality of life. When evaluating functional recovery, panelists agreed that assessing (1) depression, (2) aggressive behavior, (3) social interaction, (4) family functioning, (5) education and/or employment, (6) leisure activities, (7) self-care, and (8) sexual functioning was important. Panelists also agreed that asking patients about self-care and sexual functioning was less critical at every encounter. It was agreed that patients may be said to have reached partial functional recovery if they recovered in some but not all domains. There was consensus that long-acting injectable antipsychotics can facilitate functional recovery by increasing treatment adherence, lessening disease and treatment burden, and reducing functional decline. The literature review identified eight PROMs and CROMs that assess functioning in schizophrenia. However, none evaluated all eight domains of functional recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional recovery is an important treatment goal in FEP and EP patients. PROMs and CROMs do not evaluate all eight domains of functional recovery agreed by the Delphi panel. Further research is needed to better understand and improve how functional recovery is assessed in clinical practice.

Correlation between disability, internalized stigma and mental recovery in patients with bipolar disorder

Background

This study aimed to examine the correlation between disability, internalized stigma and mental recovery in patients with bipolar disorder. It further examined the impact of internalized stigma and disability on mental recovery.

Methods

The study was conducted with 103 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder in remission who had been referred to a Community Mental Health Center. Data were collected using the Short Disability Assessment Schedule, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale and Recovery Process Inventory. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, a one-way analysis of variance, and a multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

No disability was diagnosed in 33.0% of the participants, while 25.2% had mild disability, 30.1% had moderate disability and 11.7% had severe disability. DAS-S scores indicated differences between the recovery process and internalized stigma scores (p < 0.05). While disability levels, alienation and perceived discrimination were not found to be effective on recovery, endorsement of stereotypes, social withdrawal, and resistance to stigma were found to be effective (F:43.343, p < 0.001, R2: 0.787).

Conclusion

The prevalence of disability in patients with bipolar disorder increases the likelihood that these individuals will need more help from others. The mental recovery is positively affected by the endorsement of stereotypes, social withdrawal, and resistance to stigma.

Implementation of Transdiagnostic Psychosocial Group Interventions and a Novel Peer Work Role in a Community Youth Mental Health Setting

AIMS

Group interventions can be an appropriate care option for young people with mental ill-health, yet there is a lack of research on their implementation within real-world settings. This paper aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of group interventions and a Group Coordinator peer work role in a community mental health service and the perspectives of young people, carers and staff on implementation.

METHODS

A retrospective chart audit of 121 referrals to group interventions from January 2022 to June 2023 was conducted. Education, demographic and administrative data were collected to explore feasibility and acceptability. Survey data from 44 young people who participated was also used to explore acceptability. Semi-structured interviews (8 young people, 7 carers and 11 staff) explored perspectives on implementation, mapping barriers and facilitators to domains of the Comprehensive Framework for Implementation Research.

RESULTS

Referrals made before the young person was involved in mental health treatment (i.e., at the stage of assessment) were less likely to result in engagement in a group, suggesting limited feasibility as a standalone care option. Young people reported overall positive experiences of group interventions, though attrition rates and qualitative interviews indicate they are perceived as less acceptable than individual options. The Group Coordinator role was viewed by staff as key to sustainability, with multiple benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

The current paper contributes to the scant literature on the implementation of group interventions with several practical implications for service planning. Further studies are needed to examine the implementation in other contexts, explore within-treatment variables and incorporate clinical outcomes.

Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Expanded Implementation of Supported Education Within Community Youth Mental Health Services

AIMS

Education is a key goal of young people experiencing mental ill-health and is crucial for many aspects of enjoyable, meaningful lives. However, the completion of education can be a challenge. This paper evaluated the expanded implementation of a targeted education support programme for young people with mental ill-health.

METHODS

A retrospective chart audit of the 125 young people accessing a range of mental health services in a metropolitan region referred to the intervention between January 2022 and June 2023 was conducted. Education, demographic and administrative data were collected. The primary outcome was engagement in education (both secondary and higher), measured as both maintaining education and engaging in new educational opportunities. Fifteen clinicians were also surveyed on their perspectives on the intervention.

RESULTS

One-hundred and twenty-two referrals were accepted, 93 young people engaged and 70 were supported to engage with education. Half of the young people who were not engaged in education prior to participating were successfully supported to re-engage. However, the intervention was less integrated between referring services than during a previous pilot phase. Clinicians viewed the intervention as contributing to the development of generalisable skills and enhancing efficacy of care, but viewed a lack of co-location at every site as a substantial barrier to integration.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large sample embedded in a real-world setting, the current paper demonstrates positive outcomes of supported education within youth mental healthcare. Further studies are needed to demonstrate efficacy with control groups and to explore the perspectives of young people and carers.

Assessing functional disability in schizophrenia patients receiving the Management and Treatment Services for Psychosis in China: Implications for community mental health services

BACKGROUND

The Management and Treatment Services for Psychosis (MTSP), as a core of China's community mental health services, has served over 4 million long-term schizophrenia patients. However, the functioning and disability status of these patients is underreported. This study aims to assess their functional disability and investigate the daily influencing factors, to better inform future service planning and provision.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey was conducted at the MTSP Service Points in 12 communities in Changsha, Hunan Province. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHODAS 2.0) was used to measure functional disability in 457 patients with schizophrenia. The mean disability summary score was compared to population norms and published outpatient samples, and domain-specific scores were compared pairwise. Between-group comparisons and multivariate linear regression were conducted to investigate the influence of socio-demographic, clinical, and service utilization factors on patients' functional disability.

RESULTS

Participants had a mean disability summary score of 29.1, exceeding the 94th percentile of the population distribution and higher than outpatient counterparts. Self-care was the least impaired domain, while social participation was the most impaired. Service non-utilization, including delay of first treatment (B = 2.684, P = 0.048) and last-year treatment non-adherence (B = 7.515, P < 0.001), was significantly associated with functional impairment. However, multivariate linear regression also revealed a positive relationship between the duration of receiving the MTSP (B = 0.868, P = 0.003) and disability.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite receiving the MTSP, community patients with schizophrenia exhibited severe functional impairment. To facilitate functional recovery, the MTSP should enhance its quality and diversify service scope, including more social functioning training, service utilization assistance, accessing social resources, and fostering an inclusive community environment.

Does stigma leave its mark? The interplay between negative effects of perceived stigma with positive effect of self-esteem on long-term social functioning in schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Individuals with schizophrenia commonly experience poor social functioning (SF), influenced by stigmatization and linked to low self-esteem. The intricate role of self-esteem in this context remains insufficiently explored. This study delves into the short and long-term impact of perceived stigma on SF, investigating the mediating or moderating effects of self-esteem and momentary fluctuations in self-esteem.

METHODS

Data were derived from a longitudinal cohort of individuals with schizophrenia and related disorders from the 2nd (T1) and 3rd (T2) waves. Perceived stigma and self-esteem were measured at T1 with self-report questionnaires. Self-esteem at T2 was measured with the experience sampling method. SF was measured at both time points. Multiple regression was applied to analyse the effect of perceived stigma and the role of (fluctuations in) self-esteem on SF.

RESULTS

Perceived stigma significantly correlated with SF in the short-term (β = -4.66, SE = 1.24, p < 0.001) and long-term (β = -3.77, SE = 0.51, p < 0.001). Once we analysed samples with self-esteem (N = 157), stigma was still associated with SF (β = -2.78, SE = 1.36, p = 0.043), but not when self-esteem was controlled for (β = -2.13, SE = 1.34, p < 0.100). Self-esteem significantly mediated stigma-SF relationship in T1 whereas in T2 it only significantly predicted SF (β = 2.17, SE = 0.70, p = 0.002). Fluctuations in self-esteem did not show mediating/moderating effects.

CONCLUSION

Perceived stigma significantly predicts poor SF both concurrently and, to some extent, over the long term. Moreover, self-esteem may serve as a buffer that mitigates the negative impact of perceived stigma. Early interventions aimed at reducing stigma and enhancing self-esteem through anti-stigma initiatives are essential for improving SF.

Functioning in schizophrenia: Recommendations of an expert panel

Functioning is a fundamental dimension across all aspects of life, frequently compromised or reduced in individuals with schizophrenia. However, the lack of a commonly agreed definition of functioning in schizophrenia makes it difficult to apply this concept in clinical practice. In this document, we make a detailed analysis of the literature to identify and define functioning and describe how it can be used in clinical practice today. We performed a preliminary literature search in the MEDLINE database (via PubMed) for articles discussing functioning in schizophrenia. The articles retrieved were then read and discussed by a panel of psychiatrists specialising in schizophrenia. The conclusions reached in this meeting formed the basis for a new exhaustive literature search for the purpose of synthesising the evidence published in the past 5 years. In this article, we show the importance a comprehensive, modern, homogeneous definition of functioning in schizophrenia, propose a definition of functioning, and put forward a series of recommendations for assessing functioning in clinical practice. We also review current unmet needs and highlight the need for a standardised tool for evaluating functioning.

Three-Year Outcomes of 6-Month Paliperidone Palmitate in Adults With Schizophrenia: An Open-Label Extension Study of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have the potential to improve adherence and symptom control in patients with schizophrenia, promoting long-term recovery. Paliperidone palmitate (PP) once every 6 months is the first and currently only LAI antipsychotic with an extended dosing interval of 6 months.

Objective

To assess long-term outcomes of PP received once every 6 months in adults with schizophrenia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In a 2-year open-label extension (OLE) study of a 1-year randomized clinical trial (RCT), eligible adults with schizophrenia could choose to continue PP every 6 months if they had not experienced relapse after receiving PP once every 3 or 6 months in the 1-year, international, multicenter, double-blind, randomized noninferiority trial. The present analysis focused on patients receiving PP every 6 months in the double-blind trial through the OLE study (November 20, 2017, to May 3, 2022).

Intervention

Patients received a dorsogluteal injection of PP on day 1 and once every 6 months up to month 30.

Main Outcomes and Measures

End points included assessment of relapse and change from the double-blind trial baseline to the OLE end point in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total and subscale, Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) Scale, and Personal Social Performance (PSP) Scale scores. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), injection site evaluations, and laboratory tests were also assessed.

Results

Among 121 patients (83 [68.6%] male), mean (SD) age at baseline was 38.6 (11.24) years and mean (SD) duration of illness was 11.0 (9.45) years. At screening of the double-blind study, 101 patients (83.5%) were taking an oral antipsychotic and 20 (16.5%) were taking an LAI antipsychotic. Altogether, 5 of 121 patients (4.1%) experienced relapse during the 3-year follow-up; reasons for relapse were psychiatric hospitalization (2 [1.7%]), suicidal or homicidal ideation (2 [1.7%]), and deliberate self-injury (1 [0.8%]). Patients treated with PP every 6 months were clinically and functionally stable, and outcomes were well maintained, evidenced by stable scores on the PANSS (mean [SD] change, -2.6 [9.96] points), CGI-S (mean [SD] change, -0.2 [0.57] points), and PSP (mean [SD] change, 3.1 [9.14] points) scales over the 3-year period. In total, 101 patients (83.5%) completed the 2-year OLE. At least 1 TEAE was reported in 97 of 121 patients (80.2%) overall; no new safety or tolerability concerns were identified.

Conclusions and Relevance

In a 2-year OLE study of a 1-year RCT, results supported favorable long-term outcomes of PP once every 6 months for up to 3 years in adults with schizophrenia.

The relationship between self-stigma and quality of life in long-term hospitalized patients with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional study

Objective

To investigate self-stigma's influence on schizophrenia patients' quality of life and its mediated impact by various factors.

Methods

This study adopted a cross-sectional design and randomly selected 170 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia for evaluation. The assessment tools included the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale (ISMI), Schizophrenia Quality of Life Scale (SQLS), and Coping Questionnaire for Schizophrenia Patients (CQSP), among others. Correlation analysis, regression analysis, and mediation analysis were used to test the correlation and mediation effects.

Results

Self-stigma had a significant impact on quality of life (T = 8.13, p = 0.00). When self-stigma is used as a mediator, the problem-solving factor in coping strategies has an indirect effect on quality of life, which is significant (AB = -0.16, P = 0.02), while the avoidance factor in coping strategies has a direct effect on quality of life, which is significant (C' = 0.54, p < 0.001), and an indirect effect, which is also significant (AB = 0.25, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The study highlights the significant impact of self-stigma on the quality of life of schizophrenia patients, emphasizing the crucial roles of self-esteem and coping strategies. These findings suggest clinical interventions to improve quality of life should focus on reducing self-stigma, especially enhancing self-esteem and promoting adaptive coping strategies. By addressing these factors, we can better support the mental health and well-being of those with schizophrenia, offering an effective approach to rehabilitation.

Treatment effects of adjunct group music therapy in inpatients with chronic schizophrenia: a systematic review

Introduction

Pharmacological treatment may be effective for treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia; no evidence of clinically significant effects on negative and cognitive symptoms, social and behavioral functioning. This review investigated treatment outcomes of multiple (at least four sessions in 4 weeks) group music therapy sessions adjunct to standard care in inpatients with chronic schizophrenia.

Methods

A systematic review search of five electronic medical and psychological databases conducted using keywords "music therapy" and "schizophrenia" up to December 2021. Screening was performed for published articles on any adjunct multiple group music therapy (four sessions in 4 weeks minimum) adjunct to "treatment as usual" for inpatients with "chronic" schizophrenia. All study outcomes were all included. Risk of bias of all studies was assessed.

Results

1160 articles were screened, and 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a total of 1,114 inpatients were included. Ten RCTs reported open group sessions with active structured music making (ASMM) combining passive music listening (PML) and/or active singing, playing instruments, and improvisations while three other studies applied PML only. Four studies reported significant outcomes for both positive and negative symptoms. Ten of the thirteen studies recorded significant improvements in negative symptoms, behavioral and social functioning. Lasting significant effects were found in a longitudinal RCT with 272 samples evaluated unguided pre-recorded PML as a coping method lasting up to six months and similar results found in another two longitudinal RCTs. Secondary outcomes measured cognition, mood, social interest and function, self-care ability, interpersonal relationships, and QoL all showed significant outcomes. The significance level for pre-post intervention and between-group measures ranged from p < 0.001 to p < 0.05. No negative effects were reported in any studies.

Conclusion

Evidence from this review suggests rehabilitation with adjunctive regular PML or combined ASMM in group settings may provide therapeutic engagement, contributing to improvements in social interest and participation. PML is low-cost and non-invasive therapy. Enhancing overall QoL as one type of psychosocial therapy. More rigorous longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to investigate whether regular long-term individual PML and active group music therapy have the same significant treatment effects as coping and rehabilitation strategies.

Understanding Lifelong Factors and Prediction Models of Social Functioning After Psychosis Onset Using the Large-Scale GROUP Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Current rates of poor social functioning (SF) in people with psychosis history reach 80% worldwide. We aimed to identify a core set of lifelong predictors and build prediction models of SF after psychosis onset.

STUDY DESIGN

We utilized data of 1119 patients from the Genetic Risk and Outcome in Psychosis (GROUP) longitudinal Dutch cohort. First, we applied group-based trajectory modeling to identify premorbid adjustment trajectories. We further investigated the association between the premorbid adjustment trajectories, six-year-long cognitive deficits, positive, and negative symptoms trajectories, and SF at 3-year and 6-year follow-ups. Next, we checked associations between demographics, clinical, and environmental factors measured at the baseline and SF at follow-up. Finally, we built and internally validated 2 predictive models of SF.

STUDY RESULTS

We found all trajectories were significantly associated with SF (P < .01), explaining up to 16% of SF variation (R2 0.15 for 3- and 0.16 for 6-year follow-up). Demographics (sex, ethnicity, age, education), clinical parameters (genetic predisposition, illness duration, psychotic episodes, cannabis use), and environment (childhood trauma, number of moves, marriage, employment, urbanicity, unmet needs of social support) were also significantly associated with SF. After validation, final prediction models explained a variance up to 27% (95% CI: 0.23, 0.30) at 3-year and 26% (95% CI: 0.22, 0.31) at 6-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a core set of lifelong predictors of SF. Yet, the performance of our prediction models was moderate.

Symptomatic, functional and quality of life measures of remission in 194 outpatients with schizophrenia followed naturalistically in a 6-month, non-interventional study of aripiprazole once-monthly

An important goal in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia is remission in various domains, i.e., of symptoms, psychosocial functioning and subjective well-being. We undertook a post hoc analysis of pre-stabilized outpatients with schizophrenia and complete outcome data who had been enrolled in a 6-month non-interventional study of aripiprazole once-monthly (AOM) at 75 German sites. Key outcomes were (i) symptomatic remission (cross-sectional Andreasen et al. criteria (≤mild positive and negative key symptoms on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS))); (ii) functional remission (Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale score >70), and (iii) subjective well-being remission (WHO-5 scale score ≥13) at week 24. Of 242 enrolled patients, 194 (80.2%) (age = 43.9 ± 15.3 years; 51.5% male, illness duration = 14.0 ± 12.0 years) with complete data were analyzed. While 61.3% of the patients achieved symptomatic remission and 76.8% achieved remission regarding subjective well-being, only 24.7% achieved psychosocial functioning remission at 6 months. Remission rates were similar for men and women and across strata of disease duration with, on average, less remission in patients with longer illness duration. Correlations of improvements on the BPRS and GAF were weak, with the weakest correlation between the BPRS depressive mood item and the GAF scale, but similarly high correlation between BPRS subscales or the BPRS depressive mood item and subjective well-being. These findings suggest that while treatment with AOM can lead to symptomatic remission and remission regarding subjective well-being, additional interventions such as psychosocial therapy or supported employment and education may be necessary to achieve functional remission.

Case report: Treatment-resistant schizophrenia with auto-aggressive compulsive behavior-Successful management with cariprazine

The present case report describes a patient with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and auto-aggressive compulsive behavior who was effectively treated with a third-generation antipsychotic medication, cariprazine. The diagnosis was made 12 years ago, and the patient has been hospitalized 14 times and undergone various antipsychotic treatments. Despite receiving both inpatient and outpatient care, the patient's response to treatment has been only partial, and he has been classified as a treatment-resistant case. Therefore, the patient was switched to cariprazine, which led to significant improvements in both positive and negative symptoms, as well as the complete reduction of auto-aggressive compulsive behavior. These improvements contributed to the patient's overall social functioning and the achievement of remission, while also avoiding polypharmacy and eliminating the metabolic side effects associated with previous treatments.

Delphi panel to obtain clinical consensus about using long-acting injectable antipsychotics to treat first-episode and early-phase schizophrenia: treatment goals and approaches to functional recovery

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia is mostly a chronic disorder whose symptoms include psychosis, negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction. Poor adherence is common and related relapse can impair outcomes. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) may promote treatment adherence and decrease the likelihood of relapse and rehospitalization. Using LAIs in first-episode psychosis (FEP) and early-phase (EP) schizophrenia patients could benefit them, yet LAIs have traditionally been reserved for chronic patients.

METHODS

A three-step modified Delphi panel process was used to obtain expert consensus on using LAIs with FEP and EP schizophrenia patients. A literature review and input from a steering committee of five experts in psychiatry were used to develop statements about patient population, adverse event management, and functional recovery. Recruited Delphi process psychiatrists rated the extent of their agreement with the statements over three rounds (Round 1: paper survey, 1:1 interview; Rounds 2-3: email survey). Analysis rules determined whether a statement progressed to the next round and the level of agreement deemed consensus. Measures of central tendency (mode, mean) and variability (interquartile range) were reported back to help panelists assess their previous responses in the context of those of the overall group.

RESULTS

The Delphi panelists were 17 psychiatrists experienced in treating schizophrenia with LAIs, practicing in seven countries (France, Italy, US, Germany, Spain, Denmark, UK). Panelists were presented with 73 statements spanning three categories: patient population; medication dosage, management, and adverse events; and functional recovery domains and assessment. Fifty-five statements achieved ≥ 80% agreement (considered consensus). Statements with low agreement (40-79%) or very low agreement (< 39%) concerned initiating dosage in FEP and EP patients, and managing loss of efficacy and breakthrough episodes, reflecting current evidence gaps. The panel emphasized benefits of LAIs in FEP and EP patients, with consensus that LAIs can decrease the risk of relapse, rehospitalization, and functional dysfunction. The panel supported links between these benefits and multidimensional longer-term functional recovery beyond symptomatic remission.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this Delphi panel support the use of LAIs in FEP and EP schizophrenia patients regardless of disease severity, number of relapses, or social support status. Gaps in clinician knowledge make generating evidence on using LAIs in FEP and EP patients critical.

Long-term outcomes of the recovery approach in a high-security mental health setting: a 20 year follow-up study

Background

This study examined the outcomes of a descriptive, longitudinal cohort consisting of 241 patients initially examined in a population study at the high secure State Hospital for Scotland and Northern Ireland in 1992-93. A partial follow-up focusing on patients with schizophrenia was conducted in 2000-01, followed by a comprehensive 20 year follow-up that began in 2014.

Aims

To explore what happens to patients who required high secure care during a 20 year follow-up period.

Method

Previously collected data were amalgamated with newly collected information to examine the recovery journey since baseline. Various sources were employed, including patient and keyworker interviews, case note reviews, and extraction from health and national records, and Police Scotland datasets.

Results

Over half of the cohort (56.0%) with available data resided outside secure services at some point during the follow-up period (mean 19.2 years), and only 12% of the cohort were unable to transition out of high secure care. The symptoms of psychosis improved, with statistically significant reductions observed in reported delusions, depression, and flattened affect. Reported sadness [according to the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)] at baseline, first, and 20 year follow-up interviews was negatively correlated with the questionnaire about the process of recovery (QPR) scores at the 20 year follow-up. However, qualitative data depicted progress and personal development. According to societal measures, there was little evidence of sustained social or functional recovery. The overall conviction rate post-baseline was 22.7%, with 7.9% violent recidivism. The cohort exhibited poor morbidity and mortality, with 36.9% of the cohort dying, primarily from natural causes (91%).

Conclusions

Overall, the findings showed positive outcomes in terms of movement out of high-security settings, symptom improvement, and low levels of recidivism. Notably, this cohort experienced a high rate of deaths and poor physical morbidity, along with a lack of sustained social recovery, particularly among those who had negotiated a path through services and who were current residents in the community. Social engagement, enhanced during residence in low secure or open ward settings, diminished significantly during the transition to the community. This is likely a result of self-protective measures adopted to mitigate societal stigma and the shift from a communal environment. Subjective depressive symptoms may impact broader aspects of recovery.

Defining recovery in schizophrenia: A review of outcome studies

Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder with a heterogenous course and different ways in which recovery is measured or perceived. Recovery in schizophrenia is a complex process that it can be defined either from a clinical perspective focused on sustained symptom and functional remission, or from a patient-focused one, as a self-broadening process aimed at living a meaningful life beyond mental illness. Until now, studies analysed these domains separately, without examining their mutual relations and changes over time. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to examine the relationship of global measures of subjective recovery with each of the components of clinical recovery such as symptom severity and functioning, in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The results showed that the association between different indicators of personal recovery and remission are weak and inverse (^dIG⁺ = -0.18, z = -2.71, p < 0.01), however, this finding is not substantial according to the sensitivity indicators. With respect to functionality and personal recovery, there was a moderate relationship (^dIG⁺ = 0.26, z = 7.894, p < 0.01) with adequate sensitivity indices. In addition, a low consensus exists between subjective measures that are more related to the patient's perspective and clinical measures based on experts and clinician's viewpoint.

Effect of a group-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention on self-esteem and psychological flexibility in patients with schizophrenia in remission

The present study explored whether acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a cognitive behavioral therapy approach, could improve the symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders among patients with schizophrenia in remission. A pre- and post-treatment design with two evaluation time points was employed. Sixty outpatients with schizophrenia in remission were randomly divided into two groups: the ACT plus treatment as usual (ACT+TAU) and treatment as usual (TAU) groups. The ACT+TAU group participated in 10 group-based ACT interventions and TAU in the hospital, and the TAU group only received TAU interventions. General psycho-pathological symptoms, self-esteem, and psychological flexibility were assessed before intervention (baseline; pre-test) and after intervention (five weeks; post-test). Results indicated that, compared to the TAU group, the ACT+TAU group exhibited a more significant improvement in general psychopathological symptoms, self-esteem, cognitive fusion, and acceptance and action at post-test. ACT intervention could effectively decrease the general psycho-pathological symptoms and increase self-esteem level and psychological flexibility in people with schizophrenia in remission.

Psychometric and clinical evaluation of schizophrenia remission criteria in outpatients with psychotic disorders

BACKGROUND

Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia have debilitating effects on health and functioning. Given symptomatic remission's recent emergence as a viable treatment goal, the Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group's criteria (RSWG-cr), based on eight items from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS-8), are frequently used in clinical and research settings. Against that background, we sought to evaluate the PANSS-8's psychometric properties and examine the RSWG-cr's clinical validity among outpatients in Sweden.

METHODS

Cross-sectional register data were collected from outpatient psychosis clinics in Gothenburg, Sweden. Following confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses of PANSS-8 data (n = 1,744) to assess the PANSS-8's psychometric properties, internal reliability was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Next, 649 of the patients were classified according to the RSWG-cr and their clinical and demographic characteristics compared. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and assess each variable's impact on remission status.

RESULTS

The PANSS-8 showed good reliability (α = .85), and the 3D model of psychoticism, disorganization, and negative symptoms presented the best model fit. According to the RSWG-cr, 55% of the 649 patients were in remission; they were also more likely to live independently, be employed, not smoke, not take antipsychotics, and have recently received a health interview and physical examination. Patients living independently (OR = 1.98), who were employed (OR = 1.89), who were obese (OR = 1.61), and who had recently received a physical examination (OR = 1.56) also had an increased likelihood of remission.

CONCLUSIONS

The PANSS-8 is internally reliable, and, according to the RSWG-cr, remission is associated with variables of interest for patients' recovery, including living independently and being employed. Although our findings from a large, heterogeneous sample of outpatients reflect everyday clinical practice and reinforce past observations, the directions of those relationships need to be assessed in longitudinal studies.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on predictors of prognosis in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders: An overview of current evidence and a call for prospective research and open access to datasets

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) have heterogeneous outcomes. If we could predict individual outcome and identify predictors of outcome, we could personalize and optimize treatment and care. Recent research showed that recovery rates tend to stabilize early in the course of disease. Short- to medium- term treatment goals are most relevant for clinical practice.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify predictors of outcome ≤1 year in prospective studies of patients with SSD. For our meta-analysis risk of bias was assessed with the QUIPS tool.

RESULTS

178 studies were included for analysis. Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the chance of symptomatic remission was lower in males, and in patients with longer duration of untreated psychosis, more symptoms, worse global functioning, more previous hospital admissions and worse treatment adherence. The chance of readmission was higher for patients with more previous admissions. The chance of functional improvement was lower in patients with worse functioning at baseline. For other proposed predictors of outcome, like age at onset and depressive symptoms, limited to no evidence was found.

DISCUSSION

This study illuminates predictors of outcome of SSD. Level of functioning at baseline was the best predictor of all investigated outcomes. Furthermore, we found no evidence for many predictors proposed in original research. Possible reasons for this include the lack of prospective research, between-study heterogeneity and incomplete reporting. We therefore recommend open access to datasets and analysis scripts, enabling other researchers to reanalyze and pool the data.

The Mediating Role of Positive Thinking on the Relationship Between Depression and Functional Recovery in Community-Dwelling People With Schizophrenia

Functional recovery as a consumer-centered approach is critical to recovery for community-dwelling people with schizophrenia. The current study investigated the mediating role of positive thinking in the relationship between depression and functional recovery in community-dwelling people with schizophrenia in South Korea. Depression, positive thinking, and functional recovery measures were completed by 158 people with schizophrenia in the community with self-reported questionnaires. Depression had a significantly negative influence on functional recovery. Positive thinking fully mediated the relationship between depression and functional recovery. An effective intervention strategy for functional recovery in this population may reinforce positive thinking and depression management. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(2), 44-52.].

The efficacy of homestyle rehabilitation on negative symptoms in chronic schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial

Objective

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder with a high disability rate that is characterized by negative symptoms such as apathy, hyperactivity, and anhedonia that can make daily life challenging and impair social functioning. In this study, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of homestyle rehabilitation in mitigating these negative symptoms and associated factors.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of hospital rehabilitation and homestyle rehabilitation for negative symptoms in 100 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. The participants were divided randomly into two groups, each persisting for 3 months. The primary outcome measures were the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). The secondary outcome measures included the Positive Symptom Assessment Scale (SAPS), Calgary Schizophrenia Depression Scale (CDSS), Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS), and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). The trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of the two rehabilitation methods.

Results

Homestyle rehabilitation for negative symptoms was found to be more effective than hospital rehabilitation, according to the changes in SANS (T = 2.07, p = 0.04). Further analysis using multiple regression indicated that improvements in depressive symptoms (T = 6.88, p < 0.001) and involuntary motor symptoms (T = 2.75, p = 0.007) were associated with a reduction in negative symptoms.

Conclusion

Homestyle rehabilitation may have greater potential than hospital rehabilitation in improving negative symptoms, making it an effective rehabilitation model. Further research is necessary to investigate factors such as depressive symptoms and involuntary motor symptoms, which may be associated with the improvement of negative symptoms. Additionally, more attention should be given to addressing secondary negative symptoms in rehabilitation interventions.

The perspectives of healthcare professionals in mental health settings on stigma and recovery - A qualitative inquiry

BACKGROUND

Mental health stigma is one of the most prominent barriers to recovery, and it is widely known that stigma may manifest differentially in different cultures. Healthcare professionals working closely with persons with mental illnesses (PMI) may provide important insights towards stigma that are otherwise unattainable from caregivers and consumers. However, there is a dearth of literature on healthcare professionals' perspectives on this topic. Thus, this study uses a multilevel approach to explore how stigma affects recovery from the perspectives of healthcare professionals that work closely with PMI in Singapore.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 17 healthcare professionals who were working in mental health settings in Singapore. Participants were recruited via direct email invitation or through snowball sampling. Data collected was analysed with the inductive thematic analysis method. All coding and inter-rater analyses were performed with NVivo.

RESULTS

The current study themes identified stigma-related factors that influence PMI's recovery from the perspectives of healthcare professionals working closely with PMI. These factors were organised into three overarching themes in a multilevel structure. The three themes were classified as Micro Factors (e.g., internalised stigma), Meso Factors (e.g., discrimination of people associated with the stigmatised group), and Macro Factors (e.g., structural stigma and stigma within healthcare settings).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study gave us a greater understanding of how stigma influences recovery in Singapore, which could be used to guide the development and implementation of future policies and strategies to promote recovery. Importantly, our results suggest that improving mental health literacy, addressing cultural misgivings towards mental illness, implementing recovery-oriented practices, and making insurance more accessible for PMI could mitigate the deleterious impact that stigma has on recovery.

Functionality During the First Five Years After the Diagnosis of Schizophrenia. A Cohort Study in a Colombian Population

OBJECTIVE

There is a lack of studies on the natural history of the initial stages of schizophrenia in Colombia. This study aims to assess functionality in the first five years after the diagnosis of schizophrenia.

METHODS

Naturalistic longitudinal study of 50 patients with early schizophrenia evaluated between 2011 and 2014. Data about demographic background, symptoms, introspection, treatment and adverse reactions were collected in all patients every 3 months for at least 3-5 years. Functionality was measured with the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scales.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up for a mean of 174±62.5 weeks and showed moderate difficulties in overall functioning. This functioning was modified by polypharmacy, degree of introspection, changes in antipsychotic regimens, and the number of episodes, relapses and hospitalisations.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that functional outcomes seem to be related to the use of polypharmacy, degree of insight, changes in antipsychotic regimens, and number of episodes, relapses and hospitalisations during the first years of schizophrenia.

Randomized Controlled Trial for the Effects of an Exercise Program for Functional Remission and Weight Control in Schizophrenia: A Community Mental Health Study

This research was conducted to determine the effect of an exercise program on functional remission and weight control in schizophrenia. This experimental study was conducted with pre-posttests and a control group at community mental health centers with 32 individuals with schizophrenia. The individuals participating in the program registered a more significant increase on the functional remission levels compared to the control group and a significant difference was found between the pretest/posttest BMI measures of the experimental group. The nurse-led exercise program is an effective plan that can be used in achieving functional remission.

Role of Curcumin in the Management of Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review

Nutraceutical agents and food supplements are commonly used as treatment adjuncts in neuropsychiatric disorders. Curcumin, a bioactive agent obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has gained much research attention in the last few decades. In this narrative review, we intend to summarize the evidence available for curcumin as an add-on agent in the management of schizophrenia. We searched PubMed/EBSCO for both human and animal trials utilizing curcumin in the management of schizophrenia. We obtained ten articles (five preclinical and five clinical) from the focused literature search. Clinical research utilizing curcumin in schizophrenia is limited to negative and cognitive symptoms. Available preclinical studies suggest curcumin's utility in ameliorating extrapyramidal and metabolic side effects when given as an adjunct with antipsychotics. Curcumin, as an add-on agent, appears promising to improve the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Notably, curcumin was tolerable and safe in all the randomized human clinical trials. The poor oral bioavailability is, however, a limiting factor in its widespread use.

Treatment of Symptom Clusters in Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder With the Dopamine D3/D2 Preferring Partial Agonist Cariprazine

Cariprazine is currently approved for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia (USA and EU), and for manic, depressive, and episodes with mixed features in bipolar I disorder (USA): several randomized controlled studies have also explored its efficacy in patients with major depressive disorder. This review summarizes its current therapeutic uses and potential advantages for treating the main symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar I and major depressive disorder, considering its pharmacodynamic properties, efficacy, and tolerability. Its predominantly D3 receptor preferring affinity, with functional selectivity according to the prevailing neuronal environment, contributes to its efficacy across a wide array of psychopathological symptoms (including reality distortion, disorganized thought, negative symptoms, mood disturbance, anhedonia, and cognitive impairment), and to a favorable side effect profile. Cariprazine may be a "drug of choice" in patients with predominant negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, as well as those with metabolic syndrome. Further investigation of its relative efficacy when compared to aripiprazole or other active comparators is warranted. Its effectiveness in the treatment of bipolar mania, bipolar I depression and bipolar I episodes with mixed features, with minimal accompanying metabolic changes is well-established. The longer half-life and delayed time to relapse in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia when compared to other second-generation antipsychotics represent other advantages, given the high rates of non-adherence and frequent relapses seen in clinical practice. Its efficacy in overlapping symptom domains in other major psychiatric disorders appears promising.

Proportion and predictors of remission and recovery in first-episode psychosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

To determine the proportion of patients in symptomatic remission and recovery following a first-episode of psychosis (FEP).

Methods

A multistep literature search using the Web of Science database, Cochrane Central Register of Reviews, Ovid/PsychINFO, and trial registries from database inception to November 5, 2020, was performed. Cohort studies and randomized control trials (RCT) investigating the proportion of remission and recovery following a FEP were included. Two independent researchers searched, following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines and using a PROSPERO protocol. We performed meta-analyses regarding the proportion of remission/recovery (symptomatic plus functional outcomes). Heterogeneity was measured employing Q statistics and I² test. To identify potential predictors, meta-regression analyses were conducted, as well as qualitative reporting of studies included in a systematic review. Sensitivity analyses were performed regarding different times of follow-up and type of studies.

Results

One hundred articles (82 cohorts and 18 RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled proportion of symptomatic remission was 54% (95%CI [30, 49–58]) over a mean follow-up period of 43.57 months (SD = 51.82) in 76 studies. After excluding RCT from the sample, the proportion of remission remained similar (55%). The pooled proportion of recovery was 32% (95%CI [27–36]) over a mean follow-up period of 71.85 months (SD = 73.54) in 40 studies. After excluding RCT from the sample, the recovery proportion remained the same. No significant effect of any sociodemographic or clinical predictor was found.

Conclusions

Half of the patients are in symptomatic remission around 4 years after the FEP, while about a third show recovery after 5.5 years.

Views of Schizophrenia Among Future Healthcare Professionals: Differences in Relation to Diagnostic Labelling, Causal Explanations, and Type of Academic Degree Program

OBJECTIVE

Stereotyped beliefs about schizophrenia are well-established in the society and relatively common among healthcare professionals and students. The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions about the causes, treatment, and outcome of schizophrenia among healthcare students.

METHOD

Undergraduate nursing and psychology students completed selected items of the Opinion on Mental Illness Questionnaire after reading a clinical vignette of undiagnosed schizophrenia.

RESULTS

Students who labelled the description as schizophrenia were more pessimistic regarding full recovery from the disorder. Those who acknowledged greater relevance to biogenetic risk factors were more convinced of the efficacy of medications. Respondents' opinions on the efficacy of psychological interventions were more positive among psychology students than among nursing students.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirmed the associations of schizophrenia labelling with prognostic pessimism and beliefs about the efficacy of pharmacological treatment among future healthcare professionals. Students' opinions were less influenced by differences between academic degree programs. Information about current recovery rate and comprehensive care for schizophrenia may support future healthcare professionals in the relationship and the clinical management of PWS.

Real-World Functioning in Patients With Schizophrenia: Beyond Negative and Cognitive Symptoms

Introduction: Interest in the idea of recovery for certain patients with schizophrenia has been growing over the last decade. Improving symptomatology and functioning is crucial for achieving this. Our study aims to identify those factors that substantially contribute to real-world functioning in these patients. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study in stable outpatients with schizophrenia on maintenance antipsychotic monotherapy. Patients: We studied 144 outpatients with schizophrenia (DSM-IV-TR criteria) meeting the following criteria: (1) 18-65 years of age; (2) being clinically stable for at least the previous three months; (3) on maintenance antipsychotic monotherapy (prescriptions ≤ 10 mg olanzapine, ≤200 mg quetiapine, or ≤100 mg levomepromazine as hypnotics were also allowed); and (4) written informed consent. Assessment: We collected information on demographic and clinical variables by using an ad hoc questionnaire. For psychopathology, we employed the Spanish versions of the following psychometric instruments: the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Brief Negative Symptom Scale (BNSS-Sp), and the Calgary Depression Scale (CDS). In addition, cognitive domains were assessed using the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and the Trail Making Test, parts A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B). Finally, we employed the Spanish versions of the University of California San Diego Performance-based Skills Assessment (Sp-UPSA) and the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) for assessing functional capacity and real-world functioning, respectively. Statistical analysis: A forward stepwise regression was conducted by entering those variables significantly associated with PSP total score into the univariate analyses (Student's t-test, ANOVA with Duncan's post-hoc test, or bivariate Pearson correlation). Results: A total of 144 patients; mean age 40 years, 64% males, mean length of illness 12.4 years, PSP total score 54.3. The final model was a significant predictor of real-world functioning [F (7, 131) = 36.371, p < 0.001] and explained 66.0% of the variance. Variables retained in the model: BNSS-Sp abulia, asociality, and blunted affect, PANSS general psychopathology, Sp-UPSA transportation, TMT-B, and heart rate. Conclusion: Our model will contribute to a more efficient and personalized daily clinical practice by assigning specific interventions to each patient based on specific impaired factors in order to improve functioning.

Functionality During the First Five Years After the Diagnosis of Schizophrenia. A Cohort Study in a Colombian Population

OBJECTIVE

There is a lack of studies on the natural history of the initial stages of schizophrenia in Colombia. This study aims to assess functionality in the first five years after the diagnosis of schizophrenia.

METHODS

Naturalistic longitudinal study of 50 patients with early schizophrenia evaluated between 2011 and 2014. Data about demographic background, symptoms, introspection, treatment and adverse reactions were collected in all patients every 3 months for at least 3-5 years. Functionality was measured with the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) and Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scales.

RESULTS

Patients were followed up for a mean of 174±62.5 weeks and showed moderate difficulties in overall functioning. This functioning was modified by polypharmacy, degree of introspection, changes in antipsychotic regimens, and the number of episodes, relapses and hospitalisations.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that functional outcomes seem to be related to the use of polypharmacy, degree of insight, changes in antipsychotic regimens, and number of episodes, relapses and hospitalisations during the first years of schizophrenia.

Predicting Real-World Functioning in Schizophrenia: The Relative Contributions of Neurocognition, Functional Capacity, and Negative Symptoms

Neurocognition and functional capacity are commonly reported predictors of real-world functioning in schizophrenia. However, the additional impact of negative symptoms, specifically its subdomains, i.e., diminished expression (DE) and avolition-apathy (AA), on real-world functioning remains unclear. The current study assessed 58 individuals with schizophrenia. Neurocognition was assessed with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, functional capacity with the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment (UPSA-B), and negative symptoms with the Negative Symptom Assessment-16. Real-world functioning was assessed with the Multnomah Community Ability Scale (MCAS) with employment status as an additional objective outcome. Hierarchical regressions and sequential logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between the variables of interest. The results show that global negative symptoms contribute substantial additional variance in predicting MCAS and employment status above and beyond the variance accounted for by neurocognition and functional capacity. In addition, both AA and DE predict the MCAS after controlling for cognition and functional capacity. Only AA accounts for additional variance in employment status beyond that by UPSA-B. In summary, negative symptoms contribute substantial additional variance in predicting both real-world functioning and employment outcomes after accounting for neurocognition and functional capacity. Our findings emphasize both DE and AA as important treatment targets in functional recovery for people with schizophrenia.

Effect of Paliperidone Palmitate 3-Month Formulation on Goal Attainment and Disability After 52 Weeks' Treatment in Patients with Clinically Stable Schizophrenia

PURPOSE

This pragmatic clinical study aimed to assess goal attainment among patients with schizophrenia treated with paliperidone palmitate 3-monthly (PP3M) and its relation to their level of disability, and whether patients achieved symptomatic remission at the study endpoint.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Goal attainment was assessed as a secondary endpoint using Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) within a 52-week, prospective, single-arm, non-randomized, open-label, international, multicenter study evaluating the impact of transitioning stable patients with schizophrenia from paliperidone palmitate 1-monthly (PP1M) to PP3M. Additional exploratory analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between disability and functioning as measured by the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS), Version 2.0, symptomatic remission, and goal attainment.

RESULTS

Overall, 305 patients were enrolled, of whom 281 (92.1%) provided GAS data at baseline. Of these, 160 achieved symptomatic remission at the last observation carried forward (LOCF) endpoint. The most common category of goals was "self" related, of which work-related was most frequent. Two-thirds of patients (67.7%) achieved at least one goal at the LOCF endpoint. Goal achievement was positively associated with lower baseline symptoms and symptomatic remission at LOCF endpoint, and with lower WHODAS scores at baseline and LOCF endpoint and greater WHODAS score improvements from baseline. Age, duration of disease, and duration of PP1M treatment before the switch did not impact goal setting and goal attainment. The proportion of patients with remunerated work status increased by 11.3% at LOCF endpoint.

CONCLUSION

The results of this secondary endpoint analysis indicate that continued treatment of patients with schizophrenia with PP3M following stabilization with PP1M may facilitate attainment of patients' personal goals and reduce disability, especially, but not exclusively, in patients with symptomatic remission achieved at LOCF.

Perspectives of consumers in India on factors affecting recovery from schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Identifying patient perspectives about recovery may help the service providers to enhance active participation of patients in their recovery.

AIM

This study aimed to explore patients' perspectives about factors affecting recovery from schizophrenia.

METHODS

A semi-structured interview schedule was used to explore the perceptions of 18 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed. Codes were identified and similar codes were grouped together and main themes were identified.

RESULTS

Nine main themes on facilitators and barriers of recovery from schizophrenia were derived.

CONCLUSION

Deeper understanding of patients' perspectives of recovery from schizophrenia can help mental health professionals to plan appropriate recovery-oriented services.

Stable patients with schizophrenia switched to paliperidone palmitate 3-monthly formulation in a naturalistic setting: impact of patient age and disease duration on outcomes

BACKGROUND

Paliperidone palmitate 3-monthly (PP3M) is a second-generation, long-acting injectable antipsychotic formulation indicated for the maintenance treatment of adults with schizophrenia first stabilized with paliperidone palmitate 1-monthly (PP1M). This exploratory post hoc subgroup analysis of the 52-week, phase 3b REMISSIO study analysed outcomes according to patient age and disease duration in a naturalistic clinical setting.

METHODS

Outcomes of patients with schizophrenia were analysed according to age [<35 years (n = 123) versus ⩾35 years (n = 182)] and disease duration [⩽3 years (n = 72) versus >3 years (n = 233)]. The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of patients achieving symptomatic remission according to the Andreasen criteria. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study.

RESULTS

At endpoint (last observation carried forward), 60.7% (95% CI: 51.4%, 69.4%) of younger patients and 54.1% of older patients (95% CI: 46.6%, 61.6%) achieved symptomatic remission. The proportions for patients with disease duration ⩽3 years and >3 years were similar: 57.8% (45.4%, 69.4%) versus 56.5% (49.8%, 62.9%). Functional remission was reached by 45.4% (36.2%, 54.8%) of patients aged <35 years and 36% (28.9%, 43.6%) of patients aged ⩾35 years with a similar pattern when analysed by disease duration. PP3M had a favourable safety profile and was generally well tolerated in both age groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with schizophrenia, previously stabilized on PP1M, may benefit from PP3M treatment with some additional potential improvements if started early in the disease course.

CLINICAL TRIALSGOV

NCT02713282.

A 1.5-Year Longitudinal Study of Social Activity in Patients With Schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia exhibit impairments in their social activity, intelligence quotient (IQ), daily living skills, and social function. Social activity is a high-order outcome measure of their lives. Here we attempted to longitudinally evaluate the effects of IQ, daily living skills, social function, psychiatric symptoms, and medications on social activity in patients with schizophrenia. The purpose of the current study is to identify the specific factor that affects longitudinal changes in social activity. Sixty-five patients with schizophrenia were assessed at two time points [time 2 (T2, follow-up) - time 1 (T1, baseline) = 1.71 ± 0.79 years]. Social activity, IQ, daily living skills, and social function were assessed using the Social Activity Assessment (SAA; h/week), short form of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)-III (WAIS-SF), University of California San Diego (UCSD) Performance-Based Skills Assessment (UPSA), and Social Functioning Scale (SFS), respectively. IQ, daily living skills, social function, and social activity were significantly improved between T1 and T2 (t = 2.0-4.4, p = 0.048-3.60 × 10-5). IQ, daily living skills, and social function positively correlated with social activity (lowest p = 1.27 × 10-5), and psychiatric symptoms negatively correlated with social activity over time (lowest p = 3.26 × 10-9). The longitudinal change in social activity was independently and positively correlated with a change in social function (beta = 0.35, p = 4.63 × 10-3), particularly interpersonal communication (beta = 0.35, p = 4.32 × 10-3). The longitudinal changes in other factors did not directly affect the change in social activity (p > 0.05). Based on these findings, social activity is more affected by social function than by other factors.

[Prognostic importance of the psychopathological remission structure at the initial stage of schizophrenia]

AIM

To identify main clinical and psychopathological models of remission in the initial stage of schizophrenia which were correlated with subsequent clinical and social prognosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The sample consisted of 116 patients diagnosed with paroxysmal-progressive schizophrenia (ICD-10 items F20.01-F20.09) in remission after the first or second episode. Clinical-psychopathological, psychometric (SPI-A), statistical methods were used. The separation of remissions in the initial stage of schizophrenia was based on the principle of longitudinal observation with estimation of correlations between deficit disorders and positive symptoms.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Depending on the predominance of one of the factors of the deficit symptom complex, the following modules were identified: remissions with domination of deficit expression factor and remissions with deficit apathy factor, which were correlated with the clinical and social prognosis.

Biomarkers of autonomic regulation for predicting psychological distress and functional recovery following road traffic injuries: protocol for a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Psychological distress is a prevalent condition often overlooked following a motor vehicle crash (MVC), particularly when injuries are not severe. The aim of this study is to examine whether biomarkers of autonomic regulation alone or in combination with other factors assessed shortly after MVC could predict risk of elevated psychological distress and poor functional recovery in the long term, and clarify links between mental and physical health consequences of traffic injury.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a controlled longitudinal cohort study, with follow-up occurring at 3, 6 and 12 months. Participants include up to 120 mild to moderately injured MVC survivors who consecutively present to the emergency departments of two hospitals in Sydney and who agree to participate, and a group of up to 120 non-MVC controls, recruited with matched demographic characteristics, for comparison. WHO International Classification of Functioning is used as the framework for study assessment. The primary outcomes are the development of psychological distress (depressive mood and anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, driving phobia, adjustment disorder) and biomarkers of autonomic regulation. Secondary outcomes include indicators of physical health (presence of pain/fatigue, physical functioning) and functional recovery (quality of life, return to function, participation) as well as measures of emotional and cognitive functioning. For each outcome, risk will be described by the frequency of occurrence over the 12 months, and pathways determined via latent class mixture growth modelling. Regression models will be used to identify best predictors/biomarkers and to study associations between mental and physical health.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approvals were obtained from the Sydney Local Health District and the research sites Ethics Committees. Study findings will be disseminated to health professionals, related policy makers and the community through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and health forums.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12616001445460.

Functional remission in schizophrenia: A FROGS-based definition and its convergent validity

Functional remission concerns only one third of schizophrenia patients who achieved symptomatic remission. We previously developed a scale devoted to functional remission, named the FROGS (Functional Remission Of General Schizophrenia). This instrument encompasses three clinically relevant dimensions. The aim of this study is to provide a threshold for functional remission relying on these three dimensions, and to compare its psychometric properties with other scales devoted to functional remission. We tested the characteristics of functional remission according to the FROGS. The FROGS was used in different European countries and compared to other valid scales (GAF, PSP and PSRS) in a sample of 295 schizophrenia patients. The association with different parameters as external validators was assessed, including clinical remission. A comparison of the classifying properties of each scale compared to the others was made. The four instruments were equally influenced by the PANSS score, the clinical remission according Andreassen's criteria, the number of past hospitalizations and the presence of a paid working activity. These findings provide a simple threshold for the FROGS, tightly linked to the definition of functional remission, with a good convergent validity. This instrument might be easily used to facilitate the assessment of functional remission in schizophrenia.