1
|
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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rocca P, Rucci P, Montemagni C, Rossi A, Bertolino A, Aguglia E, Altamura CA, Amore M, Andriola I, Bellomo A, Brasso C, Carpiniello B, Del Favero E, Dell'Osso L, Di Fabio F, Fabrazzo M, Fagiolini A, Giordano GM, Marchesi C, Martinotti G, Monteleone P, Pompili M, Roncone R, Rossi R, Siracusano A, Tenconi E, Vita A, Zeppegno P, Galderisi S, Maj M. Does social cognition change? Evidence after 4 years from the Italian Network for Research on Psychoses. Eur Psychiatry 2023; 66:e10. [PMID: 36628577 PMCID: PMC9970151 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2022.2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficits in social cognition (SC) are significantly related to community functioning in schizophrenia (SZ). Few studies investigated longitudinal changes in SC and its impact on recovery. In the present study, we aimed: (a) to estimate the magnitude and clinical significance of SC change in outpatients with stable SZ who were assessed at baseline and after 4 years, (b) to identify predictors of reliable and clinically significant change (RCSC), and (c) to determine whether changes in SC over 4 years predicted patient recovery at follow-up. METHODS The reliable change index was used to estimate the proportion of true change in SC, not attributable to measurement error. Stepwise multiple logistic regression models were used to identify the predictors of RCSC in a SC domain (The Awareness of Social Inference Test [TASIT]) and the effect of change in TASIT on recovery at follow-up. RESULTS In 548 participants, statistically significant improvements were found for the simple and paradoxical sarcasm of TASIT scale, and for the total score of section 2. The reliable change index was 9.8. A cut-off of 45 identified patients showing clinically significant change. Reliable change was achieved by 12.6% and RCSC by 8% of participants. Lower baseline TASIT sect. 2 score predicted reliable improvement on TASIT sect. 2. Improvement in TASIT sect. 2 scores predicted functional recovery, with a 10-point change predicting 40% increase in the probability of recovery. CONCLUSIONS The RCSC index provides a conservative way to assess the improvement in the ability to grasp sarcasm in SZ, and is associated with recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rocca
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Rucci
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristiana Montemagni
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, 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
| | - Ileana Andriola
- Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonello Bellomo
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Claudio Brasso
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health, Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elisa Del Favero
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Di Fabio
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Fabrazzo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Fagiolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Clinical Department of Mental Health, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Marchesi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, 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", Section of Neuroscience, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, 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
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Tenconi
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Psychiatric Unit, School of Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Mental Health, Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zeppegno
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, 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
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Agostoni C, Mazzocchi A, Leone L, Ciappolino V, Delvecchio G, Altamura CA, Brambilla P. The first model of keeping energy balance and optimal psycho affective development: Breastfed infants. J Affect Disord 2017; 224:10-15. [PMID: 28094019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfed infants follow a peculiar growth fashion characterized by a rapid weight gain in the first weeks of life, then followed by a fast decrease in growth rates, a capacity to self-regulate the sense of hungry and satiety, and a minor propensity towards overweight and obesity later on, in parallel with a better neurodevelopmental performance. METHODS We searched studies investigating the relationship between the feeding mode in infancy and the energy balance, so the possible associations with total energy expenditure and intake regulation. We focused the research on the interaction with the neuropsychological development and the possible role of microbiome in determinating the normal generation and regular functioning of the brain through the so named "gut-brain axis". RESULTS Total energy expenditure (TEE) is different for breast-fed and formula-fed infants, in particular the feeding mode seems to affect the sleep organisation. Long-term breastfeeding, is one of the most studied factors of neurodevelopment, several studies reporting beneficial effects on child neuropsychological development. Probably this effect is modulated by genetic variations in fatty acid metabolism. Increasing data also showed that the intestinal microbiome exerts several functions which are able to influence neurodevelopment. LIMITATIONS There is considerable controversy over whether nutrition in early life has a long-term influence on neurodevelopment. Other studies are needed to confirm the association between breastfeeding and brain development. CONCLUSIONS The key points of energy disposal, the role and effects of the instestinal flora represent promising fields of investigation possibly leading to indications for the wide area of preventive medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Agostoni
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Cà Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Mazzocchi
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Cà Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovica Leone
- Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Cà Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'Luigi Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Ciappolino
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carlo A Altamura
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, University of Texas at Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Squarcina L, Bellani M, Rossetti MG, Perlini C, Delvecchio G, Dusi N, Barillari M, Ruggeri M, Altamura CA, Bertoldo A, Brambilla P. Similar white matter changes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: A tract-based spatial statistics study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178089. [PMID: 28658249 PMCID: PMC5489157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Several strands of evidence reported a significant overlapping, in terms of clinical symptoms, epidemiology and treatment response, between the two major psychotic disorders—Schizophrenia (SCZ) and Bipolar Disorder (BD). Nevertheless, the shared neurobiological correlates of these two disorders are far from conclusive. This study aims toward a better understanding of possible common microstructural brain alterations in SCZ and BD. Magnetic Resonance Diffusion data of 33 patients with BD, 19 with SCZ and 35 healthy controls were acquired. Diffusion indexes were calculated, then analyzed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS). We tested correlations with clinical and psychological variables. In both patient groups mean diffusion (MD), volume ratio (VR) and radial diffusivity (RD) showed a significant increase, while fractional anisotropy (FA) and mode (MO) decreased compared to the healthy group. Changes in diffusion were located, for both diseases, in the fronto-temporal and callosal networks. Finally, no significant differences were identified between patient groups, and a significant correlations between length of disease and FA and VR within the corpus callosum, corona radiata and thalamic radiation were observed in bipolar disorder. To our knowledge, this is the first study applying TBSS on all the DTI indexes at the same time in both patient groups showing that they share similar impairments in microstructural connectivity, with particular regards to fronto-temporal and callosal communication, which are likely to worsen over time. Such features may represent neural common underpinnings characterizing major psychoses and confirm the central role of white matter pathology in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Gloria Rossetti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cinzia Perlini
- Section of Clinical Psychology, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Dusi
- Section of Psychiatry, AOUI Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Barillari
- Department of Radiology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Carlo A. Altamura
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bertoldo
- Department of Information Engineering (DEI), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UTHouston Medical School, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Antoniazzi S, Tatulli A, Falvella FS, Cigliobianco M, Paoli RA, Cattaneo D, Cheli S, Bernardi FF, Clementi E, Altamura CA. The combination of pharmacogenetic and pharmacokinetic analyses to optimize clomipramine dosing in major depression: a case report. J Clin Pharm Ther 2016; 42:119-121. [PMID: 27800629 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE Polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 2D6 and 2C19 can lead to interindividual differences in drug plasma concentrations, affecting clomipramine efficacy. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic analyses may improve drug therapy. CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a depressed woman requiring higher doses than standard of clomipramine. Identification of low plasma drug levels led to extensive pharmacogenetic analyses of all genes and major functional polymorphisms reported to affect clomipramine metabolism. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION Therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacogenetic analyses may be useful in the investigation and optimization of clomipramine in standard-dose non-responders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Antoniazzi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University Hospital "Luigi Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Scientific Direction, IRCCS Ca' Granda Maggiore Policlinico Hospital Foundation, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tatulli
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Felicia S Falvella
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University Hospital "Luigi Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Cigliobianco
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo A Paoli
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Cattaneo
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University Hospital "Luigi Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Cheli
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University Hospital "Luigi Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca F Bernardi
- Section of Pharmacology "L. Donatelli", Department of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilio Clementi
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University Hospital "Luigi Sacco", Università di Milano, Milan, Italy.,E. Medea Scientific Institute, Lecco, Italy
| | - Carlo A Altamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mauri MC, Maffini M, Di Pace C, Reggiori A, Paletta S, Moliterno D, Rovera C, Altamura CA. "Long-acting" olanzapine in maintenance therapy of schizophrenia: A study with plasma levels. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2015; 19:99-105. [PMID: 25547438 DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2014.1000928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This prospective study was performed to evaluate clinical efficacy and tolerability of olanzapine long-acting injection (OLZ-LAI) and the relation between OLZ plasma level (PL) and the clinical outcome in maintenance therapy of schizophrenia. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-five chronic schizophrenic outpatients with age ranging from 18 to 65 years were included in this 9-month study. Patients were given a dosage of either 210 or 300 or 405 mg of OLZ-LAI every 28 days. Patients were evaluated at baseline and every four weeks by Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS); at the same time, PL of OLZ was determined. The metabolic profile (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and glucose levels) was analyzed every two months. RESULTS BPRS and total PANSS showed a statistically significant improvement from T2 with a clinical stabilization of psychopathological picture. PL ranged from 4.0 to 78.9 ng/ml (mean 20.59 ng/ml ± 14.66 standard deviation). The coefficient of variation of PLs was related to clinical stabilization. No post-injection delirium sedation syndrome occurred. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal the efficacy of OLZ-LAI in maintenance treatment of schizophrenia at lower dosages also in comparison with that of oral therapy. OLZ-LAI seems to be useful for guaranteeing constant PL of the drug. A lesser variation of PL was the most predictable factor associated with maintenance of clinical benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo C Mauri
- Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico , Milan , Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fiorentini A, Volonteri LS, Dragogna F, Rovera C, Maffini M, Mauri MC, Altamura CA. Substance-induced psychoses: a critical review of the literature. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 4:228-40. [PMID: 21999698 DOI: 10.2174/1874473711104040228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Revised: 07/14/2011] [Accepted: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Substances with psychotomimetic properties such as cocaine, amphetamines, hallucinogens and cannabis are widespread, and their use or abuse can provoke psychotic reactions resembling a primary psychotic disease. The recent escalating use of methamphetamine throughout the world and its association with psychotic symptoms in regular users has fuelled concerns. The use of cannabis and cocaine by young people has considerably increased over recent years, and age at first use has dramatically decreased. There is some evidence that cannabis is now on the market in a more potent form than in previous decades. Furthermore, a large number of studies have reported a link between adolescent cannabis use and the development of stable psychosis in early adulthood. The situation is further complicated by the high rates of concomitant substance use by subjects with a psychotic illness which, especially in young users with an early-phase psychotic disorder, can make diagnosis difficult. This paper reviews the literature concerning the properties of psychotogenic substances and the psychotic symptoms they can give rise to, and discusses the association between substance abuse and psychosis with particular emphasis on the differential diagnosis of a primary and substance-induced psychotic disorder. The findings of this review indicate that psychosis due to substance abuse is commonly observed in clinical practice. The propensity to develop psychosis seems to be a function of the severity of use and dependence. From a phenomenological point of view, it is possible to identify some elements that may help clinicians involved in differential diagnoses between primary and substance-induced psychoses. There remains a striking paucity of information on the outcomes, treatments, and best practices of substance-induced psychotic episodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Fiorentini
- Clinical Psychiatry, Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, IRCCS Foundation Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano MI, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dell'osso L, Shear MK, Carmassi C, Rucci P, Maser JD, Frank E, Endicott J, Lorettu L, Altamura CA, Carpiniello B, Perris F, Conversano C, Ciapparelli A, Carlini M, Sarno N, Cassano GB. Validity and reliability of the Structured Clinical Interview for the Trauma and Loss Spectrum (SCI-TALS). Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2008; 4:2. [PMID: 18226228 PMCID: PMC2265706 DOI: 10.1186/1745-0179-4-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2007] [Accepted: 01/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background DSM-IV identifies three stress response disorders (acute stress (ASD), post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and adjustment disorders (AD)) that derive from specific life events. An additional condition of complicated grief (CG), well described in the literature, is triggered by bereavement. Methods This paper reports on the reliability and validity of the Structured Clinical Interview for Trauma and Loss Spectrum (SCI-TALS) developed to assess the spectrum of stress response. The instrument is based on a spectrum model that emphasizes soft signs, low-grade symptoms, subthreshold syndromes, as well as temperamental and personality traits comprising clinical and subsyndromal manifestations. Study participants, enrolled at 6 Italian Departments of Psychiatry, included consecutive patients with PTSD (N = 48), CG (N = 44), and controls (N = 48). Results We showed good reliability and validity of the SCI-TALS. Domain scores were significantly higher in participants with PTSD or CG compared to controls. There were high correlations between specific SCI-TALS domains and corresponding scores on established measures of similar constructs. Participants endorsing grief and loss events reported similar scores on all instruments, except those with CG who scored significantly higher on the domain of grief reactions. Conclusion These results support the existence of a specific grief-related condition and the proposal that different forms of stress response have similar manifestations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Dell'osso
- Department of Psychiatry, Neurobiology, Pharmacology and Biotechnologies, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Maes M, Bocchio Chiavetto L, Bignotti S, Battisa Tura GJ, Pioli R, Boin F, Kenis G, Bosmans E, de Jongh R, Altamura CA. Increased serum interleukin-8 and interleukin-10 in schizophrenic patients resistant to treatment with neuroleptics and the stimulatory effects of clozapine on serum leukemia inhibitory factor receptor. Schizophr Res 2002; 54:281-91. [PMID: 11950553 DOI: 10.1016/s0920-9964(00)00094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is now evidence that schizophrenia may be accompanied by an activation of the monocytic and T-helper-2 (Th-2) arms of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) and by various alterations in the Th-1 arm of CMI. There is also evidence that repeated administration of typical and atypical antipsychotics may result in negative immunomodulatory effects. This study was carried out to examine (1) the serum concentrations of interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-10, the soluble CD8 (sCD8) and the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIF-R) in nonresponders to treatment with typical neuroleptics as compared with normal volunteers and responders to treatment; and (2) the effects of atypical antipsychotics on the above immune variables. The latter were determined in 17 nonresponders to treatment with neuroleptics and in seven normal volunteers and 14 schizophrenic patients who had a good response to treatment with antipsychotic agents. The nonresponders had repeated measurements of the immune variables before, and 2 and 4 months after treatment with clozapine or risperidone. Serum IL-8 and IL-10 were significantly higher in schizophrenic patients than in normal controls. The serum concentrations of the sCD8 were significantly increased 2 months, but not 4 months, after starting treatment with atypical antipsychotics. Serum LIF-R concentrations were significantly increased 2 and 4 months after starting treatment with atypical antipsychotics. It is concluded that: (1) schizophrenia is characterized by an activation of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory aspects of cell-mediated immunity; (2) prolonged treatment with atypical antipsychotics may increase the anti-inflammatory capacity of the serum in schizophrenic patients by increasing serum LIF-R concentrations; and (3) short-term treatment with clozapine may induce signs of immune activation which disappear upon prolonged treatment.
Collapse
|
10
|
Maes M, Delanghe J, Bocchio Chiavetto L, Bignotti S, Tura GB, Pioli R, Zanardini R, Altamura CA. Haptoglobin polymorphism and schizophrenia: genetic variation on chromosome 16. Psychiatry Res 2001; 104:1-9. [PMID: 11600184 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-1781(01)00298-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recently, it was shown that schizophrenia is accompanied by an activation of the inflammatory response system with signs of an acute phase response, such as increased plasma haptoglobin (Hp) concentrations. Hp is characterized by a molecular variation with three known phenotypes, i.e. Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1 and Hp 2-2. The aim of the present study was to examine Hp phenotypic and genotypic frequencies in schizophrenic patients. Hp phenotyping was carried out in 98 Northwestern Italian schizophrenic patients and the phenotypic and genotypic distributions were compared with the distributions established in the Northwestern Italian population. Plasma Hp concentrations were determined by means of a laser nephelometric method. The allele frequency of the Hp phenotypes in schizophrenia, i.e. Hp 1-1 (9.2%), Hp 2-1 (38.8%) and Hp 2-2 (52.0%), was significantly different from that in the Northwestern Italian population, i.e. Hp 1-1 (17.0%), Hp 2-1 (51.3%) and Hp 2-2 (38.5%). The frequency of the Hp-2 gene was significantly higher in schizophrenic patients (71.7%) as compared with the observed frequency in the Northwestern Italian population (62.5%). The alterations in Hp phenotypic and genotypic distribution were more pronounced in the schizo-affective, disorganized, undifferentiated and residual schizophrenic patients than in paranoid schizophrenic patients. More than a third (35.7%) of the schizophrenic patients showed plasma Hp concentrations which were higher than the upper limits of normality. Schizophrenia is accompanied by an altered distribution of the Hp phenotypes and genotypes, suggesting that genetic variation on chromosome 16 may be associated with schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Maes
- IRCCS, Istituto, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Dysregulation of the inflammatory response system has been linked to pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Evidence of immune activation has derived from the detection of abnormal levels of proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid from schizophrenic patients. Cytokines are involved in normal CNS development as well as in the pathogenesis of many neuro-psychiatric disorders, acting directly on neural cells or modulating neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems. In particular tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), depending on its concentration, can exert both neurotrophic and neurotoxic effects and influence neural cell growth and proliferation. Moreover, TNFalpha gene is located on the small arm of chromosome 6 (6p21.1-21.3), a locus associated with genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia. We studied the distribution of -G308A TNFalpha gene polymorphism in 84 schizophrenic patients and in 138 healthy volunteers. This biallelic base exchange polymorphism directly affects TNFalpha plasma levels. Frequency of the TNF2(A) allele is significantly increased in schizophrenic patients as compared to controls (P = 0.0042). Genotype distribution is also significantly different (P = 0.0024). TNF2 homozygotes are represented only in the patient group (P = 0.002). These data suggest a potential role of TNFalpha as a candidate gene for susceptibility to schizophrenia and suggest that immune dysregulation in schizophrenic patients could also have a genetic component.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Boin
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS 'S Giovanni di Dio', Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25100 Brescia, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Maes M, Bocchio Chiavetto L, Bignotti S, Battisa Tura G, Pioli R, Boin F, Kenis G, Bosmans E, de Jongh R, Lin A, Racagni G, Altamura CA. Effects of atypical antipsychotics on the inflammatory response system in schizophrenic patients resistant to treatment with typical neuroleptics. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2000; 10:119-24. [PMID: 10706993 DOI: 10.1016/s0924-977x(99)00062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
There is now some evidence that schizophrenia may be accompanied by an activation of the inflammatory response system (IRS) and that typical antipsychotics may suppress some signs of IRS activation in that illness. This study was carried out to examine (i) the serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), IL-1R antagonist (IL-1RA) and Clara Cell protein (CC16), an endogenous anticytokine, in nonresponders to treatment with typical neuroleptics and (ii) the effects of atypical antipsychotics on the above IRS variables. The above parameters were determined in 17 patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) to treatment with neuroleptics and in seven normal volunteers and 14 schizophrenic patients who had a good response to treatment with antipsychotic agents. Patients with TRS had repeated measurements of the IRS variables before and 2 and 4 months after treatment with atypical antipsychotics. Serum IL-6 was significantly higher in schizophrenic patients, irrespective of their response to typical antipsychotics, than in normal controls. Serum IL-1RA was significantly higher in the TRS patients than in controls, whereas responders took up an intermediate position. The serum concentrations of CC16 were significantly lower after treatment with atypical antipsychotics during 4 months than before treatment. It is concluded that (i) schizophrenia and, in particular, TRS is characterized by an activation of the monocytic arm of cell-mediated immunity and (ii) atypical antipsychotics may decrease the anti-inflammatory capacity of the serum in TRS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Maes
- IRCCS, Istituto, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Lithium augmentation during long-term treatment with antidepressants has long been considered an effective therapeutic strategy in the treatment of depressive syndromes. This paper deals with an 'opposite' strategy, i.e. the use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) during maintenance lithium treatment in bipolar disorder (BP) patients who may present a breakthrough depressive syndrome. The study involved 26 patients on maintenance lithium treatment for a mean of 38 months (mean serum lithium level=0.57 mEq/l). Mean fluoxetine dose was 29.3 mg/day for a mean period of 7.36 weeks. Median HDRS scores before and after fluoxetine augmentation were 14 and 6, respectively. The results provide evidence for the efficacy of fluoxetine augmentation in the treatment of breakthrough depressions occurring in bipolar disorder patients during maintenance lithium treatment. The neuropharmacological explanation of the augmentation is not yet well understood, but it is conceivable that the improvement of the depressive symptoms may be related to the increase in serotonergic function provided by combination of the two treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Tondo
- Department of Mental Hygiene, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Sardinia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mauri MC, Leva P, Coppola MT, Altamura CA. L-sulpiride in young and elderly negative schizophrenics: clinical and pharmacokinetic variables. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 1994; 18:355-6. [PMID: 8208984 DOI: 10.1016/0278-5846(94)90067-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
1. Clinical activity, tolerability and kinetic profile of L-sulpiride (200-300 mg/die p.o.) in relation to age, in 14 chronic schizophrenic in patients diagnosed according to DSM III-R, typed as negative forms, were studied. 2. The drug showed its efficacy in negative forms of schizophrenia, without any significant difference between negative and positive symptoms even if productive symptom scores were quite low already in pre-treatment condition. 3. No more side effects (anticholinergic and extrapyramidal) in elderly patients compared to young/adult ones were reported. 4. No significant differences between young/adult and elderly patients for the various pharmacokinetic parameters (t1/2, AUC, Cmax, Tmax, Vd and Cl), after acute and multiple dosing, were observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M C Mauri
- Department of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Plasma and platelet levels of excitatory amino acids were measured in 38 psychiatric out-patients and in 19 comparison subjects; the patients had DSM-III-R diagnoses of organic mental disorders (N = 3), mood disorders (N = 15), schizophrenia (N = 13), and anxiety disorders (N = 7). The glutamate plasma levels were significantly higher in the patients with mood disorders than in the comparison group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Altamura
- Department of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Milan School of Medicine, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Altamura CA, Colacurcio F, Mauri MC, Moro AR, De Novellis F. Haloperidol decanoate in chronic schizophrenia: a study of 12 months with plasma levels. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 1990; 14:25-35. [PMID: 1967847 DOI: 10.1016/0278-5846(90)90061-k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
1. Clinical activity, extrapyramidal side-effects were evaluated in 22 schizophrenic out patients diagnosed according to DSM III and treated with haloperidol decanoate (50-300 mg i.m. monthly dose) for 12 months. 2. BPRS total scores did not show significant fluctuations showing a clinical stability of the patient population. 3. Patients with a duration of illness greater than 10 yrs (Group 2) showed significant (p less than 0.01) higher EPSE total scores compared to those with a duration of illness less than 10 yrs (Group 1). 4. A positive correlation was found between the administered dose and haloperidol plasma levels. 5. Patients from Group 2 reached the steady-state more slowly and showed a lower total L/D ratio compared to those from Group 1. 6. The pharmacokinetic approach seems desirable in order to adjust the dose and avoid schizophrenic relapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Altamura
- Department of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
|
18
|
Massei R, de Silva E, Grosso P, Robbiati BR, Infuso L, Ravagnati L, Altamura CA. Cerebral protection with diphenylhydantoin during disobliterating surgery of the sovra-aortic branches. J Neurosurg Sci 1983; 27:107-10. [PMID: 6619952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral metabolic protection in patients submitted to carotid tromboendoarterectomy (TEA) can be made by means of drugs, both in the clamping acute intraoperative phase and in the immediate post-operative period. The knowledge that DPH has the property of reducing CMRO2, the lactates production and of increasing the cerebral level of glucose, glycogen and phosphocreatinine, has persuaded us to use this drug instead of barbiturate, as a therapeutic protection to prevent hypoxic damages to the nervous cell. Our series include 12 patients submitted to carotid TEA in whom cerebral metabolic protection has been obtained by means of DPH at the dosage of 15-17 mg/kg body wt. injected intravenously in about 15' just before clamping. Using this type of pharmacologic protection, we have not observed any of the undesired effects in the cardiocirculatory system described in the literature. The prompt awakening, the absence of neurological deficits, the absence of side-effects suggest that DPH can be used to provide a cerebral metabolic protection during TEA.
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Plasma levels of antidepressant drugs were measured in 17 depressed patients at roughly monthly intervals over follow-up periods of three to 26 months. Good results in seven were associated with small fluctuations in level from visit to visit, while big fluctuations were associated with poor outcome. Such fluctuations were probably from poor compliance or drug interaction from self-medication. Severe side effects and cardiotoxicity were associated with high levels.
Collapse
|