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Gramaglia C, Gattoni E, Gambaro E, Bellan M, Balbo PE, Baricich A, Sainaghi PP, Pirisi M, Binda V, Feggi A, Jona A, Marangon D, Prosperini P, Zeppegno P. Anxiety, Stress and Depression in COVID-19 Survivors From an Italian Cohort of Hospitalized Patients: Results From a 1-Year Follow-Up. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:862651. [PMID: 35782424 PMCID: PMC9247238 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.862651] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health-related symptoms can persist over time beyond the most common respiratory clinical features of COVID-19. A recent meta-analysis underlined that mental health sequalae may be relevant for COVID-19 survivors and reported the following prevalence rates: 20% for post-traumatic stress disorder, 22% for anxiety, 36% for psychological distress, and 21% for depression. In the context of a multi-disciplinary follow-up project, we already investigated the mid-term (4 months) psychiatric outcomes in a sample of COVID-19 survivors. Patients were re-assessed after 1-year since hospital discharge. Methods Follow-up conducted after 1 year involved 196 individuals recovered from COVID-19. Patients were assessed with a multi-disciplinary approach; including both a clinical interview performed by an experienced psychiatrist, trained in the use of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) to assess the presence of anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms and the following self-administered questionnaires: Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Resilience Scale for Adults, Impact of Event Scale, and COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI). Results Anxiety (p < 0.0001) and depressive (p < 0.0003) symptoms registered at the clinical interview showed a significant improvement from the 4 to 12-months follow-up. Logistic regression model showed that female gender (p = 0.006), arterial hypertension (p = 0.01), obesity (0.04), anxiety (p < 0.0001), and depressive (p = 0.02) symptoms at 4-months follow-up were associated with persistence of anxiety symptoms at 12 months. At logistic regression analysis female gender (p = 0.02) and depressive symptoms at 4-months follow-up (p = 0.01) were associated with depressive symptoms after 12 months. Conclusion Severity of the disease in the acute phase, in this study, was not a determining factor in identifying subjects at risk of developing clinically relevant anxiety and depression as a consequence of COVID-19 disease. Findings from the logistic regressions suggest that the factors most affecting depression and anxiety in COVID survivors after 12 months were female gender, the presence of anxiety and depression after 4 months and some physical symptoms, not necessarily COVID-related. Impact of infection and consequent hospitalization for COVID-19 did no longer represent a relevant issue for depressive symptoms, compared to other general factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Gramaglia
- Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gattoni
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gambaro
- Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Baricich
- Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Sainaghi
- Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Valeria Binda
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Feggi
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Amalia Jona
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Debora Marangon
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Zeppegno
- Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
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Gramaglia C, Gambaro E, Bellan M, Balbo PE, Baricich A, Sainaghi PP, Pirisi M, Baldon G, Battistini S, Binda V, Feggi A, Gai M, Gattoni E, Jona A, Lorenzini L, Marangon D, Martelli M, Prosperini P, Zeppegno P. Mid-term Psychiatric Outcomes of Patients Recovered From COVID-19 From an Italian Cohort of Hospitalized Patients. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:667385. [PMID: 34177656 PMCID: PMC8222628 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.667385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although the usual primary clinical manifestation of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is respiratory, several non-respiratory symptoms have been described, including neuropsychiatric ones. The aim of this study was to investigate the mid-term mental health outcomes in patients recovered from COVID-19, 3-4 months after discharge from the University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy. Furthermore, we investigated the possible association of the mid-term mental health consequences of the COVID-19 infection with patients' clinical current status, persistent physical impairment and severity of acute phase of the disease. Methods: Prospective study involving 238 individuals recovered from COVID-19. In the context of a multi-disciplinary approach, patients' assessment included both a clinical interview performed by an experienced psychiatrist, trained in the use of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to assess the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and self-administered questionnaires: Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), Impact of Event Scale (IES). Results: At the psychiatric assessment 32.9 and 29.5% of participants showed anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. Changes in appetite and sleep patterns emerged for 15.6 and 31.2% of patients. According to the self-administered questionnaires, 7.1% of participants had moderate-severe anxiety levels (BAI), while 10.5% had mild to severe depression (BDI-II). Twenty-six (11%) participants were referred to further psychiatric consultation. Psychiatric symptoms showed no correlation with acute COVID-19 severity; in our sample patients with depressive symptoms at the clinical interview, as well as those with mild to severe levels of depression according to BDI-II scores, had lower forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1) values than those without and greater odds for persistent, poor tolerance for physical efforts. Conclusions: As could be expected, an approach including both a psychiatric interview and the use of self-administered questionnaires is likely to capture the psychiatric outcome of patients recovered from COVID-19 better than questionnaires alone. Anxiety and depressive symptoms at follow-up had no correlation with the severity of COVID acute manifestations, but rather with ongoing and persistent physical symptoms. Further studies and longer follow-up duration will allow a better understanding of the complex relationship between residual physical symptoms, quality of life and psychological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Gramaglia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gambaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Baricich
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Sainaghi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giulia Baldon
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
| | - Sofia Battistini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
| | - Valeria Binda
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Feggi
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Martina Gai
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gattoni
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Amalia Jona
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Luca Lorenzini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
| | - Debora Marangon
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Martelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Zeppegno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale, Università del Piemonte Orientale UPO, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
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Bellan M, Soddu D, Balbo PE, Baricich A, Zeppegno P, Avanzi GC, Baldon G, Bartolomei G, Battaglia M, Battistini S, Binda V, Borg M, Cantaluppi V, Castello LM, Clivati E, Cisari C, Costanzo M, Croce A, Cuneo D, De Benedittis C, De Vecchi S, Feggi A, Gai M, Gambaro E, Gattoni E, Gramaglia C, Grisafi L, Guerriero C, Hayden E, Jona A, Invernizzi M, Lorenzini L, Loreti L, Martelli M, Marzullo P, Matino E, Panero A, Parachini E, Patrucco F, Patti G, Pirovano A, Prosperini P, Quaglino R, Rigamonti C, Sainaghi PP, Vecchi C, Zecca E, Pirisi M. Respiratory and Psychophysical Sequelae Among Patients With COVID-19 Four Months After Hospital Discharge. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2036142. [PMID: 33502487 PMCID: PMC7841464 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.36142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although plenty of data exist regarding clinical manifestations, course, case fatality rate, and risk factors associated with mortality in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), long-term respiratory and functional sequelae in survivors of COVID-19 are unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of lung function anomalies, exercise function impairment, and psychological sequelae among patients hospitalized for COVID-19, 4 months after discharge. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective cohort study at an academic hospital in Northern Italy was conducted among a consecutive series of patients aged 18 years and older (or their caregivers) who had received a confirmed diagnosis of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection severe enough to require hospital admission from March 1 to June 29, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing, bronchial swab, serological testing, or suggestive computed tomography results. EXPOSURE Severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome of the study was to describe the proportion of patients with a diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (Dlco) less than 80% of expected value. Secondary outcomes included proportion of patients with severe lung function impairment (defined as Dlco <60% expected value); proportion of patients with posttraumatic stress symptoms (measured using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised total score); proportion of patients with functional impairment (assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] score and 2-minute walking test); and identification of factors associated with Dlco reduction and psychological or functional sequelae. RESULTS Among 767 patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19, 494 (64.4%) refused to participate, and 35 (4.6%) died during follow-up. A total of 238 patients (31.0%) (median [interquartile range] age, 61 [50-71] years; 142 [59.7%] men; median [interquartile range] comorbidities, 2 [1-3]) consented to participate to the study. Of these, 219 patients were able to complete both pulmonary function tests and Dlco measurement. Dlco was reduced to less than 80% of the estimated value in 113 patients (51.6%) and less than 60% in 34 patients (15.5%). The SPPB score was suggested limited mobility (score <11) in 53 patients (22.3%). Patients with SPPB scores within reference range underwent a 2-minute walk test, which was outside reference ranges of expected performance for age and sex in 75 patients (40.5%); thus, a total of 128 patients (53.8%) had functional impairment. Posttraumatic stress symptoms were reported in a total of 41 patients (17.2%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that at 4 months after discharge, respiratory, physical, and psychological sequelae were common among patients who had been hospitalized for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Daniele Soddu
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Alessio Baricich
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zeppegno
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Gian Carlo Avanzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giulia Baldon
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bartolomei
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Battaglia
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Sofia Battistini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Valeria Binda
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Margherita Borg
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cantaluppi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Luigi Mario Castello
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Elisa Clivati
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Carlo Cisari
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Martina Costanzo
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Croce
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Daria Cuneo
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Carla De Benedittis
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Simona De Vecchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Feggi
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Martina Gai
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gambaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gattoni
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Carla Gramaglia
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Leonardo Grisafi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Chiara Guerriero
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Eyal Hayden
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Amalia Jona
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Invernizzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Luca Lorenzini
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Lucia Loreti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Maria Martelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Paolo Marzullo
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Erica Matino
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Antonio Panero
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Elena Parachini
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Filippo Patrucco
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Patti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Alice Pirovano
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Quaglino
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Sainaghi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Camilla Vecchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Erika Zecca
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
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Rossi A, Di Tullio E, Prosperini P, Feggi A, Gramaglia C, Zeppegno P. Vortioxetine versus citalopram in treating major depressive disorder (MDD). Eur Psychiatry 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionCitalopram is a widely used antidepressant (AD), indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), with a high and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitory action (SSRI), good efficacy and safety profile. Vortioxetine is a novel multimodal antidepressant compound, with a mixed action on Serotonin (both 5-HT agonism and antagonism). Its clinical efficacy has been established in several short and long term trials; furthermore it proved effective at mitigating cognitive dysfunction, which is addressed to as one of the main causes of social impairment in MMD patients.ObjectivesTo evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of Vortioxetine versus Citalopram, in patients suffering from MDD.AimsTo assess whether Vortioxetine effectiveness and tolerability are comparable to those observed for previous antidepressants.MethodsThe main outcomes were efficacy (variance from baseline to 1 month) in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and tolerability (adverse events). Changes in cognitive performance were assessed using the following specifics tools: Digit symbol substitution test (DSST), Trail Making Test A (TMT-A) and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R).ResultsData collection is ongoing. According to Literature we expect to find a significant number of MDD patients on Vortioxetine to achieve a reduction in depressive symptoms from baseline, to report poor adverse events and to increase their cognitive performance.ConclusionAs shown by recent literature, Vortioxetine might be an effective option in treating MMD with particular focus on cognitive dysfunction.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Gramaglia C, Rizza MC, Gattoni E, Gambaro E, Di Marco S, Coppola I, Rossi A, Jona A, Imperatori F, Prosperini P, Chieppa N, Binda V, Farruggio S, Grossini E, Zeppegno P. Asenapine in clinical practice: preliminary results from a naturalistic observational study. Riv Psichiatr 2016; 49:241-6. [PMID: 25668625 DOI: 10.1708/1766.19122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asenapine, a second-generation antipsychotic, seems to be an effective and tolerable alternative to other treatments for patients with manic or mixed episodes. The objective of our naturalistic observational study was to identify asenapine responders and remitters and to compare responders vs. non-responders and remitters vs. non-remitters, as far as clinical and socio-demographic features are concerned. MATERIALS AND METHODS We recruited patients with diagnosis of manic episode in bipolar I (BD I) or schizoaffective disorder, with clinical indication to asenapine treatment. Patients’ assessment was performed at baseline (T0), after 1 week (T1) and after 4 weeks (T2) of treatment, with the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS; T0,T1,T2) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D; T0, T2). According to YMRS scores, we classified patients as early improvers, treatment responders, and treatment remitters. RESULTS A significant decrease was found in HAM-D scores from baseline to T2, with no significant difference between remitters and non-remitters or responders vs. non-responders.The YMRS score significantly improved from baseline to T2, with a significant difference between remitters and non-remitters, but not between responders and non-responders. No difference was found between responders and non-responders as far as socio-demographic and clinical variables, and questionnaire baseline scores are concerned. Remitters and non-remitters showed significant differences in baseline YMRS scores, which were lower in the first and in the type of current episode, which was more frequently moderate in the former than in the latter. CONCLUSIONS Early improvers comprised 51% of subjects, responders comprised 91.9% and remitters comprised 59.4%. Elderly manic patients with neurological impairment and/or dementia may have poorer therapeutic outcomes. Our results suggest that: 1) decision regarding treatment discontinuation should be cautious in patients who fail to have an early response to asenapine; 2) different diagnosis (BDor schizoaffective disorder) does not seem to have a significant impact on asenapine efficacy; 3) remission with asenapine is more likely to happen for less severe manic episodes. Further naturalistic studies on larger samples are required to support our findings.
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Rizza M, Di Marco S, Delicato C, Vecchi C, Gramaglia C, Prosperini P, Cantello R, Zeppegno P. Psychiatric Disturbances in a Patient with Melas Syndrome: a Case Report. Eur Psychiatry 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.1699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionMitochondrial disorders of energetic metabolism (MD) represent a heterogeneous group of diseases manifesting at any age and its one of a number of mitochondria syndromes that share the common characteristics of encephalopathy and myopathy. The clinical expression of MELAS (Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like episodes) is highly variable and ppsychiatric symptoms are rarely reported in literature even if are more common in MELAS syndrome than in the general population.ObjectiveThe first aim of the study is describing the clinically observed primary psychiatric symptoms in a patient affected by MELAS syndrome admitted to the Psychiatric ward. The second aim is to go back over the diagnostic process, which led, from the uncommon psychiatric symptoms and signs to the final genetic diagnosis of MD.Methods and resultsWe report the case of a 44-year-old male with MELAS in whom psychiatric symptoms preceded the establishment of the clinical diagnosis for several months. Diagnosis was initially based on the neuroimaging and metabolic findings and subsequently confirmed with genetic analysis.ConclusionsIn case of aggressive and paranoid behaviour with delusions of persecution and disorganised behaviour mmitochondrial disorders deserve consideration as part of the differential diagnosis, especially if there is suspected involvement of other organ groups or positive family history of MD. There is no specific consensus approach for treating MELAS syndrome. Management is largely symptomatic and should involve a multidisciplinary team.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Gambaro E, Gramaglia C, Cenci D, Delicato C, Lombardi A, Rizza C, Girardi L, Binda V, Chieppa N, Prosperini P, Bert F, Siliquini R, Zeppegno P. Anger Expression, Impulsivity And Expressed Emotion: a Comparison Between Patients With Eating Disorder And Schizophrenia. Eur Psychiatry 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe level of express emotion (EE) is a measure of the attitude of close relatives towards a patient and include dimensions as critical comments, hostility and emotional over-involvement. Anger and impulsivity may lead to self-injurious and aggressive behaviours, and often represent an obstacle to treatment.AimsTo compare anger expression, impulsivity and expressed emotion in ED and SCHZ, and to explore the different level of caregivers’ EE in the two groups.MethodsTwenty-five female with ED diagnosis and 25 patients with schizophrenia, were recruited at the Psychiatry Ward and outpatient Service of AOU – Novara, during one year period. Patient's assessment included Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Structured Clinical Interview (SCID 1-2), Level of Expressed Emotion Scale (LEE), Paykel scale, State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAY 1-2), State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXY), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11).ResultsLevels of anxiety (both state and trait) are higher in the ED group than in SCHZ. As far as the STAXY is concerned, SCHZ patients score higher than ED ones on control over anger, while general index of anger expression was higher in ED patients. We did not find significant differences in EE between two groups, except for the patient's emotional response of the patient to the disease, which was greater among SCHZ. Both SCHZ and ED patients scored higher on the LEE, Paykel and STAY than their caregivers.ConclusionsSCHZ and ED patients show different patterns of anxiety and anger, but similar profile as far as EE is concerned. Implications for treatment will be discussed.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Gambaro E, Prosperini P, D'Andrea F, Biroli G, Rossi A, Bergamasco P, Scappatura F, Fuliano F, Binda V, Chieppa N, Gramaglia C, Zeppegno P. The Importance of Cooperation and Relative's Involvement in Combined Treatment for Eating Disorders: a Case Report. Eur Psychiatry 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(15)31046-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Gattoni E, Prosperini P, Ballerio E, Gili S, Feggi A, Lombardi A, Gambaro E, Coppola I, Rizza M, Antona M, Binda V, Gramaglia C, Zeppegno P. Empathy and Social Cognition: a Comparison of Schizophrenic Patients and Healthy Controls. Eur Psychiatry 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(15)30227-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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Rolla R, Gramaglia C, Dalò V, Ressico F, Prosperini P, Vidali M, Meola S, Pollarolo P, Bellomo G, Torre E, Zeppegno P. An observational study of Venlafaxine and CYP2D6 in clinical practice. Clin Lab 2014; 60:225-31. [PMID: 24660534 DOI: 10.7754/clin.lab.2013.130141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venlafaxine (V) is a serotonin-norepinephrine selective reuptake inhibitor, mainly metabolized by cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6). CYP2D6 polymorphisms result in a variety of phenotypes: poor (PMs), intermediate (IMs), extensive (EMs), and ultrarapid metabolizers (UMs). PMs usually show poor tolerance to drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, while UMs need greater doses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CYP2D6 genotype on V dosage, therapeutic response, and side effects in a clinical outpatient setting. METHODS 47 patients with Major Depressive Disorder, treated with V 75 - 300 mg/day, underwent CYP2D6 genotyping using the INFINITI-CYP2D6 assay. Duration of treatment and clinical outcome (Clinical Global Impression [CGI] effectiveness index) were assessed. RESULTS CGI assessment was performed after 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year of treatment with a V median dose of 150 mg/day. CYP2D6 genotyping resulted in 1 PM, 3 IMs, 42 EMs, and 1 UM. The UM took the greatest V dose (375 mg) without side effects; IMs/PMs took moderate/high doses of V (150 - 300 mg) without adverse effects; EMs displayed high response variability. CONCLUSIONS PM/IM patients responded to V differently than expected according to genotype. However, the UM patient responded to a dosage higher than the usual therapeutic range and without developing side effects, suggesting an association between CYP2D6 gene duplication and the therapeutic efficacy of venlafaxine. The CYP2D6 genotyping may thus provide clinicians with a potential explanation for those patients requiring greater doses of CYP2D6 substrates in order to obtain the same therapeutic efficacy.
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Zeppegno P, Rolla R, Dalo V, Ressico F, Parafioriti A, Prosperini P, Bellomo G, Torre E. Venlafaxine and CYP2D6 in clinical practice: An observational study. Eur Psychiatry 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(11)72756-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionVenlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine inhibitor, mainly metabolized by CYP2D6 to its active metabolite ODV. Depending on CYP2D6 activity, patients may be identified as Poor, Intermediate, Extensive or Ultrarapid Metabolizers. There is some evidence that a PM phenotype is associated with poor tolerance more often than an EM; while a UM patient would only respond to a greater dose of Venlafaxine1.ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of CYP2D6 phenotype on the efficacy of Venlafaxine XR in depressed patients.MethodsThis observational study evaluated 27 Caucasian adult patients (F = 18, M = 9), satisfying DSM-IV criteria for Major Depressive, Bipolar Disorder or Personality Disorder receiving treatment with Venlafaxine 75–300 mg/die.CYP2D6 alleles were evaluated with INFINITI CYP2D6 assay, which employs AutoGenomics proprietary film-based microarray technology.ResultsMost patients were identified as EMs, 4 as PMs, while only one was identified as UM. The only statistically significant difference between Extensive and Poor Metabolizers was, in contrast with current literature, the need of a greater mean dose of Venlafaxine in the second group (225 mg/die vs 159.38 mg/die, t student: p = 0.01).Likewise, in contrast with literature, the UM patient was responsive to average doses of Venlafaxine.On the contrary, we found no statistically significant differences as far as efficacy, adverse events or duration of treatment are concerned.ConclusionsIn our sample, CYP2D6 metabolizer status does not seem to affect treatment response nor adverse events related to Venlafaxine.
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Zeppegno P, Prosperini P, Allera O, Colombo M, Lombardi A, Gili S, Torre E. SWN (subjective well-being under neuroleptics) in clinical practice. Eur Psychiatry 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(11)73470-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesTo assess the use of SWN in the acute phase of psychiatric disease as a predictor of clinical outcome.MethodsThis study started in June 2009 and at the moment we have recruited 150 patients. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to their psychiatric diagnosis (schizophrenic psychosis, mood disorders, personality disorders, acute stress reaction) and each diagnostic group into three subgroups according to length of stay (T1< 7 days, T2 = 7–14 days, T3> 14 days). The subjective well-being indicators (subscales SWN: emotional regulation; self-control; mental functioning; social integration and physical functioning) and the severity of illness (CGI-S) were evaluated at admission and discharge.ResultsAt discharge there is a statistically significant difference in the SWN subgroups among the four diagnostic groups except for social integration and total score with equal CGI-S scores. Schizophrenic patients and personality disorders show a subjective improvement at T2; mood disorders at T3; acute stress reactions T1 = T2. CGI shows a statistically improvement regardless of the length of stay.ConclusionsPreliminary data suggest that SWN represents a predictor of clinical outcome and remission and together with the clinical evaluation it can help clinician to settle therapeutic programs.
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Zeppegno P, Rolla R, Dalò V, Ressico F, Parafioriti A, Prosperini P, Vidali M, Bellomo G, Torre E. P03-365 - Venlafaxine and CYP2D6 in clinical practice: work in progress. Eur Psychiatry 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(10)70971-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Zeppegno P, Allera O, Prosperini P, Colombo M, Porro M, Lombardi A, Gili S, Feggi A, Torre E. P02-144 - Subjective well-being under neuroleptics (SWN): a predictor of clinical and psychosocial outcome in acute patients. preliminary data. Eur Psychiatry 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(10)70758-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Stratta P, Prosperini P, Daneluzzo E, Bustini M, Rossi A. Educational level and age influence spatial working memory and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance differently: a controlled study in schizophrenic patients. Psychiatry Res 2001; 102:39-48. [PMID: 11368838 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-1781(01)00230-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The influence of educational level and age on executive function, as evaluated by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and 'working memory,' as evaluated by means of a visual-manual delayed-response task, has been investigated in 25 schizophrenic patients and 35 healthy controls matched for age. Different patterns of correlations between educational level, age and cognitive variables were seen for the 'working memory' task but not for the WCST. No significant correlations between the WCST and the 'working memory' task indexes have been observed. Based on multivariate analyses, poor performance of schizophrenic patients on working memory and executive function tasks was observed; after covarying for the educational level, group differences were no longer significant for executive functions, but the difference in 'working memory' performance persisted. The implications of sociodemographic variables as well as the role of statistical manipulation are evaluated and their differential impact on 'working memory' and executive functions is proposed in further support of these neurocognitive constructs that may be dissociable.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Stratta
- Department of Psychiatry, S. Salvatore Hospital, Coppito II, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether awareness of illness affects specific measures of outcome in schizophrenia. Patient awareness was evaluated using a shortened version of the Scale to Assess Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD). Patient outcome was assessed by means of the Strauss-Carpenter scale. Our findings indicate that lack of awareness of "negative symptoms" has a considerable impact on outcome: in fact "Social Contacts" highly correlated with Blunt Affect, Anhedonia and Asociality items on the SUMD. Lack of awareness seems then to be a powerful predictor of poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rossi
- Unità Operativa di Psicologia Clinica Villa Serena, Città S. Angelo, Italy.
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Stratta P, Daneluzzo E, Bustini M, Prosperini P, Rossi A. The cognitive bias task (CBT) in healthy controls: a replication study. Neuropsychiatry Neuropsychol Behav Neurol 2000; 13:279-85. [PMID: 11186164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Contextual processing is the selection and bringing "on-line" of internal representations of a task that can be used in planning and mediating goal-appropriate behavioral responses and is a relevant issue that probably is involved in many neurological and psychiatric conditions. The Cognitive Bias Task is a measure of context-dependent responding, is sensitive to quadrant-lesion effects, and interacts with gender. The goal of this study was to replicate and detail more completely the method of context-dependent processing for healthy control patients on the Cognitive Bias Task. The results show the presence of three different cognitive patterns that could biases the response of control patients: context-independent, context-dependent, and mixed. Gender, but not handedness, significantly influences contextual processing, with more females than males producing a context-independent pattern of responding. Test results and the relation of contextual processing in psychiatric disorders were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Stratta
- Department of Psychiatry, S. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
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Abstract
Failure in contextual information processing has been hypothesized as being the single function responsible for several impairments in cognitive tasks and symptoms, through an involvement of the prefrontal cortex, in patients with schizophrenia. A variant of the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) designed specifically to elicit deficits in the processing of contextual information has been administered to 20 schizophrenic patients and 20 healthy controls. The relation to Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), relatively specific to prefrontal damage and executive dysfunctioning, and clinical status by using scales for the assessment of positive, negative symptoms and outcome has been investigated. The data show that multi-episode schizophrenic patients manifest inability to use contextual information to inhibit habitual response to an ambiguous stimulus and to maintain information across delay, without a general attention deficit. We also found a relationship between contextual reasoning and WCST unique errors, hallucinations, formal thought disorders, and outcome evaluation. Our results further support the hypothesis that the deficit of contextual reasoning could account for cognitive impairments and symptoms of patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Stratta
- Department of Psychiatry, S. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
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Rossi A, Arduini L, Daneluzzo E, Bustini M, Prosperini P, Stratta P. Cognitive function in euthymic bipolar patients, stabilized schizophrenic patients, and healthy controls. J Psychiatr Res 2000; 34:333-9. [PMID: 11104847 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3956(00)00025-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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
Studies on cognitive function in bipolar disorder have led to contrasting results and few data are available on affected subjects during the euthymic phase. In the present study we investigated the cognitive function of a cohort of bipolar (n=40) and schizophrenic (n=66) patients compared to healthy controls (n=64). Patients were evaluated in the outpatient setting over at least 3 months using a computerized version of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Schizophrenic patients showed the worst performance while that of the bipolar patients was somewhere between schizophrenic and controls. A discriminant analysis was able to classify correctly 60.59% of the subjects (schizophrenics 48.5%, bipolars 40%; healthy controls 85. 9%). The scores of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test were entered into a principal component analysis, which yielded a 2-factor solution. Even in that analysis bipolar patients showed intermediate features in comparison with the other groups. These data indicate that bipolar patients have subtle neurocognitive deficits even after the resolution of an affective disorder. As well as observing quantitative differences between groups, the results show different dimensions of cognitive performance within groups suggesting that the deficit of euthymic bipolars could be a dishomogeneous entity, probably more heterogeneous than that in schizophrenia. Studies administering a more complete neuropsychological battery could further clarify the nature and meaning of the cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rossi
- Department of Clinical Psychology at "Villa Serena Medical Center", Viale L.Petruzzi, 19, Città S. Angelo, 65013, Pescara, Italy.
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Rossi A, Bustini M, Prosperini P, Marinangeli MG, Splendiani A, Daneluzzo E, Stratta P. Neuromorphological abnormalities in schizophrenic patients with good and poor outcome. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2000; 101:161-6. [PMID: 10706018 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0447.2000.900666.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study was designed specifically to assess the relationship between brain morphology and outcome in schizophrenia. METHOD Fifty-six schizophrenic patients and a matched group of 32 healthy subjects were studied with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scans. Clinical assessment included the Krawiecka-Manchester Scale (K-MS) and the Outcome scale by Strauss and Carpenter. RESULTS Along several neuromorphological measures the patients differed from controls only for right and left ventricular volumes. The 'poor outcome' patients had a left and right ventricular enlargement when compared to the 'good outcome' patients and healthy controls. A regression analysis showed that right ventricle volume, left temporal lobe volume and left hippocampal volume entered into the regression equation, accounting for a 27% of the outcome measure. CONCLUSION The outcome does not seem to be predicted by one particular morphological site but involves different brain regions; however, the ventricular enlargement identifies a subgroup of patients with poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rossi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Italy
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Stratta P, Daneluzzo E, Prosperini P, Bustini M, Marinangeli MG, Rossi A. Spatial working memory assessment by a visual-manual delayed response task: a controlled study in schizophrenia. Neurosci Lett 1999; 275:9-12. [PMID: 10554972 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(99)00726-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
'Working memory' dysfunction has been proposed as a central cognitive feature in schizophrenia. To further explore this issue we developed a computerized easy and fast to administer test using the standard keyboard as visual-manual subject-computer interface along a delayed-response paradigm. The test has been administered to 25 patients who met the DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia and 25 healthy control subjects matched as possible for sex. The data confirm the visuo-spatial 'working memory' dysfunction in schizophrenic patients. The test maintains the discriminative capacity of similar previously devised tasks with the advantages of being usable on almost every standard computer and shorter and more acceptable for severely disabled patients also. The test can be considered an useful tool to study the 'working memory' impairment in the cognitive deficit of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Stratta
- Department of Psychiatry, S. Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
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Bustini M, Stratta P, Daneluzzo E, Pollice R, Prosperini P, Rossi A. Tower of Hanoi and WCST performance in schizophrenia: problem-solving capacity and clinical correlates. J Psychiatr Res 1999; 33:285-90. [PMID: 10367995 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3956(98)00063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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
We administered a computerized version of WCST, a well established test, sensitive to executive function deficits in schizophrenia that involves many features of cognitive processing, and of Tower of Hanoi, a test that may offer cognitive challenges more specifically related to planning and sequencing, to 28 schizophrenic patients and 28 matched controls to examine a worthwhile question regarding the relative ability of these two tasks to differentiate schizophrenia and normal groups as well as exploring the relationship of these two instruments to clinical variables. The schizophrenic patients performed significantly worse than normal subjects both on Tower of Hanoi test and on WCST. The discriminant analysis identified in a multivariate way a pattern of indexes that differentiate the two groups. This pattern, characterized by specific indexes of WCST and TOH, could suggest the existence of a common underlying factor that determines the cognitive impairment in problem-solving of schizophrenics. These findings and the relationship with positive and negative symptoms have been discussed in the light of the model of the impairment in the internal representation of context information.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bustini
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, S. Salvatore Hospital, Italy
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Abstract
The Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is a multifactorial and complex test, and it involves so many different kinds of functions that it is difficult to understand why patients fail. Capacity of 'working memory' is possibly involved in the WCST performance and is considered a relevant factor responsible for the schizophrenics' poor performance. The present study was specifically designed to assess the relationship between 'working memory' measurements and WCST performances of schizophrenics. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between the cognitive dysfunction and the clinical symptomatology. The following tests were administered to 30 schizophrenics and 25 healthy subjects: WCST, Digit Span Test (Backward and Forward), Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Visuo-Spatial 'working memory' Test, a card test appropriately devised. Clinical assessment included the Italian version of the scale of Krawiecka Manchester Scale (K-MS) and the Outcome scale by Strauss and Carpenter (1972). The 30 patients differed significantly in all the neuropsychological variables from the controls. WCST indexes did not correlate significantly with any of the 'working memory' measures (visuo-spatial and verbal) in the samples studied. No relationship was seen between the neuropsychological performances and clinical symptomatology as evaluated by the K-MS scale. WCST indexes and DSST significantly correlated with the outcome measure. The results do not support the hypothesis that executive dysfunction as evaluated by WCST is attributed to 'working memory' impairment, rather they could suggest that these two neuropsychological functions identify different neurocognitive constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Stratta
- Department of Psychiatry at S. Salvatore Hospital-Institute of Experimental Medicine, University of L'Aquila, Italy
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