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JMIR Mental Health May 2024Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by significant cognitive and neurobiological alterations. Impairments in cognitive function and eye movement...
BACKGROUND
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by significant cognitive and neurobiological alterations. Impairments in cognitive function and eye movement have been known to be promising biomarkers for schizophrenia. However, cognitive assessment methods require specialized expertise. To date, data on simplified measurement tools for assessing both cognitive function and eye movement in patients with schizophrenia are lacking.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to assess the efficacy of a novel tablet-based platform combining cognitive and eye movement measures for classifying schizophrenia.
METHODS
Forty-four patients with schizophrenia, 67 healthy controls, and 41 patients with other psychiatric diagnoses participated in this study from 10 sites across Japan. A free-viewing eye movement task and 2 cognitive assessment tools (Codebreaker task from the THINC-integrated tool and the CognitiveFunctionTest app) were used for conducting assessments in a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. We performed comparative group and logistic regression analyses for evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of the 3 measures of interest.
RESULTS
Cognitive and eye movement measures differed significantly between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls (all 3 measures; P<.001). The Codebreaker task showed the highest classification effectiveness in distinguishing schizophrenia with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.90. Combining cognitive and eye movement measures further improved accuracy with a maximum area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.94. Cognitive measures were more effective in differentiating patients with schizophrenia from healthy controls, whereas eye movement measures better differentiated schizophrenia from other psychiatric conditions.
CONCLUSIONS
This multisite study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of a tablet-based app for assessing cognitive functioning and eye movements in patients with schizophrenia. Our results suggest the potential of tablet-based assessments of cognitive function and eye movement as simple and accessible evaluation tools, which may be useful for future clinical implementation.
Topics: Humans; Schizophrenia; Male; Female; Adult; Computers, Handheld; Japan; Middle Aged; Eye Movements; Neuropsychological Tests; Cognitive Dysfunction; Eye Movement Measurements; Cognition
PubMed: 38815257
DOI: 10.2196/56668 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2024The aim of this study is to explore the impact of internally guided (IG) versus externally guided (EG) adapted tango (AT) dance training (i.e., dancing the IG "Leader"...
Comparison of externally and internally guided dance movement to address mobility, cognition, and psychosocial function in people with Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait: a case series.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to explore the impact of internally guided (IG) versus externally guided (EG) adapted tango (AT) dance training (i.e., dancing the IG "Leader" role or the EG "Follower" role), on motor and non-motor functions in individuals with Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait (PD-FOG). The "Leader" role, a proxy for IG movements, conveys direction, timing, and amplitude of steps with tactile cues. The "Follower" role, a proxy for EG movements, detects and responds to the leader's tactile cues.
CASE DESCRIPTION
Six participants were randomly assigned to the IG ("Leader") or EG ("Follower") roles for 20, 90-min AT lessons over 12 weeks. Participants were assessed for PD-specific and non-PD-specific functions before and twice after the end of the 12-week intervention, at 1-week and 1-month post-intervention.
RESULTS
EG participants improved and/or maintained performance on more outcomes across all domains than IG participants. Five participants improved in PD motor symptoms, dynamic gait, global cognitive function, and the FOG Questionnaire immediately or 1 month after intervention. All participants expressed positive attitudes toward the intervention, including improvements in walking, balance, and endurance.
CONCLUSION
AT training in the follower role may benefit individuals with PD-FOG to a greater extent compared to the leader role.
IMPACT
This case series study could inform additional research with the goal of enhancing physical therapy or music-based therapy approaches for addressing PD-FOG.
PubMed: 38813534
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1372894 -
BMC Nursing May 2024Palliative care schemes, which include pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support and rehabilitation, aim to boost patients' quality of life, ease the burden...
Impact of a comprehensive rehabilitation palliative care program on the quality of life of patients with terminal cancer and their informal caregivers: a quasi-experimental study.
BACKGROUND
Palliative care schemes, which include pain management, symptom control, psychosocial support and rehabilitation, aim to boost patients' quality of life, ease the burden and anxiety of informal caregivers, and ultimately provide a comprehensive approach to enhance well-being during this challenging and sensitive period. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive rehabilitation palliative care program on the quality of life of patients with terminal cancer and their informal caregivers.
METHODS
This quasi-experimental study, conducted from August 2023 to January 2024 at outpatient clinics affiliated with the Oncology Center at Mansoura University, Egypt, focused on cancer patients and their caregivers in the palliative care department. Employing pre- and post-test phases, data were gathered using a questionnaire, EORTC QLQ C30, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Short Form Health Survey, Caregiver Burden Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. The investigation evaluated a 16-week rehabilitation program comprising exercise, psychoeducation, individual counselling, and spiritual support. Exercises, led by a physiotherapist, targeted fatigue and stress through tailored aerobic and resistance training. Psychoeducation sessions aimed to bolster coping abilities, covering fatigue management and nutrition. Trained counsellors addressed spiritual and existential concerns. Personal advisory sessions were available for individual support. Caregivers received education on rehabilitation and palliative care protocols, ensuring comprehensive patient care.
RESULTS
The mean age for cancer patients was 65.79 ± 13.85. In contrast, the mean age for primary carers was 42.05 ± 11.15. The QOL for cancer patients during the pre-test phase was 77.8 ± 7.16 and rose to 87.34 ± 14.56 during the post-test phase. Additionally, the total anxiety level of patients before the rehabilitation palliative care program was conducted was 15.45 ± 3.05 compared to 6.12 ± 3.21 after the post test phase. Furthermore, the total depression levels of the patients during the pre-test phase were 20.89 ± 9.21. However, after implementing the rehabilitation palliative care program, it decreased to 15.5 ± 6.86. In regards to the total quality of life of informal caregivers, it was measured at 67.28 ± 32.09 before conducting the program. Nevertheless, it increased to 25.95 ± 40.29 after conducting it. Additionally, the total Caregiver Burden Inventory before implementing the program was 37.45 ± 25.7, and it decreased to 29.36 ± 16.4 after conducting it. Additionally, the total score on the Beck Anxiety Inventory decreased from 45.7 ± 4.3 during the initial testing phase to 17.35 ± 23.67.
CONCLUSION
The program for rehabilitation palliative care successfully achieved its goals by enhancing the overall quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers. Additionally, it reduced the anxiety and depression levels among the patients, as well as the anxiety and caregiver burden among the caregivers. Continue research into the effectiveness of rehabilitation palliative care programs to identify best practices, improve existing programs, and expand access to these services.
PubMed: 38812027
DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-02028-2 -
World Journal of Psychiatry May 2024The management of offenders with mental disorders has been a significant concern in forensic psychiatry. In Japan, the introduction of the Medical Treatment and...
BACKGROUND
The management of offenders with mental disorders has been a significant concern in forensic psychiatry. In Japan, the introduction of the Medical Treatment and Supervision Act in 2005 addressed the issue. However, numerous psychiatric patients at risk of violence still find themselves subject to the administrative involuntary hospitalization (AIH) scheme, which lacks clarity and updated standards.
AIM
To explore current as well as optimized learning strategies for risk assessment in AIH decision making.
METHODS
We conducted a questionnaire survey among designated psychiatrists to explore their experiences and expectations regarding training methods for psychiatric assessments of offenders with mental disorders.
RESULTS
The findings of this study's survey suggest a prevalent reliance on traditional learning approaches such as oral education and on-the-job training.
CONCLUSION
This underscores the pressing need for structured training protocols in AIH consultations. Moreover, feedback derived from inpatient treatment experiences is identified as a crucial element for enhancing risk assessment skills.
PubMed: 38808086
DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i5.726 -
First 150 years of catatonia: Looking back at its complicated history and forward to the road ahead.World Journal of Psychiatry May 2024Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum (1828-1899) was the first to conceptualize and describe the main clinical features of a novel psychiatric illness, which he termed catatonia in his...
Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum (1828-1899) was the first to conceptualize and describe the main clinical features of a novel psychiatric illness, which he termed catatonia in his groundbreaking monograph published 150 years ago. Although Kahlbaum postulated catatonia as a separate disease entity characterized by psychomotor symptoms and a cyclical course, a close examination of his 26 cases reveals that most of them presented with motor symptom complexes or syndromes associated with various psychiatric and medical conditions. In his classification system, Kraepelin categorized catatonic motor symptoms that occur in combination with psychotic symptoms and typically have a poor prognosis within his dementia praecox (schizophrenia) disease entity. Because of the substantial influence of Kraepelin's classification, catatonia was predominantly perceived as a component of schizophrenia for most of the 20 century. However, with the advent of the psychopharmacotherapy era starting from the early 1950s, interest in catatonia in both clinical practice and research subsided until the early 2000s. The past two decades have witnessed a resurgence of interest in catatonia. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, marked a paradigmatic shift by acknowledging that catatonia can occur secondary to various psychiatric and medical conditions. The introduction of an independent diagnostic category termed "Catatonia Not Otherwise Specified" significantly stimulated research in this field. The authors briefly review the history and findings of recent catatonia research and highlight promising directions for future exploration.
PubMed: 38808080
DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i5.600 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024This investigation aimed to clarify the intricate relationship among depression, cognitive function, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their combined influence...
AIMS
This investigation aimed to clarify the intricate relationship among depression, cognitive function, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their combined influence on methamphetamine use disorder (MUD).
METHODS
Utilizing a battery of psychological tests, this study ascertained the impact of ACEs on the condition of 76 people with MUD who meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, aged 42.17 on average. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Conners' Continuous Performance-II (CPT-II), the self-report Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used for these evaluations. Individuals involved in the study were categorized into two discrete cohorts, mild (ME) and severe (SE), based on the extent of their ACEs exposure. This study employed the PROCESS regression, the independent t-test andχ2 tests for the analysis.
RESULTS
The findings revealed notable discrepancies in the psychological consequences between the two groups with different degrees of ACEs; however, no substantial differences were observed in the demographic parameters. The SE group exhibited elevated BDI-II scores, more evident indications of MUD, and a higher degree of CPT-II cognitive perseveration. The PROCESS model revealed that cognitive perseveration moderated the impact of depression on ACEs and subjective MUD severity, explaining 20.2% of the variance. The ACEs and depression predicted 28.6% of the variance in MUD symptoms. However, no statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding the parameters in the IGT-2 assessment.
CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that the interaction between cognitive and depressive factors mediates the effect of ACEs on subjective MUD severity but not on MUD symptoms. The ACEs significant impact on mental health severity perception is explained by cognitive and depressive factors. This implies that MUD treatment and rehabilitation should address cognitive dysfunction and developmental trauma.
PubMed: 38807693
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1382646 -
Translational Psychiatry May 2024Recent research shows that videogame training enhances neuronal plasticity and cognitive improvements in healthy individuals. As patients with schizophrenia exhibit... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Recent research shows that videogame training enhances neuronal plasticity and cognitive improvements in healthy individuals. As patients with schizophrenia exhibit reduced neuronal plasticity linked to cognitive deficits and symptoms, we investigated whether videogame-related cognitive improvements and plasticity changes extend to this population. In a training study, patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls were randomly assigned to 3D or 2D platformer videogame training or E-book reading (active control) for 8 weeks, 30 min daily. After training, both videogame conditions showed significant increases in sustained attention compared to the control condition, correlated with increased functional connectivity in a hippocampal-prefrontal network. Notably, patients trained with videogames mostly improved in negative symptoms, general psychopathology, and perceived mental health recovery. Videogames, incorporating initiative, goal setting and gratification, offer a training approach closer to real life than current psychiatric treatments. Our results provide initial evidence that they may represent a possible adjunct therapeutic intervention for complex mental disorders.
Topics: Humans; Schizophrenia; Hippocampus; Male; Female; Adult; Video Games; Prefrontal Cortex; Attention; Neuronal Plasticity; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Middle Aged; Schizophrenic Psychology
PubMed: 38806461
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02945-5 -
Digital Health 2024Telerehabilitation provide distant physical rehabilitation services and help overcome the barriers associated with face-to-face interventions for hip fractures. This...
BACKGROUND
Telerehabilitation provide distant physical rehabilitation services and help overcome the barriers associated with face-to-face interventions for hip fractures. This study aims to analyse the progress of the application of telerehabilitation in hip fracture and reveal its research profile, hotspots and development trends.
METHODS
The articles and reviews related to telerehabilitation in hip fracture were retrieved from 1992 to 2024. A bibliometric visualization and comparative analysis of countries, institutions, journals, authors, references and keywords were conducted using Java-based CiteSpace and VOSviewer.
RESULTS
A total of 79 documents were obtained. Spain was the most academically influential country. The University of Granada was the most prolific institution. The author Ariza-vega P listed first in terms of publications and citations. Most publications were published in high academic impact journals. The major frontier keywords were "older adults," "functional recovery," "reliability," "mortality," "rehabilitation," "mobility" and "quality of life." The most popular keywords from 2020 to 2024 were "geriatric medicine," "family caregiver" and "digital health."
CONCLUSIONS
The historical and prospective perspective in telerehabilitation following hip fracture were presented. A primary focus in the early years was the impact of telerehabilitation on functional independence for hip fracture patients. Future outcomes are expected to include patient satisfaction, health-related quality of life and psychiatric symptoms. Exercise was also designed to eliminate travel burdens and strengthen self-efficacy, and improve the physical and psychosocial function of hip fracture patients. This work will provide a fundamental reference as well as a directional guide for future research.
PubMed: 38798887
DOI: 10.1177/20552076241255465 -
Alpha Psychiatry Mar 2024Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), defined as a deliberate destruction of one's own body without a suicidal intent, is a global public health issue. Adverse childhood... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), defined as a deliberate destruction of one's own body without a suicidal intent, is a global public health issue. Adverse childhood events (ACEs) have been shown to be associated with various mental illnesses; however, to date the impact of such events on NSSI in youth has not been reviewed.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review, searched 5 databases for published articles evaluating ACE and NSSI in youth less than or equal to 21 years of age. After screening 247 articles, we included 21 unique articles in this systematic review.
RESULTS
Increasing ACE score, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, parental neglect and substance use, parental separation or dysfunctional family, and death of a close family member had statistically significant correlation with NSSI.
CONCLUSION
Non-suicidal self-injury is an impairing diagnosis with far reaching psychiatric manifestations and repercussions. Practitioners having high clinical suspicion for ACEs in youth with NSSI must intervene early by administering the ACEs questionnaire. Effective treatment of NSSI in those with ACEs with psychotherapy significantly improves outcomes and prevents suicide in youth.
PubMed: 38798814
DOI: 10.5152/alphapsychiatry.2024.231139 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) is a relatively common chronic disorder, characterized by significant and uncontrollable sweating. The predominant areas of occurrence are...
Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) is a relatively common chronic disorder, characterized by significant and uncontrollable sweating. The predominant areas of occurrence are hands, feet, head and armpits, and it affects both men and women equally, with a false impression of increased prevalence in women. This study aims to determine the incidence of cases of hyperhidrosis, the gender of the patients and the environment of origin and to identify the most affected age groups and the distribution of hyperhidrosis, as well as creating a curve of cases within the time interval studied and their comparison with those in the specialized literature.
PubMed: 38792665
DOI: 10.3390/life14050645