Effectiveness of family metacognitive training in mothers with psychosis and their adolescent children: a multicenter study protocol.

Background: More than half of women with psychosis take care of their children despite the difficulties caused by the disease. Additionally, these kids have a higher risk of developing a mental health disorder. However, no interventions have been developed to meet these needs. Metacognitive Training (MCT) is a psychological intervention that has demonstrated its efficacy in improving cognitive insight, symptom management and social cognition in people with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Additionally, MCT has shown better results in women than men with FEP. This study aims to adapt and evaluate the efficacy of MCT-F in mothers and adolescent children in an online group context with the main purpose of improving family relationships, cognitive awareness and symptoms in women with psychosis and increase their children's knowledge of the disease and their functioning. As secondary objectives, it also aims to evaluate improvements in metacognition, social cognition, symptoms, protective factors and self-perception of stigma. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental design with participants acting as their own control will be carried out. Forty-eight mothers with psychosis and their adolescent children (between 12 and 20 years old) recruited from a total of 11 adult mental health care centers will receive MCT-F. Participants will be evaluated 11 weeks before the intervention (T1), at baseline (T2), and post-intervention (T3) with a cognitive insight scale, as a primary outcome. Measures of metacognitive and social cognition, symptoms, cognitive functioning, family and social functioning, protective factors (self-esteem, resilience, and coping strategies) and self-perceived stigma will be addressed as secondary outcomes. Assessment will also address trauma and attachment in mothers and, lastly, the feasibility and acceptability of MCT-F in both participant groups. Discussion: This will be the first investigation of the efficacy, acceptability, and viability of the implementation of MCT-F. The results of this study may have clinical implications, contributing to improving mothers' with psychosis and adolescents' functioning and better understanding of the disease, in addition to the possible protective and preventive effect in adolescents, who are known to be at higher risk of developing severe mental disorders.Clinical trial registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier [NCT05358457].

Exploring parenthood in first episode of psychosis: the potential role of the offspring in the outcome of women.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to explore the role of parenthood at first episode of psychosis (FEP) on recovery, with a focus on potential sex differences. METHODS: Sociodemographic, clinical, and neurocognitive information was considered on 610 FEP patients form the PAFIP cohort (Spain). Baseline and three-year follow-up comparisons were carried out. Chi-square tests and ANCOVA analysis were performed controlling for the effect of age and years of education. RESULTS: Men comprised 57.54% of the sample, with only 5.41% having offspring when compared to 36.29% of women. Parenthood was related to shorter duration of untreated illness (DUI) in women with children (12.08 months mothers vs. 27.61 months no mothers), showing mothers better premorbid adjustment as well. Childless men presented the worst premorbid adjustment and the highest cannabis and tobacco consumption rates. Mothers presented better global cognitive function, particularly in attention, motor dexterity and executive function at three-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Diminished parental rates among FEP men could be suggested as a consequence of a younger age of illness onset. Sex roles in caregiving may explain the potential role of parenthood on premorbid phase, with a better and heathier profile, and a more favorable long-term outcome in women. These characteristics may be relevant when adjusting treatment specific needs in men and women with and without offspring.

Impact of Delusions and Hallucinations on Clinical Insight Dimensions in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Insight in psychosis has been conceptualized as a continuous, dynamic, and multidimensional phenomenon. This study aims to determine the impact of delusions and hallucinations in different dimensions of clinical insight in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. METHODS: Cross-sectional multicenter study including 516 patients (336 men) diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Based on dichotomized scores of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) items P1 (delusions) and P3 (hallucinations), patients were assigned to four groups according to current clear presence of delusions (scores 4 or above 4 in PANSS item P1) and/or hallucinations (scores 4 or above 4 in PANNS item P3). Insight was assessed using the three main dimensions of the Scale of Unawareness of Mental Disorder (SUMD). RESULTS: Around 40% of patients showed unawareness of illness; 30% unawareness of the need for treatment; and 45% unawareness of the social consequences of the disorder. Patients with current clear presence of delusions had higher overall lack of awareness, regardless of current clear presence of hallucinations. Similarly, the clear presence of delusions showed a greater predictive value on insight than the presence of hallucinations, although the implication of both in the prediction was modest. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that lack of insight is highly prevalent in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, particularly when patients experience delusions. This study adds insight-related data to the growing symptom-based research, where specific types of psychotic experiences such as hallucinations and delusions could form different psychopathological patterns, linking the phenomenology of delusions to a lack of clinical insight.

Proyecto Piloto de Unidad Funcional para Mujeres con Esquizofrenia: Modelo Asistencial de Observatorio-Monitorización-Intervención / Pilot project of a functional unit for women with Schizophrenia: observatory-monitoring-intervention Care model

En los Centros de Salud Mental de Adultos (CSMAs) del Hospital Universitari Mutua Terrassa, en enero de 2023, iniciamos un proyecto piloto de innovación asistencial denominado Unidad Funcional para Mujeres con Esquizofrenia. El objetivo principal de esta comunicación es describir el proceso de designación de las mujeres diana en la unidad, y describir las funciones de los Observatorios de salud física, salud mental y de factores de riesgo psicosocial e inclusión de estas pacientes en los observatorios de salud. De forma complementaria, se describirá el diseño de las Estaciones de Monitorización /Equipos de Vigilancia y las actuaciones o intervenciones específicas centradas en la atención de las necesidades individuales. En la primera fase del proyecto (Enero-Marzo 2023) se revisan las historias clínicas de las mujeres con esquizofrenia para revisar vinculación a profesionales y programas comunitarios. Se describen necesidades de salud física y se revisan antecedentes de consumo de sustancias, uso de benzodiazepinas y opioides, así como aspectos de seguridad farmacológica. En la segunda fase del proyecto (Abril-Junio 2023) se han desarrollado 5 grupos de trabajo (Observatorios de Salud y de Riesgo Psicosocial): 1)Morbi-mortalidad somática, 2)hiperprolactinemia, 3)consumo de sustancias, 4)exclusión social y discriminación, y 5)prescripción y seguridad farmacológica. En la tercera fase del proyecto (Jumio-Septiembre 2023) se desarrollan los Equipos de Vigilancia/Monitorización en Morbi-Mortalidad Somática, hiperprolactinemia, consumo de sustancias, exclusión social/discriminación y seguridad farmacológica, así como intervenciones específicas: colaboración con otras especialidades médicas, consultoría con atención primaria, grupos de ejercicio físico y equipos de intervención en crisis.(AU)

In the context of the Adult Community Mental Health Units (CMHUs) of the Mutua Terrassa University Hospital, we initiated a pilot project of clinical innovation called the Functional Unit for Women with Schizophrenia in January 2023. The main objective of this report is to describe the process of designing a unit targeting women, to characterize the functions of the observatories of Physical Health, Mental Health, and Psychosocial Risk Factors, and to illustrate how these observatories provide surveillance of women’s health needs. The report also describes Monitoring Stations, Vigilance teams, and specific interventions.In the first phase of the project (January - March 2023), medical records from all women with schizophrenia were reviewed to ascertain compliance with clinical appointments and community programs. During this phase, we reviewed physical health records, history of substance use disorders including the use of benzodiazepines and opioid drugs, as well as related aspects of drug safety. In the second phase of the project (April - June 2023), five Observatories of health and social risk factors were developed: 1) somatic morbi-mortality, 2) hyperprolactinemia, 3) use of substances, 4) social exclusion and discrimination, and 5) prescription and drug safety. In the third phase of the project (June-September 2023), we are developing Monitoring Stations or Vigilance teams in these five areas as well as introducing specific interventions: collaboration with primary care and other medical specialties, consultation with primary care teams, physical exercise groups, and crisis intervention units.(AU)

Monitoring the Effectiveness of Treatment in Women with Schizophrenia: New Specialized Cooperative Approaches.

Women with schizophrenia have specific health needs that differ from those of men and that change through successive life stages. We aimed to review the biopsychosocial literature on schizophrenia that addresses clinically important questions related to the treatment of women, including somatic morbi-mortality, hyperprolactinemia, comorbid substance use disorders, social risk factors, and medication effectiveness/safety. Data search terms were as follows: (Morbidity AND mortality) OR hyperprolactinemia OR ("substance use disorders" OR addictions) OR ("social risk factors") OR ("drug safety" OR prescription) AND women AND schizophrenia. A secondary aim was to describe a method of monitoring and interdisciplinary staff strategies. Schizophrenia patients show an increased risk of premature death from cardiovascular/respiratory disease and cancer compared to the general population. The literature suggests that close liaisons with primary care and the introduction of physical exercise groups reduce comorbidity. Various strategies for lowering prolactin levels diminish the negative long-term effects of hyperprolactinemia. Abstinence programs reduce the risk of victimization and trauma in women. Stigma associated with women who have serious psychiatric illness is often linked to reproductive functions. The safety and effectiveness of antipsychotic drug choice and dose differ between men and women and change over a woman's life cycle. Monitoring needs to be multidisciplinary, knowledgeable, and regular.

Schizophrenia: A Review of Social Risk Factors That Affect Women.

Social risk factors are long-term or repeated environmental exposures in childhood and youth that change the brain and may, via epigenetic effects, change gene expression. They thus have the power to initiate or aggravate mental disorders. Because these effects can be mediated via hormonal or immune/inflammatory pathways that differ between men and women, their influence is often sex-specific. The goal of this narrative review is to explore the literature on social risk factors as they affect women with schizophrenia. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases from 2000 to May 2023 using terms referring to the various social determinants of health in conjunction with "women" and with "schizophrenia". A total of 57 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the domains of childhood and adult abuse or trauma, victimization, stigma, housing, and socioeconomics, women with schizophrenia showed greater probability than their male peers of suffering negative consequences. Interventions targeting appropriate housing, income support, social and parenting support, protection from abuse, violence, and mothering-directed stigma have, to different degrees, yielded success in reducing stress levels and alleviating the many burdens of schizophrenia in women.

Sleep Disturbances in At-Risk Mental States and First Episode of Psychosis: A Narrative Review on Interventions.

Sleep disturbances are a common yet often overlooked symptom of psychosis that can drastically affect the quality of life and well-being of those living with the condition. Sleep disorders are common in people diagnosed with schizophrenia and have significant negative effects on the clinical course of the illness and the functional outcomes and quality of life of patients. There is a limited number of studies addressing this question in first-episode psychosis (FEP). In this narrative review, we aimed to provide an overview of sleep disorders in populations with FEP and at-risk mental states (ARMS). The review was focused on the various treatments currently used for sleep disorders, including both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments. A total of 48 studies were included. We found that sleep disturbances are associated with attenuated psychotic symptoms and other psychopathological symptoms in ARMSs. The association of sleep disturbances with the transition to psychosis has been poorly investigated. Sleep disturbances have an impact on the quality of life and the psychopathological symptoms of people suffering from FEP. The non-pharmacological treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, bright light therapy, cognitive restructuring techniques, sleep restriction therapy, basic sleep hygiene education, and the provision of portable sleep trackers. Other treatments include antipsychotics in acute phases and melatonin. The early intervention in sleep disturbances may improve overall prognosis in emerging psychosis populations.

Towards the Influence of Media on Suicidality: A Systematic Review of Netflix's 'Thirteen Reasons Why'.

Online streaming series 'Thirteen Reasons Why' (13RW), released in March 2017, was criticized for its sensationalist portrayal of the main character's suicide, leading some people to voice fears of a global contagion of self-harm behaviors. The current investigation provides a systematic review of original studies analyzing the role of 13RW as an influencing factor for suicide. Articles were identified through a systematic search of Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycInfo, and a manual search of reference lists from inception until the 16 January 2023. Twenty-seven published articles were identified from an initial search of 496 studies. The positive effects of watching 13RW included a reduction in suicide stigma and a greater likelihood to discuss mental health concerns and seek for help. However, several studies reported negative outcomes, including significant increases in the rate of deaths by suicide in adolescents, the number of admissions for suicidal reasons, and the prevalence and severity of suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors in vulnerable viewers. Still, due to methodological limitations, no causal relationship could be established. Preventive measures are required to alert of the risk and should be particularly addressed to susceptible subjects. Psychoeducational programs should be focused on this kind of phenomena in vulnerable populations.

Critical Issues in the Management of Agitation, Aggression, and End-of-Life in Delusional Disorder: A Mini-Review.

Background: Compared to other psychotic disorders, there is little information about staging care in delusional disorder (DD). Unlike schizophrenia, this is a disorder that begins in middle age, a time at which chronic medical comorbidities have already begun to impact global functioning. With age, the combination of psychological and somatic conditions leads to new behaviours, e.g., agitation, aggression, and behaviours that require specific preventive and interventive measures. With further age, knowledgeable end-of-life care becomes necessary for this population. Aim: The aim of this article was to review existing evidence on the management of these successive phases. Methods: We conducted a narrative review using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov and searched for the following terms: (agitation OR aggressivity OR aggression OR palliative OR "end-of-life") AND ("delusional disorder"). Results: We found that the literature was sparse. Existing evidence suggests that medical causes are frequently at the root of agitation and aggression. With respect to management, de-escalation strategies are generally preferred over pharmacotherapy. Specific delusional syndromes, e.g., de Clérambault, Othello, Capgras, Fregoli, as well as folie à deux, are associated with aggression. The somatic subtype of DD is the one most often requiring palliative care at the end of life. Conclusions: We conclude that insufficient attention has been given to the care needs of the accelerated aging process in DD.

Maternity in women with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

PURPOSE: Maternity rates in women with schizophrenia have tripled in the past decades, with a current percentage similar to the general population (50-60%). However, mothers with schizophrenia present higher rates of single marital status, and social dysfunction than the general population. In addition, the incidence of unplanned pregnancy, abortions, miscarriages and obstetric complications is higher. This study aimed to describe variables related to maternity in this population. METHODS: One-hundred and ninety-two outpatient women diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders were included (DSM-IV-TR criteria) in a two-site study. Psychosocial risk factors, demographic variables and clinical features were recorded in the same visit. Non-parametric tests were used in order to describe variables for likelihood offspring in psychotic women. RESULTS: One-hundred and forty-seven (76.6%) women suffered from schizophrenia and 45 (23.4%) schizoaffective disorder. Psychotic mothers used to be married/having a partner and presented a later onset of the illness (over 36 years old) compared to non-mothers. In addition, mothers generally presented pregnancy before the onset of illness. Regarding obstetric complications, around the 80% of the sample presented at least one obstetric complication. Although desire or wish of pregnancy was reported in 66.3% of the mothers, rates of planned pregnancy were 25% and only the 47.9% were currently taking care of their children with their husband/partner. CONCLUSION: Maternity rate is high in this population. This study highlights the need to promote reproductive health care for women with mental disorders and to consider their reproductive life plan. Later onset of disease and being married are potential predictors of maternity in our sample of women with a schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders while only the half were caring their children at the moment of the evaluation.

Seventy Years of Treating Delusional Disorder with Antipsychotics: A Historical Perspective.

For many decades, delusional disorder (DD) has been considered a treatment-resistant disorder, with antipsychotics acknowledged as the best, though imperfect, treatment. It is possible that the discovery of the right drug could turn treatment resistance into treatment response. The goal of this narrative review is to provide a historical perspective of the treatment of DD since the introduction of antipsychotics 70 years ago. The following search terms were used to scan the literature: antipsychotics AND "delusional disorder". Findings were that therapy for DD symptoms has changed over time. Initial reports suggested that the drug of choice was the antipsychotic pimozide, and that this drug was especially effective for the somatic subtype of DD. Subsequent studies demonstrated that other antipsychotics, for instance, risperidone and olanzapine, were also highly effective. Treatment response may vary according to the presence or absence of specific symptoms, such as cognitive defect and depression. Clozapine, partial D2 agonists, and long-acting injectable drugs may be more effective than other drugs, but the evidence is not yet in. Because of the absence of robust evidence, treatment guidelines for the optimal management of DD are not yet available.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of suicidality in psychotic disorders: Stratified analyses by psychotic subtypes, clinical setting and geographical region.

We studied the prevalence of suicide attempts and cumulative incidence of completed suicide in schizophrenia (SZ), schizoaffective disorder (SZAF), delusional disorder (DD) and first-episode psychosis (FEP). A systematic review was performed using Scopus and PubMed databases (1990- July 2020). A random effects meta-analysis was conducted. Stratified analyses were conducted by diagnosis, clinical setting and geographical region. The prevalence of attempted suicide was 20.3% for SZ, 46.8% for SZAF, 11.1% for DD and 12.5% for FEP. Suicide attempts rates were higher for outpatient samples than for inpatient samples in SZ, SZAF and DD (but not FEP) studies. Analyses by geographical region in SZ showed greater prevalence of suicide attempts in North America and Northern Europe. The cumulative incidence of completed suicide was 2.0% for SZ, 2.4% for SZAF; 2.2% for DD and 1.9% for FEP. In schizophrenia and FEP studies, Northern European studies reported higher rates of completed suicide when compared to Western European countries. In conclusion, suicidal behaviour rates in psychoses differ by diagnoses, clinical setting and geographical region.

The Effect of Menopause on Antipsychotic Response.

Background: It has been hypothesized that, whenever estrogen levels decline, psychosis symptoms in women increase. At menopause, this can happen in two main ways: (a) the loss of estrogen (mainly estradiol) can directly affect central neurotransmission, leading to increase in schizophrenia-related symptoms, and (b) the loss of estrogen can decrease the synthesis of enzymes that metabolize antipsychotic drugs, thus weakening their efficacy. Aims and Methods: The aim of this narrative review was to investigate the second possibility by searching PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies over the last two decades that investigated the metabolism of antipsychotics and their efficacy before and after menopause in women or that studied systemic and local estrogen level effects on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of individual antipsychotic drugs. Results: The evidence suggests that symptom level in women with schizophrenia rises after menopause for many reasons beyond hormones but, importantly, there is an estrogen-dependent loss of efficacy related to antipsychotic treatment. Conclusion: Effective clinical intervention is challenging; nevertheless, several promising routes forward are suggested.

Collaboration between Psychiatrists and Other Allied Medical Specialists for the Treatment of Delusional Disorders.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that individuals with psychosis are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and several other medical comorbidities. In delusional disorder (DD), this is particularly so because of the relatively late onset age. AIMS: The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize the literature on the necessity for medical collaboration between psychiatrists and other specialists. METHODS: A non-systematic narrative review was carried out of papers addressing referrals and cooperation among specialists in the care of DD patients. RESULTS: Psychiatrists, the primary care providers for DD patients, depend on neurology to assess cognitive defects and rule out organic sources of delusions. Neurologists rely on psychiatry to help with patient adherence to treatment and the management of psychotropic drug side effects. Psychiatrists require ophthalmology/otolaryngology to treat sensory deficits that often precede delusions; reciprocally, psychiatric consults can help in instances of functional sensory impairment. Close collaboration with dermatologists is essential for treating delusional parasitosis and dysmorphophobia to ensure timely referrals to psychiatry. CONCLUSIONS: This review offers many other examples from the literature of the extent of overlap among medical specialties in the evaluation and effective treatment of DD. Optimal patient care requires close collaboration among specialties.

Biological and Clinical Aspects on the Treatment of Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: New Challenges.

For several decades, it has been postulated that dopaminergic pathways explain the neurobiology of schizophrenia, the biological underpinnings of treatment responses and the main mechanisms of action of antipsychotics [...].