Características sociodemográficas asociadas a la conducta violenta en la esquizofrenia / Sociodemographic features related to violent behavior in schizophrenia

Introducción. Se ha propuesto que algunas variables sociodemográficas pueden predecir el comportamiento violento en pacientes con esquizofrenia. El objetivo del presente estudio es investigar la relación de las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas del padecimiento con la conducta violenta en pacientes con esquizofrenia. Método. Se incluyeron 106 pacientes con el diagnóstico de esquizofrenia. Se registraron las principales características demográficas y clínicas de cada uno de los pacientes en un formato diseñado previamente. Se utilizó la Escala de Agresión Explícita (EAE) para la evaluación de la conducta violenta. Resultados. El 49,1 % de los pacientes fueron clasificados como violentos. El estado civil, el abuso de alcohol, el número de hospitalizaciones psiquiátricas previas y la edad de la primera hospitalización fueron variables predictoras para la conducta violenta en esquizofrenia. Discusión. Las variables sociodemográficas predictoras de violencia en esquizofrenia son fáciles de evaluar en la primera entrevista con el paciente y pueden ser de utilidad para prevenir conductas violentas posteriores

Introduction. It has been proposed that some sociodemographic variables may predict violent behavior in schizophrenic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of violent behavior with sociodemographic and clinical features in schizophrenic patients. Method. We included 106 schizophrenic patients. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of each patient were recorded in a previously designed record. Violent behaviors were assessed with the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS). Results. From the total sample, 49.1 % of the patients were classified as violent. Marital status, alcohol abuse, number of previous psychiatric hospitalizations and age of first hospitalization were predictive variables for violent behavior in schizophrenia. Discussion. Predictive sociodemographic variables for violence in schizophrenia are easy to measure during the first interview with the patient and can be useful for the prevention of future violence

[Sociodemographic features related to violent behavior in schizophrenia]. / Características sociodemográficas asociadas a la conducta violenta en la esquizofrenia.

INTRODUCTION: It has been proposed that some sociodemographic variables may predict violent behavior in schizophrenic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of violent behavior with sociodemographic and clinical features in schizophrenic patients. METHOD: We included 106 schizophrenic patients. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of each patient were recorded in a previously designed record. Violent behaviors were assessed with the Overt Aggression Scale (OAS). RESULTS: From the total sample, 49.1 % of the patients were classified as violent. Marital status, alcohol abuse, number of previous psychiatric hospitalizations and age of first hospitalization were predictive variables for violent behavior in schizophrenia. DISCUSSION: Predictive sociodemographic variables for violence in schizophrenia are easy to measure during the first interview with the patient and can be useful for the prevention of future violence.

A forced five-dimensional factor analysis and concurrent validity of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in Mexican schizophrenic patients.

UNLABELLED: The heterogeneity of schizophrenic symptomatology is well documented. The positive-negative distinction is limited to cover the entire spectrum of schizophrenic psychopathology in order to describe the various clinical aspects of the disorder. METHOD: We recruited 150 schizophrenic patients between May 2002 and September 2003. Diagnoses were based on a structured clinical interview. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to evaluate general psychopathology and symptom severity. For the concurrent validity of the pentagonal model of the PANSS, the BPRS, the CDSS, the OAS and the MMSE were used. RESULTS: The forced five-factor principal-component analysis explained 53.4% of the total variance. There were significant correlations between the clinical rating scales and the five components of the PANSS. DISCUSSION: Our data support a pentagonal model underlying the multidimensional schizophrenic symptomatology as assessed by the PANSS. The five-factor structure of the PANSS in Mexican schizophrenic patients enables further elucidation of the various clinical aspects of schizophrenia.

Premorbid adjustment and violent behavior in schizophrenic patients.

UNLABELLED: We examined the influence of premorbid adjustment on violent behavior in schizophrenic patients. There is some evidence that poor premorbid adjustment predicts violent behavior, then we decided to examine this hypothesis further. METHOD: We recruited 72 schizophrenic patients without concomitant substance abuse 6 months prior to the assessment. Diagnoses were based on the SCID-I. Premorbid adjustment was evaluated with the Premorbid Adjustment Scale and violent behaviors with the Overt Aggression Scale. RESULTS: Violent schizophrenic patients showed an overall worse premorbid adjustment during childhood. In addition, the area of "peer relationships" was significantly diminished in several life period sections such as childhood, early and late adolescence in violent patients. DISCUSSION: Our data indicate that difficulties in social relationships during early stages of life may increase the risk of future violent behavior among schizophrenic patients.

[Premorbid functioning by gender and its relationship with duration of untreated psychosis in first psychotic episode]. / Funcionamiento premórbido por género y su relación con la duración de la psicosis no tratada (DPNT) en el primer episodio psicótico.

INTRODUCTION: There are two phenotypes proposed for the psychotic disorders based on premorbid functioning and probably related with the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features, premorbid functioning and its relationship with DUP by gender in a group of first episode psychosis patients. METHODS: We included 77 patients in their first admission to a psychiatric facility. A clinical evaluation was performed with the PANSS, Calgary Depression Scale,Hamilton Depression Scale and Mania Rating Scale. Premorbid functioning was rated with the Premorbid Adjustment Scale. RESULTS: There were no clinical differences between men and women. Men had greater impairment in their premorbid functioning. Patients with short DUP (< 28 weeks) showed better premorbid functioning compared to those with long DUP (> 28 weeks). CONCLUSION: Duration of untreated psychosis is determined by premorbid functioning and it is possible that male patients, who show a higher frequency of poor premorbid functioning, have a longer delay in seeking treatment, that conditions a longer duration of untreated psychosis.

Funcionamiento premórbido por género y su relación con la duración de la psicosis no tratada (DPNT) en el primer episodio psicótico / Premorbid functioning by gender and its relationship with duration of untreated psychosis in first psychotic episode

Introducción. Existen dos fenotipos para los trastornos psicóticos sustentados en el funcionamiento premórbido y probablemente relacionados con la duración de la psicosis no tratada (DPNT). El objetivo del estudio fue establecer las diferencias de género en las características clínicas, el funcionamiento premórbido y su relación con la DPNT en pacientes con primer episodio psicótico. Métodos. Se incluyeron 77 pacientes en su primera admisión a un servicio de psiquiatría. Se realizó una evaluación clínica con la PANSS, Escala Calgary de Depresión, Escala de Hamilton de Depresión y Escala de Evaluación de Manía y la Escala de Ajuste Premórbido para evaluar el funcionamiento premórbido. Resultados. No hubo diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en la severidad clínica. Los hombres mostraron mayor deterioro en su funcionamiento premórbido. Los pacientes con DPNT corta (28 semanas), presentaron un mejor funcionamiento premórbido. Conclusión. La DPNT está determinada por el nivel de funcionamiento premórbido y es posible que los hombres, al presentar con mayor frecuencia un bajo funcionamiento premórbido, tarden más en buscar atención especializada para recibir un tratamiento específico prolongando la DPNT (AU)