Schizophrenia and work: aspects related to job acquisition in a follow-up study

Objective: Work is considered one of the main forms of social organization; however, few individuals with schizophrenia find work opportunities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between schizophrenia symptoms and job acquisition. Method: Fifty-three individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia from an outpatient treatment facility were included in an 18-month follow-up study. After enrollment, they participated in a prevocational training group. At the end of training (baseline) and 18 months later, sociodemographic, clinical data and occupational history were collected. Positive and negative symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale - PANSS), depression (Calgary Depression Scale), disease severity (Clinical Global Impression - CGI), functionality (Global Assessment of Functioning - GAF), personal and social performance (Personal and Social Performance - PSP) and cognitive functions (Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia - MATRICS battery) were applied at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: Those with some previous work experience (n=19) presented lower scores on the PANSS, Calgary, GAF, CGI and PSP scales (p < 0.05) than those who did not work. Among those who worked, there was a slight worsening in positive symptoms (positive PANSS). Conclusions: Individuals with less severe symptoms were more able to find employment. Positive symptom changes do not seem to affect participation at work; however, this calls for discussion about the importance of employment support.

Schizophrenia and work: aspects related to job acquisition in a follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: Work is considered one of the main forms of social organization; however, few individuals with schizophrenia find work opportunities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between schizophrenia symptoms and job acquisition. METHOD: Fifty-three individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia from an outpatient treatment facility were included in an 18-month follow-up study. After enrollment, they participated in a prevocational training group. At the end of training (baseline) and 18 months later, sociodemographic, clinical data and occupational history were collected. Positive and negative symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale - PANSS), depression (Calgary Depression Scale), disease severity (Clinical Global Impression - CGI), functionality (Global Assessment of Functioning - GAF), personal and social performance (Personal and Social Performance - PSP) and cognitive functions (Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia - MATRICS battery) were applied at baseline and at the end of the study. RESULTS: Those with some previous work experience (n=19) presented lower scores on the PANSS, Calgary, GAF, CGI and PSP scales (p < 0.05) than those who did not work. Among those who worked, there was a slight worsening in positive symptoms (positive PANSS). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with less severe symptoms were more able to find employment. Positive symptom changes do not seem to affect participation at work; however, this calls for discussion about the importance of employment support.

Validação da Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) no Brasil para avaliar a capacidade de superação das pessoas com esquizofrenia / Validation of the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) in Brazil in people with schizophrenia

RESUMO Objetivo Adaptar para o Brasil e investigar a confiabilidade e validade da Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) em pessoas com esquizofrenia. Métodos Etapa 1 – foi realizada tradução profissional para o português, adaptação e retrotradução da RAS. Etapa 2 – estudo-piloto em um grupo de 12 pessoas com esquizofrenia para garantir compreensão dos itens da escala. Etapa 3 – As pessoas com esquizofrenia (N = 104) foram submetidas à versão brasileira da RAS e a instrumentos de funcionalidade, qualidade de vida e sintomas para busca de evidências de validade. Resultados Os resultados revelaram bons índices de consistência interna e de precisão teste e reteste dos instrumentos. Foram estabelecidas evidências de validade convergente entre a RAS e medidas de qualidade de vida (r = 0,58; p < 0,001), funcionamento ocupacional (r = 0,40; p < 0,001), habilidades de vida independente (r = 0,24; p < 0,02), gravidade (CGI, r = -0,31; p < 0,003) sintomas da esquizofrenia: PANSS total (r = -0,21; p < 0,05), PANSS negativa (r = -0,28; p < 0.007), PANSS positiva (r = -0.08; p = 0,437)] e depressão [Calgary (r = -0,27; p < 0,01)]. A análise fatorial exploratória revelou seis fatores, sendo quatro destes similares a estudos prévios. Conclusão A partir deste estudo, considerou-se que a palavra “superação” reflete melhor o conceito de “recovery”. A versão brasileira da escala RAS é um instrumento válido e reprodutível para aferir a capacidade de “superação” das pessoas com esquizofrenia.

ABSTRACT Objective To adapt and investigate the validity reliability study of the Brazilian version of the Recovery Assessment Scale-RAS in people with schizophrenia. Methods Stage 1 – professional translation to Portuguese, adaptation, and back-translation of the RAS; Stage 2 – RAS was presented to 12 outpatients with schizophrenia to evaluate if they would be able to understand and respond to the instrument; Stage 3 – patients with schizophrenia (n = 104) were assessed with the Brazilian version of the RAS, functional outcomes measures, quality of life and symptoms scales. Results Results showed good internal consistency and retest reliability, and convergent validity between the RAS and quality of life measures (r = 0.58; p < 0.001), occupational functioning (r = 0.40; p < 0.001), independent living skills (r = 0.24; p < 0,02), functionality (CGI, r = -0.31; p < 0.003) and symptoms of schizophrenia, including PANSS total score total (r = -0.21; p < 0.05), PANSS negative (r = -0.28; p < 0.007), PANSS positive (r = -0.08; p = 0.48), and Calgary Depression Scale (r = -0.27; p < 0.01)]. Exploratory factor analysis yielded six factors, four of these very similar to previous studies. Conclusion This study suggests that the word “superação” (“overcome”) better reflects the concept of “recovery” in Brazilian Portuguese. The Brazilian version of RAS is a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate the process of recovery in people with schizophrenia.

Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Addendum for PTSD (PSQI-A)

Objective: Sleep disturbances play a fundamental role in the pathophysiology posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and are not only a secondary feature. The aim of this study was to validate and assess the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Addendum for PTSD (PSQI-A-BR), a self-report instrument designed to assess the frequency of seven disruptive nocturnal behaviors, in a sample of participants with and without PTSD. Methods: PSQI-A was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and applied to a convenience sample of 190 volunteers, with and without PTSD, who had sought treatment for the consequences of a traumatic event. Results: The PSQI-A-BR displayed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's coefficient of 0.83 between all items) and convergent validity with the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), even when excluding sleep-related items (r = 0.52). Test-retest yielded high agreement in the global PSQI-A-BR, with good stability over time (r = 0.88). A global PSQI-A-BR cutoff score of 7 yielded a sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 64%, and a global score of 7 yielded a positive predictive value of 93% for discriminating participants with PTSD from those without PTSD. Conclusion: The PSQI-A-BR is a valid instrument for PTSD assessment, applicable to both clinical and research settings. .

Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Addendum for PTSD (PSQI-A).

OBJECTIVE: Sleep disturbances play a fundamental role in the pathophysiology posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and are not only a secondary feature. The aim of this study was to validate and assess the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Addendum for PTSD (PSQI-A-BR), a self-report instrument designed to assess the frequency of seven disruptive nocturnal behaviors, in a sample of participants with and without PTSD. METHODS: PSQI-A was translated into Brazilian Portuguese and applied to a convenience sample of 190 volunteers, with and without PTSD, who had sought treatment for the consequences of a traumatic event. RESULTS: The PSQI-A-BR displayed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's coefficient of 0.83 between all items) and convergent validity with the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), even when excluding sleep-related items (r = 0.52). Test-retest yielded high agreement in the global PSQI-A-BR, with good stability over time (r = 0.88). A global PSQI-A-BR cutoff score of 7 yielded a sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 64%, and a global score of 7 yielded a positive predictive value of 93% for discriminating participants with PTSD from those without PTSD. CONCLUSION: The PSQI-A-BR is a valid instrument for PTSD assessment, applicable to both clinical and research settings.

A 6-month randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention for weight gain management in schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with schizophrenia have lower longevity than the general population as a consequence of a combination of risk factors connected to the disease, lifestyle and the use of medications, which are related to weight gain. METHODS: A multicentric, randomized, controlled-trial was conducted to test the efficacy of a 12-week group Lifestyle Wellness Program (LWP). The program consists of a one-hour weekly session to discuss topics like dietary choices, lifestyle, physical activity and self-esteem with patients and their relatives. Patients were randomized into two groups: standard care (SC) and standard care plus intervention (LWP). Primary outcome was defined as the weight and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: 160 patients participated in the study (81 in the intervention group and 79 in the SC group). On an intent to treat analysis, after three months the patients in the intervention group presented a decrease of 0.48 kg (CI 95% -0.65 to 1.13) while the standard care group showed an increase of 0.48 kg (CI 95% 0.13 to 0.83; p=0.055). At six-month follow-up, there was a significant weight decrease of -1.15 kg, (CI 95% -2.11 to 0.19) in the intervention group compared to a weight increase in the standard care group (+0.5 kg, CI 95% -0.42-1.42, p=0.017). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this was a multicentric randomized clinical trial with a lifestyle intervention for individuals with schizophrenia, where the intervention group maintained weight and presented a tendency to decrease weight after 6 months. It is reasonable to suppose that lifestyle interventions may be important long-term strategies to avoid the tendency of these individuals to increase weight.

The effectiveness of a non-pharmacological intervention for weight gain management in severe mental disorders: results from a national multicentric study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a non-pharmacological intervention for weight gain management in severe mental disorders. METHOD: An open, multicentre interventional study was conducted in 93 mental health services. Patients concerned with weight gain were included in this study and received a 12-week 1-hour group intervention focused on nutrition counseling, lifestyle, physical activity and self-esteem. Weight, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: 1,071 patients were enrolled in the study, and 73.9% completed the 12-week intervention. Significant weight loss (Mean difference: 0.41, CI 95%: 0.18 to 0.64, p = 0.001) and a significant BMI reduction (Mean difference: 0.13, CI 95%: 0.04 to 0.22, p = 0.006) were observed. During the intervention 37 (4.4%) patients lost > 7% of their initial weight, 780 (92.5%) maintained their weight, and 26 (3.1%) of the patients had a meaningful weight gain (> 7%). There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients undertaking physical activity after the intervention (70.8%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this 3-month open study we found a small weight and waist reduction, and increased physical activity practice, suggesting a trend towards anthropometric profile improvement. However, further randomized-controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and clinical relevance of this psychosocial intervention for weight gain.

The effectiveness of a non-pharmacological intervention for weight gain management in severe mental disorders: results from a national multicentric study / Efetividade de uma intervenção não farmacológica para manejo do ganho de peso em pacientes com transtornos mentais graves: resultados de um estudo multicêntrico

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a non-pharmacological intervention for weight gain management in severe mental disorders. METHOD: An open, multicentre interventional study was conducted in 93 mental health services. Patients concerned with weight gain were included in this study and received a 12-week 1-hour group intervention focused on nutrition counseling, lifestyle, physical activity and self-esteem. Weight, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: 1,071 patients were enrolled in the study, and 73.9 percent completed the 12-week intervention. Significant weight loss (Mean difference: 0.41, CI 95 percent: 0.18 to 0.64, p = 0.001) and a significant BMI reduction (Mean difference: 0.13, CI 95 percent: 0.04 to 0.22, p = 0.006) were observed. During the intervention 37 (4.4 percent) patients lost > 7 percent of their initial weight, 780 (92.5 percent) maintained their weight, and 26 (3.1 percent) of the patients had a meaningful weight gain (> 7 percent). There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients undertaking physical activity after the intervention (70.8 percent, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this 3-month open study we found a small weight and waist reduction, and increased physical activity practice, suggesting a trend towards anthropometric profile improvement. However, further randomized-controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and clinical relevance of this psychosocial intervention for weight gain.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade de uma intervenção não farmacológica no manejo do ganho de peso para pacientes com transtornos mentais graves. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo aberto multicêntrico longitudinal em 93 serviços de saúde. Pacientes preocupados com o peso foram incluídos e participaram de uma intervenção em grupo de uma hora de duração durante 12 semanas com foco em educação alimentar, atividade física e autoestima. Peso, circunferência da cintura e pressão arterial foram avaliados antes e após a intervenção. RESULTADOS: 1071 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, 73,9 por cento completaram a intervenção. Foram observados diminuição de peso e índice de massa corporal significativos (peso: diferença da média: 0,41, IC 95 por cento: 0,18-0,64, p = 0,001; índice de massa corporal: diferença da média: 0,13, IC 95 por cento: 0,04-0,22, p = 0,006). Após a intervenção, 37 (4,4 por cento) pacientes perderam mais que 7 por cento do peso inicial, 780 (92,5 por cento) mantiveram o peso e 26 (3,1 por cento) dos pacientes apresentaram ganho de peso acima de 7 por cento. Houve aumento da proporção de pacientes que praticavam atividade física (70,8 por cento, p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Encontramos uma pequena redução de peso e cinturae aumento de atividade física, sugerindo uma tendência à melhora no perfil antropométrico. Ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados são necessários para avaliar a eficácia e a relevância clínica dessa intervenção.

[Non-pharmacological interventions for weight gain in patients with schizophrenia taking antipsychotics]. / Intervenções não farmacológicas para manejo do ganho de peso em pacientes com esquizofrenia em uso de antipsicóticos.

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenic patients have a higher prevalence of obesity than the general population. There are several factors implicated in weight gain, including poor dietary conditions, sedentary lifestyle and antipsychotic drugs use. Obesity is also associated with metabolic disturbances such as diabetes mellitus. Weight gain interventions are necessary in this population, especially non-pharmacological interventions. OBJECTIVE: To review the non-pharmacological interventions for weight gain management in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Eight clinical trials and four open-label studies using these interventions were found. The methodology, strength and limitations of the studies were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Non-pharmacological interventions seem to have an important effect on weight gain prevention and control, and should be encouraged and adapted to patients and in mental health institution's reality.

Intervenções não farmacológicas para manejo do ganho de peso em pacientes com esquizofrenia em uso de antipsicóticos: [revisão] / Non-pharmacological interventions for weight gain in patients with schizophrenia taking antipsychotics: [revision]

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes com esquizofrenia têm maior prevalência de obesidade em comparação à população geral. Esse fato está relacionado a uma alimentação inadequada, ao sedentarismo e ao uso de antipsicóticos. O aumento da obesidade associa-se a diversos distúrbios metabólicos, como o diabetes melito. As intervenções para prevenção e controle do ganho de peso são necessárias nessa população, em especial as intervenções não farmacológicas. OBJETIVO: Revisar os estudos sobre intervenções não farmacológicas para prevenção e controle do ganho de peso em pacientes com esquizofrenia. MÉTODOS: Foram encontrados oito estudos controlados e quatro não controlados sobre intervenções não farmacológicas. Foi feita uma revisãosobre a metodologia e os fatores positivos e limitações dos estudos. CONCLUSÕES: As intervenções não farmacológicas parecem ter um efeito importante em termos de prevenção e controle do ganho de peso e, portanto, devem ser incentivadas e adaptadas à realidade dos pacientes e serviços de saúde.

INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenic patients have a higher prevalence of obesity than the general population. There are several factors implicated in weight gain, including poor dietary conditions, sedentary lifestyle and antipsychotic drugs use. Obesity is also associated with metabolic disturbances such as diabetes mellitus. Weight gain interventions are necessary in this population, especially non- pharmacological interventions. OBJECTIVE: To review the non-pharmacological interventions for weight gain management in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Eight clinical trials and four open-label studies using these interventions were found. The methodology, strength and limitations of the studies were reviewed. CONCLUSIONS: Non-pharmacological interventions seem to have an important effect on weight gain prevention and control, and should be encouraged and adapted to patients and in mental health institution's reality.