Tag: Schizophrenia spectrum

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Perception and willingness toward second-generation long-acting antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia: a cross-sectional survey in Fujian, China

ObjectiveTo assess perceptions and willingness toward second-generation antipsychotic long-acting injectables (SGA-LAIs) among patients with schizophrenia, to identify the influencing factors, and to provide evidence for optimizing clinical implementation strategies.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in which patients with schizophrenia who attended outpatient follow-up visits at a tertiary psychiatric hospital were recruited via convenience sampling. A validated, expert-reviewed questionnaire was administered. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with binary logistic regression models employed to explore the determinants of patients’ willingness to accept SGA-LAIs.ResultsThe sample characteristics included 126 males (55.5%), 114 patients (50.2%) aged 31–50 years, 140 patients (61.7%) with an illness course exceeding 5 years, and 126 patients (55.5%) with experience with SGA-LAIs. Overall, 155 participants (68.3%) expressed positive willingness to use SGA-LAIs, whereas 72 participants (31.7%) expressed negative willingness. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences between the willingness-positive and willingness-negative groups in terms of disease course (χ² = 12.314, P = 0.006) and prior SGA-LAI experience (χ² = 55.525, P < 0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with prior SGA-LAI experience (OR = 11.11, 95% CI: 5.41~23.26, P < 0.001), a disease course of 5–10 years (OR = 2.898, 95% CI: 1.134-7.407, P = 0.026), and a disease course of > 10 years (OR = 3.282, 95% CI: 1.300-8.288, P = 0.012) demonstrated significantly greater willingness to accept SGA-LAIs. Among the willingness-positive group, the most endorsed advantages of SGA-LAIs were “avoiding daily medication” (80.7%) and “increased effectiveness” (68.4%), and the primary concern was “injection pain” (56.8%). In the willingness-negative group, the predominant reasons for refusal were “rejection of needles” (93.1%) and “rejection of changing therapeutic regimens” (79.2%).ConclusionThe overall acceptance of and willingness to use SGA-LAIs among patients with schizophrenia followed up in psychiatric hospitals are high. Experience with SGA-LAIs and disease course were identified as independent factors influencing patients’ willingness to use SGA-LAIs. In clinical practice, patient acceptance can be enhanced by strengthening doctor-patient communication, prioritizing medication education for patients with a long disease course, and improving patients’ initial experience with SGA-LAIs, thereby supporting broader clinical adoption of SGA-LAIs.
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<![CDATA[Discover how coordinated schizophrenia care teams—clinicians, social supports, and peers—improve communication, housing, work, and quality of life.]]>
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<![CDATA[Clinicians track relapse risk in schizophrenia by spotting functional decline, paranoia, missed care, and triggers, using family check-ins, brief scales, and labs.]]>
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MicroRNAs as Biomarkers in First Episode Schizophrenia

Conditions: Schizophrenia Disorder; Schizophreniform Disorder; Schizoaffective Disorder; Psychosis Not Otherwise Specified (NOS)

Interventions: Diagnostic Test: Plasma NDE miRNA Sequencing; Genetic: Whole Genome Sequencing

Sponsors: Northwell Health

Recruiting
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Family caregivers’ involvement in home-based recovery for patients with schizophrenia: a qualitative study in Beijing, China

BackgroundFamily caregivers play critical roles in supporting the home-based recovery of patients with schizophrenia, but they often encounter substantial challenges and receive insufficient systemic support. Understanding caregivers’ involvement in home-based recovery is essential for aligning community mental health services with families’ capacities and needs. This study aimed to explore family caregivers’ involvement and adaptive processes in supporting home-based recovery of patients with schizophrenia in China.MethodsA qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted through semi-structured interviews. Family caregivers were purposively recruited from four community health service centers (CHSCs) across urban and rural areas of Beijing. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed iteratively to identify themes and subthemes.ResultsA total of 20 family caregivers were recruited, including 11 from two urban districts and 9 from a rural district in Beijing. Five themes were identified: Caregivers’ redefinition of recovery as stability rather than cure; Routine recovery involvement in medication management and symptom monitoring; Experienced tensions between the patient’s independence and relapse prevention; Bearing family obligation and personal strain in sustained caregiving involvement; and Uncertainty in sustaining caregiving and the patients’ future stability. Caregivers reported persistent challenges in supporting patients’ independent living, participation in family activities, communication, and social interaction.ConclusionFamily caregivers gradually develop their capacity to support home-based recovery, but continue to encounter complex challenges while receiving limited support from CHSCs. Strengthening recovery-oriented family support within community mental health services, particularly through accessible psychoeducation and rehabilitation guidance, may enhance caregivers’ capacity to support patients’ independence and social participation, thereby promoting sustainable home-based care and long-term functional recovery.
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Intracranial hypertension after MECT: successful transition to rTMS for refractory auditory hallucinations: a case report

A 21-year-old female patient with schizophrenia, whose primary symptom was refractory auditory hallucinations, developed intracranial hypertension syndrome following her first session of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT), presenting with severe headache, projectile vomiting, diplopia and meningeal signs. She subsequently received 1 Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) applied to the left temporo-parietal cortex with each session delivering 1,500 pulses at 74% of the resting motor threshold. Her auditory hallucinations diminished markedly 3 days after completing rTMS and resolved completely 1 week later, accompanied by improved social functioning. No recurrence was observed during 3 weeks of follow-up. This case primarily demonstrates that rTMS may represent a safe and effective alternative for patients with refractory auditory hallucinations who are intolerant to MECT. It serves as a clinical reminder to maintain vigilance for elevated intracranial pressure following MECT, particularly in patients with a history of migraine.
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<![CDATA[Motivational interviewing can help psychiatrists address long-acting injectable hesitancy in schizophrenia, according to Gerald Maguire, MD.]]>