First Rank Symptoms and Neurological Soft Signs in Schizophrenia

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the neurological soft signs (NSS) in schizophrenia patients with and without first rank symptoms (FRS), their first degree relatives (FDR), and normal controls. The study was conducted on 60 schizophrenia patients diagnosed according to ICD 10 DCR and categorized into groups with and without FRS using Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry, 30 FDRs of the study sample, and 30 normal controls matched for age, education, and handedness. All the subjects gave written informed consent. Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms were applied to have a comprehensive assessment of the symptoms. NSS were assessed using Extended Standard Neurological Assessment Instrument. The correlations between NSS and clinical symptoms were relatively modest but significant. There was a weak relation between NSS and positive symptom severity. The FDR of schizophrenia patients had significantly lower NSS scores than schizophrenia patients, but only FDR of schizophrenia patients without FRS had significantly higher scores than normal controls. Our results indicate that NSS are more prominent in schizophrenia patients with negative symptoms and support the theory of NSS being a trait marker of schizophrenia particularly in those without FRS.

The positive dimension of schizotypy is associated with a reduced attenuation and precision of self-generated touch

“…motor coordination, graphesthesia) (Buchanan and Heinrichs, 1989;Schröder et al, 1991), that are present with variable severity across the psychosis continuum (Chan et al, 2018;Gaha et al, 2015;Herold et al, 2021;Janssen et al, 2009;Mechri et al, 2010). These neurological soft signs have been repeatedly associated with the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and negative schizotypy in non-clinical individuals (Bombin et al, 2005;Chan et al, 2015;Cvetić et al, 2009;Hembram et al, 2014;Kaczorowski et al, 2009;Prikryl et al, 2012;Theleritis et al, 2012;Tosaro and Dazzan, 2005;Varambally et al, 2006;Whitty et al, 2006;Yazici et al, 2002), and less robustly with the positive and disorganized dimensions (Barkus et al, 2006;de Leede-Smith et al, 2017;Mechri et al, 2010;Ojagbemi et al, 2015). Instead, our data revealed a relationship of somatosensory attenuation and precision only with positive schizotypy, and not with the negative and the disorganized dimensions.…”

Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and allied sciences: A pioneer in the field of psychiatry in India

“…RINPAS's major activity is the care of mentally unwell persons by improving the quality assurance, rehabilitation, community outreach program, teaching, and research activities. [ 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 ] The institute's far-reaching catchment area thus attracts patients in large numbers. With increasing awareness among people about mental illness and the facilities provided in the institute, OPD numbers have increased to 100,262 patients in the year 2015–2016 (i.e., doubled in the last decade), as compared to 76,594 in the year 2010–2011.…”

Quality Attributes of Curcuma longa in response to Populus deltoides Tree Spacings and Nutrient Sources

“…Indian Turmeric is considered best in the world market because of its high curcumin content i.e. 3.14 % by weight (Hembram, 2014). Curcumin the yellow colour bioactive pigment present in the rhizome was identified in 1815 which has antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antirheumatic, antidiabetic and antiviral properties is gaining importance with ban on artificial colours in food industry.…”