[go: up one dir, main page]
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.2
3.9
Journals
Biomedicines
Special Issues
Advanced in Schizophrenia Research and Treatment
share announcement

Advanced in Schizophrenia Research and Treatment

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurobiology and Clinical Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 8080

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Felix-Martin Werner

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Neuroscience of Castilla and León (INCYL) Laboratory, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
Interests: neurology and psychiatry; psycho- and neuropharmacology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are disabling mental diseases that may remanifest as a recurrent psychosis. Therefore, their treatment with antipsychotic drugs is essential. Adverse effects (for example, movement disturbances, and metabolic and cardiac adverse effects) reduce patients’ adherence to medical treatment. In recent years, new antipsychotic drugs that interact with new specific receptors have been found and applied to the treatment of this disease. Have these new antipsychotic drugs made progress in the treatment of schizophrenic symptoms? Have they caused fewer adverse effects? Have they had a secure therapeutic effect? Has patients’ adherence become more reliable, and have their schizophrenic symptoms therefore been treated better? Have therapeutic measures outside of pharmacological treatment made progress in the medical treatment of these symptoms? Your research papers and comprehensive reviews regarding these questions are warmly welcomed.

Dr. Felix-Martin Werner
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomedicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antipsychotic drug
  • olanzapine
  • risperidone
  • schizophrenia
  • schizoaffective disorder

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

11 pages, 1412 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Real-World Pharmacokinetics of Risperidone ISM® in Routine Clinical Practice
by Francisco José Toja-Camba, María Vidal-Millares, María José Duran-Maseda, Manuel Arrojo-Romero, María Puente-Iglesias, Gonzalo Hermelo-Vidal, Carolina Feitosa-Medeiros, Anxo Fernández-Ferreiro and Cristina Mondelo-García
Biomedicines 2025, 13(2), 384; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13020384 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 718
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Risperidone ISM® is a long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation approved for monthly administration in schizophrenia treatment. It employs innovative in situ microimplant technology for biphasic drug release, achieving immediate and sustained therapeutic plasma concentrations without the need for oral supplementation or [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Risperidone ISM® is a long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation approved for monthly administration in schizophrenia treatment. It employs innovative in situ microimplant technology for biphasic drug release, achieving immediate and sustained therapeutic plasma concentrations without the need for oral supplementation or loading doses. This study evaluates the pharmacokinetic profile of Risperidone ISM® in a real-world clinical setting, focusing on plasma concentrations of the active moiety (Risperidone + 9-OH-Risperidone). Methods: An observational study was conducted to measure plasma concentrations of patients receiving Risperidone ISM® (75 mg or 100 mg). Samples were collected at pre-dose, 2 h, 24 h, 14 days, 21 days, and 25 days post-injection. Pharmacokinetic parameters, including Cmax, Cmin, Tmax, and AUC, were calculated and stratified by dose (75 mg and 100 mg) and injection site (gluteal vs. deltoid). Results: A total of 44 patients were included. Therapeutic plasma levels were reached within hours post-injection and sustained throughout the 28-day interval. Cmin values averaged 34.4 ng/mL and 36.1 ng/mL for the 75 mg and 100 mg doses, respectively. The median Tmax occurred at 24 h with a mean Cmax of 55.7 ng/mL and 59 ng/mL for 75 mg and 100 mg, respectively. Higher systemic exposure was observed for deltoid administration. Significant interindividual variability was noted, with 45.4% of patients exhibiting trough levels outside the therapeutic range. Conclusions: Risperidone ISM® achieves rapid and sustained therapeutic plasma levels, offering significant benefits in schizophrenia treatment. However, the high interindividual variability observed must be thoroughly studied, and the contributing factors identified to ensure the therapy is as effective and safe as possible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced in Schizophrenia Research and Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Arithmetic mean (SD) plasma concentrations of the active moiety at pre-dose (trough), 2 h, and 24 h post-dose. Black dashed lines represent the Risperidone therapeutic reference range.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Arithmetic mean (SD) plasma concentrations of active moiety at pre-dose (trough), 2 h, and 24 h post-dose, taking into account the injection site. Black dashed lines represent the Risperidone therapeutic reference range.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Arithmetic mean (SD) plasma concentrations of the active moiety at pre-dose (trough), 2 h, 24 h, 14 days, 21 days, and 25 days post-dose. Black dashed lines represent the Risperidone therapeutic reference range.</p> Full article ">Figure 4
<p>Arithmetic mean (SD) plasma concentrations of the active moiety at pre-dose (trough), 2 h, 24 h, 14 days, 21 days, and 25 days post-dose considering the injection site. Black dashed lines represent the Risperidone therapeutic reference range.</p> Full article ">
13 pages, 286 KiB  
Article
Discordance Between Triglycerides, Remnant Cholesterol and Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Schizophrenia
by Jeffrey Wang, Maaike Kockx, Gabrielle J. Pennings, Tim Lambert, Vincent Chow and Leonard Kritharides
Biomedicines 2024, 12(12), 2884; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12122884 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 804
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hypertriglyceridaemia and systemic inflammation are prevalent in patients with schizophrenia and contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Although elevated triglycerides (TGs) and remnant cholesterol are linked to inflammation in the general population and individuals with metabolic syndrome, whether they are [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hypertriglyceridaemia and systemic inflammation are prevalent in patients with schizophrenia and contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Although elevated triglycerides (TGs) and remnant cholesterol are linked to inflammation in the general population and individuals with metabolic syndrome, whether they are associated in patients with schizophrenia remains unclear. Methods: Fasting levels of TG, cholesterol (total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and remnant cholesterol)), and markers of systemic inflammation including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), leukocyte counts and their differentials (neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes) were determined in 147 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia on long-term antipsychotic regimens and compared with 56 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Apolipoprotein B and glycosylation of acute phase reactant (GlycA) signatures were assessed by NMR. Circulating cytokine levels were measured by a cytokine/chemokine multiplex assay. Results: Patients with schizophrenia had markedly elevated TG and remnant cholesterol relative to controls and had evidence of systemic inflammation with increased circulating hsCRP, GlycA, leukocyte, neutrophil counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Unexpectedly TG and remnant cholesterol did not correlate with systemic inflammatory markers in patients with schizophrenia, and differences in inflammatory markers between controls and patients persisted after adjusting for the lipid profile. Interleukin (IL)-10 levels were increased in patients with schizophrenia, suggesting an anti-inflammatory signature. Conclusions: The discordance between TG, remnant cholesterol and systemic inflammation in patients with schizophrenia suggests these are likely independent contributors to cardiovascular risk in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced in Schizophrenia Research and Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Graphical abstract
Full article ">
23 pages, 1336 KiB  
Article
Changes in IL-6, IL-12, IL-5, IL-10 and TGF-β1 Concentration in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) Following Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)—A Pilot Study
by Anna Maria Szota, Izabela Radajewska, Małgorzata Ćwiklińska-Jurkowska, Kinga Lis, Przemysław Grudzka and Wiktor Dróżdż
Biomedicines 2024, 12(11), 2637; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12112637 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 918
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) may be considered as a neuro-immune disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains an important therapeutic option for patients with TRS, however, its impact on cytokine profile is barely investigated. Therefore, this study attempts to establish associations between serum cytokines IL-6, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) may be considered as a neuro-immune disorder. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains an important therapeutic option for patients with TRS, however, its impact on cytokine profile is barely investigated. Therefore, this study attempts to establish associations between serum cytokines IL-6, IL-12, IL-5, IL-10 and TGF-β1 changes (pre- and post-ECT) and the effectiveness of ECT in TRS patients. The second aim is to search for correlations between serum concentrations of the above specified cytokines and psychometric assessments of clinical schizophrenia symptoms. Methods: The cytokine concentrations were measured in eight TRS patients on psychopharmacological treatment prior to and following ECT and in 13 control subjects. Psychopathology assessment was based on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: Prior to ECT, IL-10 concentration was significantly higher in TRS patients, while IL-5 was decreased in comparison to the controls. A significant concentration decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (p = 0.012), IL-12 (p = 0.049) and anti-inflammatory IL-10 (p = 0.012) post-ECT vs. pre-ECT was observed, whereas concentrations of IL-5 and TGF-β1 did not significantly change. Also, a significant decrease in schizophrenia symptoms measured by the PANSS post-ECT was found. Furthermore, the pattern of correlations between PANSS scores and cytokine concentrations was different when comparing levels pre- and post-ECT. Additionally, correlations between changes in PANSS scores and cytokine concentrations were found. Conclusions: These results may indicate the probable impact of electroconvulsive therapy on the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, which may correspond to a neurobiological therapeutic effect of ECT in TRS patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced in Schizophrenia Research and Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Associations between TGF-β1 and IL-6 before (r = −0.143) and following ECT (r = −0.144) in eight treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients. Numbers are IDs of eight patients.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Relationship between IL-6 and TGF-β1 in thirteen control subjects (r = 0.78; <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.002) Numbers are IDs of thirteen control subjects.</p> Full article ">Figure 3
<p>Association between TGF-β1 and IL-6 cytokine changes from pre-ECT to post-ECT in eight treatment-resistant schizophrenic patients (Spearman r = 0.833; <span class="html-italic">p</span> = 0.01; R<sup>2</sup> = 0.789). Numbers are IDs of eight patients.</p> Full article ">
13 pages, 831 KiB  
Article
Effect of Computer-Assisted Cognitive Remediation Therapy on Cognition among Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
by Ayumi Yamanushi, Takeshi Shimada, Ami Koizumi and Masayoshi Kobayashi
Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1498; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071498 - 5 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1503
Abstract
In schizophrenia, cognition is closely linked to social competence and influences long-term prognosis. Thus, treatment should target cognitive improvement to enhance the patient’s societal adaptation. This study evaluated the effects of computer-assisted cognitive remediation therapy (CR) using RehaCom® on cognition in patients [...] Read more.
In schizophrenia, cognition is closely linked to social competence and influences long-term prognosis. Thus, treatment should target cognitive improvement to enhance the patient’s societal adaptation. This study evaluated the effects of computer-assisted cognitive remediation therapy (CR) using RehaCom® on cognition in patients with schizophrenia. Thirty patients were randomized, with 15 assigned to the CR and treatment as usual (TAU) group and 15 to the TAU-alone group. Over 12 weeks, patients received CR twice weekly, including two computer sessions and one verbal session. The outcomes measured were cognition using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia and Schizophrenia Cognition Rating Scale, intrinsic motivation using the Quality of Life Scale and Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, psychiatric symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, negative symptoms using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, and functional level using the modified Global Assessment of Functioning scale for Functioning. The CR + TAU group demonstrated considerable improvements in cognition, intrinsic motivation, and functional level compared to the TAU-alone group. These findings indicate that the CR using RehaCom® enhances cognition and other outcomes in schizophrenia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced in Schizophrenia Research and Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Study flowchart. CR, cognitive remediation; TAU, treatment as usual.</p> Full article ">Figure 2
<p>Change in BACS subtests and composite scores from the baseline to 12 weeks. The F−value in each panel is the test for the F−statistic of the interaction between time and treatment groups. Error bars indicate the standard error. BACS, Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia; CR, cognitive remediation; TAU, treatment as usual.</p> Full article ">
13 pages, 252 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Patient Landscape: A Ten-Year Retrospective Examination of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Romania’s Largest Psychiatric Hospital
by Floris Petru Iliuta, Mirela Manea, Aliss Madalina Mares, Corina Ioana Varlam, Radu Mihail Lacau, Andreea Stefanescu, Constantin Alexandru Ciobanu, Adela Magdalena Ciobanu and Mihnea Costin Manea
Biomedicines 2024, 12(5), 1028; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12051028 - 7 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1081
Abstract
The aim of this analysis was to investigate the socio-demographic and clinical profile, the effectiveness, and the association of pharmacological treatment in patients who underwent electroconvulsive therapy during the last 10 years in the largest psychiatric hospital in Romania. This study includes 249 [...] Read more.
The aim of this analysis was to investigate the socio-demographic and clinical profile, the effectiveness, and the association of pharmacological treatment in patients who underwent electroconvulsive therapy during the last 10 years in the largest psychiatric hospital in Romania. This study includes 249 patients aged between 18 and 73 years old. Recurrent depression was the most frequent diagnosis for which ECT was performed (T = 96, 38.55%), followed by schizophrenia (T = 72, 28.91%). The most frequent indication for ECT was treatment resistance (T = 154, 61.84%), followed by persistent suicidal ideation (T = 54, 21.68%) and catatonia (T = 42, 16.86%). In 111 (44.60%) cases included in this study, re-hospitalization was required after performing ECT, while 138 (55.40%) participants did not require any further hospital readmissions. Significant differences were found between these groups in terms of socio-demographic data, diagnosis, number of ECT sessions performed, and association of psychotropic medication during and after the procedure, therefore two separate patient profiles were found based on these characteristics. Patients necessitating re-hospitalization post-ECT were mainly males aged 25–44 diagnosed with schizophrenia and underwent a greater number of ECT sessions (7–12), whereas those not requiring re-hospitalization were predominantly females aged 45–64 with recurrent depressive disorder for which 4–6 ECT sessions were performed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced in Schizophrenia Research and Treatment)
17 pages, 468 KiB  
Article
Clinical and Sociodemographic Correlations with Neurological Soft Signs in Hospitalized Patients with Schizophrenia: A Preliminary Longitudinal Study
by Cristian Petrescu, Oana A. Mihalache, Crisanda Vilciu, Diana M. Petrescu, Gabriela Marian, Constantin A. Ciobanu and Adela M. Ciobanu
Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 787; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040787 - 3 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1260
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by symptoms that profoundly impact behavior, cognition, perception, and emotions, leading to a reduced quality of life and physical impairment. Given the complexity of schizophrenia, there is a pressing need for clinical markers and tools [...] Read more.
Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by symptoms that profoundly impact behavior, cognition, perception, and emotions, leading to a reduced quality of life and physical impairment. Given the complexity of schizophrenia, there is a pressing need for clinical markers and tools to predict its course, enhance disease staging, facilitate early intervention, improve differential diagnosis, and tailor individualized treatment approaches. Previous studies focused on the relationship between neurological soft signs (NSS) and factors such as age, illness duration, and symptomatology, indicating NSS as state markers improving in parallel with psychotic symptom remission or predicting treatment resistance. However, there is a lack of consensus on NSS assessment tools, hindering routine clinical monitoring despite diagnostic and prognostic potential. The present longitudinal study involved 81 psychiatric inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Patients were assessed at three time points: baseline, 1 month, and 6 months. The examination included the use of scales to evaluate psychotic and neurological symptoms, as well as the identification of adverse extrapyramidal reactions caused by neuroleptic treatment. The progression of NSS was correlated to both the symptomatology and the sociodemographic data of the patients. The main findings from the present investigation revealed a statistical correlation between NSS and psychopathological symptoms, especially with negative symptoms of schizophrenia. However, it is important to note that neuroleptic side effects only had a limited impact on NSS. Therefore, instead of being linked to extrapyramidal symptoms caused by neuroleptics, NSS appears to be more frequently related with symptoms of schizophrenia. Our findings provide further support for their strong association with the course of schizophrenia, independent of treatment side effects, thus emphasizing their potential as reliable assessment tools in both research and clinical settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced in Schizophrenia Research and Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Evolution of NES scores from baseline to 6 months.</p> Full article ">

Other

Jump to: Research

57 pages, 1065 KiB  
Systematic Review
Pharmacological Interventions for Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review of Randomised Control Trials
by Lorenzo Moccia, Francesca Bardi, Maria Benedetta Anesini, Sara Barbonetti, Georgios D. Kotzalidis, Sara Rossi, Romina Caso, Flavia Grisoni, Giuseppe Mandracchia, Stella Margoni, Tommaso Callovini, Delfina Janiri, Marianna Mazza, Alessio Simonetti, Silvia Montanari, Gianna Autullo, Giovanni Camardese, Maria Pepe, Marco Di Nicola, Vassilij Di Giorgio, Fabio Conti, Gabriele Sani and on behalf of the Gemelli RePsy Study Groupadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Biomedicines 2025, 13(3), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13030540 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 438
Abstract
Background/Objectives: While positive symptoms of schizophrenia are often satisfactorily controlled, negative symptoms are difficult to treat, persisting despite treatment. Different strategies have been devised to deal with this problem. We aimed to review drug treatment for negative symptoms of schizophrenia in controlled trials [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: While positive symptoms of schizophrenia are often satisfactorily controlled, negative symptoms are difficult to treat, persisting despite treatment. Different strategies have been devised to deal with this problem. We aimed to review drug treatment for negative symptoms of schizophrenia in controlled trials of marketed drugs. Methods: We searched the PubMed database and the resulting records’ reference lists to identify eligible trials using schizophrenia[ti] AND “negative symptom*”[ti] as a search strategy. We determined eligibility through Delphi rounds among all authors. Results: On 11 February 2025, we identified 1485 records on PubMed and 3 more from reference lists. Eligible were 95 records. Most studies were double-blind, randomized controlled trials, carried-out in add-on in patients stabilized with antipsychotics. Other antipsychotics were the most frequent comparators, followed by antidepressants, and recently, antioxidants are gaining importance in trials. Many trials, especially those conducted in the Western world, found no significant effects compared to placebo, while most Iranian studies were positive, although not with a strong effect size. Conclusions: Current research has contributed little to progress in the treatment of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The reason might reside in the absence of knowledge of the mechanisms whereby these symptoms are generated, which prevents us from designing possibly effective treatment strategies, and/or to the chronicity of negative symptoms, as they are the first to be established even when they do not become fully apparent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced in Schizophrenia Research and Treatment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1
<p>Flowchart of the systematic literature search according to PRISMA guidelines [<a href="#B28-biomedicines-13-00540" class="html-bibr">28</a>].</p> Full article ">
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop