Schizophrenia Research Roundup: October 20

In this research roundup, we explore new studies on schizophrenia and its links to neurocognition, suicidal ideation, insomnia, and impaired language abilities in diverse patient populations.

Age-related differences in neurocognition and suicidal ideation in patients with schizophrenia

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between neurocognition and suicidal ideation in middle-aged and elderly patients with schizophrenia. The study found that middle-aged and elderly schizophrenia patients who had good visuospatial skills and attention function were more likely to have suicidal ideation. However, no correlation between neurocognition and suicidal ideation has been observed in young patients with schizophrenia.

We should pay special attention to middle-aged and elderly people [patients with schizophrenia] with good neurocognition, the investigators concluded. A novel and effective intervention aimed at diverting attention from the illness to reduce the occurrence of suicidal ideation should be formulated. Further cohort studies are needed to detect the relationship between neurocognition and suicidal ideation across all age groups.

Reference

Wang Q, Tang W, Zhang J et al. Visuospatial ability and attention as risk factors for suicidal ideation in middle-aged and elderly schizophrenia patients: a cross-sectional study.BMC Psychiatry. 2023;23(1):765.

Links between olanzapine and age, sex and smoking in patients with schizophrenia

This study aimed to investigate the association between smoking, age, gender, and serum olanzapine concentrations in patients with schizophrenia. The results revealed that smokers had significantly lower serum concentrations of olanzapine than nonsmokers, which could lead to subtherapeutic effects. However, the study did not find significant differences in olanzapine concentrations related to the age or gender of patients.

This study provided evidence that smoking is associated with lower serum concentrations of olanzapine, the investigators concluded. No significant differences were observed in serum olanzapine concentrations based on age and gender in patients with schizophrenia.

Reference

Horvat M, Kadija M, Avniar A et al. Association of smoking, age and sex with serum olanzapine concentrations in patients with schizophrenia.Biochem Med (Zagreb). 2023;33(3):030702.

Investigating the Link Between Insomnia and Impaired Language Abilities in Patients With Schizophrenia

This study examined the link between insomnia symptoms and language abilities in patients with schizophrenia. It found that people with schizophrenia who experienced insomnia had reduced performance on the Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), suggesting a link between insomnia and impaired language skills. These results imply that treating insomnia in patients with schizophrenia could improve cognitive function and quality of life, although limitations of the study, such as the influence of sleep-enhancing medications, need to be taken into account. into account.

There is a significant difference in language ability between schizophrenia patients with insomnia and those without insomnia symptoms, the investigators concluded. This suggests that schizophrenia patients with insomnia have a greater likelihood of impaired language abilities.

Reference

Linlin W, Ruofei J, Hudan C et al. Correlation analysis between insomnia symptoms and language function in patients with schizophrenia.Schizophre Res Cogn. 2023;34:100292.

Note: ChatGPT assistance was used in the preparation of this research summary.

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