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Objective: Experience sampling (ES) involves participants rating ambulant phenomena at unpredictable intervals. Despite its perceived benefits, there is little published research evaluating the limitations of this method.Method: Predictors of compliance were investigated across three studies using ES in psychotic populations.Results: Regression analyses indicated that none of the demographic or clinical variables significantly (p.05) predicted the number of valid reports or compliance as defined by traditionally used cut-off points (33%).Conclusions: We conclude that it is difficult to predict compliance in ES research, which is likely to be an accessible methodology, even for people experiencing distressing symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate sexual function in patients with schizophrenia receiving treatment with a first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) or a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) drug. Sexual function is an important aspect of human experience, which can be affected by antipsychotic drug treatment. Sexual dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia may be less prevalent with SGA than with FGA drug treatment. Methods. A cross-sectional prevalence study assessed sexual function in a sample of 144 patients with DSM-IV schizophrenia aged between 18 and 65, using the Derogatis Interview for Sexual Functioning (self-report version: DISF-SR). Two equal-sized groups ( N = 72) received treatment with an FGA or an SGA drug for at least 12 weeks. Results. No significant differences were seen on DISF-SR total score or subscale score between the two treatment groups. Conclusions. There are no differences in measured sexual function of non-randomised patients with schizophrenia treated with an FGA compared with SGA-treated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Auditory hallucinations exist in psychotic disorders as well as the general population. Proneness to hallucinations, as measured by positive schizotypy, predicts false perceptions during an auditory signal detection task (Barkus, Stirling, Hopkins, McKie, & Lewis, 2007). Our aim was to replicate this result and extend it by examining effects of age and sex, both important demographic predictors of psychosis. Method. A sample of 76 healthy volunteers split into 15-17 years (n=46) and 19 years plus (n=30) underwent a signal detection task designed to detect propensity towards false perceptions under ambiguous auditory conditions. Scores on the Unusual Experiences subscale (UE) of the O-LIFE schizotypy scale, IQ, and a measure of working memory were also assessed. Results. We replicated our initial finding (Barkus et al., 2007): High scores on positive schizotypy were associated with false perceptions. Younger participants who scored highly on positive schizotypy reported significantly more false perceptions compared to other groups (p=.04). Older participants who had had an imaginary friend reported more false perceptions during the signal detection task (p <.01). Conclusions. Younger participants seem most vulnerable to the effects of positive schizotypal traits in terms of a signal detection deficit that underlies auditory hallucinations. Schizotypy may have greatest impact closer to the risk period for development of psychotic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Despite randomized controlled trials (RCTs) being regarded as the gold standard for intervention research in mental health, there is a lack of guidance on the practicalities of setting up and conducting such trials in the NHS. Aims : To provide information for new clinical trials collated from the experiences of carrying out the NCCHTA-funded CUtLASS trial (reported in an HTA Monograph entitled “Randomised controlled trials of conventional versus new atypical drugs, and new atypical drugs versus clozapine, in people with schizophrenia responding poorly to, or intolerant of, current drug treatment”). Conclusions : The main practical considerations in clinical trials can be grouped into issues of Staffing, Trial Management and Data Management. Matters that impact on recruitment include the research question, the interest of clinicians in that question, the extent of clinical equipoise, and the provision of adequate reimbursement of service support costs associated with participation in the trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To examine clinicians' attitudes regarding the relative benefits and risks of conventional and atypical antipsychotic medication, and the perceived validity of the CUtLASS study. To examine the attitudes of participant clinicians' regarding the operation and administration, and the potential clinical impact of the findings. Method Two hundred and sixty-two clinicians were each sent an anonymous questionnaire, and invited to indicate whether they agreed or disagreed with each of to nine statements (from agree to disagree). Results Of the 112 clinicians who responded, 71% supported the CUtLASS study. Thirty-nine percent agreed with the statement that the clinical efficacy of atypicals was superior to conventional antipsychotics, while 27% disagreed and 34% were undecided. Thus, two-thirds of participating clinicians revealed no uncertainty on a key question being tested in the CUtLASS study. Further, the vast majority (97%) considered that atypicals were associated with less severe side effects. Conclusions In clinical studies, recruitment strategies relying on referrals from clinicians may find that some clinicians identify fewer patients than expected. This can lead to a relatively low yield of potential study subjects and possibly a selection bias. Surveys of clinicians approached to participate in clinical studies provide a potential mechanism to explore attitudes relevant to participant recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the ethical aspects of treatment research in people at high risk of psychosis. Exposure of subjects to all the risks associated with the treatment, without any benefits; Choice of which treatment to test; Ethics of withholding experimental treatment from the control group.

Editorial. Discusses key issues relevant to the duration of treatment in schizophrenia. Efficacy of maintenance antipsychotic medication; Effects of relapse; Importance of relapse prevention; Strategies for relapse prevention; Risk and benefits associated with antipsychotic treatment.