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Background: Sleep disturbances have frequently been associated with the full spectrum of psychosis, from psychotic‐like experiences (PLEs) to individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. Similarly, dissociative experiences have been linked to both sleep disturbances and PLEs. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the role of dissociation in the relationship between sleep quality and PLEs. Methods: PLEs, dissociative symptoms, and sleep quality were examined in 1677 young adults using self‐report measures. A mediation analysis was performed to examine whether dissociative experiences account for some of the relationship between sleep quality and PLEs. Results: Dissociative symptoms significantly mediated the relationship between sleep quality and PLEs, with both age and gender used as covariates. Conclusion: These findings suggest that dissociation may be a key contributor to the relationship between disrupted sleep and PLEs, which could have treatment and identification implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Elevated behavioural inhibition system sensitivity has been reported among schizophrenia patients. Yet, no study has investigated the relationship between behavioural inhibition system sensitivity and the occurrence of psychotic‐like experiences (subthreshold psychotic symptoms considered to be less severe or impairing), despite evidence that behavioural inhibition system sensitivity is related to other forms of psychopathology known to co‐occur with psychotic‐like experiences, such as depression and anxiety. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between behavioural inhibition system levels and psychotic‐like experiences while controlling for depression and anxiety symptoms. We hypothesized that behavioural inhibition system sensitivity would be positively associated with the number of reported psychotic‐like experiences, and that this association would be nonsignificant after accounting for depression and anxiety symptoms. Methods: Psychotic‐like experiences, behavioural inhibition system sensitivity, depression symptoms, and anxiety symptoms were measured in 1162 young adults. Bivariate correlations were calculated and linear regressions performed to measure the relationship between variables of interest. Results: Psychotic‐like experiences, behavioural inhibition system sensitivity, and symptoms of depression, and anxiety were all significantly and positively correlated with one another. Behavioural inhibition system sensitivity was no longer related to the number of psychotic‐like experiences reported after controlling for anxiety symptoms, with and without controlling for depression symptoms. Discussion: These findings suggest that the hypersensitivity to threat observed among individuals reporting higher levels of psychotic‐like experiences is likely related to co‐occurring depression and anxiety symptoms. Thus, behavioural inhibition system sensitivity may be more reflective of a transdiagnostic phenotype of general psychopathology than specifically related to psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Pennsylvania (PA) first‐episode psychosis (FEP) program evaluation is a statewide initiative, supported by the PA Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (PA‐OMHSAS) and administered by PA Early Intervention Center/Heads Up, which evaluates fidelity and outcomes of PA Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) programs. Programs participate in standard computerized measures of CSC outcomes using centralized informatics. The aims of the current report are to describe implementation of this core battery for program evaluation in PA and to present 6‐ and 12‐month outcomes. Methods: Participants (n = 697) from nine PA CSC programs completed the core battery at admission. The battery was re‐administered at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up, and data were analysed for individuals (n = 230) who had completed 12‐months of treatment. Domains assessed via clinician report and/or self‐report included symptoms, role and social functioning, self‐perceived recovery and service utilization. Results: PA FEP CSC participants showed improvement over time in several domains, including decreased symptoms, higher role and social functioning, decreased hospitalizations, and improved self‐perception of recovery, quality of life, and services satisfaction. Trends towards improvements were observed for participant happiness, hopelessness, and school‐enrolment. Nearly all improvements were observed at 6‐month follow‐up, with earlier gains maintained at 12‐months. Conclusions: PA FEP CSC programs demonstrate the ability to assess and improve critical outcomes of coordinated specialty care in PA. Improved outcomes by 12 months in treatment provides evidence of an effective treatment model and supports the continuation of these programs in pursuit of our goal of reducing schizophrenia disease burden on individuals and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Computer‐based virtual reality assessments of functional capacity have shown promise as a reliable and valid way to assess individuals with multi‐episode schizophrenia. However, there has been little research utilizing this innovative approach with young patients who are in the early phase of schizophrenia. Methods: Outpatients in the early course of schizophrenia (n = 42) were compared to controls (n = 13) at cross‐sectional study points. Patients were within 2 years of their first psychotic episode, were an average of 22.2 years old and had an average of 12.3 years of education. We used the Virtual Reality Functional Capacity Assessment Tool (VRFCAT) and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Performance‐Based Skills Assessment‐2 (UPSA‐2) to assess functional capacity. The MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) and the Cognitive Assessment Interview (CAI) were the measures of cognitive functioning. The Global Functioning Scale: Role (GFS‐R) and Social (GFS‐S), and the Role Functioning Scale (RFS) were the measures of daily functioning. Results: Early course patients vs controls were slower (patient M = 830.41 seconds vs control M = 716.84 seconds; t = 3.0, P <.01) and committed more errors (patient M = 3.2 vs control M = 1.7 seconds, t = 2.9, P <.01) on the VRFCAT. Total time was significantly correlated with the UPSA (r = −0.66, P <.01), MCCB (r = −0.70, P <.01), CAI (r = −0.51, P <.01), and GFS role (r = −0.52, P <. 01) and social functioning (r = −0.43, P =.03). Conclusions: We extend previous findings to patients with first‐episode schizophrenia. Virtual‐reality–based performance was correlated with a standard test of functional capacity, indicating VRFCAT validity. Furthermore, correlations with cognitive functioning and occupational/school and social functioning indicate promise as a co‐primary measure to track changes in response to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]