Schizophrenic psychoses with affect-dominant symptoms. Contribution to a system-specific approach

作者：Lang F U^*; Stegmayer K; Becker T; Jaeger M

来源：Nervenarzt, 2016, 87(7): 770-779.

DOI：10.1007/s00115-015-0036-2

• Schizophrenia
• Psychopathology
• Affect
• Positive symptoms
• Course

Background. In order to reduce heterogeneity in schizophrenia a system-specific approach consisting of the domains 'language', 'affect' and 'motor behavior' was proposed namely the Bern psychopathology scale (BPS). Using the example of the affective domain we examined this system-specific approach for its applicability to clinical practice using a qualitative-casuistic method. Moreover, we examined the possibility to identify a homogeneous subgroup of patients applying this approach.
Material and methods. From a sample of 100 patients with schizophrenia a total of six patients was selected and described following a traditional psychopathological case approach. To expand this qualitative-casuistic method we included the results of standardized psychopathological assessments using the BPS and the positive and negative syndrome scale of schizophrenia (PANSS).
Results. Schizophrenic psychoses with affect-dominant symptoms could be characterized better using a system-specific approach than the positive-negative-concept. Ensuing from the cross-sectional psychopathological patterns only limited statements regarding the prospective course were possible.
Discussion. The concept of an affect-dominant subtype of schizophrenia was not entirely convincing with respect of the heterogeneous course of the patients described. Nevertheless, the system-specific approach may hold promise for the future regarding further neurobiological research.

• 出版日期2016-7