S. Gherardelli, G. Bersani - Vol. 8, March 2002, Issue 1
Testo
Immagini Bibliografia
Summary Indice
Neurological soft signs e
psicopatologia nella schizofrenia
Neurological soft signs and psychopathology in schizophrenia
Neurological Soft Signs (NSS) are held to represent subtle signs of brain pathology
and are significantly prevalent in schizophrenic patients with respect to other
psychopathological groups. Since several studies appear to suggest correlations
between negative symptoms and various neurological deficits, aim of this study
was to evaluate a possible correlation between NSS and the clinical features
(positive and negative symptoms) in a male schizophrenic sample. The study was
carried-out on 94 male inpatients (mean age 32.7 ± 9.01) with a DSM-IV diagnosis
of Schizophrenia, on neuroleptic stabilized treatment. The assessment of NSS
was carried-out by meansd of the "Neurological Evaluation Scale" and
its subscales (Motor Coordination, Sensory Integration, Sequencing of Complex
Motor Acts). The Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and the
Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) were used to assess psychopathology.
We found significant correlations between the NES Motor Coordination area and
SANS total score, Alogia, Anhedonia/asociality, and Affective flattening, as
well as between the NES Sensory Integration area and SANS total score, Alogia,
and Avolition/apathy. No significant correlation was found between the SAPS
total score and the NES scores. Only one significant correlation emerged between
NES and SAPS and regarded the NES Sequencing of Complex Motor Acts and the SAPS
Thought disorder subscale. Correlations between NSS and some negative characteristics
in schizophrenia would suggest brain functional impairment mostly associated
to the deficit syndrome. This study could constitute a contribution for understanding
the relationship between NSS and psychopathology in schizophrenia.
