Treatment Strategies (Part 2): Novel Treatments

A set of flashcards focusing on bioelectronic medicine, cognitive and social interventions, and community-based treatments for schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Which specific symptoms are the primary targets for new treatments currently being developed for schizophrenia spectrum disorders?

Negative Symptoms and Cognitive Dysfunction

How does anodal tDCS (positive stimulation) specifically affect neuronal activity?

It increases neuronal excitability and allows for more spontaneous cell firing

In terms of duration, how does Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) compare to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)?

iTBS is much shorter at less than $10\,\text{minutes}$ compared to $30-60\,\text{minutes}$ for tDCS

According to the Tan et al 2024 meta-analysis, what impact does iTBS have on positive and cognitive symptoms?

No impact

What percentage of patients demonstrate significant improvement in core symptoms when using Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Over $75\%$

What are the primary benefits of Cognitive Remediation regarding symptoms and functioning?

Small positive effects on social and occupational function, small improvements in core illness symptoms, and significant negative symptom improvement

While the duration of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) can vary, how many sessions are generally recommended?

$16$ sessions

According to the lecture notes, what is the impact of CBTp on negative symptoms?

It does not seem to affect negative symptoms at all

What is the delivery model for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)?

A multidisciplinary, team-based approach where patients receive individualized care outside formal clinical settings, such as homes or workplaces

For how long can Family Interventions effectively lower relapse rates following the intervention?

Up to $5$ years