A hemizygous deletion of the q11 band on chromosome 22 occurs in 1 of every 5,950 live births (0.017%). The deletion is mediated by low copy repeats (LCRs) flanking this locus. Presence of the deletion is associated with variable phenotypic expression, which can include distinctive facial dysmorphologies, congenital heart disease and learning disabilities. An unusually high percentage of individuals with this deletion (25-30%) have been described to develop schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. In previous studies, the prevalence of the 22q11 deletion in patients with schizophrenia was found to be approximately 2% in Caucasian adults and 6% in childhood-onset cases. Both these frequencies represent a dramatic increase from the prevalence of the deletion in the general population. In this study, we investigate the occurrence of the 22q11 deletion in an independent sample of schizophrenic patients of Afrikaner origin. We first ascertained a sample of 85 patients who meet full diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia for presence of two or more of the clinical features associated with presence of the 22q11 deletion. A group of six patients (7%) met these criteria. This group was subjected to fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and presence of the 22q11 deletion was confirmed for two subjects. Our study therefore confirms the previously reported rate of 2% frequency of the 22q11 deletion in adult schizophrenic patients and provides a two-stage screening protocol to identify these patients.

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Objective: There is evidence of variation in the prevalence of co-morbid obsessive-compulsive disorder in schizophrenia amongst ethnic groups. This study evaluated the lifetime prevalence and clinical characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)/ obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) in Afrikaner schizophrenic and schizoaffective disorder patients. Method: An ongoing genetic study of schizophrenia is currently being conducted on the Afrikaner founder population. In this cohort of 400 subjects from the original genetic study, we identified 53 subjects with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and co-morbid OCD/OCS (study group). They were matched for gender and age of onset of illness with 59 subjects who do not have OCD/OCS (control group). The diagnostic instrument used in this cohort is the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS) version 2, which has been translated into Afrikaans. In addition to the DIGS, information for the relevant clinical characteristics reported in this study was also drawn from a detailed narrative chronological summary report and clinical files. A checklist was completed. Results: The prevalence of co-morbid OCD/OCS amongst 400 subjects with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder was 13.2% [n=53] of which 40 were male and 13 female patients. The prevalence of OCD was 10.7% and OCS was 2.5%. Contamination obsessions [n=17] were the most common type of obsession reported, followed by religious obsessions [n=8]. The most prevalent compulsions were repetitive rituals [n=32] followed by checking behaviour [n=22]. Onset of psychotic symptoms was found to be insidious in 86.8% of the study group compared to 24.6% of the control group (p<0.0001). Second-generation antipsychotic use was found to be statistically more prevalent in the study group (77.4%), compared to the control group (45.8%) (p=0.0008). 73% of the study group experienced depressive symptoms compared to 50.8% of the control group. Both groups were found to have a similar incidence of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. Substance abuse amongst the control group was significantly higher (35.9%) compared to the study group (19.2%) (p <0.05). Cannabis was most commonly abused in both groups, followed by alcohol. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of 13.2% of co-morbid OCD/OCS in Afrikaner schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder patients differs from findings in other ethnic groups, suggesting the possible role of genetic and cultural factors in the prevalence of co-morbid OCD/OCS. Second-generation antipsychotic use amongst schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder patients with co-morbid OCD/OCS was found to be significantly higher than in those without co-morbid OCD/OCS. Clinical characteristics of Afrikaner schizophrenics and schizoaffective disorder patients with and without co-morbid OCD/OCS are the same, both groups were associated with significant psychopathology and a poor prognosis. phenomena in schizophrenia at between 3-59.2%. 4 This is considerably higher than the rate of 2-3% of OCD...

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of once-daily quetiapine XR adjunctive to antidepressant therapy versus antidepressant alone in patients with MDD showing an inadequate response to antidepressant treatment (mainly SSRIs/SNRIs).Methods:6-week, multicentre, double-blind, parallel-group study (D1448C00007). Patients were randomised to receive quetiapine XR 150mg/day (n=167), 300mg/day (n=163) or placebo (n=163) as add-on to maintained antidepressant treatment. Primary endpoint: baseline to Week 6 change in MADRS total score. Secondary variables included: baseline to Week 1 change in MADRS total score; baseline to Week 6 change in HAM-A total and psychic anxiety subscale scores. Safety assessments included AE reporting.Results:Mean change in MADRS total score (overall baseline mean, 28.4) from baseline to Week 6 was significant (p<0.01) for quetiapine XR 150mg/day (-15.26) and 300mg/day (-14.94) versus placebo (-12.21). Separation from placebo in MADRS total score was apparent from Week 1 for both quetiapine doses (p<0.001).At Week 6, mean change from baseline in HAM-A total score (overall baseline mean, 20.8) was significant for quetiapine XR 150mg/day (-10.27, p<0.01) and 300mg/day (-9.70, p<0.05) versus placebo (-7.92). Mean change from baseline in HAM-A psychic anxiety subscale score (overall baseline mean, 12.83) was significant with quetiapine XR 150mg/day (-6.82, p<0.001) and 300mg/day (-6.47, p<0.01) versus placebo (-5.11).Most common AEs (>10%) were dry mouth, somnolence, fatigue, sedation, constipation and dizziness with quetiapine XR.Conclusion:In patients with MDD with an inadequate response to antidepressant treatment, adjunctive quetiapine XR 150mg/day and 300mg/day was well tolerated and effective at reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms.