The Difference Between PANSS Scores in Men with Schizophrenia Who Received Risperidon Therapy with the Addition of Divalproex Sodium and Those Who Only Received Risperidon Therapy
Introduction
Schizophrenia is a severe and chronic mental disorder that affects cognition, emotions, perceptions, and behavior. It can have a significant impact on a patient's life, making it essential to have an effective treatment approach. One of the commonly used therapeutic approaches is the use of risperidon, which is often enhanced by adding sodium divalproex. This study aims to determine the difference between the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) scores in men with schizophrenia who received risperidon therapy with the addition of sodium divalproex and those who only received risperidon therapy.
Research Purposes
The primary objective of this study is to investigate the difference in PANSS scores between men with schizophrenia who received risperidon therapy with the addition of sodium divalproex and those who only received risperidon therapy. By understanding this difference, it is hoped that deeper insights can be obtained regarding the effects of a combination of therapy in dealing with schizophrenia disorders. This study will provide valuable information for medical personnel in determining better treatment strategies for patients with schizophrenia.
Research Methods
This study uses an open trial experimental design with pre-test and post-test. The sample was taken using the non-probability consecutive sampling method involving 52 male subjects with schizophrenia. Of these, 26 subjects received risperidon therapy with additional divalproex sodium, while 26 other subjects only received risperidon. The dose of sodium divalproex given was 1500 mg, and risperidon was 6 mg. The study was conducted at Prof. Mental Hospital. Dr. M. Ildrem Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, between September 2017 and June 2018. The diagnosis was established with a structured interview using the Mini International Statistics Classification of Diseases-10 (Mini ICD-10). The data was then analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Research Result
The results of the analysis showed a significant difference in the PANSS score, with the value of P <0.001. The comparison was made between observations of the week before therapy to the sixth week. This finding shows that the combination of risperidon therapy with sodium divalproex has a better effect in reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia compared to a single risperidon therapy. The results of this study indicate that the addition of divalproex sodium can provide additional benefits in schizophrenia therapy, especially in managing positive and negative symptoms experienced by patients.
Positive PANSS Scores
Positive PANSS scores are used to assess the severity of positive symptoms in schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The results of this study showed that the combination of risperidon therapy with sodium divalproex had a significant effect in reducing positive PANSS scores compared to a single risperidon therapy. This finding suggests that the addition of divalproex sodium can be beneficial in managing positive symptoms in schizophrenia patients.
Negative PANSS Scores
Negative PANSS scores are used to assess the severity of negative symptoms in schizophrenia, such as apathy, social withdrawal, and lack of motivation. The results of this study showed that the combination of risperidon therapy with sodium divalproex had a significant effect in reducing negative PANSS scores compared to a single risperidon therapy. This finding suggests that the addition of divalproex sodium can be beneficial in managing negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients.
Total PANSS Scores
Total PANSS scores are used to assess the overall severity of symptoms in schizophrenia. The results of this study showed that the combination of risperidon therapy with sodium divalproex had a significant effect in reducing total PANSS scores compared to a single risperidon therapy. This finding suggests that the addition of divalproex sodium can be beneficial in managing overall symptoms in schizophrenia patients.
Conclusion
From the results of the study, it can be concluded that there are significant differences in the PANSS scores between men with schizophrenia who received risperidon therapy with the addition of sodium divalproex and those who only received risperidon therapy. This indicates that the addition of divalproex sodium can provide additional benefits in schizophrenia therapy, especially in managing positive and negative symptoms experienced by patients. This study provides valuable information for medical personnel in determining better treatment strategies for patients with schizophrenia.
Research Relevance
This study is very relevant in the context of schizophrenia treatment, because it shows that appropriate treatment can significantly improve the quality of life of patients. It also opens opportunities for further research on the combination of other therapies that can be used for schizophrenia patients. Thus, the results of this study not only provide a clear picture of the effectiveness of existing therapy but also become an important reference for medical personnel in determining better treatment strategies.
Limitations of the Study
This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single hospital. Therefore, the results may not be generalizable to other populations or settings. Additionally, the study only investigated the effects of risperidon therapy with the addition of sodium divalproex in men with schizophrenia. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of this combination therapy in women with schizophrenia.
Future Research Directions
This study provides a foundation for further research on the combination of risperidon therapy with sodium divalproex in schizophrenia patients. Future studies should investigate the effects of this combination therapy in women with schizophrenia and in patients with other types of psychotic disorders. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the optimal dosage and duration of treatment with this combination therapy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides valuable information on the difference between PANSS scores in men with schizophrenia who received risperidon therapy with the addition of sodium divalproex and those who only received risperidon therapy. The results of this study indicate that the addition of divalproex sodium can provide additional benefits in schizophrenia therapy, especially in managing positive and negative symptoms experienced by patients. This study provides a clear picture of the effectiveness of existing therapy and becomes an important reference for medical personnel in determining better treatment strategies.Q&A: Understanding the Difference Between PANSS Scores in Men with Schizophrenia Who Received Risperidon Therapy with the Addition of Divalproex Sodium and Those Who Only Received Risperidon Therapy
Q: What is PANSS and why is it important in schizophrenia treatment?
A: PANSS stands for Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, which is a widely used assessment tool to evaluate the severity of symptoms in schizophrenia. It measures both positive symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) and negative symptoms (such as apathy and social withdrawal). PANSS is important in schizophrenia treatment because it helps healthcare professionals to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and make informed decisions about patient care.
Q: What is the difference between positive and negative PANSS scores?
A: Positive PANSS scores measure the severity of positive symptoms in schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Negative PANSS scores measure the severity of negative symptoms, such as apathy, social withdrawal, and lack of motivation. Understanding the difference between positive and negative PANSS scores is crucial in developing effective treatment plans for patients with schizophrenia.
Q: What are the benefits of adding sodium divalproex to risperidon therapy in schizophrenia treatment?
A: The addition of sodium divalproex to risperidon therapy has been shown to provide additional benefits in schizophrenia treatment, particularly in managing positive and negative symptoms. This combination therapy has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with schizophrenia.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: This study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and the fact that it was conducted in a single hospital. Additionally, the study only investigated the effects of risperidon therapy with the addition of sodium divalproex in men with schizophrenia. Further research is needed to investigate the effects of this combination therapy in women with schizophrenia and in patients with other types of psychotic disorders.
Q: What are the implications of this study for healthcare professionals?
A: This study provides valuable information for healthcare professionals in determining better treatment strategies for patients with schizophrenia. The results of this study suggest that the addition of sodium divalproex to risperidon therapy can be beneficial in managing positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Healthcare professionals should consider this combination therapy as an option for patients who have not responded to traditional treatment.
Q: What are the future research directions for this study?
A: Future research should investigate the effects of risperidon therapy with the addition of sodium divalproex in women with schizophrenia and in patients with other types of psychotic disorders. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the optimal dosage and duration of treatment with this combination therapy.
Q: How can patients with schizophrenia benefit from this study?
A: Patients with schizophrenia can benefit from this study by having access to more effective treatment options. The results of this study suggest that the addition of sodium divalproex to risperidon therapy can be beneficial in managing positive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients. Patients should discuss this option with their healthcare provider to determine if it is right for them.
Q: What are the next steps for this research?
A: The next steps for this research include conducting further studies to investigate the effects of risperidon therapy with the addition of sodium divalproex in women with schizophrenia and in patients with other types of psychotic disorders. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the optimal dosage and duration of treatment with this combination therapy.
Q: How can healthcare professionals stay up-to-date with the latest research on schizophrenia treatment?
A: Healthcare professionals can stay up-to-date with the latest research on schizophrenia treatment by attending conferences and workshops, reading scientific journals, and participating in online forums and discussions. They should also stay informed about new treatment options and guidelines for schizophrenia treatment.
Q: What are the potential risks and side effects of risperidon therapy with the addition of sodium divalproex?
A: As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects associated with risperidon therapy with the addition of sodium divalproex. Patients should discuss these risks and side effects with their healthcare provider to determine if this combination therapy is right for them.