title: [Schizophrenic psychoses with affect-dominant symptoms : Contribution to a system-specific approach].
abstract: 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.
  
  
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie II der Universität Ulm, Bezirkskrankenhaus Günzburg, Ludwig-Heilmeyer-Str. 2, 89312, Günzburg, Deutschland. fabian.lang@uni-ulm.de.
authors.forename: F U
authors.initials: FU
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.affiliation: Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie Bern, Bern, Schweiz.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Stegmayer
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie II der Universität Ulm, Bezirkskrankenhaus Günzburg, Ludwig-Heilmeyer-Str. 2, 89312, Günzburg, Deutschland.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie II der Universität Ulm, Bezirkskrankenhaus Günzburg, Ludwig-Heilmeyer-Str. 2, 89312, Günzburg, Deutschland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jäger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000341:Affective Disorders, Psychotic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D063189:Symptom Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Affect; Course; Positive symptoms; Psychopathology; Schizophrenia