title: Depersonalisation and schizophrenia: Comparative study of initial and multiple episodes of schizophrenia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The phenomena of depersonalisation/derealisation have classically been associated with the initial phases of psychosis, and it is assumed that they would precede (even by years) the onset of clinical psychosis, being much more common in the prodromal and acute phases of the illness. The aims of the present study are to analyse the differences in depersonalisation/derealisation between patients with initial and multiple episodes and the factors that could influence this.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive, controlled and cross-sectional study of 48 patients diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (20 with an initial episode and 28 with multiple episodes). These patients were assessed using scales such as the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale, the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants with initial episodes score higher on both the Cambridge Depersonalisation Scale, and the subscale of the Dissociative Experiences Scale that evaluates such experiences. There were no associations between these types of experience and the positive symptoms subscale of the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Depersonalisation/derealisation experiences appear with greater frequency, duration and intensity in patients in the early stages of the illnesses, gradually decreasing as they become chronic.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Hospitalización de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, España; Psiquiatría, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, España.
authors.forename: Rogelio
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Luque-Luque
authors.affiliation: Centro de Salud Mental Comunitaria, Hospital Infanta Margarita, Córdoba, España.
authors.forename: Geli Marie
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Chauca-Chauca
authors.affiliation: Centro de Salud Mental Comunitaria, Peñarroya, Córdoba, España.
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Alonso-Lobato
authors.affiliation: Centro de Salud Mental Castilla del Pino, Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, España. Electronic address: mjjaen@gmail.com.
authors.forename: M Jose
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Jaen-Moreno
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012563:Schizophrenia, Paranoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Depersonalisation; Derealisation; Despersonalizacion; Desrealización; Esquizofrenia; Psicosis; Psychosis; Schizophrenia