Higher methadone doses are associated with lower mortality in patients of opioid dependence in Taiwan.

Optimal methadone dosage and service profile is challenging in treatment of opioid dependence. This study explores the impact of methadone dosage on the mortality of opioid-dependent patients in methadone maintenance therapy by using a large-scale and continual supervised dosing registry information system. Database of nationwide enrolled opioid-dependent patients at methadone clinics in Taiwan during 2006-2008 was assessed.

Validation of apathy evaluation scale and assessment of severity of apathy in Alzheimer's disease.

Aim: Apathy is a well-recognized symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of the present study was to validate the Taiwanese version of the Apathy Evaluation Scale, clinician version (AES-C) and assess the severity of apathy in patients with AD.

Methods: Comprehensive evaluations were conducted in a total of 144 AD patients.

Morbidity risk of psychiatric disorders among the first degree relatives of schizophrenia patients in Taiwan.

This study aimed to assess the boundaries of the schizophrenia spectrum and whether inclusion of such phenotypes increases power for linkage analysis of schizophrenia. Participants were 234 first degree relatives (FDRs) of 94 schizophrenia probands in Northern Taiwan who completed a direct interview using the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS). Based on best estimate diagnosis, the morbidity risk in the relatives for schizophrenia was 2.

Symptom patterns and subgrouping of schizophrenic patients: significance of negative symptoms assessed on admission.

This study subgroups schizophrenic patients based on symptoms assessed on admission and examines the validity of the subgrouping using follow-up data and other clinical outcome variables. Schizophrenic patients (n=163) from consecutive admission received ratings on the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) on admission and during a 1-year follow-up course. An exploratory graphic analysis on the admission PANSS derived four symptom dimensions: negative symptoms, disorganized thought, hostility/excitement and delusions/hallucinations.