Carmen Simonsen

Associate Professor - Clinical Psychology

Norwegian version of this page

Email carmen.simonsen@psykologi.uio.no

Mobile phone +47 90988741

Room S03-02

Available hours By agreement

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Visiting address Forskningsveien 3A 0373 OSLO

Postal address Postboks 1094 Blindern 0317 Oslo

Other affiliations OUS IKT - research services

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Academic interests

Motivated by reducing stigma and promoting recovery in severe mental illness, my research aim is twofold: To generate more balanced knowledge about long-term outcomes in people with psychotic and bipolar disorders, by focusing on personal as well as clinical recovery, wellbeing, and stigma. Moreover, to use this knowledge in the development of recovery-oriented and anti-stigma interventions in order to provide hope and a good life for this group. People with lived experience are an integrated part of my research activity.

Current research projects

Disclosing psychotic and bipolar disorders: Adapting and testing a group program aiming to help people with psychotic and bipolar disorders handle stigma and make strategic decisions regarding disclosure. Funded by Stiftelsen Dam. PI Carmen Simonsen. Åpen om psykose- og bipolar lidelse: Bruker til bruker - Oslo universitetssykehus (oslo-universitetssykehus.no).
Long-term outcome in psychotic and bipolar disorders: bridging the gap between clinical and personal recovery: Investigate clinical recovery, personal recovery and wellbeing in people with psychotic and bipolar disorders in the TOP 10-year and TIPS 20-year follow-up studies. Funded by Stiftelsen Dam. PhD candidate Gina Åsbø, PI Carmen Simonsen.
COPE psychosis-bipolar: Investigate how the corona outbreak affected mental health and wellbeing in people with psychotic and bipolar disorders. TIPS Sør-Øst, Oslo University Hospital.

Research groups:

Forløp og behandlingsutfall - Institutt for klinisk medisin (uio.no)

OUH - Service innovation and digitalization in mental health care service (ous-research.no)

Courses taught

Background

Employment history:

2024- : Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology; University of Oslo
2016-2023: Senior researcher, Early Intervention in Psychosis Advisory Unit, Department of Research and Innovation, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital
2015-2016: Consultant Clinical Psychologist (50%), Adolescent Inpatient Unit, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital
2015-2016: Post doctor (50%), Psychosis Research Section, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital
2013-2015: Post doctor, Psychosis Research Section, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital
2012-2013: Clinical Psychologist, Adolescent Inpatient Unit, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital
2010-2012: Clinical Psychologist, Section for Treatment of Early Psychosis, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital
2005-2010: PhD candidate, Psychosis Research Section, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital
2003-2005: Clinical Psychologist, Sunnaas University Hospital

Higher education:

1999-2003: Clinical Psychology (Cand Psychol), Department of Psychology, University of Oslo.
1996-1999: Psychology (BSc), Goldsmiths College, University of London
1994-1995: English (Grunnfag), English Department, University of Oslo
1991-1994: History of Art (BA), Department of Art History, University of York

Collaborators

Early Intervention in Psychosis Advisory Unit, Oslo University Hospital
Section for Clinical Psychosis Research, Oslo university Hospital
TIPS - Early Intervention in Psychosis, Stavanger University Hospital
Centre for Health Equity, Education, and Research, Illinois Institute of Technology (Distinguished Professor Patrick Corrigan)
Recovery Research Unit, Nottingham University (Professor Mike Slade)

Awards

Nominated for Phd of the year 2010, Norwegian Psychological Association
Best Scientific Presentation 2006, The second Bergen Bipolar Meeting

Tags: Psychotic Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Long-term outcome, Recovery, Wellbeing, Stigma, Psychotherapy

Simonsen, Carmen ; Åsbø, Gina; Slade, Mike; Wold, Kristin Fjelnseth; Widing, Line Hustad & Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2024). A good life with psychosis: Rate of positive outcomes in first-episode psychosis at 10-year follow-up. Psychological Medicine. ISSN 0033-2917. doi: 10.1017/S0033291724000205.
Kreis, Isabel; Wold, Kristin Fjelnseth; Åsbø, Gina; Simonsen, Carmen ; Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel & Engen, Magnus Johan [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2024). The relationship between visual hallucinations, functioning, and suicidality over the course of illness: a 10-year follow-up study in first-episode psychosis. Schizophrenia. 10(1). doi: 10.1038/s41537-024-00450-8. Full text in Research Archive
Lunding, Synve Hoffart; Ueland, Torill; Aas, Monica; Høegh, Margrethe Collier; Werner, Maren Caroline Frogner & Rødevand, Linn [Show all 16 contributors for this article] (2023). Tobacco smoking related to childhood trauma mediated by cognitive control and impulsiveness in severe mental disorders. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 261, p. 236–244. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.09.041. Full text in Research Archive
Widing, Line Hustad; Simonsen, Carmen ; Bjella, Thomas; Engen, Magnus Johan; Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel & Gardsjord, Erlend Strand [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2023). Long-term Outcomes of People With DSM Psychotic Disorder NOS. Schizophrenia Bulletin Open. ISSN 2632-7899. 4(1). doi: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgad005. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Introduction: The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV diagnostic category “Psychotic disorder not otherwise specified” (PNOS) is seldom investigated, and we lack knowledge about longterm outcomes. We examined long-term symptom severity, global functioning, remission/recovery rates, and diagnostic stability after the first treatment for PNOS. Methods: Participants with first-treatment PNOS (n = 32) were reassessed with structured interviews after 7 to 10 years. The sample also included narrow schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD, n = 94) and psychotic bipolar disorders (PBD, n = 54). Symptomatic remission was defined based on the Remission in Schizophrenia Working Group criteria. Clinical recovery was defined as meeting the criteria for symptomatic remission and having adequate functioning for the last 12 months. Results: Participants with baseline PNOS or PBD had lower symptom severity and better global functioning at follow-up than those with SSD. More participants with PNOS and PBD were in symptomatic remission and clinical recovery compared to participants with SSD. Seventeen (53%) PNOS participants retained the diagnosis, while 15 participants were diagnosed with either SSD (22%), affective disorders (19%), or substanceinduced psychotic disorders (6%). Those rediagnosed with SSD did not differ from the other PNOS participants regarding baseline clinical characteristics. Conclusions: Long-term outcomes are more favorable in PNOS and PBD than in SSD. Our findings confirm diagnostic instability but also stability for a subgroup of participants with PNOS. However, it is challenging to predict diagnostic outcomes of PNOS based on clinical characteristics at first treatment.
Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel; Melle, Ingrid; Bjella, Thomas; Engen, Magnus Johan; Åsbø, Gina & Wold, Kristin Fjelnseth [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2023). Long-term course of cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder: A ten-year follow-up study. Bipolar Disorders. ISSN 1398-5647. doi: 10.1111/bdi.13364. Full text in Research Archive
Millgate, Edward; Smart, Sophie E.; Pardiñas, Antonio F.; Kravariti, Eugenia; Ajnakina, Olesya & Kępińska, Adrianna P. [Show all 30 contributors for this article] (2023). Cognitive performance at first episode of psychosis and the relationship with future treatment resistance: Evidence from an international prospective cohort study. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 255, p. 173–181. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.020. Full text in Research Archive
Wold, Kristin Fjelnseth; Ottesen, Akiah; Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel; Johnsen, Erik; Lagerberg, Trine Vik & Romm, Kristin Lie [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2023). Early identification of treatment non-response in first-episode psychosis. European psychiatry. ISSN 0924-9338. 66(1). doi: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.15. Full text in Research Archive
Ihler, Henrik Myhre; Lyngstad, Siv Hege; Gardsjord, Erlend Strand; Widing, Line Hustad; Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel & Åsbø, Gina [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2023). The trajectory of two negative symptom dimensions in first-episode psychosis and the role of cannabis use: A 10-year follow-up study. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 252, p. 317–325. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.01.024. Full text in Research Archive
Smart, Sophie E.; Agbedjro, Deborah; Pardiñas, Antonio F.; Ajnakina, Olesya; Alameda, Luis & Andreassen, Ole [Show all 42 contributors for this article] (2022). Clinical predictors of antipsychotic treatment resistance: Development and internal validation of a prognostic prediction model by the STRATA-G consortium. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 250, p. 1–9. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.09.009. Full text in Research Archive
Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Onyeka, Ifeoma Nkeiruka; Ødegaard, Marte; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Lagerberg, Trine Vik & Andreassen, Ole [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Lifetime and point prevalence of psychotic symptoms in adults with bipolar disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological Medicine. ISSN 0033-2917. 52(13), p. 2413–2425. doi: 10.1017/S003329172200201X. Full text in Research Archive
Åsbø, Gina; Ueland, Torill; Haatveit, Beathe ; Bjella, Thomas; Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel & Wold, Kristin Fjelnseth [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2022). The Time is Ripe for a Consensus Definition of Clinical Recovery in First-episode Psychosis: Suggestions Based on a 10-Year Follow-up Study. Schizophrenia Bulletin. ISSN 0586-7614. 48(4), p. 839–849. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbac035. Full text in Research Archive
Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel; Melle, Ingrid; Bjella, Thomas; Engen, Magnus Johan; Åsbø, Gina & Wold, Kristin Fjelnseth [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2022). Domain-specific cognitive course in schizophrenia: Group- and individual-level changes over 10 years. Schizophrenia Research: Cognition. ISSN 2215-0013. 30, p. 1–8. doi: 10.1016/j.scog.2022.100263. Full text in Research Archive
Mork, Erlend; Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Barrett, Elizabeth Ann; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Hegelstad, Wenche & Lagerberg, Trine Vik [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). COVID-19 lockdown – who cares? The first lockdown from the perspective of relatives of people with severe mental illness. BMC Public Health. ISSN 1471-2458. 22(1), p. 1–12. doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-13458-5. Full text in Research Archive
Pardiñas, Antonio F.; Smart, Sophie E.; Willcocks, Isabella R.; Holmans, Peter A.; Dennison, Charlotte A. & Lynham, Amy J. [Show all 70 contributors for this article] (2022). Interaction Testing and Polygenic Risk Scoring to Estimate the Association of Common Genetic Variants with Treatment Resistance in Schizophrenia. JAMA psychiatry. ISSN 2168-6238. 79(3), p. 260–269. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.3799. Full text in Research Archive
Engen, Magnus Johan; Vaskinn, Anja; Melle, Ingrid; Færden, Ann; Lyngstad, Siv Hege & Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2022). Cognitive and Global Functioning in Patients With First-Episode Psychosis Stratified by Level of Negative Symptoms. A 10-Year Follow-Up Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry. ISSN 1664-0640. 13:841057, p. 1–13. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.841057. Full text in Research Archive
Widing, Line Hustad; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel; Haatveit, Beathe ; Vik, Ruth Kristine & Wold, Kristin Fjelnseth [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). Premorbid characteristics of patients with DSM-IV psychotic disorders. Comprehensive Psychiatry. ISSN 0010-440X. 115, p. 1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152310. Full text in Research Archive
Barrett, Elizabeth Ann; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Hegelstad, Wenche; Lagerberg, Trine Vik & Melle, Ingrid [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). The COVID-19 pandemic impact on wellbeing and mental health in people with psychotic and bipolar disorders. Brain and Behavior. ISSN 2162-3279. p. 1–18. doi: 10.1002/brb3.2559. Full text in Research Archive
Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel; Melle, Ingrid; Gardsjord, Erlend Strand; Bjella, Thomas; Engen, Magnus Johan & Vaskinn, Anja [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2022). Course of intellectual functioning in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: A 10-year follow-up study. Psychological Medicine. ISSN 0033-2917. p. 1–9. doi: 10.1017/S0033291721004645. Full text in Research Archive
Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Mork, Erlend; Barrett, Elizabeth Ann; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Hegelstad, Wenche & Lagerberg, Trine Vik [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Locked out during COVID‑19 lockdown— an online survey of relatives of people with psychotic and bipolar disorders in Norway. BMC Public Health. ISSN 1471-2458. 22(294). doi: 10.1186/s12889-022-12625-y. Full text in Research Archive
Gjerde, Priyanthi Borgen; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Lagerberg, Trine V.; Steen, Nils Eiel; Andreassen, Ole A. & Steen, Vidar M. [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2021). Sex-Specific Effect of Serum Lipids and Body Mass Index on Psychotic Symptoms, a Cross-Sectional Study of First-Episode Psychosis Patients. Frontiers in Psychiatry. ISSN 1664-0640. 12. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.723158. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background: Schizophrenia is a disorder with considerable heterogeneity in course and outcomes, which is in part related to the patients' sex. Studies report a link between serum lipids, body mass index (BMI), and therapeutic response. However, the role of sex in these relationships is poorly understood. In a cross-sectional sample of first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients, we investigated if the relationship between serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides), BMI, and symptoms differs between the sexes. Methods: We included 435 FEP patients (males: N = 283, 65%) from the ongoing Thematically Organized Psychosis (TOP) study. Data on clinical status, antipsychotics, lifestyle, serum lipid levels, and BMI were obtained. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) were used to assess psychotic and depressive symptoms. General linear models were employed to examine the relationship between metabolic variables and symptomatology. Results: We observed a female-specific association between serum HDL-C levels and negative symptoms (B = −2.24, p = 0.03) and between triglycerides levels (B = 1.48, p = 0.04) and BMI (B = 0.27, p = 0.001) with depressive symptoms. When controlling for BMI, only the association between serum HDL-C levels and negative symptoms remained significant. Moreover, the HDL-C and BMI associations remained significant after controlling for demography, lifestyle, and illness-related factors. Conclusion: We found a relationship between metabolic factors and psychiatric symptoms in FEP patients that was sex-dependent.
Lunding, Synve Hoffart; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Aas, Monica; Rødevand, Linn ; Werner, Maren Caroline Frogner & Laskemoen, Jannicke Fjæra [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2021). Childhood trauma and cardiometabolic risk in severe mental disorders: The mediating role of cognitive control. European psychiatry. ISSN 0924-9338. 64(1). doi: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.14. Full text in Research Archive
Widing, Line Hustad; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Flaaten, Camilla Bärthel; Haatveit, Beathe ; Vik, Ruth Kristine & Wold, Kristin Fjelnseth [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2020). Symptom Profiles in Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. Frontiers in Psychiatry. ISSN 1664-0640. 11. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.580444. Full text in Research Archive
Engen, Magnus Johan; Lyngstad, Siv Hege; Ueland, Torill; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Vaskinn, Anja & Smeland, Olav Bjerkehagen [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2020). Polygenic scores for schizophrenia and general cognitive ability: associations with six cognitive domains, premorbid intelligence, and cognitive composite score in individuals with a psychotic disorder and in healthy controls. Translational Psychiatry. ISSN 2158-3188. 10:416, p. 1–9. doi: 10.1038/s41398-020-01094-9. Full text in Research Archive
Barrett, Elizabeth Ann; Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth & Romm, Kristin Lie (2020). Opening the curtains for better sleep in psychotic disorders - considerations for improving sleep treatment. Comprehensive Psychiatry. ISSN 0010-440X. 103. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152207. Full text in Research Archive
Laskemoen, Jannicke Fjæra; Aas, Monica; Vaskinn, Anja; Berg, Akiah Ottesen; Lunding, Synve Hoffart & Barrett, Elizabeth Ann [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Sleep disturbance mediates the link between childhood trauma and clinical outcome in severe mental disorders. Psychological Medicine. ISSN 0033-2917. p. 1–10. doi: 10.1017/S0033291720000914. Full text in Research Archive
Lyngstad, Siv Hege; Gardsjord, Erlend Strand; Engen, Magnus Johan; Haatveit, Beathe ; Ihler, Henrik Myhre & Wedervang-Resell, Kirsten [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2020). Trajectory and early predictors of apathy development in first-episode psychosis and healthy controls: a 10-year follow-up study. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience. ISSN 0940-1334. doi: 10.1007/s00406-020-01112-3. Full text in Research Archive
Anderssen, Jannicke Fjæra; Büchmann, Camilla Bakkalia; Barrett, Elizabeth Ann; Høegh, Margrethe Collier; Haatveit, Beathe & Vedal, Trude Seselie Jahr [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2019). Do sleep disturbances contribute to cognitive impairments in schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders? European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience. ISSN 0940-1334. p. 1–11. doi: 10.1007/s00406-019-01075-0.
Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Vaskinn, Anja; Barrett, Elizabeth Ann; Færden, Ann & Ueland, Torill [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Perceived and experienced stigma in first-episode psychosis: A 1-year follow-up study. Comprehensive Psychiatry. ISSN 0010-440X. 95:152134, p. 1–8. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.152134. Full text in Research Archive
Engen, Magnus Johan; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Melle, Ingrid; Færden, Ann; Lyngstad, Siv Hege & Haatveit, Beathe [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2019). Cognitive functioning in patients with first-episode psychosis stratified by level of negative symptoms: A 1-year follow-up study. Psychiatry Research. ISSN 0165-1781. 281, p. 1–7. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112554.
Anderssen, Jannicke Fjæra; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Büchmann, Camilla Bakkalia; Barrett, Elizabeth Ann; Bjella, Thomas & Lagerberg, Trine Vik [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2019). Sleep disturbances in schizophrenia spectrum and bipolar disorders ? a transdiagnostic perspective. Comprehensive Psychiatry. ISSN 0010-440X. 91, p. 6–12. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.02.006. Full text in Research Archive
Gjerde, Priyanthi Borgen; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Lagerberg, Trine Vik; Steen, Nils Eiel; Ueland, Torill & Andreassen, Ole Andreas [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2019). Improvement in verbal learning over the first year of antipsychotic treatment is associated with serum HDL levels in a cohort of first episode psychosis patients. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience. ISSN 0940-1334. p. 1–10. doi: 10.1007/s00406-019-01017-w. Full text in Research Archive
Lyngstad, Siv Hege; Gardsjord, Erlend Strand; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Engen, Magnus Johan; Romm, Kristin Lie & Melle, Ingrid [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2018). Consequences of persistent depression and apathy in first-episode psychosis ? A one-year follow-up study. Comprehensive Psychiatry. ISSN 0010-440X. 86, p. 60–66. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.07.015.
Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Færden, Ann; Ueland, Torill; Vaskinn, Anja; Bjella, Thomas & Andreassen, Ole Andreas [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2018). Self-rated disability in first treated episode of psychosis: A 1-year follow-up study. Comprehensive Psychiatry. ISSN 0010-440X. 85, p. 48–54. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.06.004. Full text in Research Archive
Færden, Ann; Lyngstad, Siv Hege; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Ringen, Petter Andreas; Papsuev, Oleg & Dieset, Ingrid [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2018). Reliability and validity of the self-report version of the apathy evaluation scale in first-episode Psychosis: Concordance with the clinical version at baseline and 12 months follow-up. Psychiatry Research. ISSN 0165-1781. 267, p. 140–147. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.05.065. Full text in Research Archive
Demmo, Christine; Lagerberg, Trine Vik; Kvitland, Levi Røstad; Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Hellvin, Tone & Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2018). Neurocognitive functioning, clinical course and functional outcome in first-treatment bipolar I disorder patients with and without clinical relapse: A 1-year follow-up study. Bipolar Disorders. ISSN 1398-5647. 20(3), p. 228–237. doi: 10.1111/bdi.12569. Show summary
OBJECTIVES: Due to limited research on the association between recurrence of mood episodes and the longitudinal course of neurocognitive functioning in early phase bipolar I disorder (BD I), the impact of recurrence on neurocognition remains unclear. Further, a strong correlation between neurocognitive impairment and functional impairment has been demonstrated. The longitudinal relationship between neurocognitive impairment and functional outcome in relation to recurrence is, however, not established. METHODS: The current study investigated the longitudinal relationship between neurocognition, recurrence of mood episodes and functional outcome in a sample of first-treatment (FT) BD I patients (N = 42), with and without relapse, during a 1-year follow-up period. The longitudinal course of neurocognitive functioning in the patients was also compared to that of a group of healthy controls (N = 143). RESULTS: Compared to both patients with relapse and healthy controls, no-relapse patients showed neurocognitive improvements. The polarity of the relapse episodes was mostly depressive, and for the no-relapse patients, reduction of symptoms was associated with neurocognitive improvement. No-relapse patients showed better global and occupational functioning. CONCLUSIONS: The current study found different neurocognitive and functional trajectories in FT BD I patients with and without relapse, with differences at follow-up to some degree being mediated by current symptoms. The current findings highlight the importance of treatment focusing on neurocognition and symptom states with the aim of improving functional recovery.
Gjerde, Priyanthi Borgen; Dieset, Ingrid; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Hoseth, Eva Zsuzsanna; Iversen, Trude Seselie Jahr & Lagerberg, Trine Vik [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2018). Increase in serum HDL level is associated with less negative symptoms after one year of antipsychotic treatment in first-episode psychosis. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 197, p. 253–260. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.10.042. Full text in Research Archive Show summary
Background A potential link between increase in total cholesterol and triglycerides and clinical improvement has been observed during antipsychotic drug treatment in chronic schizophrenia patients, possibly due to drug related effects on lipid biosynthesis. We examined whether changes in serum lipids are associated with alleviation of psychosis symptoms after one year of antipsychotic drug treatment in a cohort of first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients. Methods A total of 132 non-affective antipsychotic-treated FEP patients were included through the Norwegian Thematically Organized Psychosis (TOP) project. Data on antipsychotic usage, serum lipids (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides (TG)), body mass index (BMI) and clinical state were obtained at baseline and after 12 months. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess psychotic symptoms. Mixed-effects models were employed to examine the relationship between serum lipids and psychotic symptoms while controlling for potential confounders including BMI. Results An increase in HDL during one year of antipsychotic treatment was associated with reduction in PANSS negative subscores (B = − 0.48, p = 0.03). This relationship was not affected by concurrent change in BMI (adjusted HDL: B = − 0.54, p = 0.02). No significant associations were found between serum lipids, BMI and PANSS positive subscores. Conclusion We found that an increase in HDL level during antipsychotic treatment is associated with improvement in negative symptoms in FEP. These findings warrant further investigation to clarify the interaction between lipid pathways and psychosis.
Nerhus, Mari; Berg, Akiah Ottesen; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Haram, Marit; Haatveit, Beathe Christin & Dahl, Sandra Rinne [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2017). Vitamin D deficiency associated with cognitive functioning in psychotic disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. ISSN 0160-6689. 78(7), p. e750–e757. doi: 10.4088/JCP.16m10880.
Vaskinn, Anja; Lagerberg, Trine Vik; Bjella, Thomas; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Andreassen, Ole Andreas & Ueland, Torill [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Impairment in emotion perception from body movements in individuals with bipolar I and bipolar II disorder is associated with functional capacity. International journal of bipolar disorders. ISSN 2194-7511. 5(13), p. 1–9. doi: 10.1186/s40345-017-0083-7. Full text in Research Archive
Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Færden, Ann; Romm, Kristin Lie; Berg, Akiah Ottesen; Bjella, Thomas & Sundet, Kjetil Søren [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Early clinical recovery in first-episode psychosis: Symptomatic remission and its correlates at 1-year follow-up. Psychiatry Research. ISSN 0165-1781. 254, p. 118–125. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.050.
Demmo, Christine; Lagerberg, Trine Vik; Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Hellvin, Tone; Kvitland, Levi Røstad & Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2017). Course of neurocognitive function in first treatment bipolar I disorder: One-year follow-up study. Psychiatry Research. ISSN 0165-1781. 249, p. 286–292. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.12.048.
Berg, Akiah Ottesen; Melle, Ingrid; Zuber, Verena; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Nerhus, Mari & Ueland, Torill [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2017). Modelling difficulties in abstract thinking in psychosis: the importance of socio-developmental background. Cognitive Neuropsychiatry. ISSN 1354-6805. 22(1), p. 39–52. doi: 10.1080/13546805.2016.1259998.
Steen, Nils Eiel; Aas, Monica; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Dieset, Ingrid; Tesli, Martin Steen & Nerhus, Mari [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2016). Serum levels of second-generation antipsychotics are associated with cognitive function in psychotic disorders. World Journal of Biological Psychiatry. ISSN 1562-2975. 18(6), p. 471–482. doi: 10.1080/15622975.2016.1245441.
Steen, Nils Eiel; Aas, Monica; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Dieset, Ingrid; Tesli, Martin Steen & Nerhus, Mari [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2016). Serum concentrations of mood stabilizers are associated with memory, but not other cognitive domains in psychosis spectrum disorders; explorative analyses in a naturalistic setting. International journal of bipolar disorders. ISSN 2194-7511. 4(24). doi: 10.1186/s40345-016-0067-z. Full text in Research Archive
Aas, Monica; Andreassen, Ole Andreas; Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Færden, Ann; Romm, Kristin Lie & Nesvåg, Ragnar [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2016). A history of childhood trauma is associated with slower improvement rates: Findings from a one-year follow-up study of patients with a first-episode psychosis. BMC Psychiatry. ISSN 1471-244X. 16. doi: 10.1186/s12888-016-0827-4. Full text in Research Archive
Demmo, Christine; Lagerberg, Trine Vik; Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Hellvin, Tone; Kvitland, Levi Røstad & Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2016). History of psychosis and previous episodes as potential explanatory factors for neurocognitive impairment in first-treatment bipolar I disorder. Bipolar Disorders. ISSN 1398-5647. 18(2), p. 136–147. doi: 10.1111/bdi.12377.
Haukvik, Unn Kristin H.; Hartberg, Cecilie Bhandari; Nerland, Stener; Jørgensen, Kjetil Nordbø; Lange, Elisabeth & Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2016). No progressive brain changes during a 1-year follow-up of patients with first-episode psychosis. Psychological Medicine. ISSN 0033-2917. 46(3), p. 589–598. doi: 10.1017/S003329171500210X. Show summary
Background. First-episode psychosis (FEP) patients show structural brain abnormalities. Whether the changes are progressive or not remain under debate, and the results from longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are mixed. We investigated if FEP patients showed a different pattern of regional brain structural change over a 1-year period compared with healthy controls, and if putative changes correlated with clinical characteristics and outcome. Method. MRIs of 79 FEP patients [SCID-I-verified diagnoses: schizophrenia, psychotic bipolar disorder, or other psychoses, mean age 27.6 (S.D. = 7.7) years, 66% male] and 82 healthy controls [age 29.3 (S.D. = 7.2) years, 66% male] were acquired from the same 1.5 T scanner at baseline and 1-year follow-up as part of the Thematically Organized Psychosis (TOP) study, Oslo, Norway. Scans were automatically processed with the longitudinal stream in FreeSurfer that creates an unbiased within-subject template image. General linear models were used to analyse longitudinal change in a wide range of subcortical volumes and detailed thickness and surface area estimates across the entire cortex, and associations with clinical characteristics. Results. FEP patients and controls did not differ significantly in annual percentage change in cortical thickness or area in any cortical region, or in any of the subcortical structures after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Within the FEP group, duration of untreated psychosis, age at illness onset, antipsychotic medication use and remission at follow-up were not related to longitudinal brain change. Conclusions. We found no significant longitudinal brain changes over a 1-year period in FEP patients. Our results do not support early progressive brain changes in psychotic disorders.
Steen, Nils Eiel; Aas, Monica; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Dieset, Ingrid; Tesli, Martin Steen & Nerhus, Mari [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2015). Serum level of venlafaxine is associated with better memory in psychotic disorders. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 169(1-3), p. 386–392. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.10.021.
Berg, Akiah Ottesen; Barrett, Elizabeth Ann; Nerhus, Mari; Buchmann, Camilla Bakkalia; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth & Færden, Ann [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2015). Psychosis: clinical insight and beliefs in immigrants in their first episode. Early Intervention in Psychiatry. ISSN 1751-7885. 12(2), p. 185–192. doi: 10.1111/eip.12297. Show summary
Aim: Lack of insight into illness is frequent in psychotic disorders and seen as part of their primary pathology. The recognition of symptoms as psychotic, and beliefs about treatment alternatives, is also influenced by socio-cultural factors. Here we examined clinical insight into illness and beliefs about psychosis in immigrants in their first episode of psychosis compared to a reference group. Methods: 277 first episode psychosis participants were recruited to this cross-sectional study; 40 first- and 40 second-generation immigrants from Europe, Americas and Oceania (n=37), Asia including Turkey (n=28), or Africa (n=15). The Birchwood Insight Scale was used to measure clinical insight and “The Attitudes and Beliefs about Mental Health Problems”, schizophrenia version to assess socio-cultural beliefs. Results: Immigrants did not differ from the reference sample in clinical insight. After controlling for education level first generation immigrants were less likely to recognize psychotic symptoms (OR 2.9; Wald = 8.977, df 1, p =.003) and viewed hospitalization (OR 5.2; Wald = 20.388, df 1, p =.001) and treatment by a psychiatrist (OR 4.9; Wald = 6.609, df 1, p =.01)) as less beneficial than the reference group. Immigrants from Asia held more alternative explanations (OR 0.3; Wald = 6.567, df 1, p=.010). There were significantly stronger associations between clinical insight and socio-cultural beliefs in the reference group. Conclusions: Socio-cultural beliefs about psychosis in immigrants in first episode psychosis calls for more tailored information to this group, and emphasize the importance of treatment interventions involving both a cultural and personal perspective of insight.
Ringen, Petter Andreas; Melle, Ingrid; Berg, Akiah Ottesen; Agartz, Ingrid; Spigset, Olav & Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2013). Cannabis use and premorbid functioning as predictors of poorer neurocognition in schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 143(1), p. 84–89. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2012.10.021.
Jónsdóttir, Halldóra; Ilner, Stein E. Opjordsmoen; Birkenæs, Astrid Brate; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Engh, John & Ringen, Petter Andreas [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2013). Predictors of medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-690X. 127(1), p. 23–33. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2012.01911.x.
Bourne, Corin; Aydemir, Ömer; Balanzá-Maríinez, Vicent; Bora, Emre; Brissos, Sofia & Cavanagh, Jonathan T.O. [Show all 43 contributors for this article] (2013). Neuropsychological testing of cognitive impairment in euthymic bipolar disorder: an individual patient data meta-analysis. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-690X. 128(3), p. 149–162. doi: 10.1111/acps.12133.
Hellvin, Tone; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Lagerberg, Trine Vik & Andreassen, Ole Andreas [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2012). Neurocognitive functioning in patients recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorders. ISSN 1398-5647. 14(3), p. 227–238. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2012.01004.x.
Vaskinn, Anja; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Hellvin, Tone; Melle, Ingrid & Andreassen, Ole Andreas (2011). Sex differences in neuropsychological performance and social functioning in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Neuropsychology. ISSN 0894-4105. 25, p. 499–510. doi: 10.1037/a0022677.
Engh, John; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Vaskinn, Anja; Lagerberg, Trine Vik & Ilner, Stein E. Opjordsmoen [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2011). Verbal learning contributes to cognitive insight in schizophrenia independently of affective and psychotic symptoms. Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. ISSN 0278-5846. 35(4), p. 1059–1063. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.02.021.
Barrett, Elisabeth Ann; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Agartz, Ingrid; Lorentzen, Steinar & Mehlum, Lars [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2011). Neurocognitive functioning and suicidality in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Comprehensive Psychiatry. ISSN 0010-440X. 52(2), p. 156–163. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2010.06.001.
Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Vaskinn, Anja; Birkenæs, Astrid Brate; Engh, John & Færden, Ann [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2011). Neurocognitive dysfunction in bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders depends on history of psychosis rather than diagnostic group. Schizophrenia Bulletin. ISSN 0586-7614. 37(1), p. 73–83. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbp034.
Ringen, Petter Andreas; Vaskinn, Anja; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Engh, John; Jónsdóttir, Halldóra & Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2010). Opposite relationships between cannabis use and neurocognitive functioning in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Psychological Medicine. ISSN 0033-2917. 40(8), p. 1337–1347. doi: 10.1017/S0033291709991620.
Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Vaskinn, Anja; Ueland, Toril; Romm, Kristin Lie & Hellvin, Tone [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2010). Psychosocial function in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: Relationship to neurocognition and clinical symptoms. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. ISSN 1355-6177. 16(5), p. 771–783. doi: 10.1017/S1355617710000573.
Engh, John; Friis, Svein; Birkenæs, Astrid Brate; Jónsdóttir, Halldóra; Klungsøyr, Ole & Ringen, Petter Andreas [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2010). Delusions Are Associated With Poor Cognitive Insight in Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia Bulletin. ISSN 0586-7614. 36(4), p. 830–835. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbn193.
Hellvin, Tone; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Vaskinn, Anja; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Ueland, Toril & Andreassen, Ole Andreas [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2010). Validation of the Norwegian version of the Social Functioning Scale (SFS) for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. ISSN 0036-5564. 51(6), p. 525–533. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9450.2010.00839.x.
Vaskinn, Anja; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Friis, Svein; Ueland, Toril; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth & Birkenæs, Astrid Brate [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2009). Using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test to assess learning potential in normal IQ schizophrenia: Does it have potential? Nordic Journal of Psychiatry. ISSN 0803-9488. 63(5), p. 405–411. doi: 10.1080/08039480902879941.
Faerden, A; Vaskinn, Anja; Finset, Arnstein; Agartz, Ingrid; Barrett, Elisabeth Ann & Friis, Svein [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2009). Apathy is associated with executive functioning in first episode psychosis. BMC Psychiatry. ISSN 1471-244X. 9. doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-9-1.
Engh, John; Friis, Svein; Birkenæs, Astrid Brate; Jónsdóttir, Halldóra; Klungsøyr, Ole & Ringen, Petter Andreas [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2009). Delusions are associated with low cognitive insight in schizophrenia. Cognitive insight, delusions and hallucinations. Schizophrenia Bulletin. ISSN 0586-7614. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbn193.
Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Vaskinn, Anja; Birkenæs, Astrid Brate; Engh, John & Hansen, Charlotte F [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2008). Neurocognitive profiles in bipolar I and bipolar II disorder: differences in pattern and magnitude of dysfunction. Bipolar Disorders. ISSN 1398-5647. 10, p. 245–255.
Vaskinn, Anja; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Friis, Svein; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Birkenæs, Astrid Brate & Jónsdóttir, Halldóra [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2008). Emotion perception and learning potential: Mediators between neurocognition and social problem-solving in schizophrenia? Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. ISSN 1355-6177. 14, p. 279–288. doi: 10.1017/S1355017708080314.
Vaskinn, Anja; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Friis, Svein; Ueland, Torill; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth & Birkenæs, Astrid Brate [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2008). Can learning potential in schizophrenia be assessed with the standard CVLT-II? An exploratory study. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. ISSN 0036-5564. 49, p. 179–186. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-9450.2008.00627.x.
Vaskinn, Anja; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Friis, Svein; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Birkenæs, Astrid Brate & Engh, John [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2007). The effect of gender on emotion perception in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. ISSN 0001-690X. 116, p. 263–270. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2007.00991.x.
Birkenæs, Astrid Brate; Opjordsmoen, Stein; Brunborg, Cathrine; Engh, John; Jonsdottir, Halldora & Ringen, Petter Andreas [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2007). The level of cardiovascular risk factors in bipolar disorder equals that of schizophrenia: a comparative study. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. ISSN 0160-6689. 68, p. 917–923.
Birkenæs, AB; Ilner, Opjordsmoen Stein E.; Brunborg, C; Engh, JA; Jónsdóttir, Halldóra & Ringen, PA [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2007). The level of cardiovascular risk factors in bipolar disorder equals that of schizophrenia: a comparative study. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. ISSN 0160-6689. 68(6), p. 917–923.

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Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Berg, Akiah Ottesen; Lagerberg, Trine Vik; Melle, Ingrid; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth & Ueland, Torill [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). Psykose og Samfunn. Universitetsforlaget. ISBN 978-82-15-02469-1. 210 p.
Aminoff, Sofie Ragnhild; Lagerberg, Trine Vik; Melle, Ingrid; Berg, Akiah Ottesen; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth & Ueland, Toril [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). Psykose og samfunn. Universitetsforlaget. ISBN 9788215024691. 208 p.

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Vaskinn, Anja; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Hellvin, Tone; Melle, Ingrid; Andreassen, Ole Andreas & Sundet, Kjetil Søren (2011). SEX DIFFERENCES IN NEUROCOGNITIVE PERFORMANCE ACROSS PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS. Schizophrenia Bulletin. ISSN 0586-7614. 37, p. 255–255.
Ringen, Petter Andreas; Melle, Ingrid; Berg, Akiah Ottesen; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Agartz, Ingrid & Sundet, Kjetil Søren [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2011). THC IN URINE IN SCHIZOPHRENIA: ASSOCIATIONS WITH SYMPTOM LEVELS AND NEUROCOGNITIVE FUNCTIONING. Schizophrenia Bulletin. ISSN 0586-7614. 37, p. 279–280.
Andreassen, Ole Andreas; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth & Sundet, Kjetil Søren (2010). Neurocognition and psychosocial function in bipolar disorder. European Neuropsychopharmacology. ISSN 0924-977X. 20, p. S197–S197.
Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Vaskinn, Anja; Birkenaes, A; Engh, JA & Faerden, A [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2009). NEUROCOGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION IN BIPOLAR AND SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDERS: THE ROLE OF HISTORY OF PSYCHOSIS. Schizophrenia Bulletin. ISSN 0586-7614. 35, p. 297–297.
Barrett, Elizabeth Ann; Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Agartz, Ingrid; Lorentzen, Steinar & Mehlum, Lars [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2009). SUICIDE ATTEMPTS AND NEUROCOGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN SCHIZOPHRENIA SPECTRUM DISORDERS. Schizophrenia Bulletin. ISSN 0586-7614. 35, p. 279–279.
Faerden, A; Vaskinn, Anja; Finset, Arnstein; Agartz, Ingrid; Barrett, Elisabeth Ann & Friis, Svein [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2009). THE NEGATIVE SUBSYMPTOM APATHY AND ITS RELATION TO EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING IN FIRST EPISODE PSYCHOSIS. Schizophrenia Bulletin. ISSN 0586-7614. 35, p. 274–274.
Sundet, Kjetil Søren; Vaskinn, Anja; Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth; Hansen, Charlotte F; Birkenæs, Astrid Brate & Engh, John [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2008). Timing of neurocognitive decline in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia Research. ISSN 0920-9964. 98, p. 36–36.
Otnæss, Mona Kolstø; Jensen, Jimmy Kristian; Gadmar, Øystein Bech; Fossem, Anne-Hilde; Coenraads, Edvard & Simonsen, Carmen Elisabeth [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2006). Encoding-related hippocampal activity in patients with bipolar disorder: An fMRI study.

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Published Jan. 29, 2024 8:18 PM - Last modified Jan. 31, 2024 12:12 AM