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Hörnquist L, Rickardsson J, Lannering B, Gustafsson G, Boman KK. Altered self-perception in adult survivors treated for a CNS tumor in childhood or adolescence: population-based outcomes compared with the general population. Neuro Oncol 2014; 17:733-40. [PMID: 25332406 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nou289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of pediatric CNS tumors are at risk for persistent tumor/treatment-related morbidity, physical disability and social consequences that may alter self-perception, vital for self-identity, mental health and quality of survival. We studied the long-term impact of childhood CNS tumors and their treatment on the self-perception of adult survivors and compared outcomes with those of the general population. METHODS The cohort included 697 Swedish survivors diagnosed with a primary CNS tumor during 1982-2001. Comparison data were randomly collected from a stratified general population sample. Survivors and general population individuals were compared as regards self-perception in 5 domains: body image, sports/physical activities, peers, work, and family, and with a global self-esteem index. Within the survivor group, determinants of impact on self-perception were identified. RESULTS The final analyzed sample included 528 survivors, 75.8% of the entire national cohort. The control sample consisted of 995, 41% of 2500 addressed. Survivors had significantly poorer self-perception outcomes in domains of peers, work, body image, and sports/physical activities, and in the global self-perception measure, compared with those of the general population (all P < .001). Within the survivor group, female gender and persistent visible physical sequelae predicted poorer outcomes in several of the studied domains. Tumor type and a history of cranial radiation therapy were associated with outcomes. CONCLUSION An altered self-perception is a potential late effect in adult survivors of pediatric CNS tumors. Self-perception and self-esteem are significant elements of identity, mental health and quality of survival. Therefore, care and psychosocial follow-up of survivors should include measures for identifying disturbances and for assessing the need for psychosocial intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Hörnquist
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital Q6:05, Stockholm, Sweden (L.H., J.R., G.G., K.K.B.); Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden (J.R.); Department of Clinical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (B.L.)
| | - Jenny Rickardsson
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital Q6:05, Stockholm, Sweden (L.H., J.R., G.G., K.K.B.); Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden (J.R.); Department of Clinical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (B.L.)
| | - Birgitta Lannering
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital Q6:05, Stockholm, Sweden (L.H., J.R., G.G., K.K.B.); Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden (J.R.); Department of Clinical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (B.L.)
| | - Göran Gustafsson
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital Q6:05, Stockholm, Sweden (L.H., J.R., G.G., K.K.B.); Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden (J.R.); Department of Clinical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (B.L.)
| | - Krister K Boman
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital Q6:05, Stockholm, Sweden (L.H., J.R., G.G., K.K.B.); Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden (J.R.); Department of Clinical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden (B.L.)
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102
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Neuroticism and self-evaluation measures are related to the ability to form cognitive maps critical for spatial orientation. Behav Brain Res 2014; 271:154-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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103
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Ryan R, Spathis A, Clow A, Fallon M, Booth S. The biological impact of living with chronic breathlessness – A role for the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis? Med Hypotheses 2014; 83:232-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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104
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Relationship of the FKBP5 C/T polymorphism with dysfunctional attitudes predisposing to depression. Compr Psychiatry 2014; 55:1422-5. [PMID: 24889341 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP5) is a co-chaperone of the glucocorticoid receptor, and plays an important role in the negative feedback regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The C/T single nucleotide polymorphism in the intron 2 of the FKBP5 gene affects cortisol secretion, and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. In this study, the relationship of the FKBP5 C/T polymorphism with dysfunctional attitudes predisposing to depression was examined. The subjects were 300 healthy Japanese. The FKBP5 genotypes were determined by a real-time PCR and cycling probe technology for SNP typing. Dysfunctional attitudes were assessed by the 24-item version of the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS-24), which has the Achievement, Self-control, and Dependency subscales. DAS-24 total scores were significantly higher in the group with the T allele than in that without this allele (p=0.001). Regarding the subscales, scores of the Achievement (p=0.003) and Self-control (p=0.009) subscales, but not those of the Dependency subscale, were significantly higher in the former group than in the latter group. The present study suggests that the FKBP5 C/T polymorphism is implicated in formation of dysfunctional attitudes, especially those about achievement and self-control.
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105
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Abstract
Corticosteroids secreted as end product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis act like a double-edged sword in the brain. The hormones coordinate appraisal processes and decision making during the initial phase of a stressful experience and promote subsequently cognitive performance underlying the management of stress adaptation. This action exerted by the steroids on the initiation and termination of the stress response is mediated by 2 related receptor systems: mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). The receptor types are unevenly distributed but colocalized in abundance in neurons of the limbic brain to enable these complementary hormone actions. This contribution starts from a historical perspective with the observation that phasic occupancy of GR during ultradian rhythmicity is needed to maintain responsiveness to corticosteroids. Then, during stress, initially MR activation enhances excitability of limbic networks that are engaged in appraisal and emotion regulation. Next, the rising hormone concentration occupies GR, resulting in reallocation of energy to limbic-cortical circuits with a role in behavioral adaptation and memory storage. Upon MR:GR imbalance, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis occurs, which can enhance an individual's vulnerability. Imbalance is characteristic for chronic stress experience and depression but also occurs during exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids. Hence, glucocorticoid psychopathology may develop in susceptible individuals because of suppression of ultradian/circadian rhythmicity and depletion of endogenous corticosterone from brain MR. This knowledge generated from testing the balance hypothesis can be translated to a rational glucocorticoid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ron de Kloet
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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106
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Akdeniz C, Tost H, Meyer-Lindenberg A. The neurobiology of social environmental risk for schizophrenia: an evolving research field. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2014; 49:507-17. [PMID: 24638893 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-014-0858-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schizophrenia is a severe and complex brain disorder that usually manifests in early adulthood and disturbs a wide range of human functions. More than 100 years after its initial description, the pathophysiology of the disorder is still incompletely understood. Many epidemiological studies strongly suggest a complex interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors for the development of the disorder. While there is considerable evidence for a social environmental component of this risk, the links between adverse social factors and altered brain function have just come into focus. METHODS In the present review, we first summarize epidemiological evidence for the significance of social environmental risk factors, outline the role of altered social stress processing in mental illness, and review the latest experimental evidence for the neural correlates of social environmental risk for schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS The studies we have discussed in this review provide a selection of the current work in the field. We suggest that many of the social environmental risk factors may impact on perceived social stress and engage neural circuits in the brain whose functional and structural architecture undergoes detrimental change in response to prolonged exposure. We conclude that multidisciplinary approaches involving various fields and thoroughly constructed longitudinal designs are necessary to capture complex structure of social environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceren Akdeniz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Square J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
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107
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Yang J, Qi M, Guan L. Self-esteem modulates the latency of P2 component in implicit self-relevant processing. Biol Psychol 2014; 97:22-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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108
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Agroskin D, Klackl J, Jonas E. The self-liking brain: a VBM study on the structural substrate of self-esteem. PLoS One 2014; 9:e86430. [PMID: 24489727 PMCID: PMC3906048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abundant evidence suggests that self-esteem is an important personality resource for emotion regulation in response to stressful experiences. It was thus hypothesized that the relative grey matter volume of brain regions involved in responding to and coping with stress is related to individual differences in trait self-esteem. Using structural magnetic resonance imaging of 48 healthy adults in conjunction with voxel-based morphometry and diffeomorphic anatomical registration using exponentiated lie algebra (VBM-DARTEL), positive associations between self-esteem and regional grey matter volume were indeed found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), right lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), right hippocampus, and left hypothalamus. In addition, self-esteem positively covaried with grey matter volume in the right temporo-parietal junction (TPJ), which has been implicated in pride and theory of mind. The results suggest that persons with low self-esteem have reduced grey matter volume in brain regions that contribute to emotion/stress regulation, pride, and theory of mind. The findings provide novel neuroanatomical evidence for the view that self-esteem constitutes a vital coping resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitrij Agroskin
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Johannes Klackl
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Eva Jonas
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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109
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Yang J, Dedovic K, Guan L, Chen Y, Qi M. Self-esteem modulates dorsal medial prefrontal cortical response to self-positivity bias in implicit self-relevant processing. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2014; 9:1814-8. [PMID: 24396003 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nst181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Processing self-related material recruits similar neural networks regardless of whether the self-relevance is made explicit or not. However, when considering the neural mechanisms that distinctly underlie cognitive and affective components of self-reflection, it is still unclear whether the same mechanisms are involved when self-reflection is explicit or implicit, and how these mechanisms may be modulated by individual personality traits, such as self-esteem. In the present functional MRI study, 25 participants were exposed to positive and negative words that varied with respect to the degree of self-relevance for each participant; however, the participants were asked to make a judgment about the color of the words. Regions-of-interest analysis showed that medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex were associated with gauging the self-relevance of information. However, no main effect of valence or an interaction effect between self-relevance and valence was observed. Further, positive correlations were observed between levels of self-esteem and response within dorsal mPFC (dmPFC) both in the contrast positive-high in self-relevance trials vs positive-low in self-relevance trials and in the contrast negative-low in self-relevance trials vs positive-low in self-relevance trials. These results suggested that the activation of dmPFC may be particularly associated with the processes of self-positivity bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, and Social and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, and Social and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Katarina Dedovic
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, and Social and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lili Guan
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, and Social and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, and Social and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, and Social and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, and Social and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mingming Qi
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, and Social and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China, and Social and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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110
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Hostinar CE, Sullivan RM, Gunnar MR. Psychobiological mechanisms underlying the social buffering of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis: a review of animal models and human studies across development. Psychol Bull 2014; 140:256-282. [PMID: 23607429 PMCID: PMC3844011 DOI: 10.1037/a0032671 10.1037/a0032671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Discovering the stress-buffering effects of social relationships has been one of the major findings in psychobiology in the last century. However, an understanding of the underlying neurobiological and psychological mechanisms of this buffering is only beginning to emerge. An important avenue of this research concerns the neurocircuitry that can regulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The present review is a translational effort aimed at integrating animal models and human studies of the social regulation of the HPA axis from infancy to adulthood, specifically focusing on the process that has been named social buffering. This process has been noted across species and consists of a dampened HPA axis stress response to threat or challenge that occurs with the presence or assistance of a conspecific. We describe aspects of the relevant underlying neurobiology when enough information exists and expose major gaps in our understanding across all domains of the literatures we aimed to integrate. We provide a working conceptual model focused on the role of oxytocinergic systems and prefrontal neural networks as 2 of the putative biological mediators of this process, and propose that the role of early experiences is critical in shaping later social buffering effects. This synthesis points to both general future directions and specific experiments that need to be conducted to build a more comprehensive model of the HPA social buffering effect across the life span that incorporates multiple levels of analysis: neuroendocrine, behavioral, and social.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regina M Sullivan
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan S. Kline Institute, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center
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111
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Kholodova NB, Sotnikov VM, Dobrovol'skaia NI, Ponkratova IA. [Aspects of encephalopathy in oncologic patients after chemotherapy]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2014; 114:84-88. [PMID: 25726785 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201411412184-88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study clinical presentations and neuroimaging results in post chemotherapy encephalopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined 27 patients with cancer after chemotherapy (n=16) or chemoradiation (n=11). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION All patients complained of memory impairment, sluggish mentality, moderate headache, fatigue, sleep disorder, irritability. Their neurologic status included different organic symptoms. Post chemotherapy encephalopathy is characterized by the combination of severe cerebral asthenia and different organic neurologic symptoms with moderate cephalgic syndrome. MRT showed single and multiple loci of gliosis in the white matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- N B Kholodova
- FGBU 'Rossiĭskiĭ nauchnyĭ tsentr rentgenoradiologii' Minzdrava Rossii, Moskva
| | - V M Sotnikov
- FGBU 'Rossiĭskiĭ nauchnyĭ tsentr rentgenoradiologii' Minzdrava Rossii, Moskva
| | - N Iu Dobrovol'skaia
- FGBU 'Rossiĭskiĭ nauchnyĭ tsentr rentgenoradiologii' Minzdrava Rossii, Moskva
| | - Iu A Ponkratova
- FGBU 'Rossiĭskiĭ nauchnyĭ tsentr rentgenoradiologii' Minzdrava Rossii, Moskva
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112
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Negrón-Oyarzo I, Pérez MÁ, Terreros G, Muñoz P, Dagnino-Subiabre A. Effects of chronic stress in adolescence on learned fear, anxiety, and synaptic transmission in the rat prelimbic cortex. Behav Brain Res 2013; 259:342-53. [PMID: 24216268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The prelimbic cortex and amygdala regulate the extinction of conditioned fear and anxiety, respectively. In adult rats, chronic stress affects the dendritic morphology of these brain areas, slowing extinction of learned fear and enhancing anxiety. The aim of this study was to determine whether rats subjected to chronic stress in adolescence show changes in learned fear, anxiety, and synaptic transmission in the prelimbic cortex during adulthood. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to seven days of restraint stress on postnatal day forty-two (PND 42, adolescence). Afterward, the fear-conditioning paradigm was used to study conditioned fear extinction. Anxiety-like behavior was measured one day (PND 50) and twenty-one days (PND 70, adulthood) after stress using the elevated-plus maze and dark-light box tests, respectively. With another set of rats, excitatory synaptic transmission was analyzed with slices of the prelimbic cortex. Rats that had been stressed during adolescence and adulthood had higher anxiety-like behavior levels than did controls, while stress-induced slowing of learned fear extinction in adolescence was reversed during adulthood. As well, the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials of stressed adolescent rats had significantly lower amplitudes than those of controls, although the amplitudes were higher in adulthood. Our results demonstrate that short-term stress in adolescence induces strong effects on excitatory synaptic transmission in the prelimbic cortex and extinction of learned fear, where the effect of stress on anxiety is more persistent than on the extinction of learned fear. These data contribute to the understanding of stress neurobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Negrón-Oyarzo
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Miguel Ángel Pérez
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Terreros
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Pablo Muñoz
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Alexies Dagnino-Subiabre
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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113
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Hunter RG, McEwen BS. Stress and anxiety across the lifespan: structural plasticity and epigenetic regulation. Epigenomics 2013; 5:177-94. [PMID: 23566095 DOI: 10.2217/epi.13.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is the central organ of the body's response to and perception of stress. Both the juvenile and the adult brain show a significant capacity for lasting physiological, structural and behavioral plasticity as a consequence of stress exposure. The hypothesis that epigenetic mechanisms might lie behind the lasting effects of stress upon the brain has proven a fruitful one. In this review, we examine the growing literature showing that stress has a direct impact on epigenetic marks at all life history stages thus far examined and how, in turn, epigenetic mechanisms play a role in altering stress responsiveness, anxiety and brain plasticity across the lifespan and beyond to succeeding generations. In addition, we will examine our own recent findings that stress interacts with the epigenome to regulate the expression of transposable elements in a regionally specific fashion, a finding with significant implications for a portion of the genome which is tenfold larger than that occupied by the genes themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Hunter
- Harold & Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
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114
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Slattery MJ, Grieve AJ, Ames ME, Armstrong JM, Essex MJ. Neurocognitive function and state cognitive stress appraisal predict cortisol reactivity to an acute psychosocial stressor in adolescents. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:1318-27. [PMID: 23253895 PMCID: PMC4077190 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Revised: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Stress and associated alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function have deleterious influence on the development of multiple mental and physical health problems. Prior research has aimed to identify individuals most at risk for the development of these stress-related maladies by examining factors that may contribute to inter-individual differences in HPA responses to acute stress. The objectives of this study were to investigate, in adolescents, (1) whether differences in neurocognitive abilities influenced cortisol reactivity to an acute stressor, (2) whether internalizing psychiatric disorders influenced this relationship, and (3) whether acute cognitive stress-appraisal mechanisms mediated an association between neurocognitive function and cortisol reactivity. Subjects were 70 adolescents from a community sample who underwent standardized neurocognitive assessments of IQ, achievement, and declarative memory measures at mean age 14 and whose physiological and behavioral responses to a standardized psychosocial stress paradigm (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST) were assessed at mean age 18. Results showed that, among all adolescents, lower nonverbal memory performance predicted lower cortisol reactivity. In addition, internalizing disorders interacted with verbal memory such that the association with cortisol reactivity was strongest for adolescents with internalizing disorders. Finally, lower secondary cognitive appraisal of coping in anticipation of the TSST independently predicted lower cortisol reactivity but did not mediate the neurocognitive-cortisol relationship. Findings suggest that declarative memory may contribute to inter-individual differences in acute cortisol reactivity in adolescents, internalizing disorders may influence this relationship, and cognitive stress appraisal also predicts cortisol reactivity. Developmental, research, and clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia J Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
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115
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Andrews J, Ali N, Pruessner JC. Reflections on the interaction of psychogenic stress systems in humans: the stress coherence/compensation model. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:947-61. [PMID: 23522990 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2012] [Revised: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Although stress simultaneously affects and causes changes in central nervous system systems together with the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, this interaction and its behavioral consequences are rarely assessed. The current paper first describes the different systems involved in the perception and processing of stressful stimuli on an anatomical and functional level, and the available measures to assess changes in these systems. It then explores, based on theoretical and empirical grounds, the interaction of the systems. This is followed by a review of previous stress models, and how these attempted to integrate the interaction of these systems. Then, it complements previous models by suggesting a complementary regulation of the stress systems, and discusses potential behavioral consequences. Finally, based on the three-system approach to assess stress it is argued that psychological measures, together with physiological and endocrine measures are indispensable. However, the lack of consensus on how to best assess the central and sympathetic nervous system components of stress make it more difficult to include measures of all systems routinely in future stress studies. Thus, the paper closes by giving some recommendations on how to include a minimum of feasible stress measures for all systems involved in stress processing and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Andrews
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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116
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Pérez MÁ, Terreros G, Dagnino-Subiabre A. Long-term ω-3 fatty acid supplementation induces anti-stress effects and improves learning in rats. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2013; 9:25. [PMID: 23768007 PMCID: PMC3687561 DOI: 10.1186/1744-9081-9-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress leads to secretion of the adrenal steroid hormone corticosterone, inducing hippocampal atrophy and dendritic hypertrophy in the rat amygdala. Both alterations have been correlated with memory impairment and increased anxiety. Supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids improves memory and learning in rats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ω-3 supplementation on learning and major biological and behavioral stress markers. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: 1) Control, 2) Vehicle, animals supplemented with water, and 3) ω-3, rats supplemented with ω-3 (100 mg of DHA+25 mg of EPA). Each experimental group was divided into two subgroups: one of which was not subjected to stress while the other was subjected to a restraint stress paradigm. Afterwards, learning was analyzed by avoidance conditioning. As well, plasma corticosterone levels and anxiety were evaluated as stress markers, respectively by ELISA and the plus-maze test. Restraint stress impaired learning and increased both corticosterone levels and the number of entries into the open-arm (elevated plus-maze). These alterations were prevented by ω-3 supplementation. Thus, our results demonstrate that ω-3 supplementation had two beneficial effects on the stressed rats, a strong anti-stress effect and improved learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á Pérez
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile
- Graduate Program in Biology and Ecology Applied, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Terreros
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Alexies Dagnino-Subiabre
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Centro de Neurobiología y Plasticidad Cerebral, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile
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117
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Hostinar CE, Sullivan RM, Gunnar MR. Psychobiological mechanisms underlying the social buffering of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis: a review of animal models and human studies across development. Psychol Bull 2013; 140:256-82. [PMID: 23607429 DOI: 10.1037/a0032671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 452] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Discovering the stress-buffering effects of social relationships has been one of the major findings in psychobiology in the last century. However, an understanding of the underlying neurobiological and psychological mechanisms of this buffering is only beginning to emerge. An important avenue of this research concerns the neurocircuitry that can regulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The present review is a translational effort aimed at integrating animal models and human studies of the social regulation of the HPA axis from infancy to adulthood, specifically focusing on the process that has been named social buffering. This process has been noted across species and consists of a dampened HPA axis stress response to threat or challenge that occurs with the presence or assistance of a conspecific. We describe aspects of the relevant underlying neurobiology when enough information exists and expose major gaps in our understanding across all domains of the literatures we aimed to integrate. We provide a working conceptual model focused on the role of oxytocinergic systems and prefrontal neural networks as 2 of the putative biological mediators of this process, and propose that the role of early experiences is critical in shaping later social buffering effects. This synthesis points to both general future directions and specific experiments that need to be conducted to build a more comprehensive model of the HPA social buffering effect across the life span that incorporates multiple levels of analysis: neuroendocrine, behavioral, and social.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regina M Sullivan
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan S. Kline Institute, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center
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118
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Purtle J. Felon disenfranchisement in the United States: a health equity perspective. Am J Public Health 2013; 103:632-7. [PMID: 23153146 PMCID: PMC3673242 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2012.300933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 13% of African American men are disqualified from voting because of a felony conviction. I used ecosocial theory to identify how institutionalized racism helps perpetuate health disparities and to explore pathways through which felon disenfranchisement laws may contribute to racial health disparities in the United States. From a literature review, I identified 2 potential pathways: (1) inability to alter inequitable public policies that differentially allocate resources for health; and (2) inability to reintegrate into society by voting, which contributes to allostatic load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Purtle
- Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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119
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How does the brain deal with cumulative stress? A review with focus on developmental stress, HPA axis function and hippocampal structure in humans. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 52:24-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Revised: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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120
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Scherling CS, Smith A. Opening up the window into "chemobrain": a neuroimaging review. SENSORS 2013; 13:3169-203. [PMID: 23467031 PMCID: PMC3658739 DOI: 10.3390/s130303169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2013] [Accepted: 02/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
As more chemotherapy-treated cancer patients are reaching survivorship, side-effects such as cognitive impairment warrant research attention. The advent of neuroimaging has helped uncover a neural basis for these deficits. This paper offers a review of neuroimaging investigations in chemotherapy-treated adult cancer patients, discussing the benefits and limitations of each technique and study design. Additionally, despite the assumption given by the chemobrain label that chemotherapy is the only causative agent of these deficits, other factors will be considered. Suggestions are made on how to more comprehensively study these cognitive changes using imaging techniques, thereby promoting generalizability of the results to clinical applications. Continued investigations may yield better long-term quality of life outcomes by supporting patients' self-reports, and revealing brain regions being affected by chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole S. Scherling
- Memory and Aging Center, Neurology, UCSF, Sandler Neuroscience Center, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-415-476-2662; Fax: +1-415-514-2554
| | - Andra Smith
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Vanier Hall, 136 Jean Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; E-Mail:
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121
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Kuhlmann A, Bertsch K, Schmidinger I, Thomann PA, Herpertz SC. Morphometric differences in central stress-regulating structures between women with and without borderline personality disorder. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2013; 38:129-37. [PMID: 22909445 PMCID: PMC3581593 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.120039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experiences of early life stress, increased psychological arousal and the body's physiologic stress response seem to play an important role in the pathogenesis and maintenance of borderline personality disorder (BPD). In the present study, we investigated alterations in grey matter of central stress-regulating structures in female patients with BPD. METHODS We examined T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging scans of unmedicated, right-handed female patients with BPD (according to DSM-IV criteria) and healthy controls matched for age, intelligence and education using fully automated DARTEL voxel-based morphometry. Our regions of interest analyses included the hippocampus, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and hypothalamus. RESULTS We enrolled 30 patients and 33 controls in our study. The grey matter of patients with BPD was reduced in the hippocampus, but increased in the hypothalamus compared with healthy participants. Hypothalamic volume correlated positively with the history of traumatization in patients with BPD. No significant alterations were found in the amygdala and ACC. LIMITATIONS This study is limited by the lack of measures of corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels. Furthermore, moderate sample size and comorbid disorders need to be considered. CONCLUSION Our findings provide new evidence for grey matter alterations in the hypothalamus and replicate previously reported decrements in hippocampal volume in patients with BPD. Understanding the role of the hypothalamus and other central stress-regulating structures could help us to further understand the neurobiological underpinnings of this complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sabine C. Herpertz
- Correspondence to: S.C. Herpertz, Department for General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Voßstraße 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany;
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Gilles M, Paslakis G, Heinrich A, Szostek A, Meyer P, Nees F, Rauschenberg J, Gröbner J, Krumm B, Semmler W, Flor H, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Deuschle M. A cross-over study of effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathoadrenergic system in magnetic field strength exposure from 0 to 7 T. Stress 2013; 16:172-80. [PMID: 22775799 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2012.708949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of stress is relevant to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination in various ways. First, levels of stress to staff and patients have not been quantified in ultra-high magnetic fields. Second, research is increasingly interested in experimentally defining regional brain activity during stress. It is therefore important to know whether exposure to the ultra-high static magnetic fields per se might also lead to neurohormonal responses in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal systems. In the present blinded case cross-over study with 41 healthy participants, we measured cortisol not only before and after but also during static magnetic field exposure in MRI scanners. Measures of catecholamines before and after exposure were also part of the study protocol. Using three different field strengths (1.5, 3 and 7 T) and a mock scanner (0 T), we examined whether not only the MRI procedure but also the static magnetic field per se has an influence on the neuroendocrine responses. We found no significant differences in the course of cortisol or catecholamine concentrations between the different static magnetic fields. Our study suggests that the results of MRI studies using stress-paradigms are not influenced by the static magnetic field itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gilles
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, J5, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany.
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123
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Andrews J, Pruessner JC. The combined propranolol/TSST paradigm--a new method for psychoneuroendocrinology. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57567. [PMID: 23451243 PMCID: PMC3579809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon perception of a stimulus as stressful, the human brain reacts with the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), to mobilize energy resources to better cope with the stressor. Since the perception of the stressor is the initial stimulus, a synchronicity between the subjective perception of stress and the physiological stress reactivity should be expected. However, according to a recent meta-analysis, these associations are weak and inconsistent. The goal of the current study was to investigate the interaction between the SNS, HPA and subjective stress perceptions, by introducing an experimental manipulation of this interaction. For this purpose, we combined the SNS inhibitor propranolol with the Trier Social Stress Test, and measured endocrinological and psychological responses to the stressor. Thirty healthy male participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either a propranolol (PROP; n = 15) or placebo (PLC; n = 15) group. All subjects were administered 80 mg of propranolol 60 minutes prior to exposure to psychosocial stress. Salivary cortisol and alpha amylase (sAA), heart rate, blood pressure and subjective stress responses were assessed throughout the study. We observed significantly reduced sAA levels and heart rate increases in the PROP group in response to stress, with no effects of the drug on systolic or diastolic blood pressure changes. In line with previous studies, a significant increase in cortisol was seen in response to the stress exposure. Importantly, the cortisol increase was significantly higher in the PROP group. A typical increase in subjective stress could be seen in both groups, with no significant group differences emerging. Complementing previous work, this study further demonstrates a significant interaction between the HPA and the SNS during acute stress. The HPA activity was found to be elevated in the presence of a suppressed SNS in reactivity to the TSST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Andrews
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jens C. Pruessner
- McGill Centre for Studies in Aging, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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124
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Sandi C. Stress and cognition. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2013; 4:245-261. [DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Sandi
- Brain Mind Institute, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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125
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Agrigoroaei S, Polito M, Lee A, Kranz-Graham E, Seeman T, Lachman ME. Cortisol response to challenge involving low controllability: the role of control beliefs and age. Biol Psychol 2013; 93:138-42. [PMID: 23348557 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Revised: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cortisol responses are typically more pronounced under low controllability conditions, yet little is known about the role of individual differences. This study examined whether cortisol response to a situation with low controllability differs as a function of preexisting control beliefs and age. We manipulated level of controllability using a driving simulator. Control beliefs were assessed prior to the lab session. Salivary cortisol was measured before and after the driving simulation. Participants were 152 adults aged 22-84 from a Boston area sample. In comparison to the normal controllability condition, those in the low controllability condition reported less perceived control over driving, supporting the effectiveness of the manipulation. In the low controllability condition those with higher control beliefs showed a greater cortisol response than those with low control beliefs. Older adults showed a greater cortisol response than younger adults during the challenge. Implications of acute cortisol responses for performance outcomes are discussed.
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126
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Abstract
The aim of personalized medicine is to base medical prevention and therapy on the unique health and disease susceptibility profile of each individual. Starting from this idea, we briefly discuss the meaning of the word 'personalized' before analyzing the practical content of personalized healthcare. From a medical perspective, knowledge of a person encompasses both biological and biographical perspectives. The latter includes significant events and experiences throughout the person's lifespan, from conception to the present, in which epigenetic influences play an important role. In practice, we believe personalized medicine should emphasize the development and maintenance of a healthy nervous system. The neurobiological processes involved here depend heavily on the psychosocial environment, in particular the presence of responsible, caring adults and integration in a reasonably fair society. A healthy brain subsequently promotes good health throughout life, both through direct, favorable influences on the body's intrinsic biological pathways, and indirectly by enabling the person to engage in supportive relationships, make wise decisions and take good care of him/herself. From a public health perspective, we conclude that hi-tech personalized medicine based on detailed bio-molecular mapping, monitoring and tailored drug interventions holds promise only as part of a wider, socio-culturally informed approach to the person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce S McEwen
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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127
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Ersche KD, Turton AJ, Croudace T, Štochl J. Who Do You Think Is in Control in Addiction? A Pilot Study on Drug-related Locus of Control Beliefs. ADDICTIVE DISORDERS & THEIR TREATMENT 2012; 11:173-223. [PMID: 23459679 PMCID: PMC3586285 DOI: 10.1097/adt.0b013e31823da151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The drug-related locus of control scale (DR-LOC) is a new instrument for assessing a person's belief of "being in control" in situations involving drug abuse. It consists of 16-item pairs presented in a forced-choice format, based on the conceptual model outlined by Rotter. The model characterizes the extent to which a person believes that the outcome of an event is under their personal control (internal locus of control) or the influence of external circumstances (external locus of control). METHODS A total of 592 volunteers completed the DR-LOC and the Rotter's I-E scale. Approximately half of the respondents were enrolled in a drug treatment program for opiates, stimulants and/or alcohol dependence (n = 282), and the remainder (n = 310) had no history of drug dependence. RESULTS Factor analysis of DR-LOC items revealed 2 factors reflecting control beliefs regarding (i) the successful recovery from addiction, and (ii) decisions to use drugs. The extent to which a person attributes control in drug-related situations is significantly influenced by their personal or professional experiences with drug addiction. Drug-dependent individuals have a greater internal sense of control with regard to addiction recovery or drug-taking behaviors than health professionals and/or non-dependent control volunteers. CONCLUSIONS The DR-LOC has shown to effectively translate generalized expectancies of control into a measure of control expectancies for drug-related situations, making it more sensitive for drug-dependent individuals than Rotter's I-E scale. Further research is needed to demonstrate its performance at discriminating between heterogeneous clinical groups such as between treatment-seeking versus non-treatment-seeking drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen D. Ersche
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Abigail J. Turton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tim Croudace
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jan Štochl
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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128
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Li H, Zeigler-Hill V, Luo J, Yang J, Zhang Q. Self-esteem modulates attentional responses to rejection: Evidence from event-related brain potentials. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2012.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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129
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Abstract
Objective: Early stress events severely impact brain and behaviour. From a neurobiological point of view early stress influences neuroanatomical structures and is associated with a dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The objective of this article is to review the epigenetic alterations implicated in brain adaptation to early stress events.Method: A review of empirical research of epigenetic alterations associated to early stress events was performed.Results: Neuroanatomic and epigenetic alterations have been observed after early stress events. Epigenetics alterations include DNA methylation, histones modifications and microRNA (miRNA) expression. The most studied is largely the former, affecting genes involved in neuroendocrine, neurotransmission and neuroplasticity regulation after early stress exposition. It includes glucocorticoid receptor, FK506-binding protein 5, arginine vasopressin, oestrogen receptor alpha, 5-hydroxy-tryptamine transporter and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.Conclusion: Epigenetic regulation is critical in the interplay between nature and nurture. Alterations in the DNA methylation as well as histones modifications and miRNA expression patterns could explain abnormal behaviours secondary to early stress events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luisa M Herrera
- Human Genetics Program, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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130
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Inverse relation between cortisol and anger and their relation to performance and explicit memory. Biol Psychol 2012; 91:28-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2012.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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131
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Sudhaus S, Möllenberg T, Plaas H, Willburger R, Schmieder K, Hasenbring M. Cortisol awakening response and pain-related fear-avoidance versus endurance in patients six months after lumbar disc surgery. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2012; 37:121-30. [PMID: 22395425 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-012-9186-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent research indicates that stress-induced, prolonged deviations in basal adrenocortical activity might contribute to ongoing/recurrent pain following lumbar disc surgery. Further, fear-avoidance and endurance responses to pain (FAR and ER) are regarded as important risk factors for pain after surgery. In patients with non-specific low back pain, FAR appear to possibly increase pain-related arousal, whereas ER may have an arousal-lowering effect, indicated by adrenocortical activity. The current study explores the relationship between basal adrenocortical activity and FAR and ER. Thirty-six patients 6 months after lumbar disc surgery participated. Basal adrenocortical activity was assessed through the cortisol awakening response (CAR), using salivary samples collected on two consecutive days. FAR and ER were estimated using questionnaires. While the ER variables pain-persistence behavior and positive mood despite pain showed negative associations with the CAR, the FAR variables fear-avoidance beliefs and avoidance of social activity were positively correlated with it. Additionally, higher CAR levels were found in patients with high versus patients with low fear-avoidance beliefs and, conversely, in patients with low versus high positive mood and pain persistence. These results indicate that FAR may increase the individuals' level of pain-related stress among patients after disc surgery, while ER may lower it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Sudhaus
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Germany.
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132
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Toschi-Dias E, Trombetta IC, da Silva VJD, Maki-Nunes C, Alves MJNN, Angelo LF, Cepeda FX, Martinez DG, Negrão CE, Rondon MUPB. Symptoms of anxiety and mood disturbance alter cardiac and peripheral autonomic control in patients with metabolic syndrome. Eur J Appl Physiol 2012; 113:671-9. [PMID: 22918560 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-012-2476-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 08/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous investigations show that metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) causes sympathetic hyperactivation. Symptoms of anxiety and mood disturbance (AMd) provoke sympatho-vagal imbalance. We hypothesized that AMd would alter even further the autonomic function in patients with MetSyn. Twenty-six never-treated patients with MetSyn (ATP-III) were allocated to two groups, according to the levels of anxiety and mood disturbance: (1) with AMd (MetSyn + AMd, n = 15), and (2) without AMd (MetSyn, n = 11). Ten healthy control subjects were also studied (C, n = 10). AMd was determined using quantitative questionnaires. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA, microneurography), blood pressure (oscillometric beat-to-beat basis), and heart rate (ECG) were measured during a baseline 10-min period. Spectral analysis of RR interval and systolic arterial pressure were analyzed, and the power of low (LF) and high (HF) frequency bands were determined. Sympatho-vagal balance was obtained by LF/HF ratio. Spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) was evaluated by calculation of α-index. MSNA was greater in patients with MetSyn + AMd compared with MetSyn and C. Patients with MetSyn + AMd showed higher LF and lower HF power compared with MetSyn and C. In addition, LF/HF balance was higher in MetSyn + AMd than in MetSyn and C groups. BRS was decreased in MetSyn + AMd compared with MetSyn and C groups. Anxiety and mood disturbance alter autonomic function in patients with MetSyn. This autonomic dysfunction may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in patients with mood alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Toschi-Dias
- Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
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133
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Abstract
Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) resemble epilepsy, but no pathophysiological explanation has been established. Although there have been recent advances in PNES research and various hypotheses as to the psychopathology, no theory has achieved general acceptance. In this overview of selected literature on PNES, we highlight the often contradictory findings that underline the challenges that confront both practitioner and researcher. We first provide a synopsis of the history, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, as well as patient characteristics of PNES and the relevance of communication in the clinical context. In the subsequent sections we discuss recent research that may advance the understanding and diagnosis of this disorder. These themes include the use of qualitative methods as a viable research option, the application of nonlinear methods to analyze heterogeneous observations during diagnosis, recent advances in neuroimaging of PNES, and the development of international databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Dickinson
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Davis JC, Nagamatsu LS, Hsu CL, Beattie BL, Liu-Ambrose T. Self-efficacy is independently associated with brain volume in older women. Age Ageing 2012; 41:495-501. [PMID: 22436405 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afs029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ageing is highly associated with neurodegeneration and atrophy of the brain. Evidence suggests that personality variables are risk factors for reduced brain volume. We examine whether falls-related self-efficacy is independently associated with brain volume. METHOD a cross-sectional analysis of whether falls-related self-efficacy is independently associated with brain volumes (total, grey and white matter). Three multivariate regression models were constructed. Covariates included in the models were age, global cognition, systolic blood pressure, functional comorbidity index and current physical activity level. MRI scans were acquired from 79 community-dwelling senior women aged 65-75 years old. Falls-related self-efficacy was assessed by the activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale. RESULTS after accounting for covariates, falls-related self-efficacy was independently associated with both total brain volume and total grey matter volume. The final model for total brain volume accounted for 17% of the variance, with the ABC score accounting for 8%. For total grey matter volume, the final model accounted for 24% of the variance, with the ABC score accounting for 10%. CONCLUSION we provide novel evidence that falls-related self-efficacy, a modifiable risk factor for healthy ageing, is positively associated with total brain volume and total grey matter volume. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00426881.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Davis
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI), 357-2647 Willow Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Andrews J, D’Aguiar C, Pruessner JC. The combined dexamethasone/TSST paradigm--a new method for psychoneuroendocrinology. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38994. [PMID: 22701740 PMCID: PMC3372469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The two main physiological systems involved in the regulation of the stress response are the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). However, the interaction of these systems on the stress response remains poorly understood. To better understand the cross-regulatory effects of the different systems involved in stress regulation, we developed a new stress paradigm that keeps the activity of the HPA constant when exposing subjects to psychosocial stress. Thirty healthy male participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either a dexamethasone (DEX; n = 15) or placebo (PLC; n = 15) group. All subjects were instructed to take the Dexamethasone (2 mg) or Placebo pill the night before coming to the laboratory to undergo the Trier Social Stress Task (TSST). Salivary cortisol, salivary alpha amylase (sAA), heart rate, blood pressure and subjective stress were assessed throughout the protocol. As expected, the DEX group presented with suppressed cortisol levels. In comparison, their heart rate was elevated by approximately ten base points compared to the PLC group, with increases throughout the protocol and during the TSST. Neither sAA, nor systolic or diastolic blood pressures showed significant group differences. Subjective stress levels significantly increased from baseline, and were found to be higher before and after the TSST after DEX compared to placebo. These results demonstrate a significant interaction between the HPA and the SNS during acute stress. The SNS activity was found to be elevated in the presence of a suppressed HPA axis, with some further effects on subjective levels of stress. The method to suppress the HPA prior to inducing stress was found to completely reliable, without any adverse side effects. Therefore, we propose this paradigm as a new method to investigate the interaction of the two major stress systems in the regulation of the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Andrews
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Catherine D’Aguiar
- McGill Centre for Studies in Aging, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jens C. Pruessner
- McGill Centre for Studies in Aging, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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136
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Scherling C, Collins B, MacKenzie J, Bielajew C, Smith A. Prechemotherapy differences in response inhibition in breast cancer patients compared to controls: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2012; 34:543-60. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2012.666227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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137
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Schuhmacher A, Mössner R, Jessen F, Scheef L, Block W, Belloche AC, Lennertz L, Welper H, Höfels S, Pfeiffer U, Wagner M, Maier W, Schwab S, Zobel A. Association of amygdala volumes with cortisol secretion in unipolar depressed patients. Psychiatry Res 2012; 202:96-103. [PMID: 22698761 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2011.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is accompanied by morphological changes of brain structures which are of great importance in the neural circuitry mediating depression like the hippocampus and the amygdala. Hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system resulting in enhanced glucocorticoid secretion can often be observed during depression and has been thought to play an important role in inducing these morphological changes. We used magnetic resonance imaging to investigate alterations of amygdala and hippocampal volumes in 86 in-patients with unipolar depression and 87 healthy controls, and we then correlated amygdala and hippocampal volumes of 76 in-patients with the area under the curve of cortisol secretion in the dexamethasone/corticotropin releasing hormone (Dex/CRH) test at baseline and during short-term antidepressant therapy. In line with recently published studies both left and right amygdala volumes of patients in a first depressive episode were smaller than those of healthy controls. Patients with recurrent depressive episodes showed a reduction of hippocampal volumes, while amygdala volumes were normal. Larger left and right amygdala volumes correlated with a more pronounced reduction of HPA activity, measured by the cortisol secretion in the combined DEX/CRH test, during antidepressant therapy in patients with recurrent depressive episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schuhmacher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Germany
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Kubarych TS, Prom-Wormley EC, Franz CE, Panizzon MS, Dale AM, Fischl B, Eyler LT, Fennema-Notestine C, Grant MD, Hauger RL, Hellhammer DH, Jak AJ, Jernigan TL, Lupien SJ, Lyons MJ, Mendoza SP, Neale MC, Seidman LJ, Tsuang MT, Kremen WS. A multivariate twin study of hippocampal volume, self-esteem and well-being in middle-aged men. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2012; 11:539-44. [PMID: 22471516 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2012.00789.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Self-esteem and well-being are important for successful aging, and some evidence suggests that self-esteem and well-being are associated with hippocampal volume, cognition and stress responsivity. Whereas most of this evidence is based on studies on older adults, we investigated self-esteem, well-being and hippocampal volume in 474 male middle-aged twins. Self-esteem was significantly positively correlated with hippocampal volume (0.09, P = 0.03 for left hippocampus, 0.10, P = 0.04 for right). Correlations for well-being were not significant (Ps > 0.05). There were strong phenotypic correlations between self-esteem and well-being (0.72, P < 0.001) and between left and right hippocampal volume (0.72, P < 0.001). In multivariate genetic analyses, a two-factor additive genetic and unique environmental (AE) model with well-being and self-esteem on one factor and left and right hippocampal volumes on the other factor fits the data better than Cholesky, independent pathway or common pathway models. The correlation between the two genetic factors was 0.12 (P = 0.03); the correlation between the environmental factors was 0.09 (P > 0.05). Our results indicate that largely different genetic and environmental factors underlie self-esteem and well-being on one hand and hippocampal volume on the other.
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Affiliation(s)
- T S Kubarych
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, 23219-0126, USA.
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139
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Yang J, Dedovic K, Chen W, Zhang Q. Self-esteem modulates dorsal anterior cingulate cortical response in self-referential processing. Neuropsychologia 2012; 50:1267-70. [PMID: 22391476 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2012.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Revised: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Self-esteem can be defined as evaluations that individuals make about their worth as human beings. These evaluations are in part based on how we evaluate ourselves on our abilities, values, opinions, etc. compared with others or our past or ideal self; and they are also influenced by a thought that what others may think about us. Studies to date investigating the neural mechanisms underlying individual differences in self-esteem have focused mostly on the latter process (i.e. on how self-esteem is associated with neural correlates of processing feedback from others). However, given that people spend a lot of time thinking about themselves and evaluating their worth, we aimed to investigate neural mechanism underlying the association between levels of self-esteem and processing of self-relevant information. Seventeen participants completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan during which they were asked to evaluate whether a given statement is true about them (Self), an acquaintance of theirs (Other), or about general knowledge (Semantic). A whole brain correlational analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between levels of self-esteem and changes in activation of dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus (dACC, BA32) in response to evaluating self-relevant information (Self versus Other contrast). This result extends previous findings implicating this region in the association between processing evaluative feedback and levels of self-esteem and suggests that activity in this region is affected by self-esteem levels also when individuals are engaged in self-referencing and self-evaluation. Future studies should investigate whether these associations are affected differently based on valence of self-evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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140
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Starcke K, Brand M. Decision making under stress: a selective review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2012; 36:1228-48. [PMID: 22342781 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2012.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 381] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Revised: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Many decisions must be made under stress, and many decision situations elicit stress responses themselves. Thus, stress and decision making are intricately connected, not only on the behavioral level, but also on the neural level, i.e., the brain regions that underlie intact decision making are regions that are sensitive to stress-induced changes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the findings from studies that investigated the impact of stress on decision making. The review includes those studies that examined decision making under stress in humans and were published between 1985 and October 2011. The reviewed studies were found using PubMed and PsycInfo searches. The review focuses on studies that have examined the influence of acutely induced laboratory stress on decision making and that measured both decision-making performance and stress responses. Additionally, some studies that investigated decision making under naturally occurring stress levels and decision-making abilities in patients who suffer from stress-related disorders are described. The results from the studies that were included in the review support the assumption that stress affects decision making. If stress confers an advantage or disadvantage in terms of outcome depends on the specific task or situation. The results also emphasize the role of mediating and moderating variables. The results are discussed with respect to underlying psychological and neural mechanisms, implications for everyday decision making and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Starcke
- Department of General Psychology: Cognition, University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Duisburg, Germany.
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141
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Scherling C, Collins B, MacKenzie J, Bielajew C, Smith A. Pre-chemotherapy differences in visuospatial working memory in breast cancer patients compared to controls: an FMRI study. Front Hum Neurosci 2011; 5:122. [PMID: 22053153 PMCID: PMC3205481 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2011.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive deficits are a side-effect of chemotherapy, however pre-treatment research is limited. This study examines neurofunctional differences during working memory between breast cancer (BC) patients and controls, prior to chemotherapy. METHODS Early stage BC females (23), scanned after surgery but before chemotherapy, were individually matched to non-cancer controls. Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing a Visuospatial N-back task and data was analyzed by multiple group comparisons. fMRI task performance, neuropsychological tests, hospital records, and salivary biomarkers were also collected. RESULTS There were no significant group differences on neuropsychological tests, estrogen, or cortisol. Patients made significantly fewer commission errors but had less overall correct responses and were slower than controls during the task. Significant group differences were observed for the fMRI data, yet results depended on the type of analysis. BC patients presented with increased activations during working memory compared to controls in areas such as the inferior frontal gyrus, insula, thalamus, and midbrain. Individual group regressions revealed a reverse relationship between brain activity and commission errors. CONCLUSION This is the first fMRI investigation to reveal neurophysiological differences during visuospatial working memory between BC patients pre-chemotherapy and controls. These results also increase the knowledge about the effects of BC and related factors on the working memory network. SIGNIFICANCE This highlights the need to better understand the pre-chemotherapy BC patient and the effects of associated confounding variables.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Collins
- School of Psychology, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa HospitalOttawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Andra Smith
- School of Psychology, University of OttawaOttawa, ON, Canada
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142
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McEwen BS, Tucker P. Critical biological pathways for chronic psychosocial stress and research opportunities to advance the consideration of stress in chemical risk assessment. Am J Public Health 2011; 101 Suppl 1:S131-9. [PMID: 22021312 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2011.300270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that psychosocial stress and toxicants may interact to modify health risks. Stress-toxicant interactions could be important in chemical risk assessment, but these interactions are poorly understood and additional research is necessary to advance their application. Environmental health research can increase knowledge of these interactions by exploring hypotheses on allostatic load, which measures the cumulative impacts of stress across multiple physiological pathways, using knowledge about physiological pathways for stress-related health effects, and evidence of common target pathways for both stress and toxicants. In this article, critical physiological pathways for stress-related health effects are discussed, with specific attention to allostatic load and stress-toxicant interactions, concluding with research suggestions for potential applications of such research in chemical risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce S McEwen
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendrocrinology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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143
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Duchesne A, Tessera E, Dedovic K, Engert V, Pruessner JC. Effects of panel sex composition on the physiological stress responses to psychosocial stress in healthy young men and women. Biol Psychol 2011; 89:99-106. [PMID: 22001447 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Men and women differ in regard to psychosocial stress responses. Biological and contextual factors are known to mediate these differences; however, few studies investigated their interaction. In the present study, we examined contributions of both contextual and biological factors to the stress response of young healthy adults. Men and women were exposed to a modified version of Trier Social Stress Test. The participants gave a speech in front of a panel of judges, composed of either male or female panelists. Both men, and women presented a cortisol increase only when exposed to opposite sex panelists. Interestingly, this effect was only observed in women in their follicular phase. This finding showed that the induction of a psychosocial stress response does not strictly rely on direct social evaluation, but also depends on the sex composition of the panel. Implications for future studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Duchesne
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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144
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MULLEN JOHNK. The Impact of Computer Use on Employee Performance in High-Trust Professions: Re-Examining Selection Criteria in the Internet Age. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2011.00790.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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145
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Peters S, Cleare AJ, Papadopoulos A, Fu CHY. Cortisol responses to serial MRI scans in healthy adults and in depression. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:737-41. [PMID: 21074333 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2010] [Revised: 09/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are a novel environment for most participants. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis modulates neurohormonal responses to novel and stressful experiences. We sought to examine the neurohormonal responses to MRI scans with the measurement of salivary cortisol. We examined: (1) acute effects of MRI scans by acquiring cortisol measurements immediately preceding and following the scan in comparison with basal cortisol levels, and (2) effects of novelty by measuring cortisol during repeated MRI scans in the same subjects. We examined these effects in two groups of subjects: healthy individuals (n=27, mean age 41.6 years) and patients with depression (n=24, mean age 40.0 years). Both groups showed elevated cortisol levels immediately preceding the MRI scan, particularly for the initial MRI scan, which normalised after the follow up MRI scans as compared with mean basal cortisol levels. There were no significant differences in the acute or mean basal cortisol levels between the groups. In summary, the MRI experience is stressful, particularly for the initial scan, but the stress response is reduced with subsequent scans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Peters
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, United Kingdom
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146
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Goosens KA. Hippocampal regulation of aversive memories. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2011; 21:460-6. [PMID: 21546244 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2011.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Revised: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
For many years, the hippocampal formation has been implicated in the regulation of negative emotion, yet the nature of this link has remained elusive. Recent studies have made important links between the hippocampus and regulation of stress hormones that affect aversive memory. Additional studies have shown that the hippocampus regulates the gating of fear by contextual information. An emerging literature also links the hippocampus to prediction errors during fear learning and extinction. The mechanisms by which the hippocampus regulates negative emotion are clearly complicated, but suggest that interventions aimed at restoring normal hippocampal function may help with disorders of negative affect, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Ann Goosens
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 43 Vassar St, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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Brenner K, St-Hilaire A, Liu A, Laplante DP, King S. Cortisol response and coping style predict quality of life in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2011; 128:23-9. [PMID: 21353766 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2011.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Revised: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress and coping have been found to be strongly associated with quality of life (QOL). Compared to community controls (CC), individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (SZ) report a lower QOL. Lower QOL in SZ may be explained by patients' tendency to react differently to stress and to use less effective coping strategies than CC, but no studies to date have examined these possible associations. A main goal of this study, therefore, was to examine the roles of stress response and coping style in explaining QOL in SZ and CC, while controlling for potential confounds including personality. Subjects were 30 SZ patients and 29 matched controls who completed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Salivary cortisol was used as an objective measure of stress response. Participants rated their coping strategies with the Brief COPE, judged their QOL with the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and rated their personality using the NEO-Five Factor Inventory. Results indicate that, even when confounds are controlled for, blunted cortisol response predicts better QOL in SZ patients. Additionally, results suggest that more frequent use of coping strategies is associated with better QOL but only in patients with blunted cortisol response; those who showed an increase in cortisol in response to the TSST have better QOL the lower their coping score. Possible explanations and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karene Brenner
- Université de Montréal, Département de Psychologie, 2900 Édouard-Montpetit Blvd., Montréal, QC, Canada H3T 1J4
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148
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Time to abandon the bio-bio-bio model of psychosis: Exploring the epigenetic and psychological mechanisms by which adverse life events lead to psychotic symptoms. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2011. [PMID: 20170043 DOI: 10.1017/s1121189x00000257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMental health services and research have been dominated for several decades by a rather simplistic, reductionistic focus on biological phenomena, with minimal consideration of the social context within which genes and brains inevitably operate. This ‘medical model’ ideology, enthusiastically supported by the pharmaceutical industry, has been particularly powerful in the field of psychosis, where it has led to unjustified and damaging pessimism about recovery. The failure to find robust evidence of a genetic predisposition for psychosis in general, or ‘schizophrenia’ in particular, can be understood in terms of recently developed knowledge about how epigenetic processes turn gene transcription on and off through mechanisms that are highly influenced by the individual's socio-environmental experiences. To understand the emerging evidence of the relationship between adverse childhood events and subsequent psychosis, it is necessary to integrate these epigenetic processes, especially those involving the stress regulating functions of the HPA axis, with research about the psychological mechanisms by which specific types of childhood trauma can lead to specific types of psychotic experiences. The implications, for research, mental health services and primary prevention, are profound.Declaration of Interest: None of the authors have any conflicts of interest in relation to this paper.
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Evans P, Fredhoi C, Loveday C, Hucklebridge F, Aitchison E, Forte D, Clow A. The diurnal cortisol cycle and cognitive performance in the healthy old. Int J Psychophysiol 2011; 79:371-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2010.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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150
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Oskis A, Loveday C, Hucklebridge F, Thorn L, Clow A. Anxious attachment style and salivary cortisol dysregulation in healthy female children and adolescents. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2011; 52:111-8. [PMID: 20695930 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2010.02296.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attachment style has been linked with basal cortisol secretion in healthy adult women. We investigated whether dysregulation in basal cortisol secretion may be evident in younger healthy females. METHODS Sixty healthy females aged 9-18 years (mean 14.16, SD ± 2.63 years) participated in the Attachment Style Interview (ASI). Eight saliva samples, synchronised to awakening, were collected per day on two consecutive weekdays to examine the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and the subsequent diurnal decline. RESULTS Participants exhibiting an anxious attachment style had higher cortisol levels on awakening, in contrast to those who were securely attached. The anxious insecure group also showed an attenuated CAR compared to all other participants. Attachment style groups did not differ in cortisol secretion over the remainder of the day. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the same pattern of cortisol dysregulation associated with disorder in adulthood manifests as a function of anxious (but not avoidant) insecure attachment style in females during healthy childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Oskis
- Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, London, UK
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