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Aarts I, Thorsen AL, Vriend C, Planting C, van den Heuvel OA, Thomaes K. Effects of psychotherapy on brain activation during negative emotional processing in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:444-455. [PMID: 38049598 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-023-00831-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition which has been related to problems in emotional regulation, memory and cognitive control. Psychotherapy has a non-response rate of around 50% and understanding the neurobiological working mechanisms might help improve treatment. To integrate findings from multiple smaller studies, we performed the first meta-analysis of changes in brain activation with a specific focus on emotional processing after psychotherapy in PTSD patients. We performed a meta-analysis of brain activation changes after treatment during emotional processing for PTSD with seed-based d mapping using a pre-registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42020211039). We analyzed twelve studies with 191 PTSD patients after screening 3700 studies. We performed systematic quality assessment both for the therapeutic interventions and neuroimaging methods. Analyses were done in the full sample and in a subset of studies that reported whole-brain results. We found decreased activation after psychotherapy in the left amygdala, (para)hippocampus, medial temporal lobe, inferior frontal gyrus, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, right pallidum, anterior cingulate cortex, bilateral putamen, and insula. Decreased activation in the left amygdala and left ventrolateral PFC was also found in eight studies that reported whole-brain findings. Results did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. There is tentative support for decreased activation in the fear and cognitive control networks during emotional processing after psychotherapy for PTSD. Future studies would benefit from adopting a larger sample size, using designs that control for confounding variables, and investigating heterogeneity in symptom profiles and treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Aarts
- Sinai Centrum, Arkin, Amstelveen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A L Thorsen
- Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Center for Crisis Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - C Vriend
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Compulsivity, Impulsivity & Attention program, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Planting
- GGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University Library, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - O A van den Heuvel
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Compulsivity, Impulsivity & Attention program, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Thomaes
- Sinai Centrum, Arkin, Amstelveen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Borrelli G, Lamberti Zanardi A, Scognamiglio C, Cinquegrana V, Perrella R. The relationship between childhood interpersonal and non-interpersonal trauma and autobiographical memory: a systematic review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1328835. [PMID: 38298520 PMCID: PMC10827865 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1328835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood trauma can have negative effects on several domains of mental functioning, including Autobiographical Memory (AM). Conflicting results emerge in the scientific literature regarding the effects of childhood trauma on AM. In this review, we explored the relationship between the childhood trauma and AM, classifying childhood trauma as interpersonal, non-interpersonal and overall (interpersonal and non-interpersonal). We carried out a systematic literature review, following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA statement). From searching the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, we identified 48 studies conducted from 2014 to 2023, which were included when they: (a) were written in English, (b) investigated the relationship between AM and childhood trauma, (c) included a sample of children, adolescents, or adults who had experienced childhood interpersonal and/or non-interpersonal trauma. Of the 48 eligible studies, 29 referred to trauma of an interpersonal nature, 12 to trauma of a non-interpersonal nature, and 7 to overall trauma. Regarding the relationship between childhood trauma and AM, 24 studies found a negative relationship between childhood interpersonal trauma and AM; among the articles on non-interpersonal trauma, 10 studies found no relevant relationship; in the studies on overall trauma, 4 articles found negative relationship between overall trauma and AM. The literature explored in our systematic review supports the prevalence of a negative relationship between interpersonal childhood trauma and AM. This relationship is present regardless of psychiatric disorders (e.g., Depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Personality Disorders), and in the presence of the latter, AM results even more fragmented. Future research should use more accurate methodologies in identifying and classifying childhood trauma in order to more precisely determine its effect on AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Borrelli
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Vincenza Cinquegrana
- Department of Psychology, University of Study of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Raffaella Perrella
- Department of Psychology, University of Study of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
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3
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Bremner JD, Ortego RA, Campanella C, Nye JA, Davis LL, Fani N, Vaccarino V. Neural correlates of PTSD in women with childhood sexual abuse with and without PTSD and response to paroxetine treatment: A placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2023; 14:100615. [PMID: 38088987 PMCID: PMC10715797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Childhood sexual abuse is the leading cause of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women, and is a prominent cause of morbidity and loss of function for which limited treatments are available. Understanding the neurobiology of treatment response is important for developing new treatments. The purpose of this study was to assess neural correlates of personalized traumatic memories in women with childhood sexual abuse with and without PTSD, and to assess response to treatment. Methods Women with childhood sexual abuse with (N = 28) and without (N = 17) PTSD underwent brain imaging with High-Resolution Positron Emission Tomography scanning with radiolabeled water for brain blood flow measurements during exposure to personalized traumatic scripts and memory encoding tasks. Women with PTSD were randomized to paroxetine or placebo followed by three months of double-blind treatment and repeat imaging with the same protocol. Results Women with PTSD showed decreases in areas involved in the Default Mode Network (DMN), a network of brain areas usually active when the brain is at rest, hippocampus and visual processing areas with exposure to traumatic scripts at baseline while women without PTSD showed increased activation in superior frontal gyrus and other areas (p < 0.005). Treatment of women with PTSD with paroxetine resulted in increased anterior cingulate activation and brain areas involved in the DMN and visual processing with scripts compared to placebo (p < 0.005). Conclusion PTSD related to childhood sexual abuse in women is associated with alterations in brain areas involved in memory and the stress response and treatment with paroxetine results in modulation of these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Douglas Bremner
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA
| | - Rebeca Alvarado Ortego
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Carolina Campanella
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jonathon A. Nye
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lori L. Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
- Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa AL
| | - Negar Fani
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Viola Vaccarino
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta GA
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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4
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van Houtum LAEM, van Schie CC, Wever MCM, Janssen LHC, Wentholt WGM, Tailby C, Grenyer BFS, Will GJ, Tollenaar MS, Elzinga BM. Aberrant neural network activation during reliving of autobiographical memories in adolescent depression. Cortex 2023; 168:14-26. [PMID: 37639906 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents with depression exhibit negative biases in autobiographical memory with detrimental consequences for their self-concept and well-being. Investigating how adolescents relive positive autobiographical memories and activate the underlying neural networks could reveal mechanisms that drive such biases. This study investigated neural networks when reliving positive and neutral memories, and how neural activity is modulated by valence and vividness in adolescents with and without depression. METHODS Adolescents (N = 69; n = 17 with depression) retrieved positive and neutral autobiographical memories. On a separate day, they relived these memories during fMRI scanning, and reported on pleasantness and vividness after reliving each memory. We used a multivariate, data-driven approach - event-related independent component analysis (eICA) - to characterize neural networks supporting autobiographical recollection. RESULTS Adolescents with depression reported their positive memories as significantly less pleasant compared to healthy controls, while subjective vividness was unaffected. Using eICA, we identified a broad autobiographical memory network, and subnetworks related to reliving positive vs neutral memories. These subnetworks comprised a 'self-referential processing network' including medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, and temporoparietal junction, anti-correlating with parts of the central executive network and salience network. Adolescents with depression exhibited aberrant activation in this self-referential network, but only when reliving relatively 'low' pleasant memories. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide first insights into how the quality of reliving autobiographical memories in adolescents with depression may relate to aberrant self-referential neural network activation, and underscore the potential of targeting memory reliving in therapeutic interventions to foster self-esteem and diminish depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne A E M van Houtum
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Charlotte C van Schie
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Mirjam C M Wever
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Loes H C Janssen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Wilma G M Wentholt
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Chris Tailby
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Brin F S Grenyer
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Geert-Jan Will
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke S Tollenaar
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bernet M Elzinga
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands
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Bradley MM, Sambuco N, Lang PJ. Imagery, emotion, and bioinformational theory: From body to brain. Biol Psychol 2023; 183:108669. [PMID: 37648076 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The bioinformational theory of emotional imagery is a model of the hypothetical mental representations activated when people imagine emotionally engaging events, and was initially proposed to guide research and practice in the use of imaginal exposure as a treatment for fear and anxiety (Lang, 1979). In this 50 year overview, we discuss the development of bioinformational theory and its impact on the study of psychophysiology and psychopathology, most importantly assessing its viability and predictions in light of more recent brain-based studies of neural functional activation. Bioinformational theory proposes that narrative imagery, typically cued by language scripts, activates an associative memory network in the brain that includes stimulus (e.g., agents, contexts), semantic (e.g., facts and beliefs) and, most critically for emotion, response information (e.g., autonomic and somatic) that represents relevant real-world coping actions and reactions. Psychophysiological studies in healthy and clinical samples reliably find measurable response output during aversive and appetitive narrative imagery. Neuroimaging studies confirm that emotional imagery is associated with significant activation in motor regions of the brain, as well as in regions implicated in episodic and semantic memory retrieval, supporting the bioinformational view that narrative imagery prompts mental simulation of events that critically includes the actions and reactions engaged in emotional contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M Bradley
- Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, University of Florida, USA.
| | - Nicola Sambuco
- Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, University of Florida, USA
| | - Peter J Lang
- Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, University of Florida, USA
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6
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Puetz VB, Viding E, Maguire EA, Mechelli A, Armbruster-Genç D, Sharp M, Rankin G, Gerin MI, McCrory EJ. Functional brain plasticity following childhood maltreatment: A longitudinal fMRI investigation of autobiographical memory processing. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1382-1389. [PMID: 34924093 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Altered autobiographical memory (ABM) processing characterizes some individuals with experiences of childhood maltreatment. This fMRI study of ABM processing evaluated potential developmental plasticity in neural functioning following maltreatment. Adolescents with (N = 19; MT group) and without (N = 18; Non-MT group) documented childhood maltreatment recalled specific ABMs in response to emotionally valenced cue words during fMRI at baseline (age 12.71 ± 1.48) and follow-up (14.88 ± 1.53 years). Psychological assessments were collected at both timepoints. Longitudinal analyses were carried out with BOLD signal changes during ABM recall and psychopathology to investigate change over time. In both groups there was relative stability of the ABM brain network, with some developmental maturational changes observed in cortical midline structures (ventromedial PFC (vmPFC), posterior cingulate cortex (pCC), and retrosplenial cortex (rSC). Significantly increased activation of the right rSC was observed only in the MT group, which was associated with improved psychological functioning. Baseline group differences in relation to hippocampal functioning, were not detected at follow-up. This study provides preliminary empirical evidence of functional developmental plasticity in children with documented maltreatment experience using fMRI. This suggests that altered patterns of brain function, associated with maltreatment experience, are not fixed and may reflect the potential to track a neural basis of resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- V B Puetz
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- The Anna Freud Centre, London, UK
| | - E Viding
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - E A Maguire
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Mechelli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D Armbruster-Genç
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - M Sharp
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - G Rankin
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - M I Gerin
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - E J McCrory
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- The Anna Freud Centre, London, UK
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7
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Cesari V, Frumento S, Leo A, Baroni M, Rutigliano G, Gemignani A, Menicucci D. Functional correlates of subliminal stimulation in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023:S0165-0327(23)00682-1. [PMID: 37236272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Patients with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exposed to traumatic reminders show hyperreactivity in brain areas (e.g., amygdala) belonging or related to the Innate Alarm System (IAS), allowing the rapid processing of salient stimuli. Evidence that IAS is activated by subliminal trauma-reminders could shed a new light on the factors precipitating and perpetuating PTSD symptomatology. Thus, we systematically reviewed studies investigating neuroimaging correlates of subliminal stimulation in PTSD. Twenty-three studies were selected from the MEDLINE and Scopus® databases for a qualitative synthesis, 5 of which allowed a further meta-analysis of fMRI data. The intensity of IAS responses to subliminal trauma-related reminders ranged from a minimum in healthy controls to a maximum in the PTSD patients with the most severe (e.g., dissociative) symptoms or the least responsiveness to treatment. Comparisons with other disorders (e.g., phobias) revealed contrasting results. Our findings demonstrate the hyperactivation of areas belonging or related to IAS in response to unconscious threats that should be integrated in diagnostic as well as in therapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cesari
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine University of Pisa, via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sergio Frumento
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine University of Pisa, via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Leo
- Department of translational research and advanced technologies in medicine and surgery, University of Pisa, Via Risorgimento, 36, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marina Baroni
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine University of Pisa, via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council, via Giuseppe Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Grazia Rutigliano
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine University of Pisa, via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Clinical Psychology branch, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Danilo Menicucci
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine University of Pisa, via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Mertens YL, Manthey A, Sierk A, de Jong P, Walter H, Daniels JK. A pharmacological challenge paradigm to assess neural signatures of script-elicited acute dissociation in women with post-traumatic stress disorder. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e78. [PMID: 37128866 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited experimentally controlled neuroimaging research available that could explain how dissociative states occur and which neurobiological changes are involved in acute post-traumatic dissociation. AIMS To test the causal hypothesis that acute dissociation is triggered bottom-up by a selective noradrenergic-mediated increase in amygdala activation during the processing of autobiographical trauma memories. METHOD Women with post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 47) and a history of interpersonal childhood trauma underwent a within-participant, placebo-controlled pharmacological challenge paradigm (4.0 mg reboxetine versus placebo) employing script-driven imagery (traumatic versus neutral autobiographical memory recall). Script-elicited brain activation patterns (measured via functional magnetic resonance imagery) were analysed by means of whole-brain analyses and a pre-registered region of interest (i.e. amygdala). RESULTS Self-reported acute dissociation increased significantly during trauma (versus neutral) recall but did not differ between pharmacological conditions. The pharmacological manipulation was also unsuccessful in eliciting increased amygdala activation following script-driven imagery in the reboxetine (versus placebo) condition. In the reboxetine condition, trauma retrieval resulted in similar activation patterns as in the placebo condition (e.g. elevated brain activation in the middle occipital gyrus and supramarginal gyrus), albeit with different peaks. CONCLUSIONS Current (null) findings cast doubt on the suggested role of the amygdala in subserving dissociative processing of trauma memories. Alternative pharmacological manipulation approaches (e.g. ketamine) and analysis techniques (e.g. event-related independent component analysis) might provide better insight into the spatiotemporal dynamics and network shifts involved in dissociative experiences and autobiographical trauma memory recall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoki L Mertens
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Antje Manthey
- Charité University Clinic Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health), Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Sierk
- Charité University Clinic Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health), Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter de Jong
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henrik Walter
- Charité University Clinic Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health), Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith K Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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9
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Gross GM, Spiller TR, Duek O, Pietrzak RH, Harpaz-Rotem I. Clinical significance of novel 8-factor model of DSM-5 PTSD in national VA PTSD residential treatment data: Internally- v. externally-cued intrusions. J Affect Disord 2023; 328:255-260. [PMID: 36806596 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrusion symptoms are a core defining feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was recently proposed that intrusions may be comprised of two distinct underlying processes: internally-cued intrusions (e.g., trauma-related memories), and externally-cued intrusions (e.g., reactivity to trauma-related cues in one's environment). This is the first study to examine the functional correlates of these two intrusion clusters. METHODS Participants included 7460 veterans discharged from 40 Veterans Affairs PTSD residential programs across the United States in fiscal years 2018 through 2020. Latent network modeling and structural equation modeling were used to assess the fit of an 8-factor model of PTSD symptoms, which were assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) PTSD symptoms at admission, and its association with symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety, and emotional and physical functioning. RESULTS The 8-factor model, with separate intrusion factors, showed superior model fit to the DSM-5 4-factor, 5-factor dysphoric arousal, 6-factor anhedonia, and 7-factor hybrid models of PTSD. Internally-cued intrusions were uniquely associated with dysphoric arousal, decreased avoidance, and worse physical health functioning; whereas, externally-cued intrusions were uniquely associated with greater avoidance, anxious arousal, negative affect, increased generalized anxiety symptoms, and worse emotional functioning. LIMITATIONS Limitations include the cross-sectional design and use of self-report measures. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide initial support for the clinical utility of a novel 8-factor model of PCL-5 PTSD symptoms, which distinguishes internally- and externally-cued intrusions. These separate intrusion symptom clusters may offer greater specificity and utility in informing the prognosis of and tailored interventions for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina M Gross
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
| | - Tobias R Spiller
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Or Duek
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Psychology and the Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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10
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Talarico JM. A tetrahedral model of autobiographical memory research design. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2023; 14:e1615. [PMID: 35843707 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The field of autobiographical memory can do more to be representative of global populations experiencing and recollecting diverse events across the lifespan. To inspire such work, I present a general model for designing autobiographical memory studies. The tetrahedral model (based on Jenkins, 1979) has at its vertices context (e.g., the situated environment, activated schema, or functional goal), outcomes (e.g., the content and phenomenology of remembering), participants (e.g., the demographic characteristics and traits of the individual), and events (e.g., the lived experiences that comprise an individual's autobiography). Further, the area of the base of the pyramid can represent the time frame under investigation (e.g., the wider the distance, the greater the delay between an experience and its retrieval) and the height of the pyramid can represent the sample size (e.g., nearly flat for a case study, increasingly taller for larger groups) being studied. After applying the model to describe how typical autobiographical memory research is conducted (and briefly identifying the limitations therein), representative models of particularly promising areas of research are highlighted. This article is categorized under: Psychology > Memory.
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Kearney BE, Terpou BA, Densmore M, Shaw SB, Théberge J, Jetly R, McKinnon MC, Lanius RA. How the body remembers: Examining the default mode and sensorimotor networks during moral injury autobiographical memory retrieval in PTSD. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 38:103426. [PMID: 37207593 PMCID: PMC10206209 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Neural representations of sensory percepts and motor responses constitute key elements of autobiographical memory. However, these representations may remain as unintegrated sensory and motor fragments in traumatic memory, thus contributing toward re-experiencing and reliving symptoms in trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, we investigated the sensorimotor network (SMN) and posterior default mode network (pDMN) using a group independent component analysis (ICA) by examining their functional connectivity during a script-driven memory retrieval paradigm of (potentially) morally injurious events in individuals with PTSD and healthy controls. Moral injury (MI), where an individual acts or fails to act in a morally aligned manner, is examined given its inherent ties to disrupted motor planning and thus sensorimotor mechanisms. Our findings revealed significant differences in functional network connectivity across the SMN and pDMN during MI retrieval in participants with PTSD (n = 65) as compared to healthy controls (n = 25). No such significant group-wise differences emerged during retrieval of a neutral memory. PTSD-related alterations included hyperconnectivity between the SMN and pDMN, enhanced within-network connectivity of the SMN with premotor areas, and increased recruitment of the supramarginal gyrus into both the SMN and the pDMN during MI retrieval. In parallel with these neuroimaging findings, a positive correlation was found between PTSD severity and subjective re-experiencing intensity ratings after MI retrieval. These results suggest a neural basis for traumatic re-experiencing, where reliving and/or re-enacting a past morally injurious event in the form of sensory and motor fragments occurs in place of retrieving a complete, past-contextualized narrative as put forth by Brewin and colleagues (1996) and Conway and Pleydell-Pearce (2000). These findings have implications for bottom-up treatments targeting directly the sensory and motoric elements of traumatic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne E Kearney
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Braeden A Terpou
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Densmore
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Saurabh B Shaw
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean Théberge
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada; Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
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12
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Siehl S, Zohair R, Guldner S, Nees F. Gray matter differences in adults and children with posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 113 studies and 11 meta-analyses. J Affect Disord 2023; 333:489-516. [PMID: 37086802 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of gray matter alterations of adult- and underage patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in comparison to healthy trauma-exposed (TC) and non-exposed (HC) individuals. METHODS We subdivided our groups into patients with PTSD after trauma exposure in adulthood (aa) or childhood (ac) as well as children with PTSD (cc). We identified 113 studies, including 6.800 participants in our review, which we divided into studies focusing on whole-brain and region-of-interest (ROI) analysis. We performed a coordinate-based meta-analysis on 14 studies in the group of aa-PTSD. RESULTS We and found lower gray matter volume in patients with PTSD (aa) in the medial frontal gyrus (PTSD<HC/TC) and Culmen/posterior cingulate cortex (PTSD<TC). Results from ROI-based studies mainly show alterations for patients with PTSD in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, insula, corpus callosum, and amygdala. LIMITATIONS Due to a limited number of studies reporting whole-brain results, the meta-analyses could only be performed in one subgroup and within this subgroup for a limited number of studies. CONCLUSIONS Our results are in line with psychobiological models of PTSD that associate the identified regions with brain circuits involved in context processing, threat detection and emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Siehl
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Rabia Zohair
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stella Guldner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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13
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Lieberman JM, Rabellino D, Densmore M, Frewen PA, Steyrl D, Scharnowski F, Théberge J, Neufeld RWJ, Schmahl C, Jetly R, Narikuzhy S, Lanius RA, Nicholson AA. Posterior cingulate cortex targeted real-time fMRI neurofeedback recalibrates functional connectivity with the amygdala, posterior insula, and default-mode network in PTSD. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e2883. [PMID: 36791212 PMCID: PMC10013955 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations within large-scale brain networks-namely, the default mode (DMN) and salience networks (SN)-are present among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography neurofeedback studies suggest that regulating posterior cingulate cortex (PCC; the primary hub of the posterior DMN) activity may reduce PTSD symptoms and recalibrate altered network dynamics. However, PCC connectivity to the DMN and SN during PCC-targeted fMRI neurofeedback remains unexamined and may help to elucidate neurophysiological mechanisms through which these symptom improvements may occur. METHODS Using a trauma/emotion provocation paradigm, we investigated psychophysiological interactions over a single session of neurofeedback among PTSD (n = 14) and healthy control (n = 15) participants. We compared PCC functional connectivity between regulate (in which participants downregulated PCC activity) and view (in which participants did not exert regulatory control) conditions across the whole-brain as well as in a priori specified regions-of-interest. RESULTS During regulate as compared to view conditions, only the PTSD group showed significant PCC connectivity with anterior DMN (dmPFC, vmPFC) and SN (posterior insula) regions, whereas both groups displayed PCC connectivity with other posterior DMN areas (precuneus/cuneus). Additionally, as compared with controls, the PTSD group showed significantly greater PCC connectivity with the SN (amygdala) during regulate as compared to view conditions. Moreover, linear regression analyses revealed that during regulate as compared to view conditions, PCC connectivity to DMN and SN regions was positively correlated to psychiatric symptoms across all participants. CONCLUSION In summary, observations of PCC connectivity to the DMN and SN provide emerging evidence of neural mechanisms underlying PCC-targeted fMRI neurofeedback among individuals with PTSD. This supports the use of PCC-targeted neurofeedback as a means by which to recalibrate PTSD-associated alterations in neural connectivity within the DMN and SN, which together, may help to facilitate improved emotion regulation abilities in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M Lieberman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniela Rabellino
- Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Densmore
- Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A Frewen
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Steyrl
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frank Scharnowski
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jean Théberge
- Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Joseph's Healthcare, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard W J Neufeld
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christian Schmahl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- The Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandhya Narikuzhy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew A Nicholson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,The Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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14
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Terhoeven V, Nikendei C, Faschingbauer S, Huber J, Young KD, Bendszus M, Herzog W, Friederich HC, Simon JJ. Neurophysiological correlates of disorder-related autobiographical memory in anorexia nervosa. Psychol Med 2023; 53:844-854. [PMID: 34140047 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172100221x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by an overgeneralization of food/body-related autobiographical memories (AM). This is regarded as an emotion regulation strategy with adverse long-term effects implicated in disorder maintenance and treatment resistance. Therefore, we aimed to examine neural correlates of food/body-related AM-recall in AN. METHODS Twenty-nine female patients with AN and 30 medication-free age-sex-matched normal-weight healthy controls (HC) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while recalling AMs in response to food/body-related and neutral cue words. To control for general knowledge retrieval, participants engaged in a semantic generation and riser detection task. RESULTS In comparison to HC, patients with AN generated fewer and less specific AMs in response to food/body-related words, but not for neutral cue words. Group comparisons revealed reduced activation in regions associated with self-referential processing and memory retrieval (precuneus and angular gyrus) during the retrieval of specific food/body-related AM in patients with AN. Brain connectivity in regions associated with memory functioning and executive control was reduced in patients with AN during the retrieval of specific food/body-related AM. Finally, resting-state functional connectivity analysis revealed no differences between groups, arguing against a general underlying disconnection of brain networks implicated in memory and emotional processing in AN. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate impaired neural processing of food/body-related AM in AN, with a reduced involvement of regions involved in self-referential processing. Our findings are discussed as possible neuronal correlates of emotional avoidance in AN and provide new insights of AN-pathophysiology underscoring the importance of targeting dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Terhoeven
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Faschingbauer
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Huber
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kymberly D Young
- The Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Martin Bendszus
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herzog
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joe J Simon
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Bocharov AV, Savostyanov AN, Tamozhnikov SS, Karpova AG, Milakhina NS, Zavarzin EA, Saprigyn AE, Knyazev GG. Electrophysiological signatures of resting state networks under new environmental conditions. Neurosci Lett 2023; 794:137012. [PMID: 36521645 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.137012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It is assumed that cognitive processes are provided by the regulatory interactions of different brain networks. The three most stable resting state networks, among which the default mode network (DMN), the central executive network (CEN) and the salience network (SN) are considered to be the key neurocognitive networks for understanding higher cognitive functions. Peculiarities of changes in the connectivity of resting state networks of an individual entering a new environment and after a year of adaptation in this environment remain poorly studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the peculiarities of the connectivity of resting state networks calculated in EEG data in students right after moving to an unfamiliar environment and one year after moving. 128-channel EEGs were recorded in the resting state in 45 students (all men) aged from 18 to 29 years, who moved to the North region of Russia (Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)). Resting state networks were calculated by the seed-based method. The subjects had increased SN connectivity with the sensorimotor cortex and the posterior node of DMN (posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus) in the condition when they were exposed to a new unfamiliar environment, compared to the condition after a year in the same environment. In general, the obtained data are consistent with the notion of increased SN functioning when encountering new significant stimuli and tasks, i.e. new environmental conditions, and the representation of SN as closely related to the function of homeostasis regulation according to organism's internal goals and environmental requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey V Bocharov
- Laboratory of Differential Psychophysiology, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; Institute for the Humanities, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
| | - Alexander N Savostyanov
- Laboratory of Differential Psychophysiology, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; Institute for the Humanities, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; Laboratory of Psychological Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sergey S Tamozhnikov
- Laboratory of Differential Psychophysiology, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | | | - Natalya S Milakhina
- Laboratory of Psychological Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Evgeny A Zavarzin
- Laboratory of Differential Psychophysiology, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Alexander E Saprigyn
- Laboratory of Differential Psychophysiology, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia; Laboratory of Psychological Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Gennady G Knyazev
- Laboratory of Differential Psychophysiology, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
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16
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Singleton SP, Wang JB, Mithoefer M, Hanlon C, George MS, Mithoefer A, Mithoefer O, Coker AR, Yazar-Klosinski B, Emerson A, Doblin R, Kuceyeski A. Altered brain activity and functional connectivity after MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 13:947622. [PMID: 36713926 PMCID: PMC9879604 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.947622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has demonstrated promise in multiple clinical trials. MDMA is hypothesized to facilitate the therapeutic process, in part, by decreasing fear response during fear memory processing while increasing extinction learning. The acute administration of MDMA in healthy controls modifies recruitment of brain regions involved in the hyperactive fear response in PTSD such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and insula. However, to date there have been no neuroimaging studies aimed at directly elucidating the neural impact of MDMA-AT in PTSD patients. Methods We analyzed brain activity and connectivity via functional MRI during both rest and autobiographical memory (trauma and neutral) response before and two-months after MDMA-AT in nine veterans and first-responders with chronic PTSD of 6 months or more. Results We hypothesized that MDMA-AT would increase amygdala-hippocampus resting-state functional connectivity, however we only found evidence of a trend in the left amygdala-left hippocampus (t = -2.91, uncorrected p = 0.0225, corrected p = 0.0901). We also found reduced activation contrast (trauma > neutral) after MDMA-AT in the cuneus. Finally, the amount of recovery from PTSD after MDMA-AT correlated with changes in four functional connections during autobiographical memory recall: the left amygdala-left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), left amygdala-right PCC, left amygdala-left insula, and left isthmus cingulate-left posterior hippocampus. Discussion Amygdala-insular functional connectivity is reliably implicated in PTSD and anxiety, and both regions are impacted by MDMA administration. These findings compliment previous research indicating that amygdala, hippocampus, and insula functional connectivity is a potential target of MDMA-AT, and highlights other regions of interest related to memory processes. More research is necessary to determine if these findings are specific to MDMA-AT compared to other types of treatment for PTSD. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02102802, identifier NCT02102802.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Parker Singleton
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Julie B. Wang
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Michael Mithoefer
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Colleen Hanlon
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Mark S. George
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Annie Mithoefer
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Oliver Mithoefer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Allison R. Coker
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Amy Emerson
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Rick Doblin
- Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Amy Kuceyeski
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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17
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Abstract
It is important for mental health to be able to control unwanted intrusive memories. Previous studies suggest that middle frontal gyrus (MFG) down regulates pathways underlie the suppression of retrieval of general memories. However, the neural basis of motivated forgetting of autobiographical memories is unclear. Therefore, this study used two samples to explore the neural mechanisms of motivated forgetting of self-referential memories. Every participant provided 40 life events (20 negative and 20 neutral) from their past personal experience, and then completed the Think/No-Think task while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The first sample showed a significant reduction in recall in the No-Think condition relative to the Think condition. Attempting to exclude negative autobiographical memories from awareness was associated with increased activity in the right MFG, superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), while reduced activity was observed in the bilateral Brodmann areas BA18 and BA19, bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), bilateral precuneus, bilateral post cingulate cortex (PCC), the left parahippocampus, and the left hippocampus. Functional connectivity analyses showed that the right MFG projected into the bilateral mPFC, bilateral precuneus, and bilateral middle occipital gyrus (MOG) for negative autobiographical memories. The second sample replicated the results of the first sample at both the behavioral and brain levels. These results suggest that retrieval suppression of autobiographical memories involve the pathway between the MFG and the mPFC and precuneus to exclude self-referential memories. These results reveal how people engage in motivated forgetting of negative events in their daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- FengYing Lu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,School of Education Science, Nanning Normal University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - WenJing Yang
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
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18
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Paxton Willing MM, Srikanchana R, Pickett TC, Ollinger JM, Riggs DS, Werner JK, Sours Rhodes C. An examination of volumetric and cortical thickness correlates of posttraumatic nightmares in male active duty service members. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2022; 327:111546. [PMID: 36302277 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2022.111546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic nightmares commonly occur after a traumatic experience. Despite significant deleterious effects on well-being and their role in posttraumatic stress disorder, posttraumatic nightmares remain understudied. The neuroanatomical structures of the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and anterior cingulate cortex constitute the AMPHAC model (Levin and Nielsen, 2007), which is implicated in the neurophysiology of disturbing dreams of which posttraumatic nightmares is a part. However, this model has not been investigated using neuroimaging data. The present study sought to determine whether there are structural differences in the AMPHAC regions in relation to the occurrence of posttraumatic nightmares. Data were obtained from treatment-seeking male active duty service members (N = 351). Posttraumatic nightmares were not significantly related to gray matter volume, cortical surface area, or cortical thickness of any the AMPHAC regions when controlling for age and history of mild traumatic brain injury. Although the present analyses do not support an association between structural measures of AMPHAC regions and posttraumatic nightmares, we suggest that functional differences within and/or between these brain regions may be related to the occurrence of posttraumatic nightmares because functional and structural associations are distinct. Future research should examine whether functional differences may be associated with posttraumatic nightmares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maegan M Paxton Willing
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), Bethesda, MD United States; Center for Deployment Psychology, USU, Bethesda, MD United States; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF), Bethesda, MD United States.
| | - Rujirutana Srikanchana
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD United States
| | - Treven C Pickett
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), Bethesda, MD United States; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD United States
| | - John M Ollinger
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD United States
| | - David S Riggs
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), Bethesda, MD United States; Center for Deployment Psychology, USU, Bethesda, MD United States
| | - J Kent Werner
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), Bethesda, MD United States; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD United States
| | - Chandler Sours Rhodes
- National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD United States; University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Bethesda, MD United States
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19
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Mertens YL, Manthey A, Sierk A, Walter H, Daniels JK. Neural correlates of acute post-traumatic dissociation: a functional neuroimaging script-driven imagery study. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e109. [PMID: 35686464 PMCID: PMC9230559 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current neurobiological models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) assume excessive medial frontal activation and hypoactivation of cortico-limbic regions as neural markers of post-traumatic dissociation. Script-driven imagery is an established experimental paradigm that is used to study acute dissociative reactions during trauma exposure. However, there is a scarcity of experimental research investigating neural markers of dissociation; findings from existing script-driven neuroimaging studies are inconsistent and based on small sample sizes. AIMS The current aim was to identify the neural correlates of acute post-traumatic dissociation by employing the script-driven imagery paradigm in combination with functional magnetic resonance imaging. METHOD Functional neuroimaging data was acquired in 51 female patients with PTSD with a history of interpersonal childhood trauma. Blood-oxygen-level-dependent response during the traumatic (versus neutral) autobiographical memory recall was analysed, and the derived activation clusters were correlated with dissociation measures. RESULTS During trauma recall, enhanced activation in the cerebellum, occipital gyri, supramarginal gyrus and amygdala was identified. None of the derived clusters correlated significantly with dissociative symptoms, although patients reported increased levels of acute dissociation following the paradigm. CONCLUSIONS The present study is one of the largest functional magnetic resonance imaging investigations of dissociative neural biomarkers in patients with PTSD undergoing experimentally induced trauma confrontation to elicit symptom-specific brain reactivity. In light of the current reproducibility crisis prominent in neuroimaging research owing to costly and time-consuming data acquisition, the current (null) findings highlight the difficulty of extracting reliable neurobiological biomarkers for complex subjective experiences such as dissociation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoki L Mertens
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Antje Manthey
- Charité University Clinic Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Anika Sierk
- Charité University Clinic Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Charité University Clinic Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Germany
| | - Judith K Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Fenerci C, Gurguryan L, Spreng RN, Sheldon S. Comparing neural activity during autobiographical memory retrieval between younger and older adults: An ALE meta-analysis. Neurobiol Aging 2022; 119:8-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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21
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Chiasson C, Moorman J, Romano E, Smith A. Traumatic Autobiographical Memories: Preliminary fMRI Findings Among Men With Histories of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221096566. [PMID: 35536174 PMCID: PMC9096212 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221096566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with autobiographical memory (AM) disturbances. AM is important for future thinking, sense of self, and coping with negative emotions. CSA is under-researched among men, with research examining long-term neural correlates limited even further. This study explored the neural correlates of re-experiencing traumatic/negative memories to examine the influence of CSA on AM into adulthood. Fifteen males who experienced CSA, with and without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; CSA+PTSD, n = 6; CSA–PTSD, n = 9) and control males without CSA histories nor PTSD (n = 11) completed a script-driven imagery paradigm during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Males with CSA histories, with and without PTSD, processed their negative autobiographical memories with less activation compared to control males. The CSA+PTSD group of males had less activation in the left superior occipital, left superior parietal and left parahippocampal gyri compared to control participants. The CSA–PTSD group had reduced activation in the same regions to a lesser extent. This study provides preliminary empirical evidence to suggest CSA impacts AM for traumatic experiences, and the impact is notable even for men who experienced CSA but do not have PTSD. This study highlights the need for more research with men who have experienced CSA, so that, we can fully understand the neural correlates of emotional memories, and better support the mental health and continued wellness of men who experienced CSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carley Chiasson
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessie Moorman
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elisa Romano
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andra Smith
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Hakamata Y, Suzuki Y, Kobashikawa H, Hori H. Neurobiology of early life adversity: A systematic review of meta-analyses towards an integrative account of its neurobiological trajectories to mental disorders. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100994. [PMID: 35331780 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may leave long-lasting neurobiological scars, increasing the risk of developing mental disorders in later life. However, no review has comprehensively integrated existing evidence across the fields: hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, immune/inflammatory system, neuroimaging, and genetics/epigenetics. We thus systematically reviewed previous meta-analyses towards an integrative account of ACE-related neurobiological alterations. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, a total of 27 meta-analyses until October 2021 were identified. This review found that individuals with ACEs possess blunted cortisol response to psychosocial stressors, low-grade inflammation evinced by increased C-reactive protein levels, exaggerated amygdalar response to emotionally negative information, and diminished hippocampal gray matter volume. Importantly, these alterations were consistently observed in those with and without psychiatric diagnosis. These findings were integrated and discussed in a schematic model of ACE-related neurobiological alterations. Future longitudinal research based on multidisciplinary approach is imperative for ACE-related mental disorders' prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Hakamata
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Toyama University, Toyama, Japan.
| | - Yuhki Suzuki
- Department of Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Toyama University, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hajime Kobashikawa
- Department of Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Toyama University, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Hori
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.
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23
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Fischer S, Schumacher S, Daniels J. Neurobiological Changes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Their Reversibility by Psychotherapy. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KLINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1026/1616-3443/a000650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating illness associated with distressing symptoms and a high societal burden. Objective: To investigate the neurobiological underpinnings of PTSD to improve our understanding of this disorder and its treatment. Methods: This article reviews currently researched mechanisms that can explain the development of PTSD symptoms. It presents key findings on neural (i. e., brain functioning and brain structure), neuroendocrine (i. e., noradrenergic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity), and related (epi)genetic changes in individuals with PTSD. Furthermore, it presents preliminary research examining the reversibility of these alterations during psychotherapeutic treatment. Results: PTSD is characterized by specific neurobiological alterations, with preliminary findings indicating that at least some of these may normalize during psychotherapy. Discussion: A multidimensional perspective on the development, maintenance, and treatment of PTSD has the potential to improve our understanding of the causal processes underlying the disorder and may ultimately inform the conception of novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Fischer
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Schumacher
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Health, Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Judith Daniels
- Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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24
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Creaser JL, Storr J, Karl A. Brain Responses to a Self-Compassion Induction in Trauma Survivors With and Without Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychol 2022; 13:765602. [PMID: 35391975 PMCID: PMC8980710 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.765602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-compassion (SC) is a mechanism of symptom improvement in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), however, the underlying neurobiological processes are not well understood. High levels of self-compassion are associated with reduced activation of the threat response system. Physiological threat responses to trauma reminders and increased arousal are key symptoms which are maintained by negative appraisals of the self and self-blame. Moreover, PTSD has been consistently associated with functional changes implicated in the brain's saliency and the default mode networks. In this paper, we explore how trauma exposed individuals respond to a validated self-compassion exercise. We distinguish three groups using the PTSD checklist; those with full PTSD, those without PTSD, and those with subsyndromal PTSD. Subsyndromal PTSD is a clinically relevant subgroup in which individuals meet the criteria for reexperiencing along with one of either avoidance or hyperarousal. We use electroencephalography (EEG) alpha-asymmetry and EEG microstate analysis to characterize brain activity time series during the self-compassion exercise in the three groups. We contextualize our results with concurrently recorded autonomic measures of physiological arousal (heart rate and skin conductance), parasympathetic activation (heart rate variability) and self-reported changes in state mood and self-perception. We find that in all three groups directing self-compassion toward oneself activates the negative self and elicits a threat response during the SC exercise and that individuals with subsyndromal PTSD who have high levels of hyperarousal have the highest threat response. We find impaired activation of the EEG microstate associated with the saliency, attention and self-referential processing brain networks, distinguishes the three PTSD groups. Our findings provide evidence for potential neural biomarkers for quantitatively differentiating PTSD subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanne Storr
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Anke Karl
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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25
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Blithikioti C, Nuño L, Guell X, Pascual-Diaz S, Gual A, Balcells-Olivero Μ, Miquel L. The cerebellum and psychological trauma: A systematic review of neuroimaging studies. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 17:100429. [PMID: 35146077 PMCID: PMC8801754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological trauma is highly prevalent among psychiatric disorders, however, the relationship between trauma, neurobiology and psychopathology is not yet fully understood. The cerebellum has been recognized as a crucial structure for cognition and emotion, however, it has been relatively ignored in the literature of psychological trauma, as it is not considered as part of the traditional fear neuro-circuitry. The aim of this review is to investigate how psychological trauma affects the cerebellum and to make conclusive remarks on whether the cerebellum forms part of the trauma-affected brain circuitry. A total of 267 unique records were screened and 39 studies were included in the review. Structural cerebellar alterations and aberrant cerebellar activity and connectivity in trauma-exposed individuals were consistently reported across studies. Early-onset of adverse experiences was associated with cerebellar alterations in trauma-exposed individuals. Several studies reported alterations in connectivity between the cerebellum and nodes of large-brain networks, which are implicated in several psychiatric disorders, including the default mode network, the salience network and the central executive network. Also, trauma-exposed individuals showed altered resting state and task based cerebellar connectivity with cortical and subcortical structures that are involved in emotion and fear regulation. Our preferred interpretation of the results is through the lens of the Universal Cerebellar Transform, the hypothesis that the cerebellum, given its homogeneous cytoarchitecture, performs a common computation for motor, cognitive and emotional functions. Therefore, trauma-induced alterations in this computation might set the ground for a variety of psychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Blithikioti
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - L. Nuño
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Recerca en Addiccions Clinic. GRAC, Institut Clinic de Neurosciències, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X. Guell
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - S. Pascual-Diaz
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Core Facility, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A. Gual
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Μ. Balcells-Olivero
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Recerca en Addiccions Clinic. GRAC, Institut Clinic de Neurosciències, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L. Miquel
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Grup de Recerca en Addiccions Clinic. GRAC, Institut Clinic de Neurosciències, Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Sussman TJ, Posner J, Jackowski AP, Correa A, Hoffmann EV, Porto de Oliveira Peruzzi F, Grecco FR, Nitzsche SH, Mesquita ME, Foester BU, Benatti di Cillo F, Mello MF, Coelho Milani AC. The relationship between recent PTSD secondary to sexual assault, hippocampal volume and resting state functional connectivity in adolescent girls. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 17:100441. [PMID: 35257017 PMCID: PMC8897602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Improved understanding of the time course of neural changes associated with adolescent PTSD would elucidate the development of the disorder and could inform approaches to treatment. We compared hippocampal volumes and resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) in adolescent girls with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) secondary to sexual assault, within six months of onset and age- and gender-matched, non-trauma exposed healthy controls (HCs) in São Paulo, Brazil. We also examined the relationship between pre- and post-treatment PTSD symptoms and RSFC. Method We collected brain structure, RSFC, and PTSD symptoms in 30 adolescents with PTSD (mean age: 15.7 ± 1.04 years) and 21 HCs (mean age: 16.2 ± 1.21 years) at baseline. We collected repeated measures in 21 participants with PTSD following treatment; 9 participants dropped out. Hippocampal volume and RSFC from hippocampal and default mode network (DMN) seeds were compared between participants with PTSD and HCs. We examined associations between within-subject changes in RSFC and PTSD symptoms following treatment. Results No hippocampal volumetric differences between groups were found. Compared to HCs, adolescents with recent PTSD had reduced RSFC between hippocampus and the lateral parietal node of the DMN, encompassing the angular gyrus, peak coordinates: −38, −54, 16; 116 voxels; peak F1,47 = 31.76; FDR corrected p = 0.038. Improvements in PTSD symptoms were associated with increased RSFC between hippocampus and part of the lateral parietal node of the DMN, peak coordinates: −38, −84, 38; 316 voxels; peak F1,47 = 40.28; FDR corrected p < 0.001. Conclusion Adolescents with recent PTSD had reduced hippocampal-DMN RSFC, while no group differences in hippocampal volume were found, suggesting that hippocampal function, but not structure, is altered early in the course of PSTD. Following treatment, hippocampal-DMN RSFC increased with symptom improvement and may indicate an important neural mechanism related to successful PTSD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara J. Sussman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Corresponding author. 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Jonathan Posner
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Andrea Parolin Jackowski
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
| | - Adriana Correa
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
| | - Elis Viviane Hoffmann
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Porto de Oliveira Peruzzi
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
| | - Fernando Rodrigues Grecco
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
| | - Samara Hipolito Nitzsche
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
| | - Maria Eugenia Mesquita
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
| | - Bernd Uwe Foester
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
| | - Felipe Benatti di Cillo
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Feijo Mello
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Coelho Milani
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, R Rua Major Maragliano, 241, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04017030, Brazil
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27
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Sambuco N, Bradley MM, Lang PJ. Narrative imagery: Emotional modulation in the default mode network. Neuropsychologia 2022; 164:108087. [PMID: 34785150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.108087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The default mode network (DMN) is activated when constructing and imagining narrative events, with functional brain activity in the medial-prefrontal cortex hypothesized to be modulated during emotional processing by adding value (or pleasure) to the episodic representation. However, since enhanced reactivity during emotional, compared to neutral, content is a more frequent finding in both the brain and body in physiological, neural, and behavioral measures, the current study directly assesses the effects of pleasure and emotion during narrative imagery in the DMN by using a within-subject design to first identify the DMN during resting state and then assess activation during pleasant, neutral, or unpleasant imagery. Replicating previous findings, enhanced functional activity in the medial prefrontal cortex was found when imagining pleasant, compared to unpleasant, events. On the other hand, emotion-related activation was found when imagining either pleasant or unpleasant, compared to neutral, events in other nodes of the DMN including the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), angular gyrus, anterior hippocampus, lateral temporal cortex, temporal pole, dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC). Pervasive emotional modulation in the DMN is consistent with the view that a primary function of event retrieval and construction is to remember, recreate, and imagine motivationally relevant events important for planning adaptive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Sambuco
- Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Margaret M Bradley
- Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Peter J Lang
- Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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28
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Contractor AA, Banducci AN, Jin L. The Relationship between Positive Memory Phenomenology and Alcohol Use among Trauma-Exposed Individuals. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:929-939. [PMID: 35345976 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2052099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence links positive memory characteristics and hazardous alcohol use (HAU). Relevant to the current study, evidence also indicates that trauma-exposed individuals, especially those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, report difficulties retrieving/accessing positive memories and report HAU. OBJECTIVE Considering this literature, we uniquely examined if and which positive memory characteristics were associated with HAU, and the potential mediating role of PTSD symptom severity in the examined relations. METHODS A sample of 126 trauma-exposed community participants seeking mental health treatment (Mage=34.97 years) completed measures of HAU (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), positive memory characteristics (Memory Experiences Questionnaire-Short Form [MEQ-SF]), and PTSD severity (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5). We conducted 8 hierarchical multiple regressions; Step 1 examined effects of gender and Step 2 added a single MEQ-SF dimension (specificity, valence, emotional intensity, sensory details, vividness, accessibility, coherence, sharing). RESULTS In Steps 1 (β=.27) and 2 (βs from .27-.28), gender was associated with HAU. In Step 2, positive memory characteristics of specificity (β=.17), sensory details (β=.17), sharing (β=.23), and valence (β=-.19) were associated with greater HAU. PTSD severity mediated relations between sensory details (β=.09, p=.048), emotional intensity (β=.12, p=.011), and sharing (β=.09, p=.036), and the extent of HAU. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Results that specificity, greater sharing, more sensory details, and higher negative valence of positive memories were associated with greater HAU offer potential points of intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne N Banducci
- The National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.,School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ling Jin
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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29
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Nicholson AA, Rabellino D, Densmore M, Frewen PA, Steryl D, Scharnowski F, Théberge J, Neufeld RWJ, Schmahl C, Jetly R, Lanius RA. Differential mechanisms of posterior cingulate cortex downregulation and symptom decreases in posttraumatic stress disorder and healthy individuals using real-time fMRI neurofeedback. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2441. [PMID: 34921746 PMCID: PMC8785646 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrinsic connectivity networks, including the default mode network (DMN), are frequently disrupted in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is the main hub of the posterior DMN, where the therapeutic regulation of this region with real-time fMRI neurofeedback (NFB) has yet to be explored. METHODS We investigated PCC downregulation while processing trauma/stressful words over 3 NFB training runs and a transfer run without NFB (total n = 29, PTSD n = 14, healthy controls n = 15). We also examined the predictive accuracy of machine learning models in classifying PTSD versus healthy controls during NFB training. RESULTS Both the PTSD and healthy control groups demonstrated reduced reliving symptoms in response to trauma/stressful stimuli, where the PTSD group additionally showed reduced symptoms of distress. We found that both groups were able to downregulate the PCC with similar success over NFB training and in the transfer run, although downregulation was associated with unique within-group decreases in activation within the bilateral dmPFC, bilateral postcentral gyrus, right amygdala/hippocampus, cingulate cortex, and bilateral temporal pole/gyri. By contrast, downregulation was associated with increased activation in the right dlPFC among healthy controls as compared to PTSD. During PCC downregulation, right dlPFC activation was negatively correlated to PTSD symptom severity scores and difficulties in emotion regulation. Finally, machine learning algorithms were able to classify PTSD versus healthy participants based on brain activation during NFB training with 80% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to investigate PCC downregulation with real-time fMRI NFB in both PTSD and healthy controls. Our results reveal acute decreases in symptoms over training and provide converging evidence for EEG-NFB targeting brain networks linked to the PCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Nicholson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Rabellino
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Densmore
- Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A Frewen
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Steryl
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frank Scharnowski
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jean Théberge
- Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Joseph's Healthcare, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard W J Neufeld
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christian Schmahl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Canadian Forces, Health Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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30
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Thomas KG, Bradley H, Chen A, Lipinska G. Trauma survivors with disrupted sleep generate less specific and less emotional autobiographical memories. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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31
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Neural vulnerability and hurricane-related media are associated with post-traumatic stress in youth. Nat Hum Behav 2021; 5:1578-1589. [PMID: 34795422 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01216-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The human toll of disasters extends beyond death, injury and loss. Post-traumatic stress (PTS) can be common among directly exposed individuals, and children are particularly vulnerable. Even children far removed from harm's way report PTS, and media-based exposure may partially account for this phenomenon. In this study, we examine this issue using data from nearly 400 9- to 11-year-old children collected before and after Hurricane Irma, evaluating whether pre-existing neural patterns moderate associations between hurricane experiences and later PTS. The 'dose' of both self-reported objective exposure and media exposure predicted PTS, the latter even among children far from the hurricane. Furthermore, neural responses in brain regions associated with anxiety and stress conferred particular vulnerability. For example, heightened amygdala reactivity to fearful stimuli moderated the association between self-reported media exposure and PTS. Collectively, these findings show that for some youth with measurable vulnerability, consuming extensive disaster-related media may offer an alternative pathway to disaster exposure that transcends geography and objective risk.
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32
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Roy O, Levasseur-Moreau J, Renauld E, Hébert LJ, Leblond J, Bilodeau M, Fecteau S. Whole-brain morphometry in Canadian soldiers with posttraumatic stress disorder. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1509:37-49. [PMID: 34791677 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) display several structural brain differences when compared with healthy individuals. However, findings are particularly inconsistent for soldiers with PTSD. Here, we characterized the brain morphometry of 37 soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces with adulthood war-related PTSD using structural magnetic resonance imaging. We assessed time since trauma, as well as PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms with the Modified PTSD Symptoms Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Whole-brain morphometry was extracted with FreeSurfer and compared with a validated normative database of more than 2700 healthy individuals. Volume and thickness from several regions differed from the norms. Frontal regions were smaller and thinner, particularly the superior and rostral middle frontal gyri. Furthermore, smaller left rostral middle frontal gyrus, left pericalcarine cortex, and right fusiform gyrus were associated with more recent trauma. All subcortical structures were bigger, except the hippocampus. These findings suggest a particular brain morphometric signature of PTSD in soldiers. Smaller and thinner frontal and larger subcortical regions support impaired top-down and/or downregulation of emotional response in PTSD. Finally, the correlation of smaller frontal, temporal, and occipital regions with more recent trauma might inform future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Roy
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec, Canada.,Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean Levasseur-Moreau
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec, Canada.,Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emmanuelle Renauld
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec, Canada.,Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luc J Hébert
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, Canada.,Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Réadaptation et Intégration Sociale, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Rehabilitation, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean Leblond
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Réadaptation et Intégration Sociale, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Bilodeau
- Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shirley Fecteau
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec, Canada.,Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
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Lloyd CS, Nicholson AA, Densmore M, Théberge J, Neufeld RWJ, Jetly R, McKinnon MC, Lanius RA. Shame on the brain: Neural correlates of moral injury event recall in posttraumatic stress disorder. Depress Anxiety 2021; 38:596-605. [PMID: 33369799 DOI: 10.1002/da.23128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Moral injury (MI) is consistently associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidality. METHODS We investigated neural activation patterns associated with MI event recall using functional magnetic resonance imaging in participants with military and public safety-related PTSD, relative to civilian MI-exposed controls. RESULTS MI recall in the PTSD as compared to control group was associated with increased neural activation among salience network nodes involved in viscerosensory processing and hyperarousal (right posterior insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex; dACC), regions involved in defensive responding (left postcentral gyrus), and areas responsible for top-down cognitive control of emotions (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; dlPFC). Within the PTSD group, measures of state and trait shame correlated negatively with activity among default mode network regions associated with self-related processing and moral cognition (dorsomedial prefrontal cortex; dmPFC) and salience network regions associated with viscerosensory processing (left posterior insula), respectively. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that MI event processing is altered in military and public safety-related PTSD, relative to MI-exposed controls. Here, it appears probable that as individuals with PTSD recall their MI event, they experience a surge of blame-related processing of bodily sensations within salience network regions, including the right posterior insula and the dACC, which in turn, prompt regulatory strategies at the level of the left dlPFC aimed at increasing cognitive control and inhibiting emotional affect. These results are consistent with previous findings showing enhanced sensory processing and altered top-down control in PTSD samples during autobiographical memory recall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle S Lloyd
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Homewood Health, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew A Nicholson
- Homewood Research Institute, Homewood Health, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria Densmore
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean Théberge
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard W J Neufeld
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Canadian Forces, Health Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Homewood Health, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Homewood Health, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Bar-Haim Y, Stein MB, Bryant RA, Bliese PD, Yehuda AB, Kringelbach ML, Jain S, Dan O, Lazarov A, Wald I, Levi O, Neria Y, Pine DS. Intrusive Traumatic Reexperiencing: Pathognomonic of the Psychological Response to Traumatic Stress. Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:119-122. [PMID: 33517759 PMCID: PMC9074400 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19121231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yair Bar-Haim
- School of Psychological Sciences, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Murray B. Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla,Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Richard A. Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Paul D. Bliese
- Department of Management, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, Columbia
| | - Ariel Ben Yehuda
- Department of Mental Health, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Sonia Jain
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Orrie Dan
- Department of Psychology, Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Emek Yezreel, Israel
| | - Amit Lazarov
- School of Psychological Sciences, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ilan Wald
- School of Psychological Sciences, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofir Levi
- School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yuval Neria
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Daniel S. Pine
- Section on Development and Affective Neuroscience, NIMH, Bethesda, Md
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35
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Steinmair D, Löffler-Stastka H. The Emerging Role of Interdisciplinarity in Clinical Psychoanalysis. Front Psychol 2021; 12:659429. [PMID: 34025523 PMCID: PMC8131672 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.659429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the tight interconnections proposed between brain and psyche, psychoanalysis was conceptualized as an interdisciplinary theory right from the beginning. The diversification of knowledge performed by different science and technology fields, concerned with the same matter (explaining mind and brain and connecting them), makes this interdisciplinarity even more visible and evident. This challenges the integrative potential lying in psychoanalytic meta-theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Steinmair
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner Private University for Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Henriette Löffler-Stastka
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Henriette Löffler-Stastka,
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36
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Rabellino D, Frewen PA, McKinnon MC, Lanius RA. Peripersonal Space and Bodily Self-Consciousness: Implications for Psychological Trauma-Related Disorders. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:586605. [PMID: 33362457 PMCID: PMC7758430 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.586605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripersonal space (PPS) is defined as the space surrounding the body where we can reach or be reached by external entities, including objects or other individuals. PPS is an essential component of bodily self-consciousness that allows us to perform actions in the world (e.g., grasping and manipulating objects) and protect our body while interacting with the surrounding environment. Multisensory processing plays a critical role in PPS representation, facilitating not only to situate ourselves in space but also assisting in the localization of external entities at a close distance from our bodies. Such abilities appear especially crucial when an external entity (a sound, an object, or a person) is approaching us, thereby allowing the assessment of the salience of a potential incoming threat. Accordingly, PPS represents a key aspect of social cognitive processes operational when we interact with other people (for example, in a dynamic dyad). The underpinnings of PPS have been investigated largely in human models and in animals and include the operation of dedicated multimodal neurons (neurons that respond specifically to co-occurring stimuli from different perceptive modalities, e.g., auditory and tactile stimuli) within brain regions involved in sensorimotor processing (ventral intraparietal sulcus, ventral premotor cortex), interoception (insula), and visual recognition (lateral occipital cortex). Although the defensive role of the PPS has been observed in psychopathology (e.g., in phobias) the relation between PPS and altered states of bodily consciousness remains largely unexplored. Specifically, PPS representation in trauma-related disorders, where altered states of consciousness can involve dissociation from the body and its surroundings, have not been investigated. Accordingly, we review here: (1) the behavioral and neurobiological literature surrounding trauma-related disorders and its relevance to PPS; and (2) outline future research directions aimed at examining altered states of bodily self-consciousness in trauma related-disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rabellino
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Paul A. Frewen
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret C. McKinnon
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ruth A. Lanius
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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37
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Leong K, Chan P, Ong L, Zwicker A, Willan S, Lam RW, McGirr A. A Randomized Sham-controlled Trial of 1-Hz and 10-Hz Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) of the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Civilian Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Un essai randomisé contrôlé simulé de stimulation magnétique transcrânienne repetitive (SMTr) de 1 Hz et 10 Hz du cortex préfrontal dorsolatéral droit dans le trouble de stress post-traumatique chez des civils. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2020; 65:770-778. [PMID: 32379487 PMCID: PMC7564694 DOI: 10.1177/0706743720923064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite effective psychological and pharmacological treatments, there is a large unmet burden of illness in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive intervention and a putative treatment strategy for PTSD. The evidence base to date suggests that rTMS targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), in particular the right DLPFC, leads to improvements in PTSD symptoms. However, optimal stimulation parameters have yet to be determined. In this study, we examine the efficacy of high- and low-frequency rTMS of the right DLPFC using a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled design in civilian PTSD. METHODS We conducted a 2-week single-site randomized sham-controlled trial of rTMS targeting the right DLPFC. We recruited civilians aged 19 to 70 with PTSD and randomized subjects with allocation concealment to daily 1-Hz rTMS, 10-Hz rTMS, or sham rTMS. The primary outcome was improvement in Clinician Administered PTSD Scale-IV (CAPS-IV). Secondary outcomes included change in depressive and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS We recruited 31 civilians with PTSD. One 1-Hz-treated patient developed transient suicidal ideation. Analyses revealed significant improvement in CAPS-IV symptoms in the 1-Hz group relative to sham (Hedges' g = -1.07) but not in the 10-Hz group. This was not attributable to changes in anxious or depressive symptomatology. Ten-Hz stimulation appeared to improve depressive symptoms compared to sham. CONCLUSION Low-frequency rTMS is efficacious in the treatment of civilian PTSD. Our data suggest that high-frequency rTMS of the right DLPFC is worthy of additional investigation for the treatment of depressive symptoms comorbid with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawai Leong
- Department of Psychiatry, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,380154Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,380154Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia, Canada.,8166Brainstim Healthcare, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Larry Ong
- Department of Psychiatry, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,380154Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amy Zwicker
- Department of Psychiatry, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,380154Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sharon Willan
- 380154Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Raymond W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alexander McGirr
- Department of Psychiatry, 2129University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, 2129University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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38
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Terpou BA, Densmore M, Théberge J, Frewen P, McKinnon MC, Nicholson AA, Lanius RA. The hijacked self: Disrupted functional connectivity between the periaqueductal gray and the default mode network in posttraumatic stress disorder using dynamic causal modeling. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 27:102345. [PMID: 32738751 PMCID: PMC7394966 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) shows altered effective connectivity dynamics. Modeling between the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and the default mode network (DMN). In PTSD, stronger excitatory effective connectivity from the PAG towards the DMN. Trauma-related/neutral stimulus modulations to effective connectivity are compared. In PTSD, trauma-related stimulus modulations differ significantly to the controls.
Self-related processes define assorted self-relevant or social-cognitive functions that allow us to gather insight and to draw inferences related to our own mental conditions. Self-related processes are mediated by the default mode network (DMN), which, critically, shows altered functionality in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In PTSD, the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) demonstrates stronger functional connectivity with the DMN [i.e., precuneus (PCN), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)] as compared to healthy individuals during subliminal, trauma-related stimulus processing. Here, we analyzed the directed functional connectivity between the PAG and the PCN, as well as between the PAG and the mPFC to more explicitly characterize the functional connectivity we have observed previously on the corresponding sample and paradigm. We evaluated three models varying with regard to context-dependent modulatory directions (i.e., bi-directional, bottom-up, top-down) among individuals with PTSD (n = 26) and healthy participants (n = 20), where Bayesian model selection was used to identify the most optimal model for each group. We then compared the effective connectivity strength for each parameter across the models and between our groups using Bayesian model averaging. Bi-directional models were found to be favoured across both groups. In PTSD, we revealed the PAG to show stronger excitatory effective connectivity to the PCN, as well as to the mPFC as compared to controls. In PTSD, we further demonstrated that PAG-mediated effective connectivity to the PCN, as well as to the mPFC were modulated more strongly during subliminal, trauma-related stimulus conditions as compared to controls. Clinical disturbances towards self-related processes are reported widely by participants with PTSD during trauma-related stimulus processing, where altered functional connectivity directed by the PAG to the DMN may elucidate experiential links between self- and trauma-related processing in traumatized individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braeden A Terpou
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Maria Densmore
- Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Jean Théberge
- Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Joseph's Healthcare, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Paul Frewen
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| | - Andrew A Nicholson
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria.
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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