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Galvez-Merlin A, López-Villatoro JM, de la Higuera-González P, de la Torre-Luque A, McDowell K, Díaz-Marsá M, Leza JC, Carrasco JL. Decreased oxytocin levels related to social cognition impairment in borderline personality disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2024; 149:458-466. [PMID: 38477064 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dysfunctions in the oxytocin system have been reported in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Deficits could be related to interpersonal hypersensitivity, which has been previously associated with failures in social cognition (SC) in this disorder, especially in Theory of Mind (ToM) skills. The aim of this work is to study the links between the oxytocin system and SC impairments in patients with BPD. METHOD Plasma oxytocin levels (OXT) and protein expression of oxytocin receptors in blood mononuclear cells (OXTR) were examined in 33 patients with a diagnosis of BPD (age: M 28.85, DT = 8.83). Social cognition was assessed using the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC). Statistical associations between biochemical factors and different response errors in MASC were analyzed through generalized linear regression controlling for relevant clinical factors. RESULTS Generalized linear regression showed a significant relationship between lower OXTR and overmentalization in BPD patients (OR = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS This work supports the relationship between alterations in the oxytocin system and ToM impairments observed in BPD patients, enhancing the search for endophenotypes related to the phenotypic features of the disorder to improve current clinical knowledge and address more specific therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Galvez-Merlin
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - José M López-Villatoro
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar de la Higuera-González
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Assessment and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro de la Torre-Luque
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Karina McDowell
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Health Research Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Research in Neurochemistry, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Díaz-Marsá
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan C Leza
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Health Research Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Research in Neurochemistry, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - José L Carrasco
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
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Maoz H, Grossman-Giron A, Sedoff O, Nitzan U, Kashua H, Yarmishin M, Arad O, Tzur Bitan D. Intranasal oxytocin as an adjunct treatment among patients with severe major depression with and without comorbid borderline personality disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 347:39-44. [PMID: 37992767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.11.053] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Results of studies concerning a possible beneficial effect of Intranasal-Oxytocin (IN-OT) as an add-on treatment for patients with major depression (MDD) have been inconsistent. One possible explanation to account for the difference in the effect of IN-OT is comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD). This randomized controlled study was aimed to explore the differential effect of IN-OT administration among depressive patients with or without comorbid borderline personality disorder. METHODS A secondary analysis was conducted on a specific subset of patients who participated in an RCT evaluating the impact of IN-OT as add-on treatment for patients with severe mental illness. Patients treated in inpatient settings (N = 58) were randomized and double-blindly allocated to receive twice daily IN-OT (32 IU) or placebo for a period of four weeks. The effect of IN-OT on therapy process and outcome was examined among patients with (n = 35) and without (n = 23) comorbid BPD. RESULTS An interaction effect between diagnosis and group was observed on the Outcome Questionnaire-45 (B = 8.93, p = .007). Further analysis revealed that patients without BPD demonstrated significantly greater improvements following OT administration (B = -8.32, p = .001), whereas patients with BPD did not show significant improvement (B = 0.61, p = .76). The interactive pattern was also observed in the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (B = 0.25, p = .02), where patients without BPD demonstrated significantly larger improvements following OT administration (B = -0.29, p = .0009) as compared to placebo, while patients with BPD demonstrated no significant improvement (B = -0.04, p = .55). We did not find a harmful effect of IN-OT administration among patients with MDD and comorbid BPD. CONCLUSIONS Patients with MDD and comorbid BPD benefit less from IN-OT administration as compared to depressed patients without BPD. Future studies should aim to identify patients who are more likely to benefit from IN-OT administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagai Maoz
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel.
| | - Ariella Grossman-Giron
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel; Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Omer Sedoff
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel; Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Uri Nitzan
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel; School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Halil Kashua
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Maya Yarmishin
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Olga Arad
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel
| | - Dana Tzur Bitan
- Shalvata Mental Health Center, Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, Israel; Department of Community Mental Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Diaz-Marsá M, López-Villatoro JM, De la Torre-Luque A, MacDowell KS, Galvez-Merlin A, Gómez Del Barrio A, Ruiz-Guerrero F, Beato-Fernández L, Polo-Montes F, León-Velasco M, Martín-Hernández D, Carrasco-Diaz A, Leza JC, Carrasco JL. Decreased oxytocin plasma levels and oxytocin receptor expression associated with aggressive behavior in aggressive-impulsive disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:200-206. [PMID: 38157667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.12.032] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aims to enhance the understanding of the association between the phenotypic and endophenotypic characteristics of impulsive-aggressive disorders, through the study of plasma oxytocin (OXT) and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) levels in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and patients with eating disorders (ED), as well as to examine the relationship of OXT system with aggressive behavior in these disorders. METHODS 68 patients with BPD, 67 patients with ED and 57 healthy control subjects were examined for plasma oxytocin levels and protein expression of OXTR in blood mononuclear cells. Aggressive behavior was assessed using the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-2). Other self and hetero-aggressive behaviors were also evaluated through interviews. RESULTS BPD and ED patients exhibited significantly lower plasma oxytocin levels than control subjects. Furthermore, BPD patients demonstrated significantly reduced expression of OXTR compared to controls. Plasma oxytocin levels negatively correlated with verbal aggression, while OXTR expression was inversely associated with the STAXI trait subscale. CONCLUSIONS The findings validate the existence of oxytocin system dysfunction in impulsive-aggressive disorders. They also support the link between low OXT levels in plasma and OXTR expression and the impulsive-aggressive behavior that characterizes these patients in both state and trait situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Diaz-Marsá
- Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Spain
| | - J M López-Villatoro
- Institute of Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Spain.
| | - A De la Torre-Luque
- Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Spain
| | - K S MacDowell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Institute of Health Research Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), University Institute of Research in Neurochemistry UCM, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - A Galvez-Merlin
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Spain
| | - A Gómez Del Barrio
- Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Spain; Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Santander, Spain; Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - F Ruiz-Guerrero
- Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Santander, Spain; Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | | | | | | | - D Martín-Hernández
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Institute of Health Research Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), University Institute of Research in Neurochemistry UCM, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | | | - J C Leza
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Institute of Health Research Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), University Institute of Research in Neurochemistry UCM, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - J L Carrasco
- Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Spain
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Marazziti D, Carmassi C, Cappellato G, Chiarantini I, Massoni L, Mucci F, Arone A, Violi M, Palermo S, De Iorio G, Dell’Osso L. Novel Pharmacological Targets of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1731. [PMID: 37629588 PMCID: PMC10455314 DOI: 10.3390/life13081731] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychopathological condition with a heterogeneous clinical picture that is complex and challenging to treat. Its multifaceted pathophysiology still remains an unresolved question and certainly contributes to this issue. The pharmacological treatment of PTSD is mainly empirical and centered on the serotonergic system. Since the therapeutic response to prescribed drugs targeting single symptoms is generally inconsistent, there is an urgent need for novel pathogenetic hypotheses, including different mediators and pathways. This paper was conceived as a narrative review with the aim of debating the current pharmacological treatment of PTSD and further highlighting prospective targets for future drugs. The authors accessed some of the main databases of scientific literature available and selected all the papers that fulfilled the purpose of the present work. The results showed that most of the current pharmacological treatments for PTSD are symptom-based and show only partial benefits; this largely reflects the limited knowledge of its neurobiology. Growing, albeit limited, data suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, opioids, glutamate, cannabinoids, oxytocin, neuropeptide Y, and microRNA may play a role in the development of PTSD and could be targeted for novel treatments. Indeed, recent research indicates that examining different pathways might result in the development of novel and more efficient drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Gabriele Cappellato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Ilaria Chiarantini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Leonardo Massoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Alessandro Arone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Miriam Violi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Giovanni De Iorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
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Herzog P, Kube T, Fassbinder E. How childhood maltreatment alters perception and cognition - the predictive processing account of borderline personality disorder. Psychol Med 2022; 52:2899-2916. [PMID: 35979924 PMCID: PMC9693729 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder, comprised of heterogeneous psychological and neurobiological pathologies. Here, we propose a predictive processing (PP) account of BPD to integrate these seemingly unrelated pathologies. In particular, we argue that the experience of childhood maltreatment, which is highly prevalent in BPD, leaves a developmental legacy with two facets: first, a coarse-grained, alexithymic model of self and others - leading to a rigidity and inflexibility concerning beliefs about self and others. Second, this developmental legacy leads to a loss of confidence or precision afforded beliefs about the consequences of social behavior. This results in an over reliance on sensory evidence and social feedback, with concomitant lability, impulsivity and hypersensitivity. In terms of PP, people with BPD show a distorted belief updating in response to new information with two opposing manifestations: rapid changes in beliefs and a lack of belief updating despite disconfirmatory evidence. This account of distorted information processing has the potential to explain both the instability (of affect, self-image, and interpersonal relationships) and the rigidity (of beliefs about self and others) which is typical of BPD. At the neurobiological level, we propose that enhanced levels of dopamine are associated with the increased integration of negative social feedback, and we also discuss the hypothesis of an impaired inhibitory control of the prefrontal cortex in the processing of negative social information. Our account may provide a new understanding not only of the clinical aspects of BPD, but also a unifying theory of the corresponding neurobiological pathologies. We conclude by outlining some directions for future research on the behavioral, neurobiological, and computational underpinnings of this model, and point to some clinical implications of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Herzog
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Niemannsweg 147, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Ostbahnstr. 10, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Tobias Kube
- Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Ostbahnstr. 10, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Eva Fassbinder
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Niemannsweg 147, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
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Möhler E. Personality Disorders and Development. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12080983. [PMID: 35892424 PMCID: PMC9332276 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12080983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Möhler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Saarland University Hospital, G-66421 Homburg, Germany
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Florea T, Palimariciuc M, Cristofor AC, Dobrin I, Chiriță R, Bîrsan M, Dobrin RP, Pădurariu M. Oxytocin: Narrative Expert Review of Current Perspectives on the Relationship with Other Neurotransmitters and the Impact on the Main Psychiatric Disorders. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58070923. [PMID: 35888641 PMCID: PMC9318841 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Is a cyclic neuropeptide produced primarily in the hypothalamus and plays an important neuromodulatory role for other neurotransmitter systems, with an impact on behavior, response to danger, stress, and complex social interactions, such as pair bonding and child care. This narrative expert review examines the literature on oxytocin as a brain hormone. We focused on oxytocin structure, distribution, genetics, and the oxytocin receptor system, as well as the relationship of oxytocin with other neurotransmitters and the resulting impacts on the main psychiatric disorders. Oxytocin levels have been correlated over time with mental illness, with numerous studies focusing on oxytocin and the pathophysiology of the main psychiatric disorders, such as autism, schizophrenia, personality disorders, mood, and eating disorders. We highlight the role oxytocin plays in improving symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and social behavior, as the literature suggests. Risk factors and causes for psychiatric disorders range from genetic to environmental and social factors. Oxytocin could impact the latter, being linked with other neurotransmitter systems that are responsible for integrating different situations during the development phases of individuals. Also, these systems have an important role in how the body responds to stressors or bonding with others, helping with the creation of social support groups that could speed up recovery in many situations. Oxytocin has the potential to become a key therapeutic agent for future treatment and prevention strategies concerning the main psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Florea
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (T.F.); (M.P.); (A.C.C.); (I.D.); (R.C.)
| | - Matei Palimariciuc
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (T.F.); (M.P.); (A.C.C.); (I.D.); (R.C.)
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, 36 Bucium Street, 700282 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ana Caterina Cristofor
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (T.F.); (M.P.); (A.C.C.); (I.D.); (R.C.)
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, 36 Bucium Street, 700282 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Irina Dobrin
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (T.F.); (M.P.); (A.C.C.); (I.D.); (R.C.)
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, 36 Bucium Street, 700282 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Roxana Chiriță
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (T.F.); (M.P.); (A.C.C.); (I.D.); (R.C.)
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, 36 Bucium Street, 700282 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Magdalena Bîrsan
- Department of Drug Industry and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iaşi, 16 Universităţii Street, 700115 Iaşi, Romania;
| | - Romeo Petru Dobrin
- Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, 16 Universității Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (T.F.); (M.P.); (A.C.C.); (I.D.); (R.C.)
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, 36 Bucium Street, 700282 Iasi, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - Manuela Pădurariu
- Institute of Psychiatry “Socola”, 36 Bucium Street, 700282 Iasi, Romania;
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[Neurobiological principles of borderline personality disorder: integration into the ICD-11 model of personality disorders]. DER NERVENARZT 2021; 92:653-659. [PMID: 34019118 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-021-01133-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder associated with far-reaching impairments in the self and interpersonal functioning. The broad database has contributed to the fact that BPD remains the only categorical personality diagnosis in ICD-11, even if coupled to the determination of the severity of impairments. Nevertheless, we need to deal with a dimensional conceptualization of personality disorders-which is also supported by neuroscientific findings-at the latest in 2022 when the ICD-11 comes into effect . OBJECTIVE This narrative review provides an overview of neuroscientific findings regarding impairments in self and interpersonal functioning in patients with BPD. RESULTS Alterations in the medial prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal junction and precuneus mediate deficits in self-referential thought processes and the mentalization of emotions and intentions of others. Enhanced connectivity between the amygdala and midline structures is associated with hypermentalization. At the same time, elevated insula activation seems to underlie the strengthened nonreflective parts of feelings of other people. Frontolimbic alterations are transdiagnostically associated with deficient emotional regulation and negative affectivity and alterations in reward and cognitive control regions are related to impulsivity. CONCLUSION Neuroscientific findings help to have a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of central functional impairments in BPD and can support the transition to ICD-11 as well as the implementation of new interventions.
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9
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Carrasco JL, Buenache E, MacDowell KS, De la Vega I, López-Villatoro JM, Moreno B, Díaz-Marsá M, Leza JC. Decreased oxytocin plasma levels and oxytocin receptor expression in borderline personality disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2020; 142:319-325. [PMID: 32740913 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by intense affective reactions with underlying social and interpersonal cognitive deficits. Oxytocin has largely been associated with both stress regulation and social cognition in psychiatric patients and in non-clinical populations in previous studies. Finally, abnormal oxytocin levels have been preliminary reported in BPD patients. METHODS 53 patients with moderate-severe BPD and 31 healthy control subjects were investigated for plasma levels of oxytocin and protein expression of oxytocin receptor in blood mononuclear cells. Clinical assessments were made for severity, functionality, and comorbidity with axis I and II conditions. RESULTS Oxytocin plasma levels were significantly lower in BPD patients compared with controls. In addition, protein expression of oxytocin receptor was significantly reduced in the BPD group. A positive correlation was found between plasma oxytocin levels and the activity index score of the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ). Oxytocin receptor protein expression, on the contrary, had a negative correlation with the ZKPQ sociability index score. CONCLUSIONS Results support the evidence of a dysfunction of the oxytocin system in borderline personality disorder, which could be involved in emotional dysregulation and interpersonal disturbances in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Carrasco
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Buenache
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | - K S MacDowell
- Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Health Research, Hospital 12 de Octubre (Imas12), Madrid, Spain.,University Institute of Research in Neurochemistry UCM (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
| | - I De la Vega
- Institute of Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - J M López-Villatoro
- Institute of Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - B Moreno
- Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Health Research, Hospital 12 de Octubre (Imas12), Madrid, Spain.,University Institute of Research in Neurochemistry UCM (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Díaz-Marsá
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University Complutense Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Health Research, Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - J C Leza
- Biomedical Research Networking Consortium for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, UCM, Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Health Research, Hospital 12 de Octubre (Imas12), Madrid, Spain.,University Institute of Research in Neurochemistry UCM (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
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Schneider I, Boll S, Volman I, Roelofs K, Spohn A, Herpertz SC, Bertsch K. Oxytocin Normalizes Approach-Avoidance Behavior in Women With Borderline Personality Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:120. [PMID: 32218744 PMCID: PMC7078372 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Interpersonal deficits are a core symptom of borderline personality disorder (BPD), which could be related to increased social threat sensitivity and a tendency to approach rather than avoid interpersonal threats. The neuropeptide oxytocin has been shown to reduce threat sensitivity in patients with BPD and to modify approach-avoidance behavior in healthy volunteers. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled between-subject design, 53 unmedicated women with BPD and 61 healthy women participated in an approach-avoidance task 75 min after intranasal substance administration (24 IU of oxytocin or placebo). The task assesses automatic approach-avoidance tendencies in reaction to facial expressions of happiness and anger. Results: While healthy participants responded faster to happy than angry faces, the opposite response pattern, that is, faster reactions to angry than happy faces, was found in patients with BPD. In the oxytocin condition, the "congruency effect" (i.e., faster avoidance of facial anger and approach of facial happiness vice versa) was increased in both groups. Notably, patients with BPD exhibited a congruency effect toward angry faces in the oxytocin but not in the placebo condition. Conclusions: This is the second report of deficient fast, automatic avoidance responses in terms of approach behavior toward interpersonal threat cues in patients with BPD. Intranasally administered oxytocin was found to strengthen avoidance behavior to social threat cues and, thus, to normalize fast action tendencies in BPD. Together with the previously reported oxytocinergic reduction of social threat hypersensitivity, these results suggest beneficial effects of oxytocin on interpersonal dysfunctioning in BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Schneider
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Boll
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Inge Volman
- FMRIB Centre University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Karin Roelofs
- Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Angelika Spohn
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Bertsch
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Husain SF, Tang TB, Yu R, Tam WW, Tran B, Quek TT, Hwang SH, Chang CW, Ho CS, Ho RC. Cortical haemodynamic response measured by functional near infrared spectroscopy during a verbal fluency task in patients with major depression and borderline personality disorder. EBioMedicine 2019; 51:102586. [PMID: 31877417 PMCID: PMC6938854 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) provides a direct and quantitative assessment of cortical haemodynamic function during a cognitive task. This functional neuroimaging modality may be used to elucidate the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, and identify neurophysiological differences between co-occurring psychiatric disorders. However, fNIRS research on borderline personality disorder (BPD) has been limited. Hence, this study aimed to compare cerebral haemodynamic function in healthy controls (HC), patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and patients with BPD. Methods fNIRS signals during a verbal fluency task designed for clinical assessment was recorded for all participants. Demographics, clinical history and symptom severity were also noted. Findings Compared to HCs (n = 31), both patient groups (MDD, n = 31; BPD, n = 31) displayed diminished haemodynamic response in the frontal, temporal and parietal cortices. Moreover, haemodynamic response in the right frontal cortex is markedly lower in patients with MDD compared to patients with BPD. Interpretation Normal cortical function in patients with BPD is disrupted, but not as extensively as in patients with MDD. These results provide further neurophysiological evidence for the distinction of patients with MDD from patients with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda F Husain
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tong-Boon Tang
- Centre for Intelligent Signal and Imaging Research (CISIR), University Teknologi PETRONAS, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Rongjun Yu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wilson W Tam
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bach Tran
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Travis T Quek
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shi-Hui Hwang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheryl W Chang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Cyrus S Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger C Ho
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Herpertz SC, Schneider I, Schmahl C, Bertsch K. Neurobiological Mechanisms Mediating Emotion Dysregulation as Targets of Change in Borderline Personality Disorder. Psychopathology 2018; 51:96-104. [PMID: 29672301 DOI: 10.1159/000488357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Emotion dysregulation is a hallmark of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Most interventions for patients with BPD, therefore, aim at the improvement of emotion regulation. In the current paper, we provide an overview of studies investigating the effects of psychotherapeutic or pharmacological interventions on neurobiological correlates of various aspects of emotion regulation. In fact, studies suggest that the prefrontal-limbic circuit may play a major role in mediating effects of clinically efficacious psychotherapeutic treatments, i.e., they lead to clinical improvement via modulating the function and structure of the amygdala, the insula, and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, as well as prefrontal areas involved in the cognitive regulation of emotions, and enhancing the coupling of limbic and prefrontal areas. Oxytocin as a promising pharmacological approach to emotion dysregulation in BPD was shown to dampen amygdala activity in response to emotional stimuli. Understanding the brain mechanisms that mediate treatment effects will harness further development of targeted mechanism-based interventions for patients with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabella Schneider
- Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Schmahl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Bertsch
- Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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