1
|
Baltariu IC, Enea V, de Jong PJ, Aan Het Rot M. Associations between alcohol consumption and empathy in a non-clinical sample: drinking motives as a moderator. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10993. [PMID: 38744834 PMCID: PMC11094050 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59233-x] [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] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
People consume alcohol for multiple reasons. Negative motives are often associated with alcohol-related problems. These problems might be explained by negative effects of high alcohol consumption on empathy. Past studies have associated alcohol use disorder (AUD) with reduced cognitive and affective empathy. Few studies have focused on non-clinical samples and considered behavioral empathy. We examined the links between alcohol consumption and multiple aspects of empathy, and if these links were moderated by negative drinking motives. We collected online data of 520 unselected individuals. All completed the AUD Identification Test (AUDIT) and a Drinking Motives Questionnaire. Affective and cognitive empathy were assessed using the Empathy Quotient. Behavioral empathy was assessed by asking participants how likely they would help the person in each of 24 scenarios involving pain. Helping others in pain was positively predicted by affective and cognitive empathy. Higher AUDIT scores were associated with helping others less, particularly among participants who scored higher on drinking to cope with negative affect. People who drink more and do so to cope with negative affect appear to have less behavioral empathy. This supports the view that negative drinking motives contribute to AUD risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle C Baltariu
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași, Iași, Romania.
| | - Violeta Enea
- Department of Psychology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași, Iași, Romania
| | - Peter J de Jong
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marije Aan Het Rot
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zorani S, Peles E. Is pain empathy associated with pain indices and trauma history? A comparison between patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment and healthy controls. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:286-295. [PMID: 38335639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.02.007] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To study whether pain empathy and theory of mind (ToM) are related to pain indices and trauma experience, we studied opioid users receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), a population with a history of traumas and a high prevalence of chronic pain. METHODS MMT patients (n = 53), substance abuse-free, with no impaired cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) ≥24), were compared to healthy controls (HC) matched by age and gender (n = 66). All participants were assessed using Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RMET) for ToM, empathy (Interpersonal Reactivity Index [IRI], Empathy Quotient Scale for Adults [EQ60]), and Pain Empathy [PE task]). An algometer was used for pain pressure threshold, and supra-pain threshold was rated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Catastrophizing, McGill pain, Negative life events (NLE), and MoCA questionnaires were administered. Substance abuse was tested in the urine of MMT patients and self-reported by HC. RESULTS MMT, compared to HC, were less educated with more NLE and a lower RMET (logistic regression). Groups had comparable empathy and pain indices, except for higher supra-threshold VAS rating and catastrophizing in univariate analyses. Pain empathy (PE) correlated with NLE in HC, and in MMT, with catastrophizing, which correlated with NLE, perceived stress, and pain intensity. Higher empathy was observed in 18 participants with a history of sexual abuse (83.3 % belong to the MMT group). CONCLUSIONS Pain Empathy was found to be associated with personal suffering experience in both groups, as reflected by correlations with NLE in HC and with catastrophizing, which correlates with NLE, stress, and pain intensity, in MMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shlomit Zorani
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; D Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Use, Treatment and Research, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Einat Peles
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; D Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Use, Treatment and Research, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McCurdy LY, Yip SW, Worhunsky PD, Zhai ZW, Kim S, Strathearn L, Potenza MN, Mayes LC, Rutherford HJV. Neural correlates of altered emotional responsivity to infant stimuli in mothers who use substances. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 171:126-133. [PMID: 38277872 PMCID: PMC10922955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.024] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Mothers who use substances during pregnancy and postpartum may have altered maternal behavior towards their infants, which can have negative consequences on infant social-emotional development. Since maternal substance use has been associated with difficulties in recognizing and responding to infant emotional expressions, investigating mothers' subjective responses to emotional infant stimuli may provide insight into the neural and psychological processes underlying these differences in maternal behavior. In this study, 39 mothers who used substances during the perinatal period and 42 mothers who did not underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while viewing infant faces and hearing infant cries. Afterwards, they rated the emotional intensity they thought each infant felt ('think'-rating), and how intensely they felt in response to each infant stimulus ('feel'-rating). Mothers who used substances had lower 'feel'-ratings of infant stimuli compared to mothers who did not. Brain regions implicated in affective processing (e.g., insula, inferior frontal gyrus) were less active in response to infant stimuli, and activity in these brain regions statistically predicted maternal substance-use status. Interestingly, 'think'-ratings and activation in brain regions related to cognitive processing (e.g., medial prefrontal cortex) were comparable between the two groups of mothers. Taken together, these results suggest specific neural and psychological processes related to emotional responsivity to infant stimuli may reflect differences in maternal affective processing and may contribute to differences in maternal behavior in mothers who use substances compared to mothers who do not. The findings suggest potential neural targets for increasing maternal emotional responsivity and improving child outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan McCurdy
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Division of Prevention and Community Research, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Sarah W Yip
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Patrick D Worhunsky
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Zu Wei Zhai
- Department of Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA
| | - Sohye Kim
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA; Departments of Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Lane Strathearn
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA; Center for Disabilities and Development, University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA; Hawkeye Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA; The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, 06109, USA; The Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Linda C Mayes
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cox SS, Reichel CM. The intersection of empathy and addiction. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 222:173509. [PMID: 36565789 PMCID: PMC10518853 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173509] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Empathy, the ability to perceive the affective state of another, is a complex process that is integral to many of the prosocial behaviors expressed in humans and across the animal kingdom. Research into the behavioral and neurobiological underpinnings of empathic behaviors has increased in recent years. Growing evidence suggests changes in empathy may contribute to a myriad of psychiatric illnesses, including substance use disorder (SUD). Indeed, both clinical and preclinical research in SUD demonstrates a strong relationship between drug taking or relapse events and changes to empathic behavior. Further, there is significant overlap in the underlying neural substrates of these complex behaviors, including the insula, paraventricular nucleus of thalamus (PVT), and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of the interplay between empathic behaviors and SUD. We will also examine the underlying neurobiology that may regulate this interaction, focusing specifically on the insula, PVT, and PVN. Finally, we discuss the biologic and therapeutic importance of taking empathic processes into consideration when discussing SUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stewart S Cox
- Medical University of South Carolina, Dept. of Neurosciences, United States of America.
| | - Carmela M Reichel
- Medical University of South Carolina, Dept. of Neurosciences, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhou H, He Y, Yuan Z, Zhou Y, Yin J, Chark R, Fong DKC, Fong LHN, Wu AMS. Altered hierarchical organization between empathy and gambling networks in disordered gamblers. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1083465. [PMID: 36846215 PMCID: PMC9947716 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1083465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the demonstrated association between empathy and gambling at the behavioral level, limited neuroimaging research on empathy and gambling disorder (GD) has been conducted. Whether and how the brain network of empathy and that of gambling interact in disordered gamblers has not been investigated. This study aimed to address this research gap by examining the hierarchical organizational patterns, in which the differences of causal interactions of these networks between disordered gamblers and healthy controls were revealed. METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data of 32 disordered gamblers and 56 healthy controls were included in the formal analysis. Dynamic causal modeling was used to examine the effective connectivity within and between empathy and gambling networks among all participants. RESULTS All participants showed significant effective connectivity within and between empathy and gambling networks. However, compared with healthy controls, disordered gamblers displayed more excitatory effective connectivity within the gambling network, the tendency to display more excitatory effective connectivity from the empathy network to the gambling network, and reduced inhibitory effective connectivity from the gambling network to the empathy network. CONCLUSION The exploratory study was the first to examine the effective connectivity within and between empathy and gambling networks among disordered gamblers and healthy controls. These results provided insights into the causal relationship between empathy and gambling from the neuroscientific perspective and further confirmed that disordered gamblers show altered effective connectivity within and between these two brain networks, which may be considered to be a potential neural index for GD identification. In addition, the altered interactions between empathy and gambling networks may also indicate the potential targets for the neuro-stimulation intervention approach (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China.,Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yuwen He
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China.,Bioimaging Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China.,Bioimaging Core, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwen Yin
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China.,Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Robin Chark
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China.,Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Davis Ka Chio Fong
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China.,Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Lawrence Hoc Nang Fong
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China.,Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Anise M S Wu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China.,Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zorani S, Peles E. Intact and Impaired Mentalization and Its Relation to Empathy and Pain — a Cross-sectional Study of Patients with Opioid Use Disorder Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment. Int J Ment Health Addict 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-022-00927-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2022] Open
|
7
|
Robinson CSH, Claus ED, Calhoun V, Swartz M, Fokas K, Witkiewitz K. Association between empathy and drinking among a community sample of heavy drinkers: Sex differences and neural correlates. Addict Behav 2022; 132:107346. [PMID: 35533589 PMCID: PMC9547551 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major health problem, yet most individuals with AUD do not perceive a need for formal treatment and do not receive treatment. The lack of treatment seeking among individuals with AUD may suggest a lack of self-awareness and insight into the seriousness of AUD related problems, as well as lack of empathy for the impact of one's drinking on others. Recent work has suggested that empathy may be impaired among individuals seeking treatment for AUD. Further these impairments may differ by sex such that males with lower empathy reported more drinking consequences and greater drinking intensity, but there was no association between empathy and drinking among females. The current study used regression analyses (alpha = 0.05) to examine the association between empathy (as measured by the four scales of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index), independent components of gray matter volume in regions associated with empathy, and drinking variables among non-treatment seeking drinkers with AUD (N = 136) and also examined these effects by sex. Results showed greater perspective taking was associated with less temporoparietal and frontotemporal gray matter volume (B(SE) = -0.912 (0.043), p = 0.034). An interaction between perspective taking and sex was associated with craving, such that higher perspective taking was associated with less craving for males only (B(SE) = -0.48 (0.243), p = 0.049; R2 = 0.087). Empathic concern was related to lower percent heavy drinking days for both males and females (B(SE) = -1.57 (0.743), p = 0.035; R2 = 0.11). The current study found empathy may be an important predictor of craving for males and frequency of heavy drinking for males and females. Future work should investigate whether empathy predicts treatment seeking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles S H Robinson
- The University of New Mexico, USA; The Mind Research Network, USA; The University of Chicago, USA.
| | - Eric D Claus
- The Mind Research Network, USA; The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Vince Calhoun
- The Mind Research Network, USA; Georgia State University, USA
| | - Megan Swartz
- The University of New Mexico, USA; The Mind Research Network, USA
| | | | - Katie Witkiewitz
- The University of New Mexico, USA; The Mind Research Network, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu AMS, Zhou H, Dang L, Chen JH. Is Empathy Associated with Gambling and Its Addiction? A Scoping Review of Empirical Studies. J Gambl Stud 2022; 39:689-711. [PMID: 35618858 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10130-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Considering the low levels of empathy associated with substance-related addictions and the similarities between gambling disorder (GD) and substance-related addiction, understanding the relationship between empathy and GD may clarify the mechanism of addiction development. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the empirical evidence for the potential protective role of emotional and cognitive empathy against GD development via internalizing and/or externalizing pathways. We followed the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews and 11 articles met the inclusion criteria. Although most of the reviewed studies used correlational designs and non-gambling-specific samples, this review highlights (1) significant relationships between both types of empathy and the neural activity of gambling behaviors, and (2) reduced cognitive empathy (i.e., fantasy and perspective taking) and increased emotional empathy (i.e., personal distress) among problem gamblers than their gambling counterparts. Despite the lack of studies directly testing the protective role of empathy against GD, the existing studies (n = 8) nevertheless shed light on the potential protective effects of both types of empathy on GD development. This review identified research gaps, which can be addressed in future studies by discovering the underlying mechanisms (e.g., internalizing and externalizing pathways) of these relationships. Experimental or longitudinal studies in gamblers investigating how different types of empathy are associated with GD via these pathways are called for as their findings have implications for prevention and intervention designs for GD and other addictive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anise M S Wu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.,Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China. .,Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China.
| | - Le Dang
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.,Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China.,Faculty of Teacher Education, Pingdingshan University, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Juliet Honglei Chen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.,Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Macao, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rodríguez-Ruiz J, Zych I, Llorent VJ, Marín-López I. A longitudinal study of preadolescent and adolescent substance use: Within-individual patterns and protective factors. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2021; 21:100251. [PMID: 34527057 PMCID: PMC8417910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2021.100251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use is one of the main risks for adolescent health. Many research projects have studied longitudinal patterns of use and risk/protective factors, but the number of studies focused on within-individual stability and change is low. The objective of this study was to discover specific longitudinal profiles of drug use and explore the role of social and emotional competencies, and empathy as possible protective factors against substance use. Method: This was a longitudinal study with 879 students (9-17 years at wave 1, 10-18 at wave 2). Substance use, social and emotional competencies, and empathy were measured with a survey. Results: Nine longitudinal profiles of substance use were found in this sample. Multinomial regression analysis found that low responsible decision making, self-management and affective empathy predicted the profiles of ascending user, chronic user and experiencer, respectively. Experiencer was also predicted by a low level of social awareness. Conclusions: The trend to a higher use over time can increase the odds of addiction in future. Some personal variables were found as protective factors against drug use. Thus, school interventions addressed to promote social and emotional competencies, and empathy seem necessary in order to decrease the adolescent drug use.
Collapse
|
10
|
Nachane HB, Nadadgalli GV, Umate MS. Cognitive and affective empathy in men with alcohol dependence: Relation with clinical profile, abstinence, and motivation. Indian J Psychiatry 2021; 63:418-423. [PMID: 34789928 PMCID: PMC8522608 DOI: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_1101_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empathy plays a role not only in pathophysiology but also in planning management strategies for alcohol dependence; however, few studies have looked into it. No data are available regarding the variation of empathy with abstinence and motivation. Assessment based on cognitive and affective dimensions of empathy is needed. AIM This study aimed to assess cognitive and affective empathy in men with alcohol dependence and compared it with normal controls. Association of empathy with disease-specific variables, motivation, and abstinence was also done. METHODS This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in the outpatient department of a tertiary care center. Sixty men with alcohol dependence and 60 healthy controls were recruited and assessed using the Basic Empathy Scale for cognitive and affective empathy. The University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale was used to assess motivation. Other variables were assessed using a semi-structured pro forma. Comparative analysis was done using unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA. Correlation was done using Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS Cases with alcohol dependence showed lower levels of cognitive, affective, and total empathy as compared to controls. Affective and total empathy were higher in abstinent men. Empathy varied across various stages of motivation, with a significant difference seen between precontemplation and action stages. Empathy correlated negatively with number of relapses and positively with family history of addiction. CONCLUSIONS Empathy (both cognitive and affective) is significantly reduced in alcohol dependence. Higher empathy correlates with lesser relapses. Abstinence and progression in motivation cycle is associated with remission in empathic deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gomati V Nadadgalli
- Department of Psychiatry, Grant Government College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Maithili S Umate
- Department of Psychiatry, Grant Government College and Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Empathy deficits and their behavioral, neuroanatomical, and functional connectivity correlates in smoked cocaine users. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 110:110328. [PMID: 33865925 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Reduced empathic abilities are frequently observed in drug abusers. These deficits may compromise interpersonal interactions and contribute to diminished social functioning. However, previous evidence regarding empathy and addiction is behaviorally unspecific and virtually null in terms of their brain structural or functional correlates. Moreover, no previous study has investigated how empathy is affected by drugs whose consumption is particularly characterized by counter-empathic behaviors. Here, we conducted the first assessment of neurocognitive correlates of empathy for pain in dependent users (predominantly men) of smoked cocaine (SC, coca paste, n = 37). We compared their performance in the empathy task with that of two groups matched in relevant demographic variables: 24 dependent users of insufflated cocaine hydrochloride (CC) and 21 healthy controls. In addition, we explored the structural anatomy and functional connectivity (FC) correlates of empathic impairments across groups. Our results showed that, compared to CC and controls, SC users exhibited a selective reduction of empathic concern for intentional harms. These impairments were associated with lower gray matter volumes in regions subserving social cognition (i.e., right inferior parietal lobule, supramarginal and angular gyri). Furthermore, reduced empathic concern correlated with FC within affective empathy and social cognition networks, which are also linked to cognitive changes reported in addiction (i.e., inferior frontal and orbital gyri, posterior insula, supplementary motor area, cingulate cortex). Our findings suggest that chronic consumption of SC may involve reduced empathic concern and relevant neuroanatomical and FC abnormalities, which, in turn, may result in social interaction dysfunction. These results can inform theoretical and applied developments in neuropsychopharmacology.
Collapse
|
12
|
Tomei A, Studer J, Gmel G. Prosocialness in young males with substance and behavioral addictions. J Behav Addict 2021; 10:327-337. [PMID: 34191744 PMCID: PMC8996797 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2021.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Social determinants are closely related to addiction, both as a cause and a consequence of substance use and other addictive behaviors. The present paper examines prosocialness (i.e. the tendency to help, empathize, and care for others) among a population of young males. We compared prosocialness across different types of addiction and examined whether prosocialness varied according to the presence of multiple addictions. METHODS A sample of 5,675 young males, aged 19-29 years old (Mean = 21.4; Median = 21), completed a questionnaire that included screening tools to identify addictive behaviors with regards to alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, gambling, and gaming. The questionnaire also included a scale to measure prosocialness. RESULTS Compared to a no-addiction control group, the subgroups of young men suffering from behavioral addictions (i.e., gambling and gaming) reported the lowest levels of prosocialness. Respondents with an alcohol addiction also showed lower prosocialness compared to no-addiction controls. By contrast, no significant differences in prosocialness were found between respondents with nicotine disorder or cannabis disorder and the no-addiction controls. Furthermore, the number of addictions had no clear, observable effects on prosocialness. Significant differences were found between the no-addiction control group and the groups reporting one or more addictions, but not between the separate groups reporting one, two, and three or more addictions. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of the social dimension affecting young males with addiction, particularly gambling and gaming addictions, may be useful for their prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tomei
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 23, CH – 1011Lausanne, Switzerland,Corresponding author. E-mail:
| | - Joseph Studer
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 23, CH – 1011Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Gmel
- Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 23, CH – 1011Lausanne, Switzerland,Research Department, Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne, Switzerland,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, ON, Canada,Department of Health and Social Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Affective empathy and prosocial behavior in rodents. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2021; 68:181-189. [PMID: 34091136 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Empathy is an essential function for humans as social animals. Emotional contagion, the basic form of afffective empathy, comprises the cognitive process of perceiving and sharing the affective state of others. The observational fear assay, an animal model of emotional contagion, has enabled researchers to undertake molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanism of this behavior. Such studies have revealed that observational fear is mediated through neural circuits involved in processing the affective dimension of direct pain experiences. A mouse can also respond to milder social stimuli induced by either positive or negative emotional changes in another mouse, which seems not dependent on the affective pain circuits. Further studies should explore how different neural circuits contribute to integrating different dimensions of affective empathy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Social Media Addiction and Empathy: Moderating impact of personality traits among high school students. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2020.101516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
15
|
“I’d Probably Be Dead Now”: Evaluating the Impact of Theatre Practitioners Working on a Recovery-Based Community Drama Project. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00437-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractAside from the often-fatal consequences of substance abuse, people recovering from addiction suffer greater adverse childhood experiences, trauma in adulthood, and inequalities than non-addicts. As a result, psychological, emotional, and developmental barriers can prevent effective recovery, leaving people traumatised, vulnerable, and doubly stigmatised. The challenge, therefore, is for recovery practitioners to deliver responses that not only treat biological problems resulting from addiction but also address psychological, social, and cultural needs. One group of professionals providing holistic approaches to people in recovery are arts-based practitioners. This paper derives from a 3-year longitudinal study using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, to examine the psychosocial impact of one community-based drama project called Staging Recovery. The study found the work of theatre practitioners not only provided recovery participants safe spaces to explore sensitive and difficult recovery themes but the use of theatre techniques and ethically driven practice exposed participants to high-quality, social, cultural, and human capital.
Collapse
|
16
|
Williamson L. Creating an ethical culture to support recovery from substance use disorders. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2020; 47:medethics-2020-106661. [PMID: 33177147 PMCID: PMC8639939 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
There is a long-standing failure to create an ethical culture around substance use disorders (SUDs) or dependence that actively supports people's recovery efforts. Issues which impede the development of prorecovery environments are complex, but include the far-reaching effects of the social stigma that surrounds SUDs; and the failure to harness relational and social support that allows debates to transcend blaming individual substance users. As part of efforts to create prorecovery environments, it is important to acknowledge that bioethics debate on SUDs is narrow in scope, prioritising topics related to its traditional interests in individual autonomy and novel technologies. As a result, it has not played a significant role in helping to transform the ethical cultures in which substance use recovery takes place. For example, it largely neglects the ethical challenges of developing an empathic, person-centred approach to substance use problems that listens and responds to the voices of clients. It has also participated little in efforts to develop a positive response to reducing the toxic effects of stigma. Indeed, some contributions from the field fan stigma, rather than alleviate it. The aim of this paper is to seed broader ethical debate, in academic literature and lay/professional communities, on how societies should respond to SUDs: steering a course between the critical, but narrow approach of bioethics and the empowerment discourse of evidence-based treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Williamson
- Center for Bioethics and Health Policy, Institute of Public & Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Antons S, Matthias B. Inhibitory control and problematic Internet-pornography use - The important balancing role of the insula. J Behav Addict 2020; 9:58-70. [PMID: 32359231 PMCID: PMC8935194 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2020.00010] [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] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Diminished control over a specific behavior is a core characteristic in addictive behaviors such as problematic Internet-pornography (IP) use. First studies suggest that a hyperactivity of the impulsive system is one reason for impulsive behaviors in the context of problematic IP use. The tripartite-process theory of addiction explains neurocognitive mechanisms beyond common dual-process theories in addictive behaviors. However, the role of the reflective and interoceptive system is still unresolved. METHODS The study comprised a stop-signal task (SST) including neutral and pornographic images during fMRI and questionnaires to investigate associations between symptoms of problematic IP use, craving, and neural activity of the impulsive, reflective, and interoceptive system. We examined 28 heterosexual males with varying symptom severity of problematic IP use. RESULTS Data indicates that individuals with more symptoms of problematic IP use showed better performance in the SST which was linked to decreased insula and inferior frontal gyrus activity during pornographic image processing. An increase in craving was associated with lower activity of the ventral striatum during pornographic image processing. The interoceptive system showed varying effects. Increased insula activity during inhibitory control and decreased activity during pornographic image processing were associated with higher inhibitory control performance. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Effects of tolerance and motivational aspects may explain the better inhibitory control performance in individuals with higher symptom severity which was associated with differential activity of the interoceptive and reflective system. Diminished control over IP use presumably results from the interaction between the impulsive, reflective, and interoceptive systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Antons
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany,Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
| | - Brand Matthias
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany,Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany,Corresponding author. General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Forsthausweg 2, Duisburg, 47057, Germany. Tel.: +49 203 3792541; fax: +49 203 3791846. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Carlyle M, Rowley M, Stevens T, Karl A, Morgan CJA. Impaired empathy and increased anger following social exclusion in non-intoxicated opioid users. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:419-430. [PMID: 31686176 PMCID: PMC7018792 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05378-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Social functioning is modulated by the endogenous opioid system. In opioid use disorder, social functioning appears disrupted, but little research has delineated the nature of these deficits and their relationship to acute opioid use. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to assess both emotional and cognitive empathy, along with subjective and physiological responses to social exclusion in opioid users who were either acutely intoxicated or non-intoxicated from using opioids. METHODS Individuals on an opioid substitution medication (OSM) were divided into 'intoxicated users' (had taken their OSM the same day as testing, n = 20) and 'non-intoxicated users' (had taken their OSM > 12 h ago, n = 20) and compared with opioid-naïve controls (n = 24). Empathy was assessed using the multifaceted empathy test and self-report questionnaire. Participants also underwent a period of social exclusion (Cyberball Game) and completed measures of mood and physiological responses (salivary cortisol and heart rate). RESULTS Non-intoxicated users had significantly lower emotional empathy (the ability to experience others' emotions), as well as greater anger after social exclusion when compared with the intoxicated users and controls. Anger did not change with social exclusion in the intoxicated user group and cortisol levels were lower overall. CONCLUSIONS Reduced ability to spontaneously share the emotions of others was reported in non-intoxicated users, particularly regarding positive emotions. There was some support for the idea of hyperalgesia to social pain, but this was restricted to an enhanced anger response in non-intoxicated users. Equivalent rates of empathy between the intoxicated users and controls could indicate some remediating effects of acute opioids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Carlyle
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Washington Singer Building, Perry Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK.
| | - Megan Rowley
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Washington Singer Building, Perry Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Tobias Stevens
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Washington Singer Building, Perry Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Anke Karl
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Washington Singer Building, Perry Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Celia J A Morgan
- Psychopharmacology and Addiction Research Centre (PARC), University of Exeter, Washington Singer Building, Perry Road, Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ma T, Sun Y, Ku Y. Effects of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation on Stimulant Craving in Users of Cocaine, Amphetamine, or Methamphetamine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1095. [PMID: 31680830 PMCID: PMC6813242 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine system plays a pivotal role in specific kinds of substance use disorders (SUD, i. e., cocaine and methamphetamine use disorders). Many studies addressed whether dopamine-involved craving could be alleviated by non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques. Nevertheless, the outcomes were highly inconsistent and the stimulating parameters were highly variable. In the current study, we ran a meta-analysis to identify an overall effect size of NIBS and try to find stimulating parameters of special note. We primarily find 2,530 unduplicated studies in PubMed, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar database involving “Cocaine”/“Amphetamine”/“Methamphetamine” binded with “TMS”/“tDCS”/“non-invasive stimulation” in either field. After visual screening, 26 studies remained. While 16 studies were further excluded due to the lack of data, invalid craving scoring or the absence of sham condition. At last, 16 units of analysis in 12 eligible studies were coded and forwarded to a random-effect analysis. The results showed a large positive main effect of stimulation (Hedge's g = 1.116, CI = [0.597, 1.634]). Further subgroup analysis found that only high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could elicit a significant decrease in craving, while the outcome of low-frequency stimulation was relatively controversial. Moreover, univariate meta regression revealed that the number of pulses per session could impose negative moderation toward the intervention. No significant moderation effect was found in types of abuse, overall days of stimulation and other variables of stimulating protocol. In conclusion, this meta-analysis offered a persuasive evidence for the feasibility of using NIBS to remit substance addictive behavior directly based on dopamine system. We also give clear methodological guidance that researchers are expected to use high-frequency, sufficiently segmented rTMS to improve the efficacy in future treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Ma
- The Shanghai Key Lab of Brain Functional Genomics, Shanghai Changning-ECNU Mental Health Center, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yurong Sun
- The Shanghai Key Lab of Brain Functional Genomics, Shanghai Changning-ECNU Mental Health Center, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixuan Ku
- School of Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,NYU Shanghai and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, NYU-ECNU Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
The aim of this article was to review current research regarding social cognition (SC) in gambling disorder (GD), to (i) compile and synthetize the current state of existing literature on this topic, and (ii) propose cognitive remediation therapy approaches focused on SC for clinicians.
Recent Findings
It is well known that disordered gamblers show impairment regarding non-social cognitive functions such as inhibition, attention, and decision-making. Furthermore, patients with substance use disorders also present certain deficits regarding social information processing which are difficult to differentiate from the intrinsic toxic effects linked to drugs or alcohol consumption.
Summary
To date, relatively little research has been undertaken to explore SC in gambling disorder (GD) with neuropsychological tasks. Preliminary results suggest impaired non-verbal emotion processing, but only one study has directly measured SC in GD. As a consequence, future research on this framework should propose diverse measures of SC, while controlling for other factors such as personality traits and subtypes of disordered gamblers.
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review deficits in emotional processing and social cognition potentially contributing to the dysfunctional emotion regulation and difficulties with interpersonal relationships observed in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and to provide directions for future research. METHOD First is presented a review of emotional and social-cognitive impairments in recently detoxified AUD individuals that include alexithymia, difficulties in decoding others' emotions, and reduced theory of mind and empathy skills. Social cognition disorders in AUD pose different issues discussed, such as whether (1) these deficits are consequences of excessive alcohol consumption or premorbid risk factors for addiction, (2) emotional and social impairments impede positive treatment outcome, (3) recovery of social abilities is possible with sustained abstinence, and (4) AUD patients are unaware of their emotional and social dysfunctions. Finally, current knowledge on structural and functional brain correlates of these deficits in AUD are reviewed. RESULTS Emotional and social-cognitive functions affected in AUD can potentially compromise efforts to initiate and maintain abstinence by hampering efficacy of clinical treatment. Such dysfunction can obstruct efforts to enable or reinstate higher-order abilities such as emotional self-regulation, motivation to change, success in interpersonal/social interactions, and emotional insight and awareness of social dysfunctions (i.e., accurate metacognition). CONCLUSIONS The present review highlights the need to account for emotional processing and social cognition in the evaluation and rehabilitation of alcohol-related neurocognitive disorders and to consider psychotherapeutic treatment involving remediation of emotional and social skills as implemented in psychiatric and neurological disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Collapse
|
22
|
Alcohol, empathy, and morality: acute effects of alcohol consumption on affective empathy and moral decision-making. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:3477-3496. [PMID: 31289885 PMCID: PMC6892760 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05314-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Hypothetical moral dilemmas, pitting characteristically utilitarian and non-utilitarian outcomes against each other, have played a central role in investigations of moral decision-making. Preferences for utilitarian over non-utilitarian responses have been explained by two contrasting hypotheses; one implicating increased deliberative reasoning, and the other implicating diminished harm aversion. In recent field experiments, these hypotheses have been investigated using alcohol intoxication to impair both social and cognitive functioning. These studies have found increased utilitarian responding, arguably as a result of alcohol impairing affective empathy. OBJECTIVES The present research expands existing investigations by examining the acute effects of alcohol on affective empathy and subsequent moral judgments in traditional vignettes and moral actions in virtual reality, as well as physiological responses in moral dilemmas. METHODS Participants (N = 48) were administered either a placebo or alcohol in one of two dosages; low or moderate. Both pre- and post intervention, participants completed a moral action and moral judgment task alongside behavioural measures of affective empathy. RESULTS Higher dosages of alcohol consumption resulted in inappropriate empathic responses to facial displays of emotion, mirroring responses of individuals high in trait psychopathy, but empathy for pain was unaffected. Whilst affective empathy was influenced by alcohol consumption in a facial responding task, both moral judgments and moral actions were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that facets, beyond or in addition to deficits in affective empathy, might influence the relationship between alcohol consumption and utilitarian endorsements.
Collapse
|
23
|
Wong CY. How Does High-Functioning Autism (HFA) Relate to Addictive Behaviors? A Case Illustration of Two Chinese Adults in Hong Kong. Int J Ment Health Addict 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-018-9964-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
|
24
|
Limberger J, Andretta I. Social skills training for drug users under treatment: a pilot study with follow-up. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 31:29. [PMID: 32026122 PMCID: PMC6967240 DOI: 10.1186/s41155-018-0109-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Drug abuse is associated with loss of social skills by drug users. The literature review revealed a strong need for social skills training as a strategy to assist in psychosocial rehabilitation. However, few studies to date have evaluated the results of social skills training in therapeutic communities (type of treatment often used for drug users). Therefore, the aim of the present study is to describe the results of a pilot study regarding the social skills training of drug users under treatment. This is a quasi-experimental pilot study, with pre- and post-tests and follow-up. The following assessment instruments were used for data collection: Questionnaire on Sociodemographic Data and Drug Abuse; Multidimensional Scale of Social Expression; Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment. The social skills training led to a significant increase in the skills of making refusals and expressing negative affect, quality of life (psychological domain), and a significant decrease in depressive symptoms and quality of life (environment domain). The high rate of intervention adherence (81.25%; n = 13) is indicative of the benefits from therapeutic community treatment and justifies the need for further empirical research, especially in terms of protocol development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Limberger
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Clínica, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, (UNISINOS), Av. Unisinos, 950. Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, RS, CEP: 93020-190, Brazil.
| | - Ilana Andretta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Clínica, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, (UNISINOS), Av. Unisinos, 950. Cristo Rei, São Leopoldo, RS, CEP: 93020-190, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kroll SL, Wunderli MD, Vonmoos M, Hulka LM, Preller KH, Bosch OG, Baumgartner MR, Quednow BB. Socio-cognitive functioning in stimulant polysubstance users. Drug Alcohol Depend 2018; 190:94-103. [PMID: 30005311 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using more than one psychotropic substance is accompanied by increased risks for psychiatric and physical disorders. Accordingly, deficits in basal cognitive functions have been consistently associated with polysubstance use (PSU), whereas little is known about potential impairments in more complex socio-cognitive skills, which are relevant for daily-life functioning. Therefore, we investigated the effects of toxicological validated stimulant PSU on social cognition under consideration of potential cumulative effects. METHODS We compared socio-cognitive performances of 47 individuals with stimulant PSU with 59 matched stimulant-naïve controls using the Multifaceted Empathy Test (MET) and the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC). Additionally, social network size was assessed by the Social Network Questionnaire (SNQ). Hair and urine testing was employed to categorize three PSU subgroups (3, 4, and ≥5 substances used) and to ensure drug abstinence in controls. RESULTS Individuals with stimulant PSU showed lower emotional empathy (MET) and a smaller social network (SNQ) compared to controls (both with linear trends for increasing number of used substances: p < .05). In contrast, cognitive empathy (MET and MASC) was largely unaffected by PSU. Additional linear regression analyses within PSU individuals revealed number of used substances as the best predictor for inferior performance in emotional empathy (p < .01), while severity of the use of single substances or substance-classes did not show a significant impact. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate cumulative adverse effects of stimulant PSU on an important facet of socio-cognitive functioning. Therefore, emotional empathy deficits should be targeted in future interventions and rehabilitations for individuals with PSU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Kroll
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael D Wunderli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Vonmoos
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea M Hulka
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin H Preller
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver G Bosch
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus R Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analysis, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Jeon HJ, Kim S, Chon WH, Ha JH. Is Internet overuse associated with impaired empathic ability in Korean college students? Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e12493. [PMID: 30278539 PMCID: PMC6181547 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000012493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to determine whether Internet overuse was associated with empathic ability in college students.A total 261 participants (145 males and 116 females; mean age of 21.93 years) completed Empathy Quotient (EQ), Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and questionnaires about demographic data and internet using patterns.Of these 261 subjects, 85 (32.5%) were categorized as over-users. There was no significant difference in EQ total score between the over-user group and the average user group. The over-user group had lower scores of Social Skills than the average user group in subscale profiles. The over-user group stayed longer in cyberspace than the average user group. EQ score was found to have positive correlation with time spent in Internet use and the number of close friends.Results of the present study suggest that conventional Internet use is positively associated with empathic ability in interpersonal relationships. Therefore, such positive association between Internet use and empathic ability should be considered when evaluating possible problematic internet use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jun Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Konkuk University Medical Center
| | - Seolmin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Konkuk University Medical Center
| | - Woo-Hyung Chon
- Institute for Historical Studies at Chung-Ang University, Research Affair, Seoul
| | - Jee Hyun Ha
- Department of Psychiatry, Konkuk University Medical Center
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gandolphe MC, Lecluyse B, Triquet C, Brunelle E, Duparcq JP, Nandrino JL. Mind reading abilities in opiate-dependent patients: An exploratory study. Compr Psychiatry 2018; 83:46-52. [PMID: 29562165 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Impairments in social cognition have been described as playing a major role in the maintenance of addictive behavior in substance abusers. This study aimed to investigate the Theory of Mind (ToM) ability of opiate-dependent (OD) patients and to explore whether TOM ability was correlated with length of substance abuse, age at onset of substance abuse and length of abstinence. METHODS OD patients (N = 29) and non-dependent individuals (NDI) (N = 29) were submitted to the Theory of Mind Assessment Scale (Th.o.m.a.s.), a semi-structured interview, and to the Versailles-Lecture Intentionnelle en Situation (V-LIS), a movie paradigm in which participants have to infer the characters' intentions. RESULTS The results confirmed a deficit in ToM ability in OD patients, with OD patients demonstrating poorer performance than NDI on both the V-LIS and the Th.o.m.a.s. The combination of perspective taking and reflecting on others' mental states was particularly difficult for OD patients. Furthermore, impairments in ToM abilities were not correlated with the age at onset of substance abuse or to the duration of substance abuse or abstinence. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest OD patients may have impaired social cognition, demonstrating deficits in even basic social interaction skills, which may constitute a risk factor for addiction. These findings underline the importance of developing interventions to improve social cognition ability during the rehabilitation of OD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Charlotte Gandolphe
- SCALab UMR CNRS 9193, Staff DEEP (Dynamique émotionnelle et pathologies), University of Lille, Department of Psychology, B.P. 60149, F-59653 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France; Hospital Center of Hénin-Beaumont, Centre de soin, d'Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie (CSAPA), 585 Avenue des déportés, 62110 Hénin-Beaumont, France.
| | - Bérénice Lecluyse
- SCALab UMR CNRS 9193, Staff DEEP (Dynamique émotionnelle et pathologies), University of Lille, Department of Psychology, B.P. 60149, F-59653 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Claire Triquet
- Hospital Center of Felleries Liessies, Addiction Department "L'Oasis", 21 Rue du Val Joly, 59740 Felleries, France
| | - Emmanuel Brunelle
- Hospital Center of Hénin-Beaumont, Centre de soin, d'Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie (CSAPA), 585 Avenue des déportés, 62110 Hénin-Beaumont, France
| | - Jean-Paul Duparcq
- Hospital Center of Hénin-Beaumont, Centre de soin, d'Accompagnement et de Prévention en Addictologie (CSAPA), 585 Avenue des déportés, 62110 Hénin-Beaumont, France
| | - Jean-Louis Nandrino
- SCALab UMR CNRS 9193, Staff DEEP (Dynamique émotionnelle et pathologies), University of Lille, Department of Psychology, B.P. 60149, F-59653 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Żurowska N, Kałwa A, Rymarczyk K, Habrat B. Recognition of emotional facial expressions in benzodiazepine dependence and detoxification. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2018; 23:74-87. [PMID: 29353533 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2018.1426448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The study investigates how benzodiazepine (BZD) use and detoxification affects empathy and the recognition and intensity rating of emotional facial expressions. The sample comprised 43 participants in three groups: (1) during detoxification (N = 13), (2) after detoxification (N = 15), (3) a matched control group (N = 15). Clinical subjects were recruited from in-patients of an addiction treatment unit. METHODS Empathy levels were tested with the Empathy Quotient (EQ-Short). Recognition accuracy and emotion intensity rating were based on a computerised task displaying static and dynamic facial expressions of joy, anger, sadness, and fear. RESULTS The controls proved more accurate than both experimental groups in identifying facial expressions of negative emotions. Joy recognition proved most accurate overall. Among the clinical subjects, women in particular exhibited an impaired ability to correctly identify negative emotions from facial expressions. Dynamic stimuli were better recognised than static ones albeit only in the experimental groups. No significant differences were found for emotion intensity ratings and EQ scores. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the impaired facial emotion recognition accuracy is not caused by deficits in empathy. No improvement was recorded post-detoxification which may indicate impaired interpersonal functioning among BZD users. Further research is warranted in light of this study's limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasza Żurowska
- a Department of Experimental Psychology , Institute of Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Social Sciences and Humanities , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kałwa
- b Department of Child and Adolescence Psychiatry , Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Krystyna Rymarczyk
- a Department of Experimental Psychology , Institute of Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Social Sciences and Humanities , Warsaw , Poland
| | - Bogusław Habrat
- c Department of Prevention and Treatment for Addictions , Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology , Warsaw , Poland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Robinson CSH, Fokas K, Witkiewitz K. Relationship between empathic processing and drinking behavior in project MATCH. Addict Behav 2018; 77:180-186. [PMID: 29054077 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Family relationships, social connectedness and a greater network of supportive others each predict better drinking outcomes among individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The association between social factors and drinking may be related to the ability of individuals to take the perspectives of others' mental and emotional states, defined as empathic processing (EP). As such, it may be the case that EP is associated with social support (SS) and drinking behavior among individuals with AUD, yet few prior studies have attempted to define EP in an AUD sample. METHODS The current study was a secondary data analysis of Project MATCH (N=1726) using structural equation modeling to model EP as a latent factor. The study also sought to test the baseline associations between EP, SS, and drinking behavior, as well as sex differences in the associations between EP, SS, and drinking. It was hypothesized that EP would be positively associated with SS and negatively associated with drinking behavior. RESULTS Results suggested adequate model fit of the EP construct. Structural equation models indicated significant associations between EP, SS, and both drinking consequences and percent drinking days, but only for males. Males reported significantly lower EP and SS from friends, but more SS from family, compared to females. EP was not related to drinking among females. CONCLUSIONS The current study validated a model of EP in a treatment-seeking sample of individuals with alcohol use disorder. Future work may consider EP as a treatment-modifiable risk factor for drinking frequency and consequences in males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles S H Robinson
- University of New Mexico, Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, United States.
| | - Kathryn Fokas
- University of New Mexico, Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, United States
| | - Katie Witkiewitz
- University of New Mexico, Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Massey SH, Newmark RL, Wakschlag LS. Explicating the role of empathic processes in substance use disorders: A conceptual framework and research agenda. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017; 37:316-332. [PMID: 28493364 DOI: 10.1111/dar.12548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
ISSUES Elucidating the role of empathic processes in developmental pathways to substance use disorders could have important implications for prevention. APPROACH We searched the biomedical and social sciences literature to determine what is known about empathy and psychopathological manifestations of severe lack of empathy in the initiation, development and maintenance of psychoactive substance use. Thirty-seven empirical studies were identified and formally reviewed. KEY FINDINGS Adults with alcohol and stimulant use disorders exhibited detectable impairments in both cognitive and affective empathy, measured behaviourally, neuroanatomically and by self-report, relative to controls. There were no developmental studies specifically designed to test the role of empathy in substance use pathways, but several studies that included measures of empathy suggest that empathy may be protective. Studies on severe empathic deficits were mixed regarding a unique role of empathy in substance use trajectories, independent of interpersonal style, impulsivity and social deviance. Implications and Conclusions. In the context of findings and methodological limitations of this review, we recommend more rigorous examination of empathy across the spectrum of substance use behaviour. Future work should utilise the following: (i) prospective assessment of empathic capacity in substance abusers during and following treatment; (ii) large, developmentally based prospective designs beginning prior to substance initiation incorporating multiple measures of empathy; (iii) assessment of the moderating role of gender, race and ethnicity; and (iv) prospective study of empathy in children at elevated risk for substance use disorders. [Massey SH, Newmark RL, Wakschlag LS. Explicating the role of empathic processes in substance use disorders: A conceptual framework and research agenda.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suena H Massey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.,Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Rebecca L Newmark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Lauren S Wakschlag
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.,Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tomei A, Besson J, Grivel J. Linking empathy to visuospatial perspective-taking in gambling addiction. Psychiatry Res 2017; 250:177-184. [PMID: 28161613 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that people suffering from substance-related addictions are less empathic than their non-addicted counterparts. Our first aim was to verify if this is also true for behavioral addictions. We hypothesized that problem gamblers are less empathic than healthy controls. Our second aim was to identify a cognitive marker of empathy that could be targeted in cognitive rehabilitation strategies. We propose that a potential cognitive marker of empathy could be visuospatial perspective-taking. Specifically, we hypothesized that visuospatial perspective-taking performances are lower in problem gamblers compared to healthy controls and that these visuospatial performances predict empathy. Thirty-one non-gamblers, 24 healthy gamblers, and 21 problem gamblers performed a visuospatial perspective-taking task before completing the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI; Davis, 1980; Davis, 1983). Problem gamblers had decreased empathy and lower performance at the visuospatial perspective-taking task than non-gamblers and healthy gamblers. Furthermore, we confirmed that visuospatial perspective-taking abilities predict empathy on the IRI dimensions of interpersonal perspective-taking and personal distress. The present study provides new evidence that reduced empathy is not limited to subjects with substance-related addictions; rather, it extends to behavioral addictions. Visuospatial perspective-taking may be a viable cognitive marker for use as a rehabilitation target of empathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tomei
- Service of Community Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Jacques Besson
- Service of Community Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy Grivel
- Service of Community Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Stange K, Krüger M, Janke E, Lichtinghagen R, Bleich S, Hillemacher T, Heberlein A. Positive association of personal distress with testosterone in opiate-addicted patients. J Addict Dis 2017; 36:167-174. [DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2017.1303980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Stange
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Germany
| | | | - Eva Janke
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Bleich
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Germany
| | - Annemarie Heberlein
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Grynberg D, Maurage P, Nandrino JL. Preserved Affective Sharing But Impaired Decoding of Contextual Complex Emotions in Alcohol Dependence. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2017; 41:779-785. [PMID: 28092119 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research has repeatedly shown that alcohol dependence is associated with a large range of impairments in psychological processes, which could lead to interpersonal deficits. Specifically, it has been suggested that these interpersonal difficulties are underpinned by reduced recognition and sharing of others' emotional states. However, this pattern of deficits remains to be clarified. This study thus aimed to investigate whether alcohol dependence is associated with impaired abilities in decoding contextual complex emotions and with altered sharing of others' emotions. METHODS Forty-one alcohol-dependent individuals (ADI) and 37 matched healthy individuals completed the Multifaceted Empathy Test, in which they were instructed to identify complex emotional states expressed by individuals in contextual scenes and to state to what extent they shared them. RESULTS Compared to healthy individuals, ADI were impaired in identifying negative (Cohen's d = 0.75) and positive (Cohen's d = 0.46) emotional states but, conversely, presented preserved abilities in sharing others' emotional states. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that alcohol dependence is characterized by an impaired ability to decode complex emotional states (both positive and negative), despite the presence of complementary contextual cues, but by preserved emotion-sharing. Therefore, these results extend earlier data describing an impaired ability to decode noncontextualized emotions toward contextualized and ecologically valid emotional states. They also indicate that some essential emotional competences such as emotion-sharing are preserved in alcohol dependence, thereby offering potential therapeutic levers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Grynberg
- Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, CNRS, CHU Lille, UMR 9193, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Pierre Maurage
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology, Psychological Science Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jean-Louis Nandrino
- Sciences Cognitives et Sciences Affectives, CNRS, CHU Lille, UMR 9193, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Fede SJ, Harenski CL, Borg JS, Sinnott-Armstrong W, Rao V, Caldwell B, Nyalakanti PK, Koenigs M, Decety J, Calhoun VC, Kiehl KA. Abnormal fronto-limbic engagement in incarcerated stimulant users during moral processing. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:3077-87. [PMID: 27401337 PMCID: PMC4982833 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stimulant use is a significant and prevalent problem, particularly in criminal populations. Previous studies found that cocaine and methamphetamine use is related to impairment in identifying emotions and empathy. Stimulant users also have abnormal neural structure and function of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), amygdala, and anterior (ACC) and posterior cingulate (PCC), regions implicated in moral decision-making. However, no research has studied the neural correlates of stimulant use and explicit moral processing in an incarcerated population. OBJECTIVES Here, we examine how stimulant use affects sociomoral processing that might contribute to antisocial behavior. We predicted that vmPFC, amygdala, PCC, and ACC would show abnormal neural response during a moral processing task in incarcerated methamphetamine and cocaine users. METHODS Incarcerated adult males (N = 211) were scanned with a mobile MRI system while completing a moral decision-making task. Lifetime drug use was assessed. Neural responses during moral processing were compared between users and non-users. The relationship between duration of use and neural function was also examined. RESULTS Incarcerated stimulant users showed less amygdala engagement than non-users during moral processing. Duration of stimulant use was negatively associated with activity in ACC and positively associated with vmPFC response during moral processing. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a dynamic pattern of fronto-limbic moral processing related to stimulant use with deficits in both central motive and cognitive integration elements of biological moral processes theory. This increases our understanding of how drug use relates to moral processing in the brain in an ultra-high-risk population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J. Fede
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM,Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vince C. Calhoun
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM,Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Kent A. Kiehl
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM,Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Maurage P, D'Hondt F, de Timary P, Mary C, Franck N, Peyroux E. Dissociating Affective and Cognitive Theory of Mind in Recently Detoxified Alcohol-Dependent Individuals. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:1926-34. [DOI: 10.1111/acer.13155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Maurage
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology; Psychological Sciences Research Institute; Université catholique de Louvain; Louvain-la-Neuve Belgium
| | - Fabien D'Hondt
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology; Psychological Sciences Research Institute; Université catholique de Louvain; Louvain-la-Neuve Belgium
| | - Philippe de Timary
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology; Psychological Sciences Research Institute; Université catholique de Louvain; Louvain-la-Neuve Belgium
- Department of Psychiatry; Saint-Luc University Hospital; Brussels Belgium
| | - Charlotte Mary
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology; Psychological Sciences Research Institute; Université catholique de Louvain; Louvain-la-Neuve Belgium
| | - Nicolas Franck
- Centre de Neurosciences Cognitives; UMR 5229; CNRS; Bron Cedex France
- Service Universitaire de Réhabilitation; Centre Référent Lyonnais en Réhabilitation et en Remédiation Cognitive (SUR-CL3R); Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier; Lyon France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1; Villeurbanne Cedex France
| | - Elodie Peyroux
- Centre de Neurosciences Cognitives; UMR 5229; CNRS; Bron Cedex France
- Service Universitaire de Réhabilitation; Centre Référent Lyonnais en Réhabilitation et en Remédiation Cognitive (SUR-CL3R); Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier; Lyon France
- GDR 3557; SHU-Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne; Paris France
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tomei A, Besson J, Reber N, Rougemont-Bücking A, Grivel J. Personal distress and empathic concern in methadone-maintained patients. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2016. [DOI: 10.3109/14659891.2016.1140238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tomei
- Community Psychiatry Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jacques Besson
- Community Psychiatry Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nadia Reber
- Community Psychiatry Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Jeremy Grivel
- Community Psychiatry Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Caldwell BM, Harenski CL, Harenski KA, Fede SJ, Steele VR, Koenigs MR, Kiehl KA. Abnormal frontostriatal activity in recently abstinent cocaine users during implicit moral processing. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:565. [PMID: 26528169 PMCID: PMC4608360 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigations into the neurobiology of moral cognition are often done by examining clinical populations characterized by diminished moral emotions and a proclivity toward immoral behavior. Psychopathy is the most common disorder studied for this purpose. Although cocaine abuse is highly co-morbid with psychopathy and cocaine-dependent individuals exhibit many of the same abnormalities in socio-affective processing as psychopaths, this population has received relatively little attention in moral psychology. To address this issue, the authors used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to record hemodynamic activity in 306 incarcerated male adults, stratified into regular cocaine users (n = 87) and a matched sample of non-cocaine users (n = 87), while viewing pictures that did or did not depict immoral actions and determining whether each depicted scenario occurred indoors or outdoors. Consistent with expectations, cocaine users showed abnormal neural activity in several frontostriatial regions during implicit moral picture processing compared to their non-cocaine using peers. This included reduced moral/non-moral picture discrimination in the vACC, vmPFC, lOFC, and left vSTR. Additionally, psychopathy was negatively correlated with activity in an overlapping region of the ACC and right lateralized vSTR. These results suggest that regular cocaine abuse may be associated with affective deficits which can impact relatively high-level processes like moral cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan M. Caldwell
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research InstituteAlbuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Carla L. Harenski
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research InstituteAlbuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Keith A. Harenski
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research InstituteAlbuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Samantha J. Fede
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research InstituteAlbuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New MexicoAlbuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Vaughn R. Steele
- Intramural Research Program, Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute of Drug Abuse, National Institutes of HealthBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael R. Koenigs
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadison, WI, USA
| | - Kent A. Kiehl
- The Mind Research Network and Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research InstituteAlbuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of New MexicoAlbuquerque, NM, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chukhlovina ML. Cognitive impairments in psychoactive drug addicts. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2015; 115:83-85. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20151156183-85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
39
|
D'Hondt F, Campanella S, Kornreich C, Philippot P, Maurage P. Below and beyond the recognition of emotional facial expressions in alcohol dependence: from basic perception to social cognition. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2014; 10:2177-82. [PMID: 25429220 PMCID: PMC4242687 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s74963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies that have carried out experimental evaluation of emotional skills in alcohol-dependence have, up to now, been mainly focused on the exploration of emotional facial expressions (EFE) decoding. In the present paper, we provide some complements to the recent systematic literature review published by Donadon and de Lima Osório on this crucial topic. We also suggest research avenues that must be, in our opinion, considered in the coming years. More precisely, we propose, first, that a battery integrating a set of emotional tasks relating to different processes should be developed to better systemize EFE decoding measures in alcohol-dependence. Second, we propose to go below EFE recognition deficits and to seek for the roots of those alterations, particularly by investigating the putative role played by early visual processing and vision-emotion interactions in the emotional impairment observed in alcohol-dependence. Third, we insist on the need to go beyond EFE recognition deficits by suggesting that they only constitute a part of wider emotional deficits in alcohol-dependence. Importantly, since the efficient decoding of emotions is a crucial ability for the development and maintenance of satisfactory interpersonal relationships, we suggest that disruption of this ability in alcohol-dependent individuals may have adverse consequences for their social integration. One way to achieve this research agenda would be to develop the field of affective and social neuroscience of alcohol-dependence, which could ultimately lead to major advances at both theoretical and therapeutic levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabien D'Hondt
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology, Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Salvatore Campanella
- Laboratory of Medical Psychology and Addictology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charles Kornreich
- Laboratory of Medical Psychology and Addictology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Philippot
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology, Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Pierre Maurage
- Laboratory for Experimental Psychopathology, Psychological Sciences Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|