Mitigation of stress: new treatment alternatives

Mindfulness-Based Student Training Improves Vascular Variability Associated With Sustained Reductions in Physiological Stress Response

In today's fast-paced society, chronic stress has become an increasing problem, as it can lead to psycho-physiological health problems. University students are also faced with stress due to the demands of many courses and exams. The positive effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on stress management and self-regulation have already been studied. We have developed a new mindfulness intervention tailored for students—the Mindfulness-Based Student Training (MBST). In this study, we present longitudinal results of the MBST evaluation. Biosignal analysis methods, including pulse wave variability (PWV), heart rate variability, and respiratory activity, were used to assess participants' state of autonomic regulation during the 12-week intervention and at follow-up. The progress of the intervention group (IGR, N = 31) up to 3 months after the end of MBST was compared with that of a control group (CON, N = 34). In addition, the long-term effect for IGR up to 1 year after intervention was examined. The analysis showed significant positive changes in PWV exclusively for IGR. This positive effect, particularly on vascular function, persists 1 year after the end of MBST. These results suggest a physiologically reduced stress level in MBST participants and a beneficial preventive health care program for University students.

Effects of relaxing breathing paired with cardiac biofeedback on performance and relaxation during critical simulated situations: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Active participation in high-fidelity simulation remains stressful for residents. Increased stress levels elicited during such simulation impacts performance. We tested whether relaxing breathing, paired or not with cardiac biofeedback, could lead to enhanced performance of residents during simulation.

METHODS

This randomized pilot study involved the fifth-year anesthesiology and critical care residents who participated in high-fidelity at Lyon medical simulation center in 2019. Residents were randomized into three parallel interventions: relaxing breathing, relaxing breathing paired with cardiac biofeedback, and control. Each intervention was applied for five minutes immediately after the scenario briefing. The primary endpoint was the overall performance during the simulation rated by two blinded independent investigators. The secondary endpoints included component scores of overall performance and changes in psychological states.

RESULTS

Thirty-four residents were included. Compared to the control group, residents in the relaxing breathing (+ 7%, 98.3% CI: 0.3 to 13.7, P = 0.013) and relaxing breathing paired with cardiac biofeedback (+ 8%, 98.3% CI: 0.82 to 14.81, P = 0.009) groups had a higher overall performance score. Following the interventions, compared to the control group, stress level was lower when participants had performed relaxing breathing alone (P = 0.029) or paired with biofeedback (P = 0.035). The internal relaxation level was higher in both the relaxing breathing alone (P = 0.016) and paired with biofeedback groups (P = 0.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Performing five minutes of relaxing breathing before the scenario resulted in better overall simulation performance. These preliminary findings suggest that short breathing interventions are effective in improving performance during simulation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study protocol was retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT04141124 , 28/10/2019).

Stress management using fNIRS and binaural beats stimulation

In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of binaural beats stimulation (BBs) in enhancing cognitive vigilance and mitigating mental stress level at the workplace. We developed an experimental protocol under four cognitive conditions: high vigilance (HV), vigilance enhancement (VE), mental stress (MS) and stress mitigation (SM). The VE and SM conditions were achieved by listening to 16 Hz of BBs. We assessed the four cognitive conditions using salivary alpha-amylase, behavioral responses, and Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). We quantified the vigilance and stress levels using the reaction time (RT) to stimuli, accuracy of detection, and the functional connectivity metrics of the fNIRS estimated by Phase Locking Values (PLV). We propose using the orthogonal minimum spanning tree (OMST) to determine the true connectivity network patterns of the PLV. Our results show that listening to 16-Hz BBs has significantly reduced the level of alpha amylase by 44%, reduced the RT to stimuli by 20% and increased the accuracy of target detection by 25%, (p < 0.001). The analysis of the connectivity network across the four different cognitive conditions revealed several statistically significant trends. Specifically, a significant increase in connectivity between the right and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) areas and left orbitofrontal cortex was found during the vigilance enhancement condition compared to the high vigilance. Likewise, similar patterns were found between the right and left DLPFC, orbitofrontal cortex, right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) and right frontopolar PFC (prefrontal cortex) area during stress mitigation compared to mental stress. Furthermore, the connectivity network under stress condition alone showed significant connectivity increase between the VLPFC and DLPFC compared to other areas. The laterality index demonstrated left frontal laterality under high vigilance and VE conditions, and right DLPFC and left frontopolar PFC while under mental stress. Overall, our results showed that BBs can be used for vigilance enhancement and stress mitigation.

The Association Between Heart Rate Variability and Quality of Life in Patients with Functional Somatic Syndrome and Healthy Controls

Functional somatic syndrome (FSS) includes a spectrum of somatic symptoms with insufficient medical explanation. Its underlying pathophysiology is considered to include dysfunctional stress-responsive systems or autonomic dysfunction. Among the autonomic dysfunction readouts, decreased heart rate variability (HRV) has been shown to be characteristic in patients with FSSs. However, its association with quality of life (QOL) has not been clearly examined. We examined the association between short-term resting HRV and QOL in patients with FSS (n = 47) and healthy controls (n = 28). The time domain parameters of HRV were mean heart rate per minute (HR), coefficient of variation of R-R intervals (CvRR) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). The frequency domain parameters of HRV were low-frequency (LF) power and high-frequency (HF) power by power spectrum analysis. The Japanese version of the WHO's QOL scale (WHOQOL-BREF) (WHO/QOL26) was used for the QOL assessment. There was a significant positive association between the RMSSD and HF power of HRV and all the QOL domains in patients with FSSs who had lower QOL scores on average than controls, while there was no association between HRV and any of the QOL domains in the control group. HF power was more dominantly associated with QOL than the other variables in patients with FSS based on the analysis with a multiple linear regression model. The present study elucidated that the HF power of HRV was dominantly associated with QOL in patients with FSSs who had lower QOL than controls. Vagal index of HRV could be a valuable indicator of the pathological condition and a significant predictor of health-related QOL in patients with FSSs.

EEG power spectral density in locked-in and completely locked-in state patients: a longitudinal study

Persons with their eye closed and without any means of communication is said to be in a completely locked-in state (CLIS) while when they could still open their eyes actively or passively and have some means of communication are said to be in locked-in state (LIS). Two patients in CLIS without any means of communication, and one patient in the transition from LIS to CLIS with means of communication, who have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis were followed at a regular interval for more than 1 year. During each visit, resting-state EEG was recorded before the brain-computer interface (BCI) based communication sessions. The resting-state EEG of the patients was analyzed to elucidate the evolution of their EEG spectrum over time with the disease's progression to provide future BCI-research with the relevant information to classify changes in EEG evolution. Comparison of power spectral density (PSD) of these patients revealed a significant difference in the PSD's of patients in CLIS without any means of communication and the patient in the transition from LIS to CLIS with means of communication. The EEG of patients without any means of communication is devoid of alpha, beta, and higher frequencies than the patient in transition who still had means of communication. The results show that the change in the EEG frequency spectrum may serve as an indicator of the communication ability of such patients.

The efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for young individuals with high-level perceived stress: study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial

Background

High level of perceived stress may result in negative effects both psychologically and physically on individuals and may predispose onset of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. However, there is no suitable intervention for it. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) studies have shown its therapeutic efficacy in treatment resistant patients with stress-related disorders. Here we describe an exploratory study protocol to investigate the effect of the intervention for the individuals with high level of stress.

Method

This is a single blinded, randomized sham-controlled trial, targeting at young healthy adults aging from 18 to 24 years old. Forty eligible volunteers will be recruited and randomly divided into active and sham rTMS group. All subjects will take a set of neuropsychological and biological assessments and MRI scanning before and right after the intervention. During the interventional period, 12-session stimulations will be performed in 4 weeks with three sessions per week. The primary outcome will detect the difference of Chinese 14-item perceived stress scales between active and sham rTMS groups after intervention. Secondary outcomes will examine the differences of other affective measurements, level of cortisol, and MRI-derived neural functional measures between the two groups after intervention.

Discussion

This trial aims to examine the effect of the 12-session rTMS intervention on individuals with high level of perceived stress. Positive or negative findings from any of the outcome measures would further our understanding of the efficacy of the stimulation and its neural impact. If effective, it would provide an evidence for a new treatment for high perceived stress.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900027662). Registered on 23 November 2019. And all items of the WHO Trial Registry Data set can be found within the protocol.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05308-3.

Smart Devices and Wearable Technologies to Detect and Monitor Mental Health Conditions and Stress: A Systematic Review

Recently, there has been an increase in the production of devices to monitor mental health and stress as means for expediting detection, and subsequent management of these conditions. The objective of this review is to identify and critically appraise the most recent smart devices and wearable technologies used to identify depression, anxiety, and stress, and the physiological process(es) linked to their detection. The MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, and PsycINFO databases were used to identify studies which utilised smart devices and wearable technologies to detect or monitor anxiety, depression, or stress. The included articles that assessed stress and anxiety unanimously used heart rate variability (HRV) parameters for detection of anxiety and stress, with the latter better detected by HRV and electroencephalogram (EGG) together. Electrodermal activity was used in recent studies, with high accuracy for stress detection; however, with questionable reliability. Depression was found to be largely detected using specific EEG signatures; however, devices detecting depression using EEG are not currently available on the market. This systematic review highlights that average heart rate used by many commercially available smart devices is not as accurate in the detection of stress and anxiety compared with heart rate variability, electrodermal activity, and possibly respiratory rate.

Major depressive disorder diagnosis based on effective connectivity in EEG signals: a convolutional neural network and long short-term memory approach

Deep learning techniques have recently made considerable advances in the field of artificial intelligence. These methodologies can assist psychologists in early diagnosis of mental disorders and preventing severe trauma. Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is a common and serious medical condition whose exact manifestations are not fully understood. So, early discovery of MDD patients helps to cure or limit the adverse effects. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is prominently used to study brain diseases such as MDD due to having high temporal resolution information, and being a noninvasive, inexpensive and portable method. This paper has proposed an EEG-based deep learning framework that automatically discriminates MDD patients from healthy controls. First, the relationships among EEG channels in the form of effective brain connectivity analysis are extracted by Generalized Partial Directed Coherence (GPDC) and Direct directed transfer function (dDTF) methods. A novel combination of sixteen connectivity methods (GPDC and dDTF in eight frequency bands) was used to construct an image for each individual. Finally, the constructed images of EEG signals are applied to the five different deep learning architectures. The first and second algorithms were based on one and two-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN-2DCNN). The third method is based on long short-term memory (LSTM) model, while the fourth and fifth algorithms utilized a combination of CNN with LSTM model namely, 1DCNN-LSTM and 2DCNN-LSTM. The proposed deep learning architectures automatically learn patterns in the constructed image of the EEG signals. The efficiency of the proposed algorithms is evaluated on resting state EEG data obtained from 30 healthy subjects and 34 MDD patients. The experiments show that the 1DCNN-LSTM applied on constructed image of effective connectivity achieves best results with accuracy of 99.24% due to specific architecture which captures the presence of spatial and temporal relations in the brain connectivity. The proposed method as a diagnostic tool is able to help clinicians for diagnosing the MDD patients for early diagnosis and treatment.

Implementing biofeedback as a proactive coping strategy: Psychological and physiological effects on anticipatory stress

Anticipating a stressful situation involves psychophysiological reactions before the occurrence of the overt stress event. The current challenge in the stress domain is to characterize anticipatory stress reactions and how to effectively modulate them. The present study aimed to characterize the anticipation period and evaluate the benefits of a heart-rate variability biofeedback (BFB) intervention designed to manage anticipatory stress. Healthy participants were exposed to an anticipation stress period (15 min) during which they either practised BFB (stress + bfb, n = 15) or watched a neutral video (stress + video, n = 14). Anticipatory stress was effectively induced by the Trier Social Anticipatory Stress (TSAS) protocol, specifically designed for this study. Control participants, without anticipation stress, practised BFB for an equivalent time (ctrl + bfb, n = 15). Subsequently, all participants performed a set of cognitive tasks assessing executive functions. Heart-rate variability (cardiac coherence, standard deviation of the R-R intervals, root mean square of successive difference measure) and the evolution of the perceived psychological state were measured during the anticipation period. Self-reported judgements of how the intervention influenced stress and performance were further assessed. The main result showed that BFB is a relevant proactive stress-coping method. Compared with the stress + video group, participants who practised BFB attained higher cardiac coherence scores. Post-intervention self-reported measures revealed that BFB contributed to reduce psychological stress and increase perceived levels of performance. Together, these findings provide practical guidelines for examining the stress anticipation period by means of the TSAS protocol.

Brain activity during time to contact estimation: an EEG study

Understanding the neural mechanisms associated with time to contact (TTC) estimation is an intriguing but challenging task. Despite the importance of TTC estimation in our everyday life, few studies have been conducted on it, and there are still a lot of unanswered questions and unknown aspects of this issue. In this study, we intended to address one of these unknown aspects. We used independent component analysis to systematically assess EEG substrates associated with TTC estimation using two experiments: (1) transversal motion experiment (when a moving object passes transversally in the frontoparallel plane from side to side in front of the observer), and (2) head-on motion experiment (when the observer is on the motion path of the moving object). We also studied the energy of all EEG sources in these two experiments. The results showed that brain regions involved in the transversal and head-on motion experiments were the same. However, the energy used by some brain regions in the head-on motion experiment, including some regions in left parietotemporal and left frontal lobes, was significantly higher than the energy used by those regions in the transversal motion experiment. These brain regions are dominantly associated with different kinds of visual attention, integration of visual information, and responding to visual motion.

Reduction of acute mild stress corticosterone response and changes in stress-responsive gene expression in male Balb/c mice after repeated administration of a Rhodiola rosea L. root extract

Rhodiola rosea L. (R. rosea) is an adaptogenic plant increasing body resistance to stress. Its efficacy has been evidenced mainly in chronic stress models, data concerning its effect in acute stress and underlying mechanisms being scarce. The objective was to investigate the effect of repeated doses of a R. rosea hydroethanolic root extract (HRE) on hypothalamic pituitary adrenal response in a murine model of acute mild stress and also the mechanisms involved. Stress response was measured in Balb/c mice having received by gavage HRE (5 g/kg) or vehicle daily for 2 weeks before being submitted to an acute mild stress protocol (open-field test then elevated plus maze). Corticosterone was measured in plasma from mandibular vein blood drawn before and 30, 60, and 90 min after initiation of the stress protocol. Mice were sacrificed at 90 min, and the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala were excised for high-frequency RT-PCR gene expression analysis. At 30 min after acute mild stress induction, corticosterone level in mice having received the HRE was lower than in control mice and comparable to that in nonstressed mice in the HRE group. HRE administration induced brain structure-dependent changes in expression of several stress-responsive genes implicated in neuronal structure, HPA axis activation, and circadian rhythm. In the acute mild stress model used, R. rosea HRE decreased corticosterone level and increased expression of stress-responsive genes, especially in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that R. rosea HRE could be of value for modulating reactivity to acute mild stress.

Spontaneous electromagnetic induction promotes the formation of economical neuronal network structure via self-organization process

Developed through evolution, brain neural system self-organizes into an economical and dynamic network structure with the modulation of repetitive neuronal firing activities through synaptic plasticity. These highly variable electric activities inevitably produce a spontaneous magnetic field, which also significantly modulates the dynamic neuronal behaviors in the brain. However, how this spontaneous electromagnetic induction affects the self-organization process and what is its role in the formation of an economical neuronal network still have not been reported. Here, we investigate the effects of spontaneous electromagnetic induction on the self-organization process and the topological properties of the self-organized neuronal network. We first find that spontaneous electromagnetic induction slows down the self-organization process of the neuronal network by decreasing the neuronal excitability. In addition, spontaneous electromagnetic induction can result in a more homogeneous directed-weighted network structure with lower causal relationship and less modularity which supports weaker neuronal synchronization. Furthermore, we show that spontaneous electromagnetic induction can reconfigure synaptic connections to optimize the economical connectivity pattern of self-organized neuronal networks, endowing it with enhanced local and global efficiency from the perspective of graph theory. Our results reveal the critical role of spontaneous electromagnetic induction in the formation of an economical self-organized neuronal network and are also helpful for understanding the evolution of the brain neural system.

A Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial of the Effect of Bilateral Alternating Somatosensory Stimulation on Reducing Stress-Related Cortisol and Anxiety During and After the Trier Social Stress Test

The aim of this clinical study was to determine the efficacy of bilateral alternating somatosensory stimulation for the management of stress and anxiety during and after the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a laboratory procedure for reliably inducing stress in human subjects. For this, a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blinded clinical trial of 80 qualified subjects was conducted. Subjects were randomized into two groups, a treatment group (n=40) and a control (placebo) group (n=40). Metrics of emotional stress assessed were a subjective rating of the level of emotional stress and salivary cortisol levels, both obtained at 3 timepoints: before treatment (baseline), immediately following completion of the TSST, and after 20 minutes of rest following completion of the TSST. Results showed that the treatment group had a statistically greater decrease in the subjective rating of stress relative to the control group both immediately following the TSST and 20 minutes after the TSST. Salivary cortisol levels in the treatment group were also lower than the control group at those same time points. These results suggest that bilateral alternating somatosensory stimulation may be effective in reducing subjective levels of stress and anxiety. It also may actively attenuate stress-related cortisol levels, which may reflect a mechanism for reducing cortisol-induced inflammation back to baseline after exposure to stressful situations.

Neurocognitive Enhancement Effects of Combined Mindfulness-Neurofeedback Training in Sport

To foster performance across all levels of sports practice, physical training has been integrated with various mental training practices. Recently, an integrative approach to neurocognitive enhancement tried to combine the strengths of mental practices (i.e. mindfulness) and of training with neurofeedback devices. Based on previous validation studies showing the effect of a combined mindfulness-neurofeedback program on neurocognitive efficiency and stress/anxiety levels, we aimed at testing the feasibility and potential of that intensive combined program for improving psychological well-being and attention regulation in sport contexts. 50 participants (sportspeople and volunteers not regularly involved in sports) were divided into groups undergoing experimental and active control training programs. The experimental one was based on breathing-awareness practices supported by a wearable neurofeedback, while the active control one included only breathing practices. Before and after training participants underwent standardized neuropsychological and electrophysiological assessment. Data analysis highlighted a significant reduction of response times and false alarms at computerized cognitive tasks in sportspeople who completed the training, as well as a consistent improvement of the N2 event-related potential - a marker of attention regulation processes. We have also observed a general reduction of perceived stress and increased ability to keep a non-evaluative stance. Findings extend available observations on cognitive and neural effects of combined mindfulness-neurofeedback practice by showing that it is possible to observe training effects even after a limited period of practice among sportspeople. Such early training effects might mirror optimized implicit learning curves due to peculiar sensitivity to bodily signals and awareness.

Stress and neurocognitive efficiency in managerial contexts

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the potential of an innovative technology-mediated mental training protocol for the empowerment of stress management and neurocognitive efficiency in highly stressful professional contexts, with people who occupy top management positions. The innovative protocol specifically combines mindfulness practice and a wearable neurofeedback system managed via smartphone.

Design/methodology/approach

The longitudinal research included pre- and post-training assessment steps in order to test training effects with respect to subjective level and physiological markers of stress, anxiety and mood profiles, cognitive abilities and markers of neurocognitive efficiency.

Findings

Results showed decreased stress, anxiety, anger and mental fatigue; increased participants’ information-processing efficiency; increased electrophysiological markers concerning the balance and reactivity of the mind-brain system; and improved physiological markers of vagal tone.

Research limitations/implications

Though further investigation and replication with larger samples would strengthen present findings, the authors suggest that observed outcomes, together with the limited duration of the overall protocol and of daily practices, make the training a potentially valuable tool especially for people whose professional position imposes time limitations and elevated job duties, thus increasing the risk of drop-out from traditional stress management programs.

Originality/value

The combination of mindfulness-based mental training with the advantages offered by a novel brain-sensing wearable technology allows for overcoming the weak points of traditional approaches (e.g. notable time expense) and optimizing training opportunities and outcomes. Furthermore, this is, to the authors’ best knowledge, the first systematic report of the application of such methodology in an organization and with top management professionals.

An open/pilot trial of cognitive behavioral therapy in Turkish patients with refractory chronic migraine

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for pain management is a therapy that aims to modify thoughts and behavior to be more realistic and balanced. There are limited number of studies to assess the efficacy of CBT for patients with pharmacotherapy-resistant chronic migraine in our population. We aimed to invstigate the effects of CBT for patients with refractory chronic migraine on pain attack frequency, disability, severity, anxiety and depression. Fourteen patients with refractory chronic migraine who were referred from the headache clinic to the psychiatry department and regularly attended CBT sessions at least once every 2 weeks for at least 6 months, were included in the study. After 2 sessions of psychiatric evaluation, the subjects had 12 40-min CBT sessions and were given relaxation exercises. The Hamilton depression and anxiety inventories, visual analogue scale for assessing the severity of pain, and the Migraine disability assessment (MIDAS) test were used before and after CBT. The mean Hamilton depression scores before and after CBT were 29.07 ± 7.74 and 14.21 ± 7.7, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean Hamilton anxiety scores before and after CBT were 26.8 ± 11.7 and 11.7 ± 2.6, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean VAS scores before and after CBT were 8.07 ± 0.91 and 3.71 ± 1.32, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean MIDAS scores before and after CBT were 55.5 ± 20.4 and 20.12 ± 16.6, respectively (p < 0.0001). Our results showed that CBT had made a statistically significant difference on pain severity, number of migraine attacks and disability in patients with refractory chronic migraine. CBT should be considered in this patient group.

Effects of technology-mediated mindfulness practice on stress: psychophysiological and self-report measures

Repeated exposure to stressors, even if mild, may alter the efficiency of optimal stress responses and hinder emotion regulation skills. Mindfulness meditation, by strengthening self-regulation and awareness, may optimize the efficiency of physiological, cognitive, and behavioral reactions to stressful events but typically requires notable commitment to practice, which often leads to disengagement. Recent research suggested that such practices may be made more accessible and that the potential for self-enhancement and stress management of meditation might be improved by supporting mental training with wearable neurofeedback devices able to inform the practicer on ongoing modulation of bodily and brain activity. This study aimed at testing the effect of such novel training approach based on the integration of mental training with brain-sensing wearable devices on physiological (heart rate and variability) and subjective markers of stress (perceived stress, anxiety, and mood states). Participants (N = 55) have been randomly divided into an active control (CONTg) and an experimental group (EXPg). Both groups completed a four-week training constituted by brief daily activities based on mindfulness practices. Experimental participants practiced with the support of dedicated brain-sensing devices. By analyzing pre- and post-training assessments, we observed relevantly decreased stress and anxiety measures in EXPg, as well as relevantly decreased mental fatigue and increased vigor. EXPg also showed improved physiological markers of vagal tone both at rest and during exposure to a cognitive stressor. Reported findings add to the limited available literature on potential effects of technology-supported mental training protocols for promoting subjective well-being and enhancing self-regulation skills.

Influence of pharmacological and epigenetic factors to suppress neurotrophic factors and enhance neural plasticity in stress and mood disorders

Stress-induced major depression and mood disorders are characterized by behavioural abnormalities and psychiatric illness, leading to disability and immature mortality worldwide. Neurobiological mechanisms of stress and mood disorders are discussed considering recent findings, and challenges to enhance pharmacological effects of antidepressant, and mood stabilizers. Pharmacological enhancement of ketamine and scopolamine regulates depression at the molecular level, increasing synaptic plasticity in prefrontal regions. Blood-derived neurotrophic factors facilitate mood-deficit symptoms. Epigenetic factors maintain stress-resilience in hippocampal region. Regulation of neurotrophic factors blockades stress, and enhances neuronal survival though it paralyzes limbic regions. Molecular agents and neurotrophic factors also control behavioral and synaptic plasticity in addiction and stress disorders. Future research on neuronal dynamics and cellular actions can be directed to obtain the etiology of synaptic dysregulation in mood disorder and stress. For the first time, the current review contributes to the literature of synaptic plasticity representing the role of epigenetic mechanisms and glucocorticoid receptors to predict depression and anxiety in clinical conditions.

Effects of aerobic exercise on sad emotion regulation in young women: an electroencephalograph study

The effects of exercise on cognitive abilities have been studied. However, evidence regarding the neural substrates of sad emotion regulation is limited. Women have higher rates for affective disorders than men, but insufficient outcomes assess how aerobic exercises modulate central frontal activation in sad emotion inhibition and resilience among healthy women. This study investigated the effects of aerobic exercise-related brain activity on sad emotion inhibition processing in young women. Sad facial Go/No-Go and neutral Go/No-Go trials were conducted among 30 healthy young women to examine the changes in the N2 component, which reflects frontal inhibition responses, between pre-exercise and post-exercise periods. The first test was performed before aerobic exercise (baseline; 1st) and the second test was performed during an absolute rest period of 90 min after exercise. The sad No-Go stimuli that evoked N200 (N2) event-related potential were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that in the sad No-Go trials, N2 activation at the central-prefrontal cortex was significantly attenuated after exercise compared to the baseline N2 activation. Exercise-modulated N2 activation was not observed in the neutral No-Go trials. The behavioral error rates of sad No-Go trials did not differ between the two experiments. A reduced engagement of central-frontal activation to sad No-Go stimuli was shown after exercise. However, behavioral performance was consistent between the two measurements. The findings scope the benefits of the aerobic exercise on the neural efficiency in responding to sad emotion-eliciting cues as well as adaptive transitions reinstatement for regulatory capabilities in healthy young women.

Personality development in psychotherapy: a synergetic model of state-trait dynamics

Theoretical models of psychotherapy not only try to predict outcome but also intend to explain patterns of change. Studies showed that psychotherapeutic change processes are characterized by nonlinearity, complexity, and discontinuous transitions. By this, theoretical models of psychotherapy should be able to reproduce these dynamic features. Using time series derived from daily measures through internet-based real-time monitoring as empirical reference, we earlier presented a model of psychotherapy which includes five state variables and four trait variables. In mathematical terms, the traits modulate the shape of the functions which define the nonlinear interactions between the variables (states) of the model. The functions are integrated into five coupled nonlinear difference equations. In the present paper, we model how traits (dispositions or competencies of a person) can continuously be altered by new experiences and states (cognition, emotion, behavior). Adding equations that link states to traits, this model not only describes how therapeutic interventions modulate short-term change and fluctuations of psychological states, but also how these can influence traits. Speaking in terms of Synergetics (theory of self-organization in complex systems), the states correspond to the order parameters and the traits to the control parameters of the system. In terms of psychology, trait dynamics is driven by the states-i.e., by the concrete experiences of a client-and creates a process of personality development at a slower time scale than that of the state dynamics (separation of time scales between control and order parameter dynamics).