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Manzler CA, Gorka SM, Tabares JV, Bryan CJ. Impact of handgun ownership and biological sex on startle reactivity to predictable and unpredictable threats. Int J Psychophysiol 2024; 197:112297. [PMID: 38185419 PMCID: PMC10922634 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2024.112297] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Extant literature suggests that many individuals obtain firearms because they perceive the world as unsafe and believe that firearm ownership increases physical protection. Converging evidence suggests that firearm owners are vulnerable to uncertainty and experience chronic anticipatory anxiety in daily life; however, biological sex is thought to potentially moderate this association. Studies have yet to examine this hypothesis using objective markers of anticipatory anxiety. The present study therefore examined the impact of handgun ownership and biological sex on psychophysiological reactivity to predictable (P-) and unpredictable (U-) threat (N = 133). Male and female adult participants were classified into two groups: a) individuals who do not currently own any handguns (n = 52), and b) individuals who currently own one or more handguns (n = 81). Startle eyeblink potentiation was recorded as an index of aversive reactivity during a well-validated threat-of-shock paradigm designed to probe anticipatory anxiety (during U-threat) and fear (during P-threat). Results revealed no main effect of group on startle reactivity to P- or U-threat. Females displayed greater startle reactivity to threat (P- and U-) compared with males. The main effect was qualified by a significant group x biological sex interaction. Male handgun owners exhibited greater startle to U-threat, but not P-threat, relative to non-handgun owners. There was no effect of group on startle reactivity in females. Findings revealed that biological sex and threat type influenced threat reactivity. Male handgun owners displayed increased sensitivity to stressors that are uncertain, which may reflect an objective mechanism related to firearm ownership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Manzler
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, 3711 USF Citrus Drive, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Stephanie M Gorka
- Suicide and Trauma Reduction InitiatiVE (STRIVE), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 370 W. 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, 460 Medical Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Jeffrey V Tabares
- Suicide and Trauma Reduction InitiatiVE (STRIVE), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 370 W. 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Craig J Bryan
- Suicide and Trauma Reduction InitiatiVE (STRIVE), Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 370 W. 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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2
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Jenkins KC, Difatta J, Jones EE, Kreutzer KA, Way BM, Phan KL, Gorka SM. Sleep quality impacts the link between reactivity to uncertain threat and anxiety and alcohol use in youth. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14490. [PMID: 38217499 PMCID: PMC10922133 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14490] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Individual differences in reactivity to unpredictable threat (U-threat) have repeatedly been linked to symptoms of anxiety and drinking behavior. An emerging theory is that individuals who are hyper-reactive to U-threat experience chronic anticipatory anxiety, hyperarousal, and are vulnerable to excessive alcohol use via negative reinforcement processes. Notably, anxiety and alcohol use commonly relate to disruptions in sleep behavior and recent findings suggest that sleep quality may impact the link between reactivity to U-threat and psychiatric symptoms and behaviors. The aim of the current study was to examine the unique and interactive effects of reactivity to U-threat and sleep quality on anxiety symptoms and drinking behavior in a cohort of youth, ages 16-19 years. Participants (N = 112) completed a well-validated threat-of-shock task designed to probe individual differences in reactivity to U-threat and predictable threat (P-threat). Startle eyeblink potentiation was recorded during the task as an index of aversive reactivity. Participants also completed well-validated self-report measures of anxiety and depression symptoms, lifetime alcohol use, and current sleep quality. Results revealed significant startle reactivity to U-threat by sleep quality interactions on anxiety symptoms and lifetime drinking behavior. At high levels of sleep disturbance (only), greater reactivity to U-threat was associated with greater anxiety symptoms and total number of lifetime alcoholic beverages. These results suggest that sensitivity to uncertainty and chronic hyperarousal increases anxiety symptoms and alcohol use behavior, particularly in the context of poor sleep quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn C Jenkins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jordan Difatta
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Emily E Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kayla A Kreutzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Baldwin M Way
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - K Luan Phan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephanie M Gorka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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3
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Flanigan ME, Hon OJ, D'Ambrosio S, Boyt KM, Hassanein L, Castle M, Haun HL, Pina MM, Kash TL. Subcortical serotonin 5HT 2c receptor-containing neurons sex-specifically regulate binge-like alcohol consumption, social, and arousal behaviors in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1800. [PMID: 37002196 PMCID: PMC10066391 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36808-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Binge alcohol consumption induces discrete social and arousal disturbances in human populations that promote increased drinking and accelerate the progression of Alcohol Use Disorder. Here, we show in a mouse model that binge alcohol consumption disrupts social recognition in females and potentiates sensorimotor arousal in males. These negative behavioral outcomes were associated with sex-specific adaptations in serotonergic signaling systems within the lateral habenula (LHb) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), particularly those related to the receptor 5HT2c. While both BNST and LHb neurons expressing this receptor display potentiated activation following binge alcohol consumption, the primary causal mechanism underlying the effects of alcohol on social and arousal behaviors appears to be excessive activation of LHb5HT2c neurons. These findings may have valuable implications for the development of sex-specific treatments for mood and alcohol use disorders targeting the brain's serotonin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Flanigan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - O J Hon
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Neuroscience, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - S D'Ambrosio
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - K M Boyt
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - L Hassanein
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M Castle
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - H L Haun
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M M Pina
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - T L Kash
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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4
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Jones EE, Kreutzer KA, Manzler CA, Evans EG, Gorka SM. Type of Trauma Exposure Impacts Neural Reactivity to Errors. J PSYCHOPHYSIOL 2023. [DOI: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. Studies suggest that individuals with a history of trauma exposure display abnormal reactivity to threat, though the pattern of findings across prior studies has been inconsistent. At least two factors likely contribute to previous discrepant findings: (1) the type of index trauma event and (2) the type of threat paradigm. Accordingly, the current study aimed to examine the impact of trauma type on a specific psychophysiological index of threat sensitivity – error negativity (Ne), also described as error-related negativity (ERN). Young adults were classified into three groups: lifetime history of interpersonal trauma (i.e., sexual assault, physical assault, or immediate family violence; n = 30), lifetime history of a non-interpersonal trauma (e.g., accidents, natural disasters; n = 30), or no lifetime history of trauma ( n = 64). All participants completed a well-validated flanker task designed to elicit the Ne/ERN during continuous electroencephalographic (EEG) data collection. Results indicated that individuals with non-interpersonal trauma exposure displayed reduced Ne/ERN amplitude compared with the other two groups (who did not differ from each other). Broadly, these findings highlight the importance of trauma type and theory suggesting different forms of trauma may result in different neurobiological profiles. These findings also add to a growing literature indicating that non-interpersonal traumas may be uniquely associated with blunted threat sensitivity and deficiencies in self-monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kayla A. Kreutzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Charles A. Manzler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emily G. Evans
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephanie M. Gorka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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5
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Cruz D, Lichten M, Berg K, George P. Developmental trauma: Conceptual framework, associated risks and comorbidities, and evaluation and treatment. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:800687. [PMID: 35935425 PMCID: PMC9352895 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.800687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Children exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and pervasive interpersonal traumas may go on to develop PTSD and, in most cases, will further undergo a significant shift in their developmental trajectory. This paper examines contemporary research on Developmental Trauma (DT), which is inextricably linked to disruptions in social cognition, physiological and behavioral regulation, and parent-child attachments. Developmental trauma associated with early experiences of abuse or neglect leads to multi-faceted and longstanding consequences and underscores critical periods of development, complex stress-mediated adaptations, and multilevel, trans-theoretical influences in the diagnostic formulation and treatment of traumatized children, adolescents, and adults. Psychological and medical correlates of Developmental Trauma Disorder are considered, and directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cruz
- Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, Montclair, NJ, United States
| | | | - Kevin Berg
- Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, Montclair, NJ, United States
| | - Preethi George
- Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, Montclair, NJ, United States
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6
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Manzler CA, Radoman M, Khorrami KJ, Gorka SM. Association between startle reactivity to uncertain threats and structural brain volume. Psychophysiology 2022; 59:e14074. [PMID: 35579909 PMCID: PMC10080733 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sensitivity to uncertain threat (U-threat) is a clinically important individual difference factor in multiple psychopathologies. Recent studies have implicated a specific frontolimbic circuit as a key network involved in the anticipation of aversive stimuli. In particular, the insula, thalamus, and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) have recently been found to be robustly activated by anticipation of U-threat. However, no study to date has examined the association between U-threat reactivity and structural brain volume. In the present study, we utilized a pooled sample of 186 young adult volunteers who completed a structural MRI scan and the well-validated No-Predictable-Unpredictable (NPU) threat of electric shock task. Startle eyeblink potentiation was collected during the NPU task as an objective index of aversive reactivity. ROI-based analyses revealed that increased startle reactivity to U-threat was associated with reduced gray matter volume in the right insula and bilateral thalamus, but not the dACC. These results add to a growing literature implicating the insula and thalamus as core nodes involved in individual differences in U-threat reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Manzler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Milena Radoman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kia J Khorrami
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Stephanie M Gorka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Livingston NA, Farmer SL, Mahoney CT, Marx BP, Keane TM. The role of PTSD symptom clusters and criterion in predicting future high-risk drug and alcohol use among returning veteran men and women. Psychol Serv 2022; 19:386-395. [PMID: 33844563 PMCID: PMC9048192 DOI: 10.1037/ser0000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) remains exceptionally high among returning veterans, with numerous studies linking PTSD, but not specific PTSD symptoms, to future SUD risk. Further explication of PTSD symptom effects on future SUD risk will likely promote intervention development and refinement while offsetting SUD risk. Accordingly, In this study we explored the prospective associations between PTSD symptom clusters, symptoms, and future SUD risk and use of specific drug classes. Returning veterans (N = 1,295; Mage = 42.3, SD = 9.89; 51% female; 66.8% White) completed structured diagnostic interviews to assess PTSD symptoms and self-report measures of substance use 14-36 months later (M = 24.59, SD = 2.97). Hyperarousal and reckless/self-destructive symptoms specifically predicted future high-risk drug use and binge drinking behavior, and avoidance of internal stimuli (i.e., of trauma memories, thoughts, and feelings) differentiated individuals classified as high-risk for alcohol use based on their AUDIT total score. Further, negative alterations in cognition and mood predicted future opioid (i.e., nightmares) and stimulant use (i.e., flashbacks), whereas concentration difficulties were inversely associated with future binge drinking. This longitudinal study identified prospective and enduring associations between specific PTSD symptom clusters, symptoms, and future high-risk substance use patterns among returning veterans. Accordingly, careful assessment of specific PTSD criteria and differential motivations for substance use is warranted, along with tailored interventions to offset risk for opioid, stimulant, and alcohol use among returning veterans. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Livingston
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine,Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System
| | - Stacey L. Farmer
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Albany Stratton VA Medical Center
| | | | - Brian P. Marx
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine,Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System
| | - Terence M. Keane
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System,Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine,Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System
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8
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Phan LG, Manzler CA, Gorka SM. Neural and self-report indices of cognitive reappraisal moderate the association between sensitivity to uncertain threat and problem alcohol use. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 175:54-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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9
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Stauffer CS, Morrison TE, Meinzer NK, Leung D, Buffington J, Sheh EG, Neylan TC, O’Donovan A, Woolley JD. Effects of oxytocin administration on fear-potentiated acoustic startle in co-occurring PTSD and alcohol use disorder: A randomized clinical trial. Psychiatry Res 2022; 308:114340. [PMID: 34983010 PMCID: PMC9074818 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is common and particularly associated with elevation of hyperarousal compared to PTSD alone. Treatment options are limited. Oxytocin regulates physiological stress response. Intranasal oxytocin administration has demonstrated potential in reducing symptoms of both PTSD and AUD. This study addresses a gap in the literature by investigating effects of intranasal oxytocin on startle reactivity, an important potential marker of both PTSD and AUD symptomatology. This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, within- and between-participant, crossover, dose-ranging study examining the effects of a single administration of oxytocin 20 IU versus 40 IU versus placebo on psychophysiological responses to a common laboratory fear-potentiated acoustic startle paradigm in participants with PTSD-AUD (n = 47) and controls (n = 37) under three different levels of threat. Contrary to our hypothesis, for the PTSD-AUD group, oxytocin 20 IU had no effect on startle reactivity, while oxytocin 40 IU increased measures of startle reactivity. Additionally, for PTSD-AUD only, ambiguous versus low threat was associated with an elevated skin conductance response. For controls only, oxytocin 20 IU versus placebo was associated with reduced startle reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S. Stauffer
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA,Portland Veterans Affairs Health Care Center, Portland, OR, USA,Corresponding author. (C.S. Stauffer)
| | - Tyler E. Morrison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - David Leung
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Evan G. Sheh
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas C. Neylan
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aoife O’Donovan
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Joshua D. Woolley
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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10
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Hall OT, Phan KL, Gorka S. Childhood Adversity and the Association Between Stress Sensitivity and Problematic Alcohol Use in Adults. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:148-158. [PMID: 34263960 PMCID: PMC8760364 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) increases the risk of problematic alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, it is unclear why some but not all ELA-exposed individuals develop problematic alcohol use. Research is needed to determine how this environmental risk factor interacts with underlying neurobehavioral vulnerabilities to problem alcohol use. Hypersensitivity to uncertain threats (U-threat) has been posited as an endophenotype for AUD that might aid in the refinement of mechanistic models of problematic alcohol use. Therefore, U-threat hypersensitivity requires examination as a possible individual difference factor that facilitates problematic alcohol use among ELA-exposed individuals. We examined the unique and interactive effects of ELA and U-threat reactivity on problem drinking and depressive and anxiety symptom severity. Participants (N = 131) completed a well-validated threat-of-shock task, and startle eyeblink potentiation was recorded to index aversive responding. Individuals also completed self-report measures of alcohol use, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Results demonstrated a positive association between ELA and higher levels of problematic alcohol use at high levels of U-threat reactivity, β = .75, t = 3.93, p < .001. Conversely, at low levels of U-threat reactivity, ELA exposure was negatively associated with problematic alcohol use, β = -.49, t = -2.30, p = .023. There was no significant ELA x U-Threat reactivity interaction on anxiety or depression. U-threat response strongly interacts with ELA exposure, affecting the direction of the association between ELA and problem drinking. U-threat reactivity may be a promising target for the prevention and treatment of problematic drinking among ELA-exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Trent Hall
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus Ohio USA
| | - K. Luan Phan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Stephanie Gorka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Columbus Ohio USA
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11
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Trauma exposure has been repeatedly linked to psychophysiological threat reactivity, although the directionality of this association has been inconsistent. Several factors likely contribute to inconsistent findings including type of trauma and threat paradigm. The present study therefore examined the impact of trauma type on psychophysiological reactivity to predictable (P-) and unpredictable (U-) threat in young adults (N = 112). Participants were classified into three groups: history of interpersonal or noninterpersonal trauma, or no history of trauma. Startle eyeblink potentiation was recorded during a well-validated threat-of-shock paradigm. Results indicated individuals with interpersonal trauma exposure displayed exaggerated startle reactivity to U-threat (only) compared with both other groups. In contrast, individuals with noninterpersonal trauma exhibited blunted startle reactivity to U-threat (only) compared with both other groups. Findings reveal that trauma and threat type influence threat reactivity and that those with a history of interpersonal trauma may uniquely display exaggerated sensitivity to stressors that are uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla A. Kreutzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
| | - Stephanie M. Gorka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210
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12
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Oswald LM, Dunn KE, Seminowicz DA, Storr CL. Early Life Stress and Risks for Opioid Misuse: Review of Data Supporting Neurobiological Underpinnings. J Pers Med 2021; 11:315. [PMID: 33921642 PMCID: PMC8072718 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11040315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A robust body of research has shown that traumatic experiences occurring during critical developmental periods of childhood when neuronal plasticity is high increase risks for a spectrum of physical and mental health problems in adulthood, including substance use disorders. However, until recently, relatively few studies had specifically examined the relationships between early life stress (ELS) and opioid use disorder (OUD). Associations with opioid use initiation, injection drug use, overdose, and poor treatment outcome have now been demonstrated. In rodents, ELS has also been shown to increase the euphoric and decrease antinociceptive effects of opioids, but little is known about these processes in humans or about the neurobiological mechanisms that may underlie these relationships. This review aims to establish a theoretical model that highlights the mechanisms by which ELS may alter opioid sensitivity, thereby contributing to future risks for OUD. Alterations induced by ELS in mesocorticolimbic brain circuits, and endogenous opioid and dopamine neurotransmitter systems are described. The limited but provocative evidence linking these alterations with opioid sensitivity and risks for OUD is presented. Overall, the findings suggest that better understanding of these mechanisms holds promise for reducing vulnerability, improving prevention strategies, and prescribing guidelines for high-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M. Oswald
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Kelly E. Dunn
- Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21230, USA;
| | - David A. Seminowicz
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Carla L. Storr
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
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