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Haris EM, Bryant RA, Korgaonkar MS. Structural covariance, topological organization, and volumetric features of amygdala subnuclei in posttraumatic stress disorder. Neuroimage Clin 2024; 42:103619. [PMID: 38744025 PMCID: PMC11108976 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2024.103619] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The amygdala is divided into functional subnuclei which have been challenging to investigate due to functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) limitations in mapping small neural structures. Hence their role in the neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains poorly understood. Examination of covariance of structural MRI measures could be an alternate approach to circumvent this issue. T1-weighted anatomical scans from a 3 T scanner from non-trauma-exposed controls (NEC; n = 71, 75 % female) and PTSD participants (n = 67, 69 % female) were parcellated into 105 brain regions. Pearson's r partial correlations were computed for three and nine bilateral amygdala subnuclei and every other brain region, corrected for age, sex, and total brain volume. Pairwise correlation comparisons were performed to examine subnuclei covariance profiles between-groups. Graph theory was employed to investigate subnuclei network topology. Volumetric measures were compared to investigate structural changes. We found differences between amygdala subnuclei in covariance with the hippocampus for both groups, and additionally with temporal brain regions for the PTSD group. Network topology demonstrated the importance of the right basal nucleus in facilitating network communication only in PTSD. There were no between-group differences for any of the three structural metrics. These findings are in line with previous work that has failed to find structural differences for amygdala subnuclei between PTSD and controls. However, differences between amygdala subnuclei covariance profiles observed in our study highlight the need to investigate amygdala subnuclei functional connectivity in PTSD using higher field strength fMRI for better spatial resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Haris
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia; School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Richard A Bryant
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia; School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mayuresh S Korgaonkar
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Department of Radiology, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Troyanskaya M, Pastorek NJ, Jamal F, Jackson GR, Sarwar AI, Wilde EA, Scheibel RS. A pilot study of olfactory function in veterans with a history of deployment-related mild traumatic brain injury. Neurocase 2022; 28:459-466. [PMID: 36576237 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2022.2159444] [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] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory impairment in military populations is highly prevalent and often attributed to the long-term effects of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and chronic psychiatric disorders. The main goal of this investigation was to examine olfactory function in a cohort of combat veterans using a quantitative smell test.Participants underwent a neurological examination, completed performance validity testing (PVT), provided deployment history, and their medical records were reviewed.Participants were 38 veterans with a deployment-related mTBI who passed the PVT and did not have ongoing substance misuse issues. Olfactory examination revealed normosmia in 20 participants and various degrees of deficit in 18. The groups did not differ in demographics, post-injury interval, or current clinical (non-psychiatric) conditions. Participants with hyposmia frequently reported being exposed to a higher number of blasts and being positioned closer to the nearest primary blast, and more often endorsed a period of loss of consciousness after the most serious mTBI. In addition, they more often reported tympanic membrane perforation, extracranial injuries, and histories of both blast and blunt force mTBI. Comorbid diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, chronic headaches, and pain were more common among them as well.Several blast exposure and injury-related characteristics increase the likelihood of long-term olfactory impartments, comorbid psychiatric conditions, and chronic pain among veterans with history of deployment-related mTBI. Notably, none of the participants with hyposmia had a clinical diagnosis of olfactory dysfunction or were receiving service-connected disability for loss of sense of smell at the time of their assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Troyanskaya
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas J Pastorek
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fariha Jamal
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George R Jackson
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aliya I Sarwar
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Wilde
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.,George E. Wahlen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Randall S Scheibel
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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3
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Grignoli N, La Spina A, Gabutti L. Phantosmia and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in a patient with burning mouth syndrome suffering from severe depression. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e249843. [PMID: 35672056 PMCID: PMC9174807 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2022-249843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a rare but serious medical condition with important psychiatric comorbidity and specific psychological correlates. Psychopathology related with BMS represents a real challenge for clinical decision-making. In this case, depression is the leading psychiatric diagnosis associated with patient's BMS somatic pain and is driven by anxiety and a dissociative functioning. Facing a complex psychosomatic symptomatology, we offer new clinical perspectives for the screening of psychological traits of BMS. Moreover, we highlight the need to foster interdisciplinarity to improve differential diagnosis and defining an optimal care path. This case report stimulates a reflection on management challenges for the consultation-liaison psychiatry and shows the importance of a person-centred approach when communicating the diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Grignoli
- Servizio Psico-Sociale, Organizzazione Sociopsichiatrica Cantonale, Repubblica e Cantone Ticino, Mendrisio, Ticino, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Alberto La Spina
- Servizio Psico-Sociale, Organizzazione Sociopsichiatrica Cantonale, Repubblica e Cantone Ticino, Mendrisio, Ticino, Switzerland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
| | - Luca Gabutti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valleys, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
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4
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Jiang X, Yuan Y, Li Z, Ou Y, Li Z. First-episode olfactory hallucination in a patient with anxiety disorder: A case report. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:990341. [PMID: 36203838 PMCID: PMC9530368 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.990341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfactory hallucination refers to olfactory perception in the absence of chemical stimuli. Although it has been associated with many neurological and psychotic disorders, it has rarely been reported as the first and only symptom in patients with anxiety disorder, and its treatment remains inadequate. CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old woman who had been experiencing gradually worsening olfactory hallucinations for almost 4 years was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Olfactory hallucination disappeared after treatment with anti-anxiety drugs. CONCLUSION Olfactory hallucination can be the first and only symptom in patients with anxiety disorder and may be effectively treated with anti-anxiety medication. In fact, it can precede the diagnosis of anxiety disorder by several years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingmei Jiang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiwen Yuan
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Clinical Medical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhixiong Li
- The Third Department of Clinical Psychology, Karamay Municipal People's Hospital, Karamay, China
| | - Ying Ou
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Clinical Medical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Clinical Medical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Chengdu, China
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5
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Badran BW, Gruber EM, O’Leary GH, Austelle CW, Huffman SM, Kahn AT, McTeague LM, Uhde TW, Cortese BM. Electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve improves olfaction in healthy individuals: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:761-768. [PMID: 35561963 PMCID: PMC9976566 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both activated by environmental odorants, there is a clear role for the intranasal trigeminal and olfactory nerves in smell function. Unfortunately, our ability to perceive odorants decreases with age or with injury, and limited interventions are available to treat smell loss. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve via trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates odor sensitivity in healthy individuals. METHODS We recruited 20 healthy adults (12 Female, mean age = 27) to participate in this three-visit, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. Participants were randomized to receive one of three stimulation modalities (TNS, tDCS, or sham) during each of their visits. Odor detection thresholds were obtained at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and 30-min post-intervention. Furthermore, participants were asked to complete a sustained attention task and mood assessments before odor detection testing. RESULTS Findings reveal a timeXcondition interaction for guaiacol (GUA) odorant detection thresholds (F (3.188, 60.57) = 3.833, P = 0.0125), but not phenyl ethyl alcohol (PEA) odorant thresholds. At 30-min post-stimulation, both active TNS and active tDCS showed significantly increased sensitivity to GUA compared to sham TNS (Sham TNS = -8.30% vs. Active TNS = 9.11%, mean difference 17.43%, 95% CI 5.674 to 29.18, p = 0.0044; Sham TNS = -8.30% vs. Active tDCS = 13.58%, mean difference 21.89%, 95% CI 10.47 to 33.32, p = 0.0004). CONCLUSION TNS is a safe, simple, noninvasive method for boosting olfaction. Future studies should investigate the use of TNS on smell function across different stimulation parameters, odorants, and patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bernadette M. Cortese
- Corresponding author. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, BA 504F, Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, USA. (B.M. Cortese)
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6
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Cortese BM, Uhde TW, Schumann AY, McTeague LM, Sege CT, Calhoun CD, Danielson CK. Anxiety-related shifts in smell function in children and adolescents. Chem Senses 2021; 46:6484889. [PMID: 34958383 PMCID: PMC8711292 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjab051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxious adults show changes in smell function that are consistent with a durable shift in sensitivity toward particular odorants and away from others. Little is known regarding the development of these changes, including whether they exist in youth, are stable during the transition from childhood to adolescence, and whether odorant properties (e.g. trigeminal features, hedonic valence) affect anxiety-related differences in detection. To address this, we measured smell detection thresholds to phenyl ethyl alanine (PEA), a rose-like odorant with little trigeminal properties, and guaiacol (GUA), a smoke-like odorant with high trigeminal properties. These thresholds were measured at baseline and after an acute stress challenge, the Trier Social Stress Tests, in 131 healthy youth (in 4th, 7th, and 10th grades, age 9-16 years) that reported normal to elevated levels of anxiety. At baseline, high anxious youth exhibited heightened sensitivity to GUA coupled with reduced sensitivity to PEA, as well as a further exaggeration of this bias with acute stress. Importantly, sex, age, and hedonic valence moderated the relationship between trait anxiety and sensitivity to both odorants. Smell function and its aberrations are often overlooked in the literature on biomarkers of stress and anxiety. Taken together with the extant literature, these findings suggest that greater attention is warranted to characterize potential novel olfactory therapeutic targets-across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette M Cortese
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA,Corresponding author: Bernadette M. Cortese, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, BA 504F, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. e-mail:
| | - Thomas W Uhde
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Aicko Y Schumann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Lisa M McTeague
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Christopher T Sege
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Casey D Calhoun
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carla Kmett Danielson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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7
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Olfactory hallucinations in a population-based sample. Psychiatry Res 2021; 304:114117. [PMID: 34391204 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory hallucinations referring to olfactory perceptions in the absence of chemical stimuli, occur in non-clinical and clinical populations. Few studies have investigated their prevalence in the general population and little is known about factors triggering and maintaining them such as substance use, severe life events, and mood. We analyzed self-report data from 2500 community dwelling Norwegians, aged 18-96 years, for occurrence of olfactory hallucinations and co-occurring hallucinations in other modalities (auditory, visual, tactile). Analyses included age, sex, self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, mental health status, and experience of severe life-events. The results show that 4.2% (95% CI 3.5-5.1%) reported having experienced olfactory hallucinations, and 56% of individuals experiencing olfactory hallucinations also reported these in combination with hallucinations in other modalities. Prevalence varied significantly in terms of age and sex, in that olfactory hallucinations were most frequently reported by young individuals and females. Self-reported symptoms of anxiety and experience of stressful life events were significantly associated with olfactory hallucinations, suggesting that experiencing olfactory hallucinations may negatively affect functioning and may increase the likelihood of developing psychopathology. Findings underline the need to continue to examine olfactory hallucinations albeit with a more comprehensive assessment in order to increase knowledge on this experience.
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8
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Olfactory Virtual Reality: A New Frontier in the Treatment and Prevention of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081070. [PMID: 34439689 PMCID: PMC8391796 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This perspective piece reviews the clinical condition of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is currently increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent research illustrating how olfaction is being incorporated into virtual reality (VR) platforms. I then discuss the latest work examining the potential of olfactory virtual reality (OVR) for the treatment of PTSD. From this foundation I suggest novel ways in which OVR may be implemented in PTSD therapy and harnessed for preventing the development of PTSD. Perceptual and chemical features of olfaction that should be considered in OVR applications are also discussed.
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9
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Arroyo-Anlló EM, Sánchez JC, Gil R. Could Self-Consciousness Be Enhanced in Alzheimer’s Disease? An Approach from Emotional Sensorial Stimulation. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 77:505-521. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-200408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) provides a valuable field of research into impairment of self-consciousness (SC), because AD patients have a reduced capacity to understand their mental world, to experience and relive previous personal events, as well as to interpret thoughts, feelings, and beliefs about themselves. Several studies observed that AD patients had an altered SC, but not a complete abolition of it. Emotions are an integral part of the construction of personal identity, therefore of Self. In general, most studies on emotion in AD patients have observed that emotion is not completely abolished and it lets them better remember autobiographical events with greater emotional charge. The positive effect of autobiographical memories rich in emotional content, evoked directly/automatically by sensorial stimuli such as familiar odors or music, could be used to reestablish/reinforce the permanence and coherence of the Self in AD. We studied the research of empirical evidence supporting the power of the sensorial cues associated with emotion, which could be capable of enhancing the SC in AD. We presented the studies about “Emotional stimulations” using odor, music, or taste cues in AD. All studies have shown to have a positive impact on SC in AD patients such as odor-evoked autobiographical memories, taste/odor-evoked autobiographical memories, emotional sensorial stimulation using musical cues, and multi-sensorial stimulations using healing gardens. We found research supporting the notion that emotional sensorial stimulations can even temporarily exalt memory, affective state, and personal identity, that is, the SC in AD. The emotional sensory stimulations could be used as a tool to activate the SC in AD and hence improve the quality of life of patients and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Arroyo-Anlló
- Department of Psychobiology, University of Salamanca, Neuroscience Institute of Castilla-León, Spain
| | | | - Roger Gil
- Emeriti Professor of Neurology, University Hospital, Poitiers, France
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10
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Gurel NZ, Wittbrodt MT, Jung H, Ladd SL, Shah AJ, Vaccarino V, Bremner JD, Inan OT. Automatic Detection of Target Engagement in Transcutaneous Cervical Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Traumatic Stress Triggers. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2020; 24:1917-1925. [PMID: 32175881 PMCID: PMC7393996 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2020.2981116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transcutaneous cervical vagal nerve stimulation (tcVNS) devices are attractive alternatives to surgical implants, and can be applied for a number of conditions in ambulatory settings, including stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Transferring tcVNS technologies to at-home settings brings challenges associated with the assessment of therapy response. The ability to accurately detect whether tcVNS has been effectively delivered in a remote setting such as the home has never been investigated. We designed and conducted a study in which 12 human subjects received active tcVNS and 14 received sham stimulation in tandem with traumatic stress, and measured continuous cardiopulmonary signals including the electrocardiogram (ECG), photoplethysmogram (PPG), seismocardiogram (SCG), and respiratory effort (RSP). We extracted physiological parameters related to autonomic nervous system activity, and created a feature set from these parameters to: 1) detect active (vs. sham) tcVNS stimulation presence with machine learning methods, and 2) determine which sensing modalities and features provide the most salient markers of tcVNS-based changes in physiological signals. Heart rate (ECG), vasomotor activity (PPG), and pulse arrival time (ECG+PPG) provided sufficient information to determine target engagement (compared to sham) in addition to other combinations of sensors. resulting in 96% accuracy, precision, and recall with a receiver operator characteristics area of 0.96. Two commonly utilized sensing modalities (ECG and PPG) that are suitable for home use can provide useful information on therapy response for tcVNS. The methods presented herein could be deployed in wearable devices to quantify adherence for at-home use of tcVNS technologies.
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11
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Intrinsic sensory disinhibition contributes to intrusive re-experiencing in combat veterans. Sci Rep 2020; 10:936. [PMID: 31969671 PMCID: PMC6976606 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57963-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrusive re-experiencing of traumatic events is a hallmark symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder, characterized by rich and vivid sensory details as reported in "flashbacks". While prevailing models of trauma intrusions focus on dysregulated emotional processes, we hypothesize that a deficiency in intrinsic sensory inhibition could drive overactivation of sensory representations of trauma memories, precipitating sensory-rich intrusions. In a sample of combat veterans, we examined resting-state alpha (8-12 Hz) oscillatory activity (in both power and posterior→frontal connectivity), given its role in sensory cortical inhibition, in association with intrusive re-experiencing symptoms. Veterans further participated in an odor task (including both combat and non-combat odors) to assess olfactory trauma memory and emotional response. We observed an association between intrusive re-experiencing symptoms and attenuated resting-state posterior→frontal alpha connectivity, which were both correlated with olfactory trauma memory. Importantly, olfactory trauma memory was identified as a mediator of the relationship between alpha connectivity and intrusive re-experiencing, suggesting that deficits in intrinsic sensory inhibition contributed to intrusive re-experiencing of trauma via heightened trauma memory. Therefore, by permitting unfiltered sensory cues to enter information processing and activate sensory representations of trauma, sensory disinhibition can constitute a sensory mechanism of intrusive re-experiencing in trauma-exposed individuals.
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12
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Hakim M, Battle AR, Belmer A, Bartlett SE, Johnson LR, Chehrehasa F. Pavlovian Olfactory Fear Conditioning: Its Neural Circuity and Importance for Understanding Clinical Fear-Based Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:221. [PMID: 31607858 PMCID: PMC6761252 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Odors have proven to be the most resilient trigger for memories of high emotional saliency. Fear associated olfactory memories pose a detrimental threat of potentially transforming into severe mental illness such as fear and anxiety-related disorders. Many studies have deliberated on auditory, visual and general contextual fear memory (CFC) processes; however, fewer studies have investigated mechanisms of olfactory fear memory. Evidence strongly suggests that the neuroanatomical representation of olfactory fear memory differs from that of auditory and visual fear memory. The aim of this review article is to revisit the literature regarding the understanding of the neurobiological process of fear conditioning and to illustrate the circuitry of olfactory fear memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziah Hakim
- School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Mater Medical Research Institute and Queensland Health, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew R Battle
- School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Mater Medical Research Institute and Queensland Health, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Arnauld Belmer
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Mater Medical Research Institute and Queensland Health, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Selena E Bartlett
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Mater Medical Research Institute and Queensland Health, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Luke R Johnson
- School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Mater Medical Research Institute and Queensland Health, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Division of Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS, Australia.,Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Fatemeh Chehrehasa
- School of Biomedical Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Mater Medical Research Institute and Queensland Health, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Enhanced odor sensitivity, particularly toward threat-related cues, may be adaptive during periods of danger. Research also suggests that chronic psychological distress may lead to functional changes in the olfactory system that cause heightened sensitivity to odors. Yet, the association between self-reported odor sensitivity, objective odor detection, and affective psychopathology is currently unclear, and research suggests that persons with affective problems may only be sensitive to specific, threat-related odors. METHODS The current study compared adults with self-reported odor sensitivity that was described as functionally impairing (OSI; n = 32) to those who reported odor sensitivity that was non-impairing (OS; n = 17) on affective variables as well as quantitative odor detection. RESULTS Increased anxiety sensitivity, trait anxiety, depression, and life stress, even while controlling for comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders, was found for OSI compared to OS. While OSI, compared to OS, demonstrated only a trend increase in objective odor detection of a smoke-like, but not rose-like, odor, further analysis revealed that increased detection of that smoke-like odor was positively correlated with anxiety sensitivity. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that persons with various forms of psychological distress may find themselves significantly impaired by an intolerance of odors, but that self-reported odor sensitivity does not necessarily relate to enhanced odor detection ability. However, increased sensitivity to a smoke-like odor appears to be associated with sensitivity to aversive anxiogenic stimuli. Implications for the pathophysiology of fear- and anxiety-related disorders are discussed.
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14
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Bower ES, Szajer J, Murphy C. Effect of Worry Level on Recall Memory for Odors in ApoE-ε4 Carriers and Non-Carriers. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2019; 25:546-556. [PMID: 30987686 PMCID: PMC6534430 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617719000158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increased levels of worry, age, and presence of the apolipoprotein-E (ApoE)-ε4 allele are associated with the risk of developing cognitive declines and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Odor memory performance has been shown to vary as a function of age and ApoE genotype, and odor memory tests are sensitive to preclinical AD. Worry is known to influence verbal memory; however, its effects on odor memory are unknown. This study aimed to assess the relationships between worry, age, and ε4 status on odor memory. METHOD Worry was evaluated for young (n = 53) and older (n = 45) adults using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Odor memory was assessed using the California Odor Learning Test, an olfactory analogue to the California Verbal Learning Test. RESULTS A significant main effect of worry on long-delay free recall was found, such that increasing worry was associated with better recall across age and ε4 status. A significant interaction effect between ε4 status and worry on both short-and long-delay cued recall was found, such that across age, higher worry was associated with increased cued recall scores among ε4-negative adults, and decreased scores among ε4-positive adults. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrated that worry influences odor memory and exerts a particular effect on cued recall among ε4 carriers who are at a greater risk of developing AD. Worry is a modifiable predictor of cognitive decline and risk of dementia in aging. Future studies on the effects of treatments aimed at reducing worry (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapies for anxiety) on changes in cognitive functioning are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Bower
- Department of Psychology,San Diego State University,San Diego, California 92182,USA
| | - Jacquelyn Szajer
- SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology,San Diego, California 92120,USA
| | - Claire Murphy
- Department of Psychology,San Diego State University,San Diego, California 92182,USA
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15
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Asok A, Kandel ER, Rayman JB. The Neurobiology of Fear Generalization. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 12:329. [PMID: 30697153 PMCID: PMC6340999 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The generalization of fear memories is an adaptive neurobiological process that promotes survival in complex and dynamic environments. When confronted with a potential threat, an animal must select an appropriate defensive response based on previous experiences that are not identical, weighing cues and contextual information that may predict safety or danger. Like other aspects of fear memory, generalization is mediated by the coordinated actions of prefrontal, hippocampal, amygdalar, and thalamic brain areas. In this review article, we describe the current understanding of the behavioral, neural, genetic, and biochemical mechanisms involved in the generalization of fear. Fear generalization is a hallmark of many anxiety and stress-related disorders, and its emergence, severity, and manifestation are sex-dependent. Therefore, to improve the dialog between human and animal studies as well as to accelerate the development of effective therapeutics, we emphasize the need to examine both sex differences and remote timescales in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Asok
- Jerome L. Greene Science Center, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eric R. Kandel
- Jerome L. Greene Science Center, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Kavli Institute for Brain Science, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joseph B. Rayman
- Jerome L. Greene Science Center, Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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16
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Schweizer T, Renner F, Sun D, Kleim B, Holmes EA, Tuschen-Caffier B. Psychophysiological reactivity, coping behaviour and intrusive memories upon multisensory Virtual Reality and Script-Driven Imagery analogue trauma: A randomised controlled crossover study. J Anxiety Disord 2018; 59:42-52. [PMID: 30269002 PMCID: PMC6249992 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peri- and post-traumatic factors predict the differential development of stress-associated mental disorders. Prospective designs assessing these risk factors in real-time under controlled experimental conditions can overcome limitations of retrospective designs. Therefore, we aimed to investigate multi-sensory, experimental analogues of a traumatic experience delivered in Virtual Reality (VR) or Script-Driven Imagery (SDI). METHODS In a randomised controlled crossover design, differences in the induced analogue trauma symptoms between multi-sensory analogue trauma by either VR or SDI versus a neutral condition were assessed in 127 non-clinical participants. RESULTS Analogue symptoms (psychophysiological responses, coping behaviour and intrusive memories of the experimental trauma) increased following analogue trauma in both VR and SDI, with more analogue symptoms for VR. Psychophysiological arousal was in general higher in VR. LIMITATIONS The analogue trauma situation of a car park fire that was used may be infrequent in real life. CONCLUSIONS Multisensory (vision, olfaction, hearing) analogue trauma in VR and SDI offers a useful tool for the induction and real-time assessment of peri- and post-traumatic risk factors for analogue stress-associated psychopathology. VR was more effective in inducing analogue symptoms than SDI, even though the latter might be more personalised. New experimental models for studying trauma exposure and responses may contribute to a better understanding of risk factors and help to identify and protect individuals at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Schweizer
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Fritz Renner
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany; MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, CB2 7EF Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dali Sun
- Department of Computer Science, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emily A Holmes
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - Brunna Tuschen-Caffier
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
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17
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Neurophysiological Response to Olfactory Stimuli in Combat Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Nerv Ment Dis 2018; 206:423-428. [PMID: 29781888 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for a better understanding of underlying pathology in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to develop more effective treatments. The late positive potential (LPP) amplitude from electroencephalogram has been used to assess individual differences in emotional reactivity. There is evidence that olfaction is particularly important in emotional processing in PTSD. The current study examined LPP amplitudes in response to olfactory stimuli in 24 combat veterans with PTSD and 24 nonmilitary/non-PTSD controls. An olfactometer delivered three negatively valenced odorants, with 12 trials of each delivered in a random order. The groups did not differ in LPP amplitude across odorants. However, within the PTSD group, higher Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale scores related to an increased LPP amplitude after diesel fuel and rotten egg, but not n_butanol, odorants. Results provide specific targets and theory for further research into clinical applications such as selection of idiographic odorants for use in virtual-reality exposure therapy.
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18
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Wilkerson AK, Uhde TW, Leslie K, Freeman WC, LaRowe SD, Schumann A, Cortese BM. Paradoxical olfactory function in combat veterans: The role of PTSD and odor factors. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 30:120-130. [PMID: 30220788 DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2018.1425063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Stress- and trauma-related disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are characterized by an increased sensitivity to threat cues. Given that threat detection is a critical function of olfaction and that combat trauma is commonly associated with burning odors, we sought a better understanding of general olfactory function as well as response to specific trauma-related (i.e. burning) odors in combat-related PTSD. Trauma-exposed combat veterans with (N = 22) and without (N = 25) PTSD were assessed for general and specific odor sensitivities using a variety of tools. Both groups had similar general odor detection thresholds. However, the combat veterans with PTSD, compared to combat veterans with comparable trauma exposure, but without PTSD, had increased ratings of odor intensity, negative valence, and odor-triggered PTSD symptoms, along with a blunted heart rate in response to burning rubber odor. These findings are discussed within the context of healthy versus pathological changes in olfactory processing that occur over time after psychological trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas W Uhde
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MUSC, Charleston, SC, US
| | - Kimberly Leslie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MUSC, Charleston, SC, US
| | | | - Steven D LaRowe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MUSC, Charleston, SC, US.,Ralph H. Johnson VAMC, Charleston, SC, US
| | - Aicko Schumann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MUSC, Charleston, SC, US
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19
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van Gelderen MJ, Nijdam MJ, Vermetten E. An Innovative Framework for Delivering Psychotherapy to Patients With Treatment-Resistant Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Rationale for Interactive Motion-Assisted Therapy. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:176. [PMID: 29780334 PMCID: PMC5946512 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite an array of evidence-based psychological treatments for patients with a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a majority of patients do not fully benefit from the potential of these therapies. In veterans with PTSD, up to two-thirds retain their diagnosis after psychotherapy and often their disorder is treatment-resistant, which calls for improvement of therapeutic approaches for this population. One of the factors hypothesized to underlie low response in PTSD treatment is high behavioral and cognitive avoidance to traumatic reminders. In the current paper we explore if a combination of personalized virtual reality, multi-sensory input, and walking during exposure can enhance treatment engagement, overcome avoidance, and thereby optimize treatment effectiveness. Virtual reality holds potential to increase presence and in-session attention and to facilitate memory retrieval. Multi-sensory input such as pictures and music can personalize this experience. Evidence for the positive effect of physical activity on fear extinction and associative thinking, as well as embodied cognition theories, provide a rationale for decreased avoidance by literally approaching cues of the traumatic memories. A dual-attention task further facilitates new learning and reconsolidation. These strategies have been combined in an innovative framework for trauma-focused psychotherapy, named Multi-modular Motion-assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation (3MDR). In this innovative treatment the therapeutic setting is changed from the face-to-face sedentary position to a side-by-side activating context in which patients walk toward trauma-related images in a virtual environment. The framework of 3MDR has been designed as a boost for patients with treatment-resistant PTSD, which is illustrated by three case examples. The intervention is discussed in context of other advancements in treatment for treatment-resistant PTSD. Novel elements of this approach are activation, personalization and empowerment. While developed for veterans with PTSD who do not optimally respond to standardized treatments, this innovative framework holds potential to also be used for other patient populations and earlier stages of treatment for patients with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke J van Gelderen
- Foundation Centrum'45, Arq Psychotrauma Expert Groep, Diemen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam J Nijdam
- Foundation Centrum'45, Arq Psychotrauma Expert Groep, Diemen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Foundation Centrum'45, Arq Psychotrauma Expert Groep, Diemen, Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Military Mental Health-Research, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, Netherlands
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20
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Gramlich MA, Neer SM, Beidel DC, Bohil CJ, Bowers CA. A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study of Trauma-Related Auditory and Olfactory Cues: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder or Combat Experience? J Trauma Stress 2017; 30:656-665. [PMID: 29160560 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among U.S. veterans deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan necessitates the need for comprehensive assessment and treatment strategies. This study investigated the utility of a combat-related PTSD symptom provocation paradigm to elicit unique neurological responses across three groups: combat veterans with PTSD, combat veterans without PTSD, and nonmilitary participants without PTSD. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) the results indicated that combat veterans with PTSD demonstrated significant activation to a trauma-related sound compared with nonmilitary personnel, channel 14: d = 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.28, 1.76]; channel 15: d = 1.30, 95% CI [0.53, 2.06]; and combat veterans without PTSD, channel 14: d = 0.87, 95% CI [0.14, 1.59]. Specifically, this increased neural activation was approximately located in the right medial superior prefrontal cortex (Brodmann areas 9/10), an area associated with experiencing negative or threatening stimuli and emotional detachment. There were no differences across the groups for nontrauma-related sounds. Results were less clear with respect to a combat-related odor. These results suggest a specific neurophysiological response to trauma-related cues and, if replicated, may offer a biomarker for combat-related PTSD. Such a response could provide incremental validity over diagnostic assessments alone and assist in planning and monitoring of treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Gramlich
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4111 Pictor Lane, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Sandra M Neer
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4111 Pictor Lane, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Deborah C Beidel
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4111 Pictor Lane, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Corey J Bohil
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4111 Pictor Lane, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
| | - Clint A Bowers
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, 4111 Pictor Lane, Orlando, FL 32816, USA
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21
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Kass MD, McGann JP. Persistent, generalized hypersensitivity of olfactory bulb interneurons after olfactory fear generalization. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 146:47-57. [PMID: 29104178 PMCID: PMC5886010 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Generalization of fear from previously threatening stimuli to novel but related stimuli can be beneficial, but if fear overgeneralizes to inappropriate situations it can produce maladaptive behaviors and contribute to pathological anxiety. Appropriate fear learning can selectively facilitate early sensory processing of threat-predictive stimuli, but it is unknown if fear generalization has similarly generalized neurosensory consequences. We performed in vivo optical neurophysiology to visualize odor-evoked neural activity in populations of periglomerular interneurons in the olfactory bulb 1 day before, 1 day after, and 1 month after each mouse underwent an olfactory fear conditioning paradigm designed to promote generalized fear of odors. Behavioral and neurophysiological changes were assessed in response to a panel of odors that varied in similarity to the threat-predictive odor at each time point. After conditioning, all odors evoked similar levels of freezing behavior, regardless of similarity to the threat-predictive odor. Freezing significantly correlated with large changes in odor-evoked periglomerular cell activity, including a robust, generalized facilitation of the response to all odors, broadened odor tuning, and increased neural responses to lower odor concentrations. These generalized effects occurred within 24 h of a single conditioning session, persisted for at least 1 month, and were detectable even in the first moments of the brain's response to odors. The finding that generalized fear includes altered early sensory processing of not only the threat-predictive stimulus but also novel though categorically-similar stimuli may have important implications for the etiology and treatment of anxiety disorders with sensory sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marley D Kass
- Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience Section, Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 152 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - John P McGann
- Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience Section, Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 152 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
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22
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Cortese BM, Schumann AY, Howell AN, McConnell PA, Yang QX, Uhde TW. Preliminary evidence for differential olfactory and trigeminal processing in combat veterans with and without PTSD. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2017; 17:378-387. [PMID: 29159050 PMCID: PMC5683811 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Structural and functional changes in the olfactory system are increasingly implicated in the expression of PTSD. Still, very little is known about the neurobiological networks of trauma-related odor sensitivity or how they relate to other objective and subjective measures of olfaction and PTSD. The purpose of this study was to replicate prior findings and further characterize olfactory function in trauma-exposed combat veterans with and without PTSD. We also sought to extend this area of research by exploring the effects of time since the combat-related index trauma (TST) on post-trauma olfactory function, as well as by correlating odor-elicited brain activity to general olfactory ability and odor-elicited PTSD symptoms. Participants included combat veterans with PTSD (CV+PTSD; n = 21) or without any psychiatric disorder (CV-PTSD; n = 27). TST was coded as greater (n = 24) or less (n = 24) than 5 years. There were main effects and/or interaction for PTSD-status and TST across several parameters of olfactory function: odor detection, odor identification, ratings for trauma-related odor intensity and triggered PTSD symptoms, and trauma odor-elicited brain activation. Overall, results suggest olfactory impairment in chronic PTSD, but not necessarily in the earlier stages of the disorder, although some early-stage olfactory findings may be predictive of later olfactory impairment. Results also suggest that trauma-exposed individuals who never develop PTSD may demonstrate olfactory resiliency. Finally, results highlight a potentially unique role of trigeminal odor properties in the olfactory-PTSD relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aicko Y Schumann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MUSC, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ashley N Howell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MUSC, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Qing X Yang
- Department of Radiology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Thomas W Uhde
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MUSC, Charleston, SC, USA
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23
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Sjölund S, Larsson M, Olofsson JK, Seubert J, Laukka EJ. Phantom Smells: Prevalence and Correlates in a Population-Based Sample of Older Adults. Chem Senses 2017; 42:309-318. [PMID: 28334095 PMCID: PMC5863552 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjx006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of olfactory function is common in old age, but evidence regarding qualitative olfactory dysfunction in the general older population is scarce. The current study investigates the prevalence and correlates of phantom smell experiences (phantosmia) in a population-based study (Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen [SNAC-K]) of Swedish adults (n = 2569) aged between 60 and 90 years. Phantosmia was assessed through a standardized interview and defined as reporting having experienced an odor percept in the absence of any stimuli in the surrounding environment that could emit the odor. The relationships between phantosmia and demographic, genetic, health-related, and behavioral variables were analyzed with hierarchical logistic regression analyses. The overall prevalence of phantom smells was 4.9%, and was associated with female gender, carrying the met allele of the BDNF gene, higher vascular risk burden, and reporting distorted smell sensations (parosmia). Olfactory dysfunction was, however, not related to phantosmia. The most frequently reported phantom smell was smoky/burnt. A novel finding was that some individuals reported phantom smells with an autobiographical connotation. The results from this study indicate that the prevalence of phantosmia in the general older population is not negligible and that some factors that are beneficial for preserved olfactory function, such as female gender and the BDNF met allele, are also associated with the occurrence of phantom smells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sjölund
- Gösta Ekman's Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Frescati Hagväg 9 A, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Larsson
- Gösta Ekman's Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Frescati Hagväg 9 A, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas K Olofsson
- Gösta Ekman's Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Frescati Hagväg 9 A, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Janina Seubert
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 9, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden.,Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Gävlegatan 16, 11330 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erika J Laukka
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Gävlegatan 16, 11330 Stockholm, Sweden
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24
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TJALVIN G, MAGERØY N, BRÅTVEIT M, LYGRE SHL, HOLLUND BE, MOEN BE. Odour as a determinant of persistent symptoms after a chemical explosion, a longitudinal study. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2017; 55:127-137. [PMID: 27916759 PMCID: PMC5383410 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2016-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Foul-smelling environmental pollution was a major concern following a chemical workplace explosion. Malodorous pollution has previously been associated with aggravated physical and psychological health, and in persons affected by a trauma, an incidence-related odour can act as a traumatic reminder. Olfaction may even be of significance in the development and persistence of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The present longitudinal study assessed whether perceived smell related to malodorous environmental pollution in the aftermath of the explosion was a determinant of subjective health complaints (SHC) and PTSS among gainfully employed adults, when the malodorous pollution was present, and after pollution clean-up. Questionnaire data from validated instruments were analysed using mixed effects models. Individual odour scores were computed, and the participants (n=486) were divided into high and low odour score groups, respectively. Participants in the high odour score group (n=233) reported more SHC and PTSS than those in the low odour score group (n=253), before and even after the pollution was eliminated. These associations lasted for at least three years after the pollution was removed, and might indicate that prompt clean-up is important to avoid persistent health effects after malodorous chemical spills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro TJALVIN
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Nils MAGERØY
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Magne BRÅTVEIT
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Bjørg Eli HOLLUND
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Bente Elisabeth MOEN
- Centre for International Health, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway
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25
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Genome-Wide Association Study of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Two High-Risk Populations. Twin Res Hum Genet 2017; 20:197-207. [PMID: 28262088 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Mexican Americans (MAs) and American Indians (AIs) constitute conspicuously understudied groups with respect to risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially in light of findings showing racial/ethnic differences in trauma exposure and risk for PTSD. The purpose of this study was to examine genetic influences on PTSD in two minority cohorts. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) with sum PTSD symptoms for trauma-exposed subjects was run in each cohort. Six highly correlated variants in olfactory receptor family 11 subfamily L member 1 (OR11L1) were suggestively associated with PTSD in the MA cohort. These associations remained suggestively significant after permutation testing. A signal in a nearby olfactory receptor on chromosome 1, olfactory receptor family 2 subfamily L member 13 (OR2L13), tagged by rs151319968, was nominally associated with PTSD in the AI sample. Although no variants were significantly associated after correction for multiple testing in a meta-analysis of the two cohorts, pathway analysis of the top hits showed an enrichment cluster of terms related to sensory transduction, olfactory receptor activity, G-protein coupled receptors, and membrane. As previous studies have proposed a role for olfaction in PTSD, our results indicate this influence may be partially driven by genetic variation in the olfactory system.
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26
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Odor-induced recall of emotional memories in PTSD–Review and new paradigm for research. Exp Neurol 2016; 284:168-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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27
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Sarrafchi A, Laska M. Olfactory Sensitivity for the Mammalian Blood Odor Component Trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal in CD-1 Mice. Perception 2016; 46:333-342. [PMID: 27251166 DOI: 10.1177/0301006616653136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Using a conditioning paradigm and an automated olfactometer, we investigated the olfactory sensitivity of CD-1 mice for the mammalian blood odor component trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal. We found that two of the animals significantly discriminated concentrations down to 3.0 ppt (parts per trillion) from the solvent, and three animals even successfully detected dilutions as low as 0.3 ppt. Intraspecific comparisons between the olfactory detection thresholds obtained here with those obtained in earlier studies with other odorants show that mice are extraordinarily sensitive to this blood odor component. Interspecific comparisons of olfactory detection thresholds show that human subjects are even more sensitive to trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal than the mice tested here. Both intra- and inter-specific comparisons suggest that neither neuroanatomical properties such as the size of the olfactory epithelium, the total number of olfactory receptor neurons, or the size of olfactory brain structures, nor genetic properties such as the number of functional olfactory receptor genes or the proportion of functional relative to the total number of olfactory receptor genes allow us to reliably predict a species' olfactory sensitivity. In contrast, the results support the notion that the behavioral relevance of an odorant rather than neuroanatomical or genetic properties may determine a species' olfactory sensitivity.
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Burning odor-elicited anxiety in OEF/OIF combat veterans: Inverse relationship to gray matter volume in olfactory cortex. J Psychiatr Res 2015; 70:58-66. [PMID: 26424424 PMCID: PMC4605869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the anatomical overlap between the brain's fear/threat and olfactory systems, a very limited number of investigations have considered the role of odors and the central olfactory system in the pathophysiology of PTSD. The goal of the present study was to assess structural differences in primary and secondary olfactory cortex between combat veterans with and without PTSD (CV + PTSD, CV-PTSD, respectively). An additional goal was to determine the relationship between gray matter volume (GMV) in olfactory cortex and the distressing properties of burning-related odors. A region of interest voxel-based morphometric (VBM) approach was used to measure GMV in olfactory cortex in a well-characterized group of CV + PTSD (n = 20) and CV-PTSD (n = 25). Prior to the MRI exam, combat-related (i.e., burning rubber) and control odors were systematically sampled and rated according to their potential for eliciting PTSD symptoms. Results showed that CV + PTSD exhibited significantly reduced GMV in anterior piriform (primary olfactory) and orbitofrontal (secondary olfactory) cortices compared to CV-PTSD (both p < .01). For the entire group, GMV in bilateral anterior piriform cortex was inversely related to burning rubber odor-elicited memories of trauma (p < .05). GMV in orbitofrontal cortex was inversely related to both clinical and laboratory measures of PTSD symptoms (all p < .05). In addition to replicating an established inverse relationship between GMV in anxiety-associated brain structures and PTSD symptomatology, the present study extends those findings by being the first report of volumetric decreases in olfactory cortex that are inversely related to odor-elicited PTSD symptoms. Potential mechanisms underlying these findings are discussed.
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