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Alacreu-Crespo A, Sebti E, Moret RM, Courtet P. From Social Stress and Isolation to Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation in Suicidal Behavior. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:312-322. [PMID: 38717659 PMCID: PMC11147891 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01503-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this narrative review we wanted to describe the relationship of autonomic nervous system activity with social environment and suicidal spectrum behaviors. RECENT FINDINGS Patients with suicidal ideation/suicide attempt have higher sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and lower parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity in resting conditions and during acute stress tasks compared with patients without suicidal ideation/suicide attempt. Death by suicide and violent suicide attempt also are related to SNS hyperactivation. Similarly, a SNS/PNS imbalance has been observed in people with childhood trauma, stressful life events or feelings of loneliness and isolation. Social support seems to increase PNS control and resilience. Due to the importance of the social context and stressful life events in suicidal behavior, SNS/PNS imbalance could act as a mediator in this relationship and be a source of relevant biomarkers. Childhood trauma and stressful life events may impair the autonomic nervous system response in suicidal patients. Loneliness, isolation and social support may act as moderators in acute stress situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Alacreu-Crespo
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, C/Atarazana 4, Aragon, Teruel, 44003, Spain.
- FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France.
| | - Emma Sebti
- IGF, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Rosa María Moret
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, C/Atarazana 4, Aragon, Teruel, 44003, Spain
| | - Philippe Courtet
- FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France
- IGF, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- Department of Emergency Psychiatry and Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Chai HW, Jester DJ, Lee S, Joo S, Umberson DJ, Almeida DM. Sleep quality moderates the association between family bereavement and heart rate variability. J Behav Med 2023; 46:622-631. [PMID: 36580185 PMCID: PMC10307926 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-022-00388-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Two separate bodies of literature point to the link between family bereavement and cardiovascular health and between sleep quality and cardiovascular outcomes. However, less is known about the joint influence of family bereavement and sleep quality on cardiovascular functioning. The aims of this study were to examine the relationships between experiencing the death of a family member and heart rate variability (HRV) and to further explore whether these associations differ by sleep quality. Using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Biomarker Project, the sample for this study included respondents who experienced the death of an immediate family member - father, mother, spouse, sibling, or child - within a year before the Biomarker project and those who did not experience any deaths (N = 962). We used two measures of HRV and sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results showed that experiencing the death of a family member was associated with worse HRV only among those with poor sleep quality and not for those with good sleep quality. These results suggest that poor sleep quality may indicate psychophysiological vulnerability for those who experienced the death of a family member. Interventions to improve sleep quality could be effective in enhancing cardiovascular health of bereaved individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Won Chai
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Dylan J Jester
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Soomi Lee
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Susanna Joo
- BK21 Symbiotic Society and Design, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Debra J Umberson
- Population Research Center, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Sociology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - David M Almeida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Tadros E, Salman M, Ramadan A, Daifallah N. Community sadness: Clinical recommendations for working with grieving Arab American families. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 69:602-612. [PMID: 36217776 DOI: 10.1177/00207640221124764] [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: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Grief is a universal emotion, both layered and multidimensional. Grief in Arab cultures center around three ideals: culture, family, and religion. This paper examines the multiple different factors that influence Arabs during their grief, broken down into how different religions process and view death, along with the impact of Westernized ideals and other relationships. We explore physiological responses of grief, gender differences in expressing emotions, self-care practice, and utilizing religion as a strength. The rules and traditions surrounding grief and loss in Arab communities need to be acknowledged by clinicians and incorporated into their practice. Recommendations and future directions for clinicians to support Arab grief within the three lenses of culture, family, and religion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Tadros
- Governors State University, University Park, IL, USA
| | - Marram Salman
- Governors State University, University Park, IL, USA
| | - Abrea Ramadan
- Governors State University, University Park, IL, USA
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Two Cases of Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder Diagnosed in the Acute Inpatient Unit. Case Rep Psychiatry 2020; 2020:3632060. [PMID: 32309001 PMCID: PMC7154980 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3632060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological grief has been noted to have considerable adverse effects on affected individuals. In the DSM-5, the diagnosis of complicated grief is included under conditions for further study as Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder (PCBD). PCBD can be easily missed because it is a relatively new and developing diagnosis. It can also be overlooked when it is comorbid with more common psychiatric disorders. We present 2 patients with PCBD diagnosed in the inpatient unit, while the patients were admitted for comorbid disorders. PCBD contributed immensely to both patients' suffering and decline in functioning. This report highlights the presentation, diagnoses, and management of these patients. We theorize that paying attention to separation distress, reactive distress to loss, and identity disruption in individuals who have been bereaved for over 12 months will enhance treatment specificity and lead to better patient outcomes.
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LeBlanc NJ, Toner ER, O’Day EB, Moore CW, Marques L, Robinaugh DJ, McNally RJ. Shame, guilt, and pride after loss: Exploring the relationship between moral emotions and psychopathology in bereaved adults. J Affect Disord 2020; 263:405-412. [PMID: 31969271 PMCID: PMC7307182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-blame following bereavement has been implicated in the development of post-loss psychopathology. However, prior studies have not distinguished between the emotions of shame versus guilt. This study examined the cross-sectional associations among bereavement-related shame, bereavement-related guilt, and two mental disorders that commonly arise after bereavement: complicated grief and depression. In addition, exploratory analyses examined the associations between bereavement-related pride and post-loss psychopathology. METHODS Participants included 92 bereaved adults who experienced the death of a family member at least one year prior to the study. Participants completed self-report measures of complicated grief symptoms, depression symptoms, shame, guilt, and pride. RESULTS Shame and guilt were positively correlated with complicated grief and depression symptoms. When controlling for their shared variance, only shame remained a significant predictor of post-loss psychopathology. Follow-up analyses indicated that the effect of guilt on psychopathology depended on the level of shame, and vice versa. At low shame, guilt predicted psychopathology; however guilt did not predict psychopathology at moderate to high shame. At low to moderate guilt, shame predicted psychopathology; however shame did not predict psychopathology at high guilt. Pride negatively predicted depression symptoms, but not complicated grief symptoms, when we controlled for shame and guilt. LIMITATIONS Limitations include the cross-sectional design and modest sample size. CONCLUSIONS Our analyses identify shame as the more pathogenic moral emotion for bereaved adults. However, whereas guilt in the absence of shame is often considered adaptive, we found that guilt predicted greater psychological distress at low levels of shame in this sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole J. LeBlanc
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University,Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Emma R. Toner
- Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | | | - Cynthia W. Moore
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
| | - Luana Marques
- Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School,Community Psychiatry Program for Research in Implementation and Dissemination of Evidence-Based Treatments, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Donald J. Robinaugh
- Center for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School
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Jang KI, Lee S, Lee SH, Chae JH. Frontal Alpha Asymmetry, Heart Rate Variability, and Positive Resources in Bereaved Family Members with Suicidal Ideation after the Sewol Ferry Disaster. Psychiatry Investig 2018; 15:1168-1173. [PMID: 30518171 PMCID: PMC6318488 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2018.09.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE After the Sewol ferry disaster, bereavement with suicidal ideation was a critical mental health problem that was accompanied by various neuropsychological symptoms. This study examined the frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), heart rate variability (HRV), and several psychological symptoms in bereaved family members (BFM) after the Sewol ferry disaster. METHODS Eighty-three BFM after the Sewol ferry disaster were recruited. We assessed FAA, HRV, and psychological symptoms, including depression, post-traumatic stress, post-traumatic growth factor, anxiety, grief, and positive resources, between BFM with the presence and absence of current suicidal ideation. RESULTS Compared to BFM without suicidal ideation, BFM with suicidal ideation showed a higher FAA with right dominance. Significant differences in psychological symptoms were observed between the groups. In BFM with suicidal ideation, the low: high frequency (LF:HF) ratio correlated with social resources and support. CONCLUSION The FAA and LF:HF ratio may be biomarkers that represent the pathological conditions of BFM with suicidal ideation. If researched further, they may shed light on the interaction between bereavement with suicidal ideation and social resources for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuk-In Jang
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Biomedical Industry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Biomedical Industry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Clinical Emotion and Cognition Research Laboratory, Inje University, Goyang, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Chae
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Biomedical Industry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Lee SM, Han H, Jang KI, Huh S, Huh HJ, Joo JY, Chae JH. Heart rate variability associated with posttraumatic stress disorder in victims' families of sewol ferry disaster. Psychiatry Res 2018; 259:277-282. [PMID: 29091829 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.08.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is caused by a major traumatic event, has been associated with autonomic nervous function. However, there have been few explorations of measuring biological stress in the victims' family members who have been indirectly exposed to the disaster. Therefore, this longitudinal study examined the heart rate variability (HRV) of the family members of victims of the Sewol ferry disaster. We recruited 112 family members of victims 18 months after the disaster. Sixty-seven participants were revisited at the 30 months postdisaster time point. HRV and psychiatric symptoms including PTSD, depression and anxiety were evaluated at each time point. Participants with PTSD had a higher low frequency to high frequency ratio (LF:HF ratio) than those without PTSD. Logistic regression analysis showed that the LF:HF ratio at 18 months postdisaster was associated with a PTSD diagnosis at 30 months postdisaster. These results suggest that disrupted autonomic nervous system functioning for longer than a year after trauma exposure contributes to predicting PTSD vulnerability. Our finding may contribute to understand neurophysiologic mechanisms underlying secondary traumatic stress. Future studies will be needed to clarify the interaction between autonomic regulation and trauma exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Min Lee
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Biomedical Industry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyesung Han
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea
| | - Kuk-In Jang
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Biomedical Industry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Huh
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyu Jung Huh
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Joo
- Institute of Biomedical Industry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Chae
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Biomedical Industry, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea.
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Cardiac vagal control as a marker of emotion regulation in healthy adults: A review. Biol Psychol 2017; 130:54-66. [PMID: 29079304 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In the last two decades, a growing body of theory and research has targeted the role of cardiac vagal control (CVC) in emotional responding. This research has either focused on resting CVC (also denoted as cardiac vagal tone) or phasic changes in CVC (also denoted as vagal reactivity) in response to affective stimuli. The present paper is aimed at reporting a review of the papers published between 1996 and 2016, and focused on the results of 135 papers examining cardiac vagal control as a physiological marker of emotion regulation in healthy adults. The review shows that studies have employed a wide array of methodologies and measures, often leading to conflicting results. High resting CVC has been associated with better down-regulation of negative affect, use of adaptive regulatory strategies, and more flexible emotional responding. Concerning phasic changes, research has consistently found decreased CVC in response to stress, while CVC increases have been shown to reflect either self-regulatory efforts or recovery from stress. Despite conflicting results, we conclude that existing literature supports the use of CVC as a noninvasive, objective marker of emotion regulation.
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