1
|
Vázquez E, Juturu P, Burroughs M, McMullin J, Cheney AM. Continuum of Trauma: Fear and Mistrust of Institutions in Communities of Color During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cult Med Psychiatry 2024; 48:290-309. [PMID: 37776491 PMCID: PMC11217119 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-023-09835-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Historical, cultural, and social trauma, along with social determinants of health (SDOH), shape health outcomes, attitudes toward medicine, government, and health behaviors among communities of color in the United States (U.S.). This study explores how trauma and fear influence COVID-19 testing and vaccination among Black/African American, Latinx/Indigenous Latin American, and Native American/Indigenous communities. Leveraging community-based participatory research methods, we conducted 11 virtual focus groups from January to March of 2021 with Black/African American (n = 4), Latinx/Indigenous Latin American (n = 4), and Native American/Indigenous (n = 3) identifying community members in Inland Southern California. Our team employed rapid analytic approaches (e.g., template and matrix analysis) to summarize data and identify themes across focus groups and used theories of intersectionality and trauma to meaningfully interpret study findings. Historical, cultural, and social trauma induce fear and mistrust in public health and medical institutions influencing COVID-19 testing and vaccination decisions in communities of color in Inland Southern California. This work showcases the need for culturally and structurally sensitive community-based health interventions that attend to the historical, cultural, and social traumas unique to racial/ethnic minority populations in the U.S. that underlie fear and mistrust of medical, scientific, and governmental institutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Vázquez
- Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521-9800, USA
| | - Preeti Juturu
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Burroughs
- Center for Healthy Communities, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Juliet McMullin
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Ann M Cheney
- Department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of California, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521-9800, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Komori T, Okamura K, Ikehara M, Yamamuro K, Endo N, Okumura K, Yamauchi T, Ikawa D, Ouji-Sageshima N, Toritsuka M, Takada R, Kayashima Y, Ishida R, Mori Y, Kamikawa K, Noriyama Y, Nishi Y, Ito T, Saito Y, Nishi M, Kishimoto T, Tanaka KF, Hiroi N, Makinodan M. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor from microglia regulates neuronal development in the medial prefrontal cortex and its associated social behavior. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1338-1349. [PMID: 38243072 PMCID: PMC11189755 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02413-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Microglia and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are essential for the neuroplasticity that characterizes critical developmental periods. The experience-dependent development of social behaviors-associated with the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-has a critical period during the juvenile period in mice. However, whether microglia and BDNF affect social development remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the effects of microglia-derived BDNF on social behaviors and mPFC development. Mice that underwent social isolation during p21-p35 had increased Bdnf in the microglia accompanied by reduced adulthood sociability. Additionally, transgenic mice overexpressing microglial Bdnf-regulated using doxycycline at different time points-underwent behavioral, electrophysiological, and gene expression analyses. In these mice, long-term overexpression of microglial BDNF impaired sociability and excessive mPFC inhibitory neuronal circuit activity. However, administering doxycycline to normalize BDNF from p21 normalized sociability and electrophysiological function in the mPFC, whereas normalizing BDNF from later ages (p45-p50) did not normalize electrophysiological abnormalities in the mPFC, despite the improved sociability. To evaluate the possible role of BDNF in human sociability, we analyzed the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and BDNF expression in human macrophages, a possible proxy for microglia. Results show that adverse childhood experiences positively correlated with BDNF expression in M2 but not M1 macrophages. In summary, our study demonstrated the influence of microglial BDNF on the development of experience-dependent social behaviors in mice, emphasizing its specific impact on the maturation of mPFC function, particularly during the juvenile period. Furthermore, our results propose a translational implication by suggesting a potential link between BDNF secretion from macrophages and childhood experiences in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Komori
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Kazuya Okamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Minobu Ikehara
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Yamamuro
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Nozomi Endo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Kazuki Okumura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Takahira Yamauchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | | | - Michihiro Toritsuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Ryohei Takada
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kayashima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Rio Ishida
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Yuki Mori
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Kohei Kamikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Yuki Noriyama
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Yuki Nishi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Ito
- Department of Immunology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Saito
- Department of Neurophysiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Mayumi Nishi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Kishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Division of Brain Sciences, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Noboru Hiroi
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Manabu Makinodan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8521, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chadaga K, Prabhu S, Sampathila N, Chadaga R, Bhat D, Sharma AK, Swathi KS. SADXAI: Predicting social anxiety disorder using multiple interpretable artificial intelligence techniques. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100129. [PMID: 38508237 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2024.100129] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a psychological condition in which a person has a persistent and overwhelming fear of being negatively judged or observed by other individuals. This fear can affect them at work, in relationships and other social activities. The intricate combination of several environmental and biological factors is the reason for the onset of this mental condition. SAD is diagnosed using a test called the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5), which is based on several physical, emotional and demographic symptoms. Artificial Intelligence has been a boon for medicine and is regularly used to diagnose various health conditions and diseases. Hence, this study used demographic, emotional, and physical symptoms and multiple machine learning (ML) techniques to diagnose SAD. A thorough descriptive and statistical analysis has been conducted before using the classifiers. Among all the models, the AdaBoost and logistic regression obtained the highest accuracy of 88 % each. Four eXplainable artificial techniques (XAI) techniques are utilized to make the predictions interpretable, transparent and understandable. According to XAI, the "Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale questionnaire" and "The fear of speaking in public" are the most critical attributes in the diagnosis of SAD. This clinical decision support system framework could be utilized in various suitable locations such as schools, hospitals and workplaces to identify SAD in people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krishnaraj Chadaga
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Srikanth Prabhu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
| | - Niranjana Sampathila
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
| | - Rajagopala Chadaga
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Devadas Bhat
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Akhilesh Kumar Sharma
- Department of Data Science and Engineering, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - K S Swathi
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu Q, Ding X, Wang Y, Chu H, Guan Y, Li M, Sun K. Artemisinin reduces PTSD-like symptoms, improves synaptic plasticity, and inhibits apoptosis in rats subjected to single prolonged stress. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1303123. [PMID: 38379899 PMCID: PMC10876839 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1303123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic mental disorder characterized by symptoms of panic and anxiety, depression, impaired cognitive functioning, and difficulty in social interactions. While the effect of the traditional Chinese medicine artemisinin (AR) on PTSD is unknown, its therapeutic benefits have been demonstrated by studies on models of multiple neurological disorders. This study aimed to extend such findings by investigating the effects of AR administration on a rat model of PTSD induced by a regimen of single prolonged stress (SPS). After rats were subjected to the SPS protocol, AR was administered and its impact on PTSD-like behaviors was evaluated. In the present study, rats were subjected to a multitude of behavioral tests to evaluate behaviors related to anxiety, memory function, and social interactions. The expression of hippocampal synaptic plasticity-related proteins was detected using Western blot and immunofluorescence. The ultrastructure of synapses was observed under transmission electron microscopy. The apoptosis of hippocampal neurons was examined with Western blot, TUNEL staining, and HE staining. The results showed that AR administration alleviated the PTSD-like phenotypes in SPS rats, including behavior indicative of anxiety, cognitive deficits, and diminished sociability. AR administration was further observed to improve synaptic plasticity and inhibit neuronal apoptosis in SPS rats. These findings suggest that administering AR after the onset of severe traumatic events may alleviate anxiety, cognitive deficits, and impaired social interaction, improve synaptic plasticity, and diminish neuronal apoptosis. Hence, the present study provides evidence for AR's potential as a multi-target agent in the treatment of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kuisheng Sun
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fricke S, Seinsche RJ, Neudert MK, Schäfer A, Zehtner RI, Stark R, Hermann A. Neural correlates of context-dependent extinction recall in social anxiety disorder: relevance of intrusions in response to aversive social experiences. Psychol Med 2024; 54:548-557. [PMID: 37553977 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723002179] [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] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are phenomenological similarities between social anxiety disorder (SAD) and posttraumatic stress disorder, such as a provoking aversive event, posttraumatic stress symptoms (e.g. intrusions) in response to these events and deficient (context-dependent) fear conditioning processes. This study investigated the neural correlates of context-dependent extinction recall and fear renewal in SAD, specifically in patients with intrusions in response to an etiologically relevant aversive social event. METHODS During functional magnetic resonance imaging a two-day context-dependent fear conditioning paradigm was conducted in 54 patients with SAD and 54 healthy controls (HC). This included fear acquisition (context A) and extinction learning (context B) on one day, and extinction recall (context B) as well as fear renewal (contexts C and A) one day later. The main outcome measures were blood oxygen level-dependent responses in regions of interest and skin conductance responses. RESULTS Patients with SAD showed reduced differential conditioned amygdala activation during extinction recall in the safe extinction context and during fear renewal in the acquisition context compared to HC. Patients with clinically relevant intrusions moreover exhibited hypoactivation of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) during extinction learning, extinction recall, and fear renewal in a novel context, while amygdala activation more strongly decreased during extinction learning and increased during fear renewal in the acquisition context compared with patients without intrusions. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides first evidence that intrusions in SAD are associated with similar deficits in context-dependent regulation of conditioned fear via the vmPFC as previously demonstrated in posttraumatic stress disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Fricke
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rosa J Seinsche
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marie K Neudert
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Axel Schäfer
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Phillips University Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Raphaela I Zehtner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Stark
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Phillips University Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andrea Hermann
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Phillips University Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li Q, Zhang X, Yang X, Pan N, He M, Suo X, Li X, Gong Q, Wang S. Pre-COVID resting-state brain activity in the fusiform gyrus prospectively predicts social anxiety alterations during the pandemic. J Affect Disord 2024; 344:380-388. [PMID: 37838273 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social anxiety (SA) has been linked to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but the neurobiopsychological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the neurofunctional markers for COVID-induced SA development and the potential role of COVID-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in the brain-SA alterations link. METHODS Before the COVID-19 pandemic (T1), 100 general college students underwent resting-state magnetic resonance imaging and behavioral tests. During the period of community-level outbreaks (T2), these students were re-contacted to undergo follow-up behavioral assessments. RESULTS Whole-brain correlation and prediction analyses found that pre-pandemic spontaneous neural activity (measured by fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations) in the right fusiform gyrus (FG) was positively correlated to SA alterations (T2 - T1). Mediation analyses revealed that COVID-specific PTSS mediated the effects of right FG on SA alterations. LIMITATIONS The results should be interpreted carefully because only one-session neuroimaging data in a sample of normal adults were included. CONCLUSIONS The results provide evidence for neurofunctional markers of COVID-induced SA and may help develop targeted brain-based interventions that reduce SA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Li
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Xun Yang
- School of Public Affairs, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Nanfang Pan
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Min He
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueling Suo
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Interventional Therapy, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li M, Lv X, Li T, Cui C, Yang X, Peng X, Lei J, Yang J, Ren K, Luo G, Shi Y, Yao Y, Tian B, Zhang P. Basolateral Amygdala Cannabinoid CB1 Receptor Controls Formation and Elimination of Social Fear Memory. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:3674-3685. [PMID: 37718490 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00297] [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] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) usually manifest persistence of the traumatic memory for a long time after the event, also known as resistance to extinction learning. Numerous studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system, specifically the cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R), plays an important role in traumatic memory. However, the effect of basolateral amygdala (BLA) CB1R in social fear memory formation and elimination is still unclear. Here, we built a mouse model of social avoidance induced by acute social defeat stress to investigate the role of BLA CB1R in social fear memory formation and anxiety- and depression-like behavior. Anterograde knockout of CB1R in BLA neurons facilitates social fear memory formation and manifests an anxiolytic effect but does not influence sociability and social novelty. Retrograde knockout of CB1R in BLA promotes social fear memory formation and shows an anxiogenic effect but does not affect sociability and social novelty. Moreover, intracerebral injection of the CB1R antagonist AM251 in BLA during the memory reconsolidation time window eliminates social fear memory. Our findings suggest the CB1R of BLA can be used as a novel molecular target in social fear memory formation and elimination and potential PTSD therapy with memory retrieval and AM251.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xinyuan Lv
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Tongxia Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Chi Cui
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xueke Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Peng
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Jie Lei
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Kun Ren
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Gangan Luo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Yulong Shi
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Yibo Yao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Bo Tian
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
- Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
- Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Graham B, Ehlers A. Development and Validation of the Bullied Cognitions Inventory (BCI). COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2023; 47:1033-1045. [PMID: 37927423 PMCID: PMC10620262 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-023-10412-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Bullying increases risk of social anxiety and can produce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to cognitive models, these are maintained by unhelpful beliefs, which are therefore assessed and targeted in cognitive therapy. This paper describes psychometric validation of a new measure of beliefs related to bullying experiences. Methods In an online survey of 1879 young people before starting university or college in the UK, 1279 reported a history of bullying (N = 1279), and 854 rated their agreement with beliefs about self and others related to bullying experiences and completed symptom measures of social anxiety and PTSD related to bullying. An empirical structure for a Bullied Cognitions Inventory was established using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and assessed using model fit statistics and tests of reliability and validity. Results Fifteen items clustered into four themes: "degraded in the eyes of others", "negative interpretations of reactions to bullying", "recognisable as a bullying victim" and "social defeat". The measure has acceptable reliability and validity and, accounting for existing cognitive measures, explained additional variance in symptoms of PTSD but not social anxiety. Conclusions The Bullied Cognitions Inventory (BCI) is a valid and reliable tool for measuring cognitions related to bullying. It may be useful in therapy for identifying and monitoring unhelpful cognitions in those who were bullied. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10608-023-10412-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Graham
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, University of Oxford, The Old Rectory, Paradise Square, Oxford, OX1 1TW UK
| | - Anke Ehlers
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, University of Oxford, The Old Rectory, Paradise Square, Oxford, OX1 1TW UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hardarson JP, Gudmundsdottir B, Valdimarsdottir AG, Gudmundsdottir K, Tryggvadottir A, Thorarinsdottir K, Wessman I, Davidsdottir S, Tomasson G, Holmes EA, Thorisdottir AS, Bjornsson AS. Appraisals of Social Trauma and Their Role in the Development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:577. [PMID: 37504024 PMCID: PMC10376637 DOI: 10.3390/bs13070577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive theories of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) feature appraisal of trauma as a critical factor in the development and maintenance of the disorder. Here we explored appraisals of social trauma (severe rejection or humiliation). Participants were outpatients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and clinically significant PTSD symptoms (PTSS) after social trauma (n = 15); two clinical control groups of either SAD (n = 32) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; n = 13); and a control group with no diagnoses (n = 38). Measures included a clinical interview to assess social trauma and related open-ended appraisals and the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory (PTCI). Raters blind to group assignment performed content analyses of appraisals. Results showed that the PTSS group scored significantly higher than either clinical group on the PTCI SELF subscale. Only the SELF subscale predicted a diagnosis of both PTSS and SAD. All but one PTSS participant reported primarily negative beliefs about their social trauma, and the most common categories were flawed self and others are critical or cruel. Post-traumatic appraisals implicated in the course of PTSD are significant in how individuals respond to social trauma, with negative self-cognitions linked to both PTSS and SAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Berglind Gudmundsdottir
- Department of Medicine, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
- Department of Mental Health Services, Landspitali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | | | | | | | - Inga Wessman
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Soley Davidsdottir
- Icelandic Center for Treatment of Anxiety Disorders, 108 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Gunnar Tomasson
- Department of Medicine, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Emily A Holmes
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Andri S Bjornsson
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Makinodan M, Komori T, Okamura K, Ikehara M, Yamamuro K, Endo N, Okumura K, Yamauchi T, Ikawa D, Ouji-Sageshima N, Toritsuka M, Takada R, Kayashima Y, Ishida R, Mori Y, Kamikawa K, Noriyama Y, Nishi Y, Ito T, Saito Y, Nishi M, Kishimoto T, Tanaka K, Hiroi N. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor from microglia regulates neuronal development in the medial prefrontal cortex and its associated social behavior. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3094335. [PMID: 37461488 PMCID: PMC10350236 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3094335/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Microglia and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are essential for the neuroplasticity that characterizes critical developmental periods. The experience-dependent development of social behaviors-associated with the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-has a critical period during the juvenile period in mice. However, whether microglia and BDNF affect social development remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the effects of microglia-derived BDNF on social behaviors and mPFC development. Mice that underwent social isolation during p21-p35 had increased Bdnf in the microglia accompanied by reduced adulthood sociability. Additionally, transgenic mice overexpressing microglia Bdnf-regulated using doxycycline at different time points-underwent behavioral, electrophysiological, and gene expression analyses. In these mice, long-term overexpression of microglia BDNF impaired sociability and excessive mPFC inhibitory neuronal circuit activity. However, administration of doxycycline to normalize BDNF from p21 normalized sociability and electrophysiological functions; this was not observed when BDNF was normalized from a later age (p45-p50). To evaluate the possible role of BDNF in human sociability, we analyzed the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and BDNF expression in human macrophages, a possible substitute for microglia. Results show that adverse childhood experiences positively correlated with BDNF expression in M2 but not M1 macrophages. Thus, microglia BDNF might regulate sociability and mPFC maturation in mice during the juvenile period. Furthermore, childhood experiences in humans may be related to BDNF secretion from macrophages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - T Ito
- Keio University School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Noboru Hiroi
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tei S, Fujino J. Adverse effects of empathy and cognitive inflexibility on social trauma. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1090297. [PMID: 37303915 PMCID: PMC10250643 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1090297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shisei Tei
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute of Applied Brain Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
- School of Human and Social Sciences, Tokyo International University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Junya Fujino
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Memory representation of aversive social experiences in Social Anxiety Disorder. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 94:102669. [PMID: 36669276 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102669] [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: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Aversive social experiences are proposed to be a risk factor for developing Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Many patients with SAD report associated daily life symptoms, such as intrusive re-experiencing (e.g., negatively distorted images of oneself), avoidance, alterations in cognitions and mood, as well as hyperarousal, resembling symptom dimensions of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These PTSD-like symptoms may result from maladaptive processing and representation of the aversive social experiences in memory. Emotional hyperreactivity during memory retrieval of aversive social experiences is another feature of SAD which was found in previous studies. This study aimed to further investigate PTSD-like symptoms and emotional reactivity associated with etiologically relevant aversive social experiences and shed more light on a potential relationship between both. Eighty-five patients with SAD and 85 healthy controls (HC) participated in this cross-sectional study. It comprised an imagination task with self-report and physiological measures to assess emotional reactivity during the cued recall of the aversive social experience and clinical interviews to assess PTSD-like symptoms. We expected increased emotional reactivity and more severe PTSD-like symptoms in response to the aversive social experience in patients with SAD compared to HC, as well as a positive correlation between emotional reactivity and PTSD-like symptoms in patients with SAD. Indeed, patients with SAD showed emotional hyperreactivity (self-report, physiology) during the cued recall of the aversive social experiences, also when compared to two control memory conditions (neutral, negative non-social) and HC. Patients with SAD furthermore reported more severe PTSD-like symptoms compared to HC and intrusive re-experiencing symptoms were positively correlated with distress during imagery of the social aversive event in patients with SAD. These results might point toward a maladaptive representation of aversive social experiences in memory. Similar to PTSD, this maladaptive memory representation might promote the development of PTSD-like symptoms such as intrusive re-experiencing (e.g., in the form of intrusive self-images in patients with SAD), which might finally lead to and maintain symptoms of SAD.
Collapse
|
13
|
The association of mindfulness and psychological well-being among individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 in Jianghan District, Wuhan, China: A cross-sectional study. J Affect Disord 2022; 319:437-445. [PMID: 36162667 PMCID: PMC9502442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the global pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have commonly occurred among COVID-19 patients, whose experiences of infection and subsequent treatment might develop negative consequences on their mental well-being even after recovery. Despite the general recognition of efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing psychological distress among various populations, there were insufficient studies on the relationship between mindfulness and mental health among individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. OBJECTIVE The current study aims to identify the prevalence of common mental health challenges among recovered COVID-19 patients in Jianghan District, Wuhan, China and to explore the potential mechanism through which mindfulness alleviate depression and PTSD. METHODS A cross-sectional survey on mental health was conducted among a convenience sample of adults recovered from COVID-19 in Jianghan District, Wuhan, China. The study participants completed questionnaires under the assistance of trained investigators. The questionnaire included Chinese version of Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form (FFMQ-SF), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), Resilience Style Questionnaire (RSQ), Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to measure mindfulness, anxiety, resilience, PTSD, and depression respectively. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the relationship between mindfulness and mental health outcomes of this population. RESULTS 1541 respondents (654 [42.4 %] men and 887 [57.6 %] women) completed the questionnaire between June 10 and July 25, 2021, of whom 36.2 % and 27.1 % had mild and severe levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively, and 15.2 % was indicated with PTSD. The average score of mindfulness of the study participants was (3.100 ± 0.387), and that of resilience was (3.560 ± 0.877). The structural equation model fit the data well, demonstrating that mindfulness was negatively associated with depressive symptoms directly (β = -0.031, P = 0.021) or indirectly through the mediation effect of resilience (β = -0.019, P = 0.009) and anxiety symptoms (β = -0.208, P < 0.001), and was negatively associated with PTSD through the mediation effect of anxiety symptoms (β = -0.142, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 commonly experienced psychological distress. Mindfulness is associated with alleviation of depressive and PTSD symptoms directly or indirectly. Interventions based on mindfulness are suggested to improve the mental well-being of this population.
Collapse
|
14
|
Аврамчук О. РОЛЬ СОЦІАЛЬНОГО ВІДСТОРОНЕННЯ ТА ВІДКИНЕННЯ У ПАТОГЕНЕЗІ СОЦІАЛЬНОГО ТРИВОЖНОГО РОЗЛАДУ: ОГЛЯД ЗАКОРДОННОЇ ЛІТЕРАТУРИ. PSYCHOLOGICAL PROSPECTS JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.29038/2227-1376-2022-40-avr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Мета: теоретично проаналізувати роль соціального відсторонення та відкинення у патогенезі соціального тривожного розладу як модифікуючих факторів вразливості.
Методи. Пошук попередніх досліджень здійснювався за допомогою сервісів PubMed, Web-of-Science та Research Gate за наступними критеріями: дослідження стосувалися осіб, які мали встановлений діагноз соціальний тривожний розлад або належали до субклінічної групи; була проведена первинна оцінка чи аналіз впливу соціального відсторонення та відкинення; фокусом уваги досліджень соціальна фобія та/чи соціальне відсторонення/відкинення.
Результати. Опрацьовуючи дану проблематику було проаналізовано понад 214 наукових статей, з яких переважна частина опубліковані після 2017 року. У відповідності до критеріїв було обрано 30 статей. За результатами аналізу даних встановлено, що засвоєння соціального травматичного досвіду та підвищений рівень нейротизму сприяють формуванню непродуктивних когнітивних стратегій оцінювання («передбачення катастрофи») соціальних ситуацій й себе в них та відповідних їх змісту поведінкових стратегій уникнення через страх соціального відкинення, що безпосередньо знижує соціальну ефективність особи. Недостатня усвідомленість власних емоцій та викривлені переконання навколо них, стимулюючи уникнення й соціальне відсторонення як запобіжний засіб, обумовлюють високі показники соціальної тривожності, посилюють сприйняття соціальної загрози й зменшують сприйняття контролю над нею, та як наслідок актуалізують патерни травматичного досвіду, який особа намагалася уникнути. Опанування суб’єктивного емоційного досвіду за умов обмежених ресурсів життєвих обставин (як пандемія, проблемні стосунки, тривала ситуація невизначеності тощо) підсилюють вразливість до соціального тривожного розладу як непродуктивної копінг стратегії.
Висновки. Уникнення емоційного досвіду та підтримання не коригуючого досвіду стосунків через страх бути відкинутим може закріплювати дисфункційний цикл когнітивних переконань щодо себе й світу у патогенезі соціальної фобії й знаходити свій прояв у соціальній відстороненості.
Ключові слова: уникаюча поведінка, соціальна травма, ранні дисфункційні схеми, стигма, COVID-19.
Collapse
|
15
|
Birkeland MS, Skar AS, Jensen TK. Understanding the relationships between trauma type and individual posttraumatic stress symptoms: a cross-sectional study of a clinical sample of children and adolescents. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:1496-1504. [PMID: 35304778 PMCID: PMC9790300 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Characteristics of traumatic events may be associated with the level and specific manifestation of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). This study examined the differences and similarities between overall levels, profiles and networks of PTSS after sexual trauma, domestic violence, community violence, non-interpersonal trauma, sudden loss or serious illness of a loved one, and severe bullying or threats. METHODS PTSS were measured in a clinical sample of 4,921 children and adolescents (6-18 years old, M = 14.0, SD = 2.7, 63.7% female) referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. We compared 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each symptom with 95% CI for overall PTSS within each trauma type (self-reported worst trauma). We also computed cross-sectional networks and searched for differences in networks according to trauma type and overall symptom level. RESULTS The overall frequencies of PTSS were highest following sexual trauma; somewhat lower for domestic violence and severe bullying or threats and lowest after community violence, non-interpersonal trauma and sudden loss or serious illness. Psychological cue reactivity, avoidance and difficulties with sleeping and concentrating were generally among the most frequent symptoms. Sexual trauma, domestic violence and severe bullying or threats were associated with higher frequencies of negative beliefs and persistent negative emotional states. Few differences in symptom networks across trauma type emerged. CONCLUSION Different types of trauma exposure may be associated with different profiles of symptom frequencies. Knowledge about this may be useful for clinicians and for the movement towards evidence-based personalized psychological treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tine K. Jensen
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress StudiesOsloNorway,Department of PsychologyUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Azoulay R, Gilboa-Schechtman E. The scarring impact of status loss in social anxiety: An evolutionary perspective. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 90:102600. [PMID: 35841783 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionary models suggest that social anxiety (SA) is associated with sensitivity to status loss. These models make several additional predictions concerning the strength as well as the specificity of the association between post-event distress (PED) following status losses and SA. First, the strength of this association is postulated to be enhanced in men, especially following status losses inflicted by other men (intra-male status losses). Second, given the evolutionary postulated relationship between social status and physical fitness, sensitivity to status loss in SA is expected to extend to physically threatening events. We examined these predictions in four online samples (total N = 1123; 59% females, 27% above the cutoff for clinically elevated SA). In all studies, participants recalled social status-loss events and rated the emotional and distressing impact of these experiences. In two samples, participants also identified and recalled physically threatening events. Our findings were consistent with evolutionary predictions. SA was associated with PED following social status-loss events (β = 0.27). This association was stronger in men than in women (β = 0.40, β = 0.16, respectively). Moreover, the SA-PED association was especially enhanced following intra-male, compared to intra-female and inter-gender, status losses (β = 0.47, β = 0.26, and β = 0.17, respectively). Furthermore, SA was uniquely associated with PED following physically threatening events, over and above PED following social status-loss events (β = 0.21). Our data highlights the significant impact of socially and physically threatening events and delineates the scarring signature of such events in SA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roy Azoulay
- Department of Psychology and Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Center, Bar-Ilan University, Israel.
| | - Eva Gilboa-Schechtman
- Department of Psychology and Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Center, Bar-Ilan University, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Azoulay R, Gilboa-Schechtman E. Social Construction and Evolutionary Perspectives on Gender Differences in Post-traumatic Distress: The Case of Status Loss Events. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:858304. [PMID: 35651822 PMCID: PMC9148972 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.858304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Women report greater post-traumatic distress (PTD) than men following physically threatening events. However, gender differences in PTD following social stressors such as status losses are understudied. Whereas the social construction account points to a general sensitivity in women following any type of stressor, the evolutionary account suggests enhanced sensitivity to status losses in men, especially following inter-males aggressions. These propositions were examined in two studies (Study 1, N = 211; Study 2, N = 436). Participants were asked to recall a status loss and to fill out measures assessing PTD and depression severity. In line with the evolutionary account, men, as compared to women, displayed enhanced PTD following status loss. Status losses conducted by men against men were associated with greater PTD than were instances involving other target-aggressor pairings. Finally, age was negatively associated with PTD in men but not in women. The examination of evolutionary challenges modifies the standard view linking the female gender to enhanced sensitivity to trauma. Thus, the pattern of enhanced sensitivity to stressful events appears to be affected by gender- and development-specific adaptive challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roy Azoulay
- Department of Psychology and Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Thorarinsdottir K, Holmes EA, Hardarson J, Stephenssen ES, Jonasdottir MH, Kanstrup M, Singh L, Hauksdottir A, Halldorsdottir T, Gudmundsdottir B, Thordardottir E, Valdimarsdottir U, Bjornsson A. Using a Brief Mental Imagery Competing Task to Reduce the Number of Intrusive Memories: An Exploratory Case Series with Trauma Exposed Women in Iceland (Preprint). JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e37382. [PMID: 35857368 PMCID: PMC9491830 DOI: 10.2196/37382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Novel interventions should be developed for people who have undergone psychological trauma. In a previous case study, we found that the number of intrusive memories of trauma could be reduced with a novel intervention. The intervention included a brief memory reminder, a visuospatial task and mental rotation, and targeted trauma memory hotspots one at a time in separate sessions. Objective This case series (N=3) extended the first case study with 3 new cases to determine whether a similar pattern of beneficial results is observed. We explored whether the brief intervention would result in reduced numbers of intrusive memories and whether it would impact symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression and anxiety, and general functioning. Acceptability of the intervention was also explored. Methods A total of 3 women completed the study: 2 with posttraumatic stress disorder and other comorbidities and 1 with subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder. The primary outcome was the change in the number of intrusive memories from the baseline phase to the intervention phase and at the 1-month follow-up, with an assessment of the intrusion frequency at 3 months. Participants monitored the number of intrusive memories in a daily diary for 1 week at baseline, for maximum of 6 weeks during the intervention phase and for 1 week at the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. The intervention was delivered in person or digitally, with guidance from a clinical psychologist. A repeated AB design was used (A was a preintervention baseline phase and B intervention phase). Intrusions were targeted individually, creating repetitions of an AB design. Results The total number of intrusive memories was reduced from the baseline to the intervention phase for all participants. The total number for participant 3 (P3) reduced from 38.8 per week during the baseline phase to 18.0 per week in the intervention phase. It was 13 at the 3-month follow-up. The total number for P4 reduced from 10.8 per week at baseline to 4.7 per week in the intervention phase. It was 0 at the 3-month follow-up. The total number for P5 was reduced from 33.7 at baseline to 20.7 per week in the intervention phase. It was 8 at the 3-month follow-up. All participants reported reduction in posttraumatic stress symptoms in the postintervention phase. Depression and anxiety symptoms reduced in 2 of the 3 participants in the postintervention phase. Acceptability was favorable. Conclusions We observed good compliance with the intervention and intrusive memory diary in all 3 cases. The number of intrusive memories was reduced for all participants during the intervention phase and at the 1-month follow-up, with some improvement in other symptoms and functioning. Further research should explore the remote delivery of the intervention and whether nonspecialists can deliver the intervention effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily A Holmes
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johann Hardarson
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | | | - Marie Kanstrup
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Laura Singh
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Arna Hauksdottir
- The Center of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Thorhildur Halldorsdottir
- The Center of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Psychology, University of Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Berglind Gudmundsdottir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- The National University Hospital of Iceland, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Edda Thordardottir
- The Center of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Unnur Valdimarsdottir
- The Center of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- The National University Hospital of Iceland, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andri Bjornsson
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Seinsche RJ, Walter B, Fricke S, Neudert MK, Zehtner RI, Stark R, Hermann A. Social phobic beliefs mediate the relationship between post-event processing regarding the worst socially aversive experience and fear of negative evaluation. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35153460 PMCID: PMC8818836 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02805-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The experience of socially aversive events is proposed to be a critical etiological factor in the development of social anxiety symptoms even though the experience itself is also common among healthy individuals. Rather than the event itself, accompanying factors such as maladaptive processing might be associated with higher levels of social anxiety symptoms. One-hundred-seventy-four individuals participated in this online-survey comprising questionnaires regarding social anxiety symptoms and retrospective reports concerning maladaptive processing of the worst socially aversive event. Structural equation modelling was used to analyze the hypothesized mediation of maladaptive processing and fear of negative evaluation by intrusive re-experiencing and social phobic beliefs. The positive association between retrospectively evaluated maladaptive processing after the worst socially aversive event and fear of negative evaluation was mediated by social phobic beliefs but not by intrusive re-experiencing. These results point towards the relevance of further investigating processing strategies after socially aversive events as a potential influencing factor for SAD development. Trial registration. The trial was registered at the German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS00021502) on June 3rd, 2020. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-022-02805-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa J. Seinsche
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Otto-Behaghel-Str. 10H, Giessen, 35394 Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Bertram Walter
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Susanne Fricke
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Otto-Behaghel-Str. 10H, Giessen, 35394 Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marie K. Neudert
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Otto-Behaghel-Str. 10H, Giessen, 35394 Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Raphaela I. Zehtner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Otto-Behaghel-Str. 10H, Giessen, 35394 Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Stark
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Otto-Behaghel-Str. 10H, Giessen, 35394 Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andrea Hermann
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Otto-Behaghel-Str. 10H, Giessen, 35394 Germany
- Bender Institute of Neuroimaging, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Thorarinsdottir K, Holmes EA, Hardarson J, Hedinsdottir U, Kanstrup M, Singh L, Hauksdottir A, Halldorsdottir T, Gudmundsdottir B, Valdimarsdottir U, Thordardottir EB, Gamble B, Bjornsson A. Reducing Intrusive Memories of Childhood Trauma Using a Visuospatial Intervention: Case Study in Iceland. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e29873. [PMID: 34734830 PMCID: PMC8603162 DOI: 10.2196/29873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Additional interventions are needed for survivors of psychological trauma because of several barriers to and limitations of existing treatment options (eg, need to talk about the trauma in detail). Case studies are an important step in exploring the development of novel interventions, allowing detailed examination of individual responses to treatment over time. Here, we present a case study that aims to test a novel intervention designed to disrupt memory reconsolidation, taking a single-symptom approach by focusing on intrusive memories of a traumatic event. Objective This study aims to examine a novel brief cognitive intervention to reduce the number of intrusive memories of trauma in an Icelandic setting and to extend previous studies by examining long-term effects for up to 3 months. The intervention was guided by a clinical psychologist and comprised a brief memory reminder, followed by Tetris gameplay with mental rotation, targeting one memory at a time in each session. Methods This was a single case study in Iceland with a woman in her 50s (drawn from an epidemiological study of trauma) with subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder and a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. The participant had four different intrusive memories from a traumatic event that happened in her childhood. The primary outcome was the change in the number of intrusive memories from baseline to intervention phase and to follow-ups. The number of intrusions was monitored in a daily diary for 4 weeks preintervention, 8 weeks during the intervention, and 1 week at 1-month and 3-month follow-ups. Intrusions were targeted one by one over six intervention sessions, creating four repetitions of an AB design (ie, length of baseline A and intervention phase B varied for each memory). We examined changes in both the total number of intrusions (summed across all four memories) and individually for each memory. In addition, we explored whether having fewer intrusive memories would have an impact on functioning, posttraumatic stress, and depression or anxiety symptoms. Results The total number of intrusions per week was 12.6 at baseline, 6.1 at the intervention phase (52% reduction from baseline), 3.0 at the 1-month follow-up (76% reduction), and 1.0 at the 3-month follow-up (92% reduction). Reductions in the symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression were observed postintervention. Sleep, concentration, stress, and functioning improved. The participant considered the gameplay intervention acceptable and helpful in that she found that the memories disappeared while she was playing. Conclusions This guided brief cognitive intervention reduced the number of intrusive memories over the intervention phase and follow-ups. The brief memory reminder was well tolerated, removing the need to discuss trauma in detail. The next steps require an extension to more cases and exploring remote delivery of the intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily A Holmes
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johann Hardarson
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Marie Kanstrup
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Singh
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Swedish Collegium for Advanced Study, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Arna Hauksdottir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Thorhildur Halldorsdottir
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Berglind Gudmundsdottir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Unnur Valdimarsdottir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Beau Gamble
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andri Bjornsson
- Department of Psychology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Neuroticism and positive coping style as mediators of the association between childhood psychological maltreatment and social anxiety. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02360-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|