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Guthrie AJ, Paredes-Echeverri S, Bleier C, Adams C, Millstein DJ, Ranford J, Perez DL. Mechanistic studies in pathological health anxiety: A systematic review and emerging conceptual framework. J Affect Disord 2024; 358:222-249. [PMID: 38718945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.029] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathological health anxiety (PHA) (e.g., hypochondriasis and illness anxiety disorder) is common in medical settings and associated with increased healthcare costs. However, the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms contributing to the development and maintenance of PHA are incompletely understood. METHODS We performed a systematic review to characterize the mechanistic understanding of PHA. PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase databases were searched to find articles published between 1/1/1990 and 12/31/2022 employing a behavioral task and/or physiological measures in individuals with hypochondriasis, illness anxiety disorder, and PHA more broadly. RESULTS Out of 9141 records identified, fifty-seven met inclusion criteria. Article quality varied substantially across studies, and was overall inadequate. Cognitive, behavioral, and affective findings implicated in PHA included health-related attentional and memory recall biases, a narrow health concept, threat confirming thought patterns, use of safety-seeking behaviors, and biased explicit and implicit affective processing of health-related information among other observations. There is initial evidence supporting a potential overestimation of interoceptive stimuli in those with PHA. Neuroendocrine, electrophysiology, and brain imaging research in PHA are particularly in their early stages. LIMITATIONS Included articles evaluated PHA categorically, suggesting that sub-threshold and dimensional health anxiety considerations are not contextualized. CONCLUSIONS Within an integrated cognitive-behavioral-affective and predictive processing formulation, we theorize that sub-optimal illness and health concepts, altered interoceptive modeling, biased illness-based predictions and attention, and aberrant prediction error learning are mechanisms relevant to PHA requiring more research. Comprehensively investigating the pathophysiology of PHA offers the potential to identify adjunctive diagnostic biomarkers and catalyze new biologically-informed treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Guthrie
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara Paredes-Echeverri
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Bleier
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin Adams
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel J Millstein
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jessica Ranford
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Occupational Therapy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David L Perez
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Behavioral Neurology and Integrated Brain Medicine, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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O'Connor V, Shura R, Armistead-Jehle P, Cooper DB. Neuropsychological Evaluation in Traumatic Brain Injury. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2024; 35:593-605. [PMID: 38945653 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2024.02.010] [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: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Neuropsychological evaluations can be helpful in the aftermath of traumatic brain injury. Cognitive functioning is assessed using standardized assessment tools and by comparing an individual's scores on testing to normative data. These evaluations examine objective cognitive functioning as well as other factors that have been shown to influence performance on cognitive tests (eg, psychiatric conditions, sleep) in an attempt to answer a specific question from referring providers. Referral questions may focus on the extent of impairment, the trajectory of recovery, or ability to return to work, sport, or the other previous activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria O'Connor
- Department of Veterans Affairs, W. G. (Bill) Hefner VA Healthcare System, 1601 Brenner Avenue (11M), Salisbury, NC 28144, USA; Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN)-6 Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Durham, NC, USA; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Robert Shura
- Department of Veterans Affairs, W. G. (Bill) Hefner VA Healthcare System, 1601 Brenner Avenue (11M), Salisbury, NC 28144, USA; Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN)-6 Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Durham, NC, USA; Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Patrick Armistead-Jehle
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Concussion Clinic, Munson Army Health Center, 550 Pope Avenue, Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027, USA
| | - Douglas B Cooper
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center (UT-Health), South Texas VA Healthcare System, San Antonio Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center (UT-Health), South Texas VA Healthcare System, San Antonio Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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3
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Alkathiry AA. Relationship between severity of concussion's symptoms and functional performance in children. Brain Inj 2024; 38:569-573. [PMID: 38481094 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2329742] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Concussion is a common brain injury that has significant effects on multiple functional domains in children. However, limited research exists on the relationship between concussion severity and functional performance in this population. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the severity of concussion symptoms and children's balance and functional performance. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited 23 children (9 males and 14 females; mean age 13.9 ± 2.2 years) with clinically diagnosed concussions from a tertiary balance center in 2016. Participants underwent clinical and functional evaluations by specialized physical therapists. Symptom severity was assessed using the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS), while functional performance was measured using the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). RESULTS There was a trend suggesting a negative correlation between symptom severity (PCSS) and functional performance (FGA), indicating potentially better performance in individuals with milder symptoms. However, this trend was not significant (rs (21) = -.072, p = 0.744). Furthermore, no significant correlation was found between FGA scores and the severity of individual symptoms. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that concussion symptom severity may not be directly related to functional performance in children. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate functional performance measures alongside symptom assessment for comprehensive concussion management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz A Alkathiry
- Department Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, Majmaah University, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Silverberg ND, Rush BK. Neuropsychological evaluation of functional cognitive disorder: A narrative review. Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 38:302-325. [PMID: 37369579 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2023.2228527] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To critically review contemporary theoretical models, diagnostic approaches, clinical features, and assessment findings in Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD), and make recommendations for neuropsychological evaluation of this condition. Method: Narrative review. Results: FCD is common in neuropsychological practice. It is characterized by cognitive symptoms that are not better explained by another medical or psychiatric disorder. The cognitive symptoms are associated with distress and/or limitations in daily functioning, but are potentially reversible with appropriate identification and treatment. Historically, a variety of diagnostic frameworks have attempted to capture this condition. A contemporary conceptualization of FCD positions it as a subtype of Functional Neurological Disorder, with shared and unique etiological factors. Patients with FCD tend to perform normally on neuropsychological testing or demonstrate relatively weak memory acquisition (e.g. list learning trials) in comparison to strong attention and delayed recall performance. Careful history-taking and behavioral observations are essential to support the diagnosis of FCD. Areas of ongoing controversy include operationalizing "internal inconsistencies" and the role of performance validity testing. Evidence for targeted interventions remains scarce. Conclusions: Neuropsychologists familiar with FCD can uniquely contribute to the care of patients with this condition by improving diagnostic clarity, richening case formulation, communicating effectively with referrers, and leading clinical management. Further research is needed to refine diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah D Silverberg
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Rehabilitation Research Program, Centre for Aging SMART, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Beth K Rush
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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5
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McLoughlin J. Concussion Rehabilitation and the Application of Ten Movement Training Principles. Cureus 2023; 15:e46520. [PMID: 37927640 PMCID: PMC10625311 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Concussion awareness continues to grow in all aspects of healthcare, including the areas of prevention, acute care, and ongoing rehabilitation. Most of the concussion research to date has focussed on the challenges around screening and diagnosing what can be a complex mix of brain impairments that overlay with additional pre-existing comorbidities. While we expect further progress in concussion diagnosis, progress also continues to be made around proactive rehabilitation, with the emergence of interventions that can enhance the recovery process, maximise function and independence with a return to study, work, and play. Traditionally, optimal multimodal assessments of concussion have treated the physical, cognitive, and psychological domains of brain injury separately, which supports diagnosis, and informs appropriate follow-up care. Due to the complex nature of brain injury, multimodal assessments direct care toward professionals from many different disciplines including medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, neuropsychology, ophthalmology, and exercise physiology. In addition, these professionals may work in different fields such as sports, neurorehabilitation, vestibular, musculoskeletal, community, vocational, and general practice clinical settings. Rehabilitation interventions for concussions employed in practice are also likely to use a blend of theoretical principles from motor control, cognitive, and psychological sciences. This scale of diversity can make information dissemination, collaboration, and innovation challenging. The Ten Movement Training Principles (MTPs) have been proposed as a usable and relevant concept to guide and support clinical reasoning in neurorehabilitation. When applied to concussion rehabilitation, these same 10 principles provide a comprehensive overview of key rehabilitation strategies for current and future practice. Future collaborations can use these training principles to support clinical and research innovations including the rapid rise of technologies in this growing field of rehabilitation practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- James McLoughlin
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, AUS
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Godena EJ, Freeburn JL, Silverberg ND, Perez DL. A Case of Functional Cognitive Disorder: Psychotherapy and Speech and Language Therapy Insights. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2023; 31:248-256. [PMID: 37699067 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen J Godena
- From Harvard Medical School (Dr. Perez and Ms. Godena and Freeburn); Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Dr. Perez and Ms. Godena and Freeburn); Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Dr. Perez); Department of Speech, Language, and Swallowing Disorders, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA (Ms. Freeburn); Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia (Dr. Silverberg)
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Mavroudis I, Chatzikonstantinou S, Petridis F, Palade OD, Ciobica A, Balmus IM. Functional Overlay Model of Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1028. [PMID: 37508960 PMCID: PMC10377031 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) is a complex and debilitating condition that can develop after head concussions or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). PPCS is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive deficits, and emotional changes, that can persist for months or even years after the initial injury. Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms of PPCS are still poorly understood; furthermore, there are limited resources to predict PPCS development in mTBI patients and no established treatment. Similar to PPCS, the etiology and pathogenesis of functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are not clear neither fully described. Nonspecific multifactorial interactions that were also seen in PPCS have been identified as possible predispositions for FND onset and progression. Thus, we aimed to describe a functional overlay model of PPCS that emphasizes the interplay between functional and structural factors in the development and perpetuation of PPCS symptoms. Our model suggests that the initial brain injury triggers a cascade of physiological and psychological processes that disrupt the normal functioning of the brain leading to persistent symptoms. This disruption can be compounded by pre-existing factors, such as genetics, prior injury, and psychological distress, which can increase the vulnerability to PPCS. Moreover, specific interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, neurofeedback, and physical exercise can target the PPCS treatment approach. Thus, the functional overlay model of PPCS provides a new framework for understanding the complex nature of this condition and for developing more effective treatments. By identifying and targeting specific functional factors that contribute to PPCS symptoms, clinicians and researchers can improve the diagnosis, management, and ultimately, outcomes of patients with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Mavroudis
- Department of Neuroscience, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
- Faculty of Medicine, Leeds University, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Foivos Petridis
- Third Department of Neurology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Octavian Dragos Palade
- Surgical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Grigore T. Popa", 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 20th Carol I Avenue, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, B dul Carol I, No. 8, 700506 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Splaiul Independentei nr. 54, Sector 5, 050094 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Ioana-Miruna Balmus
- Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi, Alexandru Lapusneanu Street, No. 26, 700057 Iasi, Romania
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8
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McWhirter L, Carson A. Functional cognitive disorders: clinical presentations and treatment approaches. Pract Neurol 2023; 23:104-110. [PMID: 36601750 DOI: 10.1136/pn-2022-003608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Functional cognitive disorders (FCDs) are a common cause of subjective and mild cognitive impairment. Isolated FCDs commonly present to the cognitive clinic, but examination of the nature of the symptoms suggests that they can also be understood as a transdiagnostic feature of many other conditions. This article examines methods of formulating the cognitive difficulties in order to identify treatment targets in people with FCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura McWhirter
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alan Carson
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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9
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Silverberg ND, Mikolić A. Management of Psychological Complications Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:49-58. [PMID: 36763333 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01251-9] [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: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW It has been clear for decades that psychological factors often contribute to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) outcome, but an emerging literature has begun to clarify which specific factors are important, when, for whom, and how they impact recovery. This review aims to summarize the contemporary evidence on psychological determinants of recovery from mTBI and its implications for clinical management. RECENT FINDINGS Comorbid mental health disorders and specific illness beliefs and coping behaviors (e.g., fear avoidance) are associated with worse recovery from mTBI. Proactive assessment and intervention for psychological complications can improve clinical outcomes. Evidence-based treatments for primary mental health disorders are likely also effective for treating mental health disorders after mTBI, and can reduce overall post-concussion symptoms. Broad-spectrum cognitive-behavioral therapy may modestly improve post-concussion symptoms, but tailoring delivery to individual psychological risk factors and/or symptoms may improve its efficacy. Addressing psychological factors in treatments delivered primarily by non-psychologists is a promising and cost-effective approach for enhancing clinical management of mTBI. Recent literature emphasizes a bio-psycho-socio-ecological framework for understanding mTBI recovery and a precision rehabilitation approach to maximize recovery. Integrating psychological principles into rehabilitation and tailoring interventions to specific risk factors may improve clinical management of mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah D Silverberg
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
- Rehabilitation Research Program, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
| | - Ana Mikolić
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Rehabilitation Research Program, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
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10
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Jobin K, Wang M, du Plessis S, Silverberg ND, Debert CT. The importance of screening for functional neurological disorders in patients with persistent post-concussion symptoms. NeuroRehabilitation 2023; 53:199-208. [PMID: 37638460 DOI: 10.3233/nre-237002] [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: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional neurological disorder (FND) may commonly co-occur with persistent symptoms following a psychological trauma or physical injury such as concussion. OBJECTIVE To explore the occurrence of FND in a population with persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) and the associations between FND and depression as well as anxiety in participants with PPCS. METHODS Sixty-three individuals with PPCS presenting to a specialized brain injury clinic completed the following questionnaires: screening for somatoform disorder conversion disorder subscale (SOM-CD), Rivermead post-concussion symptom questionnaire (RPQ), patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire- 7 (GAD-7). Both multiple linear regression and logistic regression were conducted to evaluate the relationship between questionnaires and adjust for covariates. RESULTS We found that total RPQ score (βˆ= 0.27; 95% CI = [0.16, 0.38]), GAD-7 score (βˆ= 0.71; 95% CI = [0.50, 0.92]) and PHQ-9 score (βˆ= 0.54; 95% CI = [0.32, 0.76]) were positively associated with SOM-CD score individually, after consideration of other covariates. Participants meeting the criteria for severe FND symptoms were 4.87 times more likely to have high PPCS symptom burden (95% CI = [1.57, 22.84]), 8.95 times more likely to have severe anxiety (95% CI = [3.31, 35.03]) and 4.11 times more likely to have severe depression symptom burden (95% CI = [1.77, 11.53]). CONCLUSION The findings of this study indicate an association between FND and post-concussion symptoms as well as an association between FND and symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with PPCS. Patients with PPCS should be screened for FND to provide a more targeted treatment approach that includes somatic-focused interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiden Jobin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sané du Plessis
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Noah D Silverberg
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chantel T Debert
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Clark CN, Edwards MJ, Ong BE, Goodliffe L, Ahmad H, Dilley MD, Betteridge S, Griffin C, Jenkins PO. Reframing postconcussional syndrome as an interface disorder of neurology, psychiatry and psychology. Brain 2022; 145:1906-1915. [PMID: 35472071 PMCID: PMC9246708 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent symptoms following a minor head injury can cause significant morbidity, yet the underlying mechanisms for this are poorly understood. The shortcomings of the current terminology that refer to non-specific symptom clusters is discussed. This update considers the need for a multi-dimensional approach for the heterogenous mechanisms driving persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury. Relevant pathophysiology is discussed to make the case for mild traumatic brain injury to be conceptualized as an interface disorder spanning neurology, psychiatry and psychology. The relevance of pre-injury factors, psychological co-morbidities and their interaction with the injury to produce persistent symptoms are reviewed. The interplay with psychiatric diagnoses, functional and somatic symptom disorder presentations and the influence of the medicolegal process is considered. The judicious use and interpretation of investigations given the above complexity is discussed, with suggestions of how the explanation of the diagnostic formulation to the patient can be tailored, including insight into the above processes, to aid recovery. Moving beyond the one-dimensional concept of 'postconcussional syndrome' and reframing the cause of persistent symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury in a bio-psycho-socio-ecological model will hopefully improve understanding of the underlying contributory mechanistic interactions and facilitate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla N Clark
- Institute of Molecular & Clinical Sciences, St George's University of London, SW17 0RE London, UK
- UK DRI Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London, W12 0BZ London, UK
- Neurology department, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, SW17 0QT London, UK
| | - Mark J Edwards
- Institute of Molecular & Clinical Sciences, St George's University of London, SW17 0RE London, UK
- Neurology department, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, SW17 0QT London, UK
| | - Bee Eng Ong
- Neurology department, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, SW17 0QT London, UK
| | - Luke Goodliffe
- Neurology department, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, SW17 0QT London, UK
| | - Hena Ahmad
- Neurology department, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, SW17 0QT London, UK
| | - Michael D Dilley
- Neurology department, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, SW17 0QT London, UK
| | - Shai Betteridge
- Neurology department, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, SW17 0QT London, UK
| | - Colette Griffin
- Neurology department, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, SW17 0QT London, UK
| | - Peter O Jenkins
- UK DRI Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London, W12 0BZ London, UK
- Neurology department, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, SW17 0QT London, UK
- Neurology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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