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Dimitrova LI, Lawrence AJ, Vissia EM, Chalavi S, Kakouris AF, Veltman DJ, Reinders AATS. Inter-identity amnesia in dissociative identity disorder resolved: A behavioural and neurobiological study. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 174:220-229. [PMID: 38653030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.04.026] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is characterised by, among others, subjectively reported inter-identity amnesia, reflecting compromised information transfer between dissociative identity states. Studies have found conflicting results regarding memory transfer between dissociative identity states. Here, we investigated inter-identity amnesia in individuals with DID using self-relevant, subject specific stimuli, and behavioural and neural measures. METHODS Data of 46 matched participants were included; 14 individuals with DID in a trauma-avoidant state, 16 trauma-avoiding DID simulators, and 16 healthy controls. Reaction times and neural activation patterns related to three types of subject specific words were acquired and statistically analysed, namely non-self-relevant trauma-related words (NSt), self-relevant trauma-related words from a trauma-avoidant identity state (St), and trauma-related words from a trauma-related identity state (XSt). RESULTS We found no differences in reaction times between XSt and St words and faster reaction times for XSt over NSt. Reaction times of the diagnosed DID group were the longest. Increased brain activation to XSt words was found in the frontal and parietal regions, while decreased brain activity was found in the anterior cingulate cortex in the diagnosed DID group. DISCUSSION The current study reproduces and amalgamates previous behavioural reports as well as brain activation patterns. Our finding of increased cognitive control over self-relevant trauma-related knowledge processing has important clinical implications and calls for the redefinition of "inter-identity amnesia" to "inter-identity avoidance".
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Affiliation(s)
- Lora I Dimitrova
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eline M Vissia
- Heelzorg, Centre for Psychotrauma, Zwolle, the Netherlands
| | - Sima Chalavi
- Research Center for Movement Control and Neuroplasticity, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andreana F Kakouris
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Dick J Veltman
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Antje A T S Reinders
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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di Marco S, Gaumard M, Hage WE, Tarrada A, Fugain L, Ertan D, Hingray C. A cross-sectional survey on French psychiatrists' knowledge and perceptions of dissociative identity disorder. L'ENCEPHALE 2024:S0013-7006(24)00091-5. [PMID: 38824042 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine French psychiatrists' level of general knowledge about dissociative identity disorder and to evaluate their perceptions of this condition. METHODS In this study, French psychiatrists were invited by e-mail to answer an online survey. The questionnaire asked about their general knowledge and perceptions of dissociative identity disorder. RESULTS We received 924 answers including 582 complete questionnaires. The survey revealed that almost two-thirds (60.8%) of psychiatrists working in France had never received any training on dissociative disorders and 62% had never managed patients suffering from dissociative identity disorder. Only 19.5% of them claimed to believe unreservedly in the existence of the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder. The psychiatrists' confidence in diagnosing or treating dissociative identity disorder was low (mean confidence in diagnosis: 3.32 out of 10 (SD 1.89), mean confidence in treatment: 3.1 out of 10 (SD 1.68)). Fifty percent believed that dissociative identity disorder is an entity created by cinema, medias or social networks. Seventy-seven point seven percent thought that confusion with borderline personality disorder is possible, and 41.3% with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION In France, there is a lack of training and knowledge about dissociative identity disorder, as well as persistent skepticism about the validity of the diagnosis. Specific training seems essential for a better understanding of dissociative identity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia di Marco
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand-Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Marie Gaumard
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand-Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Wissam El Hage
- Pôle de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Alexis Tarrada
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand-Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Département de neurologie, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Laure Fugain
- Centre du psychotraumatisme de Lorraine-Sud (CPN), Nancy, France
| | - Deniz Ertan
- Unité de recherche, institut La-Teppe, Tain-l'Hermitage, France
| | - Coraline Hingray
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand-Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France; Centre du psychotraumatisme de Lorraine-Sud (CPN), Nancy, France; Département de neurologie, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, France.
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Callus E, Gallina E, Fernandez I. EMDR: dispelling the false memory creation myth in response to Otgaar et al. (2022a). Front Psychol 2024; 15:1366137. [PMID: 38689725 PMCID: PMC11058937 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1366137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Callus
- Clinical Psychology Service, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gallina
- Centro di Ricerca e Studi in Psicotraumatologia (CRSP), Milan, Italy
| | - Isabel Fernandez
- Centro di Ricerca e Studi in Psicotraumatologia (CRSP), Milan, Italy
- Associazione EMDR Italia, Varedo, Italy
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Purcell JB, Brand B, Browne HA, Chefetz RA, Shanahan M, Bair ZA, Baranowski KA, Davis V, Mangones P, Modell RL, Palermo CA, Robertson EC, Robinson MA, Ward L, Winternitz S, Kaufman ML, Lebois LAM. Treatment of dissociative identity disorder: leveraging neurobiology to optimize success. Expert Rev Neurother 2024; 24:273-289. [PMID: 38357897 PMCID: PMC10950423 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2024.2316153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a treatable mental health condition that is associated with a range of psychobiological manifestations. However, historical controversy, modern day misunderstanding, and lack of professional education have prevented accurate treatment information from reaching most clinicians and patients. These obstacles also have slowed empirical efforts to improve treatment outcomes for people with DID. Emerging neurobiological findings in DID provide essential information that can be used to improve treatment outcomes. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, the authors discuss symptom characteristics of DID, including dissociative self-states. Current treatment approaches are described, focusing on empirically supported psychotherapeutic interventions for DID and pharmacological agents targeting dissociative symptoms in other conditions. Neurobiological correlates of DID are reviewed, including recent research aimed at identifying a neural signature of DID. EXPERT OPINION Now is the time to move beyond historical controversy and focus on improving DID treatment availability and efficacy. Neurobiological findings could optimize treatment by reducing shame, aiding assessment, providing novel interventional brain targets and guiding novel pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions. The inclusion of those with lived experience in the design, planning and interpretation of research investigations is another powerful way to improve health outcomes for those with DID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliann B Purcell
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- b Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bethany Brand
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Heidi A Browne
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Division of Women's Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | | | - Meghan Shanahan
- Division of Women's Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Zoe A Bair
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Kim A Baranowski
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Vona Davis
- Division of Women's Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Patricia Mangones
- Division of Women's Mental Health, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Modell
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Cori A Palermo
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Emma C Robertson
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Smith College, Northampton, MA, USA
| | - Matthew A Robinson
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- b Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Ward
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Sherry Winternitz
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- b Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Milissa L Kaufman
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- b Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren A M Lebois
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- b Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Ford JD. Complex Trauma and Dissociation: Charting a Course Forward for the Journal and the Field. J Trauma Dissociation 2024; 25:145-152. [PMID: 38384168 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2024.2307079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Julian D Ford
- Schools of Medicine and Law, University of Connecticut
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Boysen GA. Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Review of Research From 2011 to 2021. J Nerv Ment Dis 2024; 212:174-186. [PMID: 38412243 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Dissociative identity disorder (DID) has historically been one of the most controversial topics in the study of psychopathology. Building on a previous review of empirical research on DID from 2000 to 2010, the present review examined DID research from 2011 to 2021. The research output included 56 case studies and 104 empirical studies. Within the empirical studies, approximately 1354 new cases of DID emerged, which resulted in an average samples of approximately 20. Reanalysis of previous samples was standard in the literature with only 40% of reported cases being new. Studies emerged from dozens of countries across the world, but the majority of cases were from Western counties, especially the United States. Diagnosis primarily relied upon validated measures, but 74% of all new cases came from six research groups. Overall, research on DID is steady but methodologically limited in ways that make generalization, especially about etiology, difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy A Boysen
- Department of Psychology, McKendree University, Lebanon, Illinois
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Jamieson G, Cardeña E, de Pascalis V. A spontaneous dissociative episode during an EEG experiment. Brain Cogn 2024; 174:106121. [PMID: 38142536 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2023.106121] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
A depersonalization episode occurred unexpectedly during an electroencephalogram (EEG) recording for a study. Experience reports tracked the time course of this event and, in conjunction, with EEG data, were analyzed. The source activity across canonical frequency bands was analyzed across four periods ended by retrospective experience reports (depersonalization was reported in the 2nd period). Delta and theta decreases occurred across all time periods with no relation to reported events. Theta and alpha increases occurred in right secondary visual areas following depersonalization, which also coincided with surges in beta and gamma. The largest increases occurred in bilateral fronto-polar and medial prefrontal cortex, followed by inferior left lateral fronto-insula-temporal cortices and right secondary visual cortex. A high frequency functional network with a principal hub in left insula closely overlapped inferior left cortical gamma band-power increases. Bilateral frontal increases in gamma are consistent with studies of dissociation. We interpret gamma and later beta, alpha, and theta band increases as arising from the generation of visual priors, in the absence of precise visual signals, which constrain interoceptive and proprioceptive predictions to reestablish a stable sense of physiological-self. Beta showed local increases following the pattern of gamma but showed no changes in functional connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Etzel Cardeña
- CERCAP, Department of Psychology, Lund University, Sweden.
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Seitz KI, Sicorello M, Schmitz M, Valencia N, Herpertz SC, Bertsch K, Neukel C. Childhood Maltreatment and Amygdala Response to Interpersonal Threat in a Transdiagnostic Adult Sample: The Role of Trait Dissociation. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2024:S2451-9022(24)00016-8. [PMID: 38280631 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment (CM) confers risk for different mental disorders as well as transdiagnostic symptoms such as dissociation. Aberrant amygdala response to interpersonal threat may link CM to transdiagnostic psychopathology and has recently been shown to depend on type and developmental timing of CM experiences. Still, most studies on CM and threat-related amygdala response employ categorical disorder-specific perspectives and fail to consider type and timing of CM exposure. We aimed to investigate associations between CM, amygdala response to interpersonal threat, and dimensional psychopathological symptoms including trait dissociation in a transdiagnostic adult sample, specifically considering type, timing, and duration of CM. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional neuroimaging study in 141 participants with varying levels of CM, including mostly female participants with major depressive disorder (n = 36), posttraumatic stress disorder (n = 34), and somatic symptom disorder (n = 35) and healthy volunteers (n = 36). Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during an emotional face-matching task, completed the brief German interview version of the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure scale, and answered self-report measures of transdiagnostic CM-related symptoms including trait dissociation. Data were analyzed using a machine learning-based model comparison procedure. RESULTS In our transdiagnostic sample, neither type nor timing or duration of CM predicted amygdala response to interpersonal threat. Instead, trait dissociation predicted blunted bilateral amygdala response and emerged as a possible mediator between CM and amygdala function. CONCLUSIONS Trait dissociation may be an important confounder in the widely documented association between CM and threat-related amygdala response, which should be considered in future longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja I Seitz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Mannheim, Heidelberg, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Maurizio Sicorello
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marius Schmitz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Noel Valencia
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Mannheim, Heidelberg, Ulm, Germany
| | - Katja Bertsch
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychology, Julius-Maximilians-University Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Corinne Neukel
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), partner site Mannheim, Heidelberg, Ulm, Germany
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Strouza AI, Lawrence AJ, Vissia EM, Kakouris A, Akan A, Nijenhuis ERS, Draijer N, Chalavi S, Reinders AATS. Identity state-dependent self-relevance and emotional intensity ratings of words in dissociative identity disorder: A controlled longitudinal study. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3208. [PMID: 37721528 PMCID: PMC10570477 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is characterized by, among others, amnesic episodes and the recurrence of different dissociative identity states. While consistently observed in clinical settings, to our knowledge, no controlled research study has shown the degree to which different identity states report autobiographical knowledge over time. Hence, the current study investigates self-relevance and emotional intensity ratings of words longitudinally. METHODS Data of 46 participants were included: 13 individuals with DID, 11 DID-simulating actors, and a control group of 22 paired individuals. Individuals with DID and DID simulators participated once in the neutral identity state (NIS) and once in the trauma-related dissociative identity state (TIS). The control group paired 11 healthy controls with 11 participants with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a NIS-TIS pair. Self-relevance ratings of different word types were collected in a baseline and a follow-up session, on average 6 weeks apart. A mixed ANOVA design was used to assess the effects of group, session, word type, and dissociative identity state. RESULTS All participants in TIS and individuals with DID in NIS rated self-relevant trauma-related words more negatively. In the NIS, the control group rated self-relevant trauma-related words as less negative, whereas the ratings of simulating actors were intermediate. There was no group-dependent longitudinal effect for intensity ratings. CONCLUSIONS This study was the first to confirm clinical observations that self-relevant and emotional processing are different between individuals with DID and controls, but consistent over time. Actors were unable to perfectly simulate DID. The finding that ratings of self-relevant trauma-related words differ between subgroups as included in the study is in line with clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini I. Strouza
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmcVU University AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Andrew J. Lawrence
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Andreana Kakouris
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of PsychiatryKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Ayse Akan
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of PsychiatryKing's College LondonLondonUK
- North East London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Ellert R. S. Nijenhuis
- Clienia Littenheid AGPrivate Clinic for Psychiatry and PsychotherapyLittenheidSwitzerland
| | - Nel Draijer
- Department of PsychiatryVU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Sima Chalavi
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement SciencesKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Antje A. T. S. Reinders
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
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10
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Lanfranco RC, Martínez-Aguayo JC, Arancibia M. Assessing malingering and personality styles in dissociative identity disorder: a case study. Neurocase 2023; 29:141-150. [PMID: 38704614 DOI: 10.1080/13554794.2024.2348218] [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: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly Multiple Personality Disorder, involves two or more distinct identities controlling behaviour, stemming from trauma-related dissociation. Understanding DID's cognitive, neural, and psychometric aspects remains a challenge, especially in distinguishing genuine cases from malingering. We present a case of a DID patient with nine identities, evaluated to rule out malingering. Using the Millon Index of Personality Styles, we assessed the primary and two alternate identities, revealing marked differences. High consistency scores support validity. We suggest employing personality inventories beyond symptomatology to characterise dissociative identities' consistency and adaptation styles, aiding in malingering assessments in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzo C Lanfranco
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Center for Research in Cognition & Neurosciences, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Marcelo Arancibia
- Center of Translational Studies in Stress and Mental Health (C-ESTRES), Faculty of Sciences, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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11
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Cassady M, Baslet G. Dissociation in patients with epilepsy and functional seizures: A narrative review of the literature. Seizure 2023; 110:220-230. [PMID: 37433243 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissociation is a "disruption of the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity or perception of the environment" according to DSM-5. It is commonly seen in psychiatric disorders including primary dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and panic disorder. Dissociative phenomena are also described in the context of substance intoxication, sleep deprivation and medical illnesses including traumatic brain injury, migraines, and epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy have higher rates of dissociative experiences as measured on the Dissociative Experiences Scale compared to healthy controls. Ictal symptoms, especially in focal epilepsy of temporal lobe origin, may include dissociative-like experiences such as déjà vu/jamais vu, depersonalization, derealization and what has been described as a "dreamy state". These descriptions are common in the setting of seizures that originate from mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and may involve the amygdala and hippocampus. Other ictal dissociative phenomena include autoscopy and out of body experiences, which are thought to be due to disruptions in networks responsible for the integration of one's own body and extra-personal space and involve the temporoparietal junction and posterior insula. In this narrative review, we will summarize the updated literature on dissociative experiences in epilepsy, as well as dissociative experiences in functional seizures. Using a case example, we will review the differential diagnosis of dissociative symptoms. We will also review neurobiological underpinnings of dissociative symptoms across different diagnostic entities and discuss how ictal symptoms may shed light on the neurobiology of complex mental processes including the subjective nature of consciousness and self-identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Cassady
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Lebois LAM, Kumar P, Palermo CA, Lambros AM, O'Connor L, Wolff JD, Baker JT, Gruber SA, Lewis-Schroeder N, Ressler KJ, Robinson MA, Winternitz S, Nickerson LD, Kaufman ML. Deconstructing dissociation: a triple network model of trauma-related dissociation and its subtypes. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:2261-2270. [PMID: 36202907 PMCID: PMC9630268 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01468-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Trauma-related pathological dissociation is characterized by disruptions in one's sense of self, perceptual, and affective experience. Dissociation and its trauma-related antecedents disproportionately impact women. However, despite the gender-related prevalence and high individual and societal costs, dissociation remains widely underappreciated in clinical practice. Moreover, dissociation lacks a synthesized neurobiological model across its subtypes. Leveraging the Triple Network Model of psychopathology, we sought to parse heterogeneity in dissociative experience by examining functional connectivity of three core neurocognitive networks as related to: (1) the dimensional dissociation subtypes of depersonalization/derealization and partially-dissociated intrusions; and, (2) the diagnostic category of dissociative identity disorder (DID). Participants were 91 women with and without: a history of childhood trauma, current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and varied levels of dissociation. Participants provided clinical data about dissociation, PTSD symptoms, childhood maltreatment history, and completed a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. We used a novel statistical approach to assess both overlapping and unique contributions of dissociation subtypes. Covarying for age, childhood maltreatment and PTSD severity, we found dissociation was linked to hyperconnectivity within central executive (CEN), default (DN), and salience networks (SN), and decreased connectivity of CEN and SN with other areas. Moreover, we isolated unique connectivity markers associated with depersonalization/derealization in CEN and DN, to partially-dissociated intrusions in CEN, and to DID in CEN. This suggests dissociation subtypes have robust functional connectivity signatures that may serve as targets for PTSD/DID treatment engagement. Our findings underscore dissociation assessment as crucial in clinical care, in particular, to reduce gender-related health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A M Lebois
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Poornima Kumar
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ashley M Lambros
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, Belmont, MA, USA
| | | | - Jonathan D Wolff
- Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Justin T Baker
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Staci A Gruber
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, McLean Imaging Center, Belmont, MA, USA
| | | | - Kerry J Ressler
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew A Robinson
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sherry Winternitz
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa D Nickerson
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Milissa L Kaufman
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Campbell MC, Smakowski A, Rojas-Aguiluz M, Goldstein LH, Cardeña E, Nicholson TR, Reinders AATS, Pick S. Dissociation and its biological and clinical associations in functional neurological disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. BJPsych Open 2022; 9:e2. [PMID: 36451595 PMCID: PMC9798224 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have reported elevated rates of dissociative symptoms and comorbid dissociative disorders in functional neurological disorder (FND); however, a comprehensive review is lacking. AIMS To systematically review the severity of dissociative symptoms and prevalence of comorbid dissociative disorders in FND and summarise their biological and clinical associations. METHOD We searched Embase, PsycInfo and MEDLINE up to June 2021, combining terms for FND and dissociation. Studies were eligible if reporting dissociative symptom scores or rates of comorbid dissociative disorder in FND samples. Risk of bias was appraised using modified Newcastle-Ottawa criteria. The findings were synthesised qualitatively and dissociative symptom scores were included in a meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42020173263). RESULTS Seventy-five studies were eligible (FND n = 3940; control n = 3073), most commonly prospective case-control studies (k = 54). Dissociative disorders were frequently comorbid in FND. Psychoform dissociation was elevated in FND compared with healthy (g = 0.90, 95% CI 0.66-1.14, I2 = 70%) and neurological controls (g = 0.56, 95% CI 0.19-0.92, I2 = 67%). Greater psychoform dissociation was observed in FND samples with seizure symptoms versus healthy controls (g = 0.94, 95% CI 0.65-1.22, I2 = 42%) and FND samples with motor symptoms (g = 0.40, 95% CI -0.18 to 1.00, I2 = 54%). Somatoform dissociation was elevated in FND versus healthy controls (g = 1.80, 95% CI 1.25-2.34, I2 = 75%). Dissociation in FND was associated with more severe functional symptoms, worse quality of life and brain alterations. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the potential clinical utility of assessing patients with FND for dissociative symptomatology. However, fewer studies investigated FND samples with motor symptoms and heterogeneity between studies and risk of bias were high. Rigorous investigation of the prevalence, features and mechanistic relevance of dissociation in FND is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm C Campbell
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Abigail Smakowski
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; and University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maya Rojas-Aguiluz
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Etzel Cardeña
- Center for Research on Consciousness and Anomalous Psychology (CERCAP), Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Timothy R Nicholson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Susannah Pick
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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14
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Badura Brack AS, Marklin M, Embury CM, Picci G, Frenzel M, Klanecky Earl A, Stephen J, Wang YP, Calhoun V, Wilson TW. Neurostructural brain imaging study of trait dissociation in healthy children. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e172. [PMID: 36148845 PMCID: PMC9534905 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trait dissociation has not been examined from a structural human brain mapping perspective in healthy adults or children. Non-pathological dissociation shares some features with daydreaming and mind-wandering, but also involves subtle disruptions in affect and autobiographical memory. AIMS To identify neurostructural biomarkers of trait dissociation in healthy children. METHOD Typically developing 9- to 15-year-olds (n = 180) without psychological or behavioural disorders were enrolled in the Developmental Chronnecto-Genomics (DevCoG) study of healthy brain development and completed psychological assessments of trauma exposure and dissociation, along with a structural T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. We conducted univariate ANCOVA generalised linear models for each region of the default mode network examining the effects of trait dissociation, including scanner site, age, gender and trauma as covariates and correcting for multiple comparison. RESULTS We found that the precuneus was significantly larger in children with higher levels of trait dissociation but this was not related to trauma exposure. The inferior parietal volume was smaller in children with higher levels of trauma but was not related to dissociation. No other regions of interest, including frontal and limbic structures, were significantly related to trait dissociation even before multiple comparison correction. CONCLUSIONS Trait dissociation reflects subtle cognitive disruptions worthy of study in healthy people and warrants study as a potential risk factor for psychopathology. This neurostructural study of trait dissociation in healthy children identified the precuneus as an essential brain region to consider in future dissociation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Badura Brack
- Department of Psychological Science, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Marika Marklin
- Department of Psychological Science, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Christine M Embury
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA; and Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska - Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Giorgia Picci
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Michaela Frenzel
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA; and Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska - Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - Julia Stephen
- The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Yu-Ping Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Vince Calhoun
- Tri-institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA; and Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska - Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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15
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Lebois LAM, Harnett NG, van Rooij SJH, Ely TD, Jovanovic T, Bruce SE, House SL, Ravichandran C, Dumornay NM, Finegold KE, Hill SB, Merker JB, Phillips KA, Beaudoin FL, An X, Neylan TC, Clifford GD, Linnstaedt SD, Germine LT, Rauch SL, Haran JP, Storrow AB, Lewandowski C, Musey PI, Hendry PL, Sheikh S, Jones CW, Punches BE, Swor RA, McGrath ME, Hudak LA, Pascual JL, Seamon MJ, Datner EM, Chang AM, Pearson C, Domeier RM, Rathlev NK, O’Neil BJ, Sergot P, Sanchez LD, Miller MW, Pietrzak RH, Joormann J, Barch DM, Pizzagalli DA, Sheridan JF, Smoller JW, Luna B, Harte SE, Elliott JM, Kessler RC, Koenen KC, McLean SA, Stevens JS, Ressler KJ. Persistent Dissociation and Its Neural Correlates in Predicting Outcomes After Trauma Exposure. Am J Psychiatry 2022; 179:661-672. [PMID: 35730162 PMCID: PMC9444876 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.21090911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dissociation, a disruption or discontinuity in psychological functioning, is often linked with worse psychiatric symptoms; however, the prognostic value of dissociation after trauma is inconsistent. Determining whether trauma-related dissociation is uniquely predictive of later outcomes would enable early identification of at-risk trauma populations. The authors conducted the largest prospective longitudinal biomarker study of persistent dissociation to date to determine its predictive capacity for adverse psychiatric outcomes following acute trauma. METHODS All data were part of the Freeze 2 data release from the Advancing Understanding of Recovery After Trauma (AURORA) study. Study participants provided self-report data about persistent derealization (N=1,464), a severe type of dissociation, and completed a functional MRI emotion reactivity task and resting-state scan 2 weeks posttrauma (N=145). Three-month follow-up reports were collected of posttraumatic stress, depression, pain, anxiety symptoms, and functional impairment. RESULTS Derealization was associated with increased ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) activation in the emotion reactivity task and decreased resting-state vmPFC connectivity with the cerebellum and orbitofrontal cortex. In separate analyses, brain-based and self-report measures of persistent derealization at 2 weeks predicted worse 3-month posttraumatic stress symptoms, distinct from the effects of childhood maltreatment history and current posttraumatic stress symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that persistent derealization is both an early psychological and biological marker of worse later psychiatric outcomes. The neural correlates of trauma-related dissociation may serve as potential targets for treatment engagement to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder. These results underscore dissociation assessment as crucial following trauma exposure to identify at-risk individuals, and they highlight an unmet clinical need for tailored early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A M Lebois
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nathaniel G Harnett
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sanne J H van Rooij
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Timothy D Ely
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MA, 48202, USA
| | - Steven E Bruce
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63121, USA
| | - Stacey L House
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Caitlin Ravichandran
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Lurie Center for Autism, 1 Maguire Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, USA
| | - Nathalie M Dumornay
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | | | - Sarah B Hill
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, USA
| | - Julia B Merker
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Karlye A Phillips
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Francesca L Beaudoin
- Department of Emergency Medicine & Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, The Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, 02930, USA
| | - Xinming An
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27559, USA
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gari D Clifford
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Sarah D Linnstaedt
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27559, USA
| | - Laura T Germine
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- The Many Brains Project, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Scott L Rauch
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - John P Haran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Alan B Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | | | - Paul I Musey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Phyllis L Hendry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine -Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, 32209, USA
| | - Sophia Sheikh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine -Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL, 32209, USA
| | - Christopher W Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Brittany E Punches
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
- College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
| | - Robert A Swor
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
| | - Meghan E McGrath
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Lauren A Hudak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Jose L Pascual
- Department of Surgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mark J Seamon
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Traumatology, Surgical Critical Care and Emergency Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Datner
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Einstein Healthcare Network, Pennsylvania, PA, 19141, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Pennsylvania, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Anna M Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jefferson University Hospitals, Pennsylvania, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Claire Pearson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MA, 48202, USA
| | - Robert M Domeier
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, USA
| | - Niels K Rathlev
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA, 01107, USA
| | - Brian J O’Neil
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MA, 48202, USA
| | - Paulina Sergot
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Leon D Sanchez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Mark W Miller
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Jutta Joormann
- Department of Psychology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Diego A Pizzagalli
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - John F Sheridan
- Department of Biosciences, OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43211, USA
| | - Jordan W Smoller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Beatriz Luna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Steven E Harte
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine-Rheumatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - James M Elliott
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, St Leonards, New South Wales, 2065, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
- Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Karestan C Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Samuel A McLean
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27559, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27559, USA
| | - Jennifer S Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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16
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Modesti MN, Rapisarda L, Capriotti G, Del Casale A. Functional Neuroimaging in Dissociative Disorders: A Systematic Review. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12091405. [PMID: 36143190 PMCID: PMC9502311 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12091405] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dissociative disorders encompass loss of integration in essential functions such as memory, consciousness, perception, motor control, and identity. Nevertheless, neuroimaging studies, albeit scarce, have suggested the existence of particular brain activation patterns in patients belonging to this diagnostic category. The aim of this review is to identify the main functional neuroimaging correlates of dissociative disorders. Methods: we searched the PubMed database to identify functional neuroimaging studies conducted on subjects with a diagnosis of a dissociative disorder, following the PRISMA guidelines. In the end, we included 13 studies in this systematic review, conducted on 51 patients with dissociative identity disorder (DID), 28 subjects affected by depersonalization disorder, 24 with dissociative amnesia, and 6 with other or not specified dissociative disorders. Results: Prefrontal cortex dysfunction seems prominent. In addition, changes in the functional neural network of the caudate are related to alterations of identity state and maintenance of an altered mental status in DID. Another role in DID seems to be played by a dysfunction of the anterior cingulate gyrus. Other regions, including parietal, temporal, and insular cortices, and subcortical areas were reported to be dysfunctional in dissociative disorders. Conclusions: Prefrontal dysfunction is frequently reported in dissociative disorders. Functional changes in other cortical and subcortical areas can be correlated with these diagnoses. Further studies are needed to clarify the neurofunctional correlations of each dissociative disorder in affected patients, in order to identify better tailored treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Nicole Modesti
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Ludovica Rapisarda
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriela Capriotti
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Del Casale
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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17
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Vissia EM, Lawrence AJ, Chalavi S, Giesen ME, Draijer N, Nijenhuis ERS, Aleman A, Veltman DJ, Reinders AATS. Dissociative identity state-dependent working memory in dissociative identity disorder: a controlled functional magnetic resonance imaging study. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e82. [PMID: 35403592 PMCID: PMC9059616 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.22] [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] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Memory function is at the core of the psychopathology of dissociative identity disorder (DID), but little is known about its psychobiological correlates. AIMS This study aims to investigate whether memory function in DID differs between dissociative identity states. METHOD Behavioural data and neural activation patterns were assessed in 92 sessions during an n-back working memory task. Participants were people with genuine diagnosed DID (n = 14), DID-simulating controls (n = 16) and a paired control group (post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 16), healthy controls (n = 16)). Both DID groups participated as authentic or simulated neutral and trauma-related identity states. Reaction times and errors of omission were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA. Working memory neural activation (main working memory and linear load) was investigated for effects of identity state, participant group and their interaction. RESULTS Identity state-dependent behavioural performance and neural activation was found. DID simulators made fewer errors of omission than those with genuine DID. Regarding the prefrontal parietal network, main working memory in the left frontal pole and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 44) was activated in all three simulated neutral states, and in trauma-related identity states of DID simulators, but not those with genuine DID or post-traumatic stress disorder; for linear load, trauma-related identity states of those with genuine DID did not engage the parietal regions. CONCLUSIONS Behavioural performance and neural activation patterns related to working memory in DID are dependent on the dissociative identities involved. The narrowed consciousness of trauma-related identity states, with a proneness to re-experiencing traumatising events, may relate to poorer working memory functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline M Vissia
- Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; and Centre for Psychotrauma, Heelzorg, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Sima Chalavi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; and Research Centre for Movement Control and Neuroplasticity, Department of Movement Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mechteld E Giesen
- Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nel Draijer
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | - André Aleman
- Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dick J Veltman
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Antje A T S Reinders
- Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; and Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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18
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Reinders AATS, Dimitrova LI, Schlumpf YR, Vissia EM, Nijenhuis ERS, Jäncke L, Chalavi S, Veltman DJ. Normal amygdala morphology in dissociative identity disorder. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e70. [PMID: 35287776 PMCID: PMC8935907 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.36] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies investigating the structure of the amygdala in relation to dissociation in psychiatric disorders are limited and have reported normal or preserved, increased or decreased global volumes. Thus, a more detailed investigation of the amygdala is warranted. Amygdala global and subregional volumes were compared between individuals with dissociative identity disorder (DID: n = 32) and healthy controls (n = 42). Analyses of covariance did not show volumetric differences between the DID and control groups. Although several unknowns make it challenging to interpret our findings, we propose that the finding of normal amygdala volume is a genuine finding because other studies using this data-set have presented robust morphological aberrations in relation to the diagnosis of DID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje A T S Reinders
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Lora I Dimitrova
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; and Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolanda R Schlumpf
- Clienia Littenheid AG, Private Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Littenheid, Switzerland; and Heelzorg, Centre for Psychotrauma, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | - Eline M Vissia
- Heelzorg, Centre for Psychotrauma, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lutz Jäncke
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Switzerland; and Research Unit for Plasticity and Learning of the Healthy Aging Brain, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sima Chalavi
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dick J Veltman
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Lynn SJ, Polizzi C, Merckelbach H, Chiu CD, Maxwell R, van Heugten D, Lilienfeld SO. Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders Reconsidered: Beyond Sociocognitive and Trauma Models Toward a Transtheoretical Framework. Annu Rev Clin Psychol 2022; 18:259-289. [PMID: 35226824 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081219-102424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
For more than 30 years, the posttraumatic model (PTM) and the sociocognitive model (SCM) of dissociation have vied for attention and empirical support. We contend that neither perspective provides a satisfactory account and that dissociation and dissociative disorders (e.g., depersonalization/derealization disorder, dissociative identity disorder) can be understood as failures of normally adaptive systems and functions. We argue for a more encompassing transdiagnostic and transtheoretical perspective that considers potentially interactive variables including sleep disturbances; impaired self-regulation and inhibition of negative cognitions and affects; hyperassociation and set shifts; and deficits in reality testing, source attributions, and metacognition. We present an overview of the field of dissociation, delineate uncontested and converging claims across perspectives, summarize key multivariable studies in support of our framework, and identify empirical pathways for future research to advance our understanding of dissociation, including studies of highly adverse events and dissociation. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, Volume 18 is May 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jay Lynn
- Psychology Department, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA;
| | - Craig Polizzi
- Psychology Department, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York, USA;
| | - Harald Merckelbach
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Chui-De Chiu
- Department of Psychology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Reed Maxwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Dalena van Heugten
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Lebois LAM, Ross DA, Kaufman ML. "I Am Not I": The Neuroscience of Dissociative Identity Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:e11-e13. [PMID: 34961597 PMCID: PMC9045405 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A M Lebois
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - David A Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Milissa L Kaufman
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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21
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Schlumpf YR, Nijenhuis ERS, Klein C, Jäncke L, Bachmann S. Functional connectivity changes in the delta frequency band following trauma treatment in complex trauma and dissociative disorder patients. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:889560. [PMID: 35966482 PMCID: PMC9364934 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.889560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phase-oriented trauma treatment is efficacious in the treatment of complex trauma and dissociative disorder patients. However, the neural correlates of this therapeutic effect are not yet well-understood. In the current study we investigated whether patients show a strengthening in functional network connectivity in the delta frequency band (1-3.5 Hz) over the course of phase-oriented inpatient trauma treatment while they performed an emotion regulation task. Further, we examined whether neural changes were associated with symptom reduction and improvement in emotion regulation skills. METHODS Before and after 8 weeks of treatment, electroencephalography (EEG) was acquired in patients (n = 28) with a complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) or complex dissociative disorder (CDD). They also completed clinical and emotion regulation questionnaires. To delimit data variability, patients participated as one dissociative part that is referred to as Apparently Normal Part (ANP). Patients' data were compared to a matched healthy control croup (n = 38), also measured twice. RESULTS Prior to treatment, functional connectivity was significantly lower in patients compared to controls during cognitive reappraisal of unpleasant pictures and passive viewing of unpleasant and neutral pictures. These hypoconnected networks largely overlapped with networks typically activated during the recall of (emotional) autobiographical memories. Functional connectivity strength within these networks significantly increased following treatment and was comparable to controls. Patients showed symptom reduction across various clinical domains and improvement in the use of cognitive reappraisal as emotion regulation strategy. Treatment-related network normalizations were not related to changes in questionnaire data. CONCLUSION Phase-oriented treatment may strengthen connections between regions that are activated during autobiographical recall. These findings encourage further investigation of this circuitry as a therapeutic target in cPTSD and CDD patients. CLINIAL TRIAL REGISTRATION www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02459340, https://www.kofam.ch/de/studienportal/suche/149284/studie/26681.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda R Schlumpf
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clienia Littenheid AG, Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | - Ellert R S Nijenhuis
- Clienia Littenheid AG, Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | - Carina Klein
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lutz Jäncke
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Research Unit for Plasticity and Learning of the Healthy Aging Brain, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silke Bachmann
- Clienia Littenheid AG, Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Littenheid, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospitals and University of Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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22
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van Minnen A, Tibben M. A brief cognitive-behavioural treatment approach for PTSD and Dissociative Identity Disorder, a case report. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2021; 72:101655. [PMID: 33848810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We described a new treatment model for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), based on cognitive-behavioural principles. In this model, dissociation is seen as a maladaptive avoidant coping strategy. In addition, we stress that patients have dysfunctional beliefs about dissociation. Both elements, avoidance behaviour and dysfunctional beliefs, are challenged during the brief, intensive trauma-focused treatment. When the PTSD-symptoms decrease, the patient is offered a fare-well ritual to say goodbye to their identities in one or more additional sessions. METHODS We illustrate this treatment approach with a case report of a woman with PTSD as a result of sexual abuse in her childhood, and DID with four identities. Treatment outcome was measured at intake, at pre-treatment, at post-treatment and at 3 and 6 months follow-up. RESULTS After the short treatment of only 2 weeks, she no longer fulfilled the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD nor DID. These results were maintained at the follow-ups. LIMITATIONS Although we included a baseline-controlled time phase, it was not a controlled study, and only one patient was treated. CONCLUSIONS This new treatment model for DID-patients is promising but results should be interpreted cautiously since we described only one patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes van Minnen
- Radboud University Nijmegen, Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), the Netherlands; Research department PSYTREC, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Marleen Tibben
- HSK Groep B.V., Centre of Expertise Functional Movement Disorders, Woerden, The Netherlands.
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23
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Schlumpf YR, Nijenhuis ERS, Klein C, Jäncke L, Bachmann S. Resting-state functional connectivity in patients with a complex PTSD or complex dissociative disorder before and after inpatient trauma treatment. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02200. [PMID: 34105902 PMCID: PMC8323038 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent research suggests that traumatized patients are characterized by disrupted resting-state functional connectivity. We examined whether neural networks involved in resting-state change over the course of a phase-oriented inpatient treatment for complex traumatized and dissociative disorder patients. We also investigated associations between these network alterations and clinical symptoms and emotion regulation skills. METHODS Pre- and post-treatment, electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded during resting-state in patients (n = 23) with a complex dissociative disorder (CDD) or complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). Patients also completed clinical and emotion regulation questionnaires. To reduce variance in the collected data, patients were exclusively tested as one prototypical dissociative part referred to as Apparently Normal Part (ANP). Functional network connectivity was examined and compared with a matched healthy control group (n = 37), also measured twice. RESULTS Prior to treatment and compared with controls, patients had a significantly lower functional connectivity strength within eyes-open and eyes-closed resting-state networks in the theta and alpha frequency band. Following treatment, functional connectivity strength within these networks was comparable to the control group and comprised areas belonging to the default mode network (DMN) and prefrontal as well as anterior cingulate control regions. Treatment-related network normalizations in the theta frequency band were associated with a self-reported increase in the use of cognitive reappraisal strategies and reduction in emotion regulation difficulties. CONCLUSION Phase-oriented trauma treatment can strengthen resting-state network connectivity and can increase the capacity of complex traumatized and dissociative patients as ANP to handle emotional challenges effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda R. Schlumpf
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of PsychologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Clienia Littenheid AGHospital for Psychiatry and PsychotherapyLittenheidSwitzerland
| | | | - Carina Klein
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of PsychologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Lutz Jäncke
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of PsychologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Research Unit for Plasticity and Learning of the Healthy Aging BrainUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Silke Bachmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and PsychosomaticsUniversity Hospitals and University of Halle (Saale)HalleGermany
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity Hospitals of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
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24
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Krause-Utz A, Frost R, Chatzaki E, Winter D, Schmahl C, Elzinga BM. Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder: Recent Experimental, Neurobiological Studies, and Implications for Future Research and Treatment. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:37. [PMID: 33909198 PMCID: PMC8081699 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01246-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review article is to give an overview over recent experimental neurobiological research on dissociation in borderline personality disorder (BPD), in order to inform clinicians and to stimulate further research. First, we introduce basic definitions and models that conceptualize dissociation from a transdiagnostic perspective. Then, we discuss recent findings in BPD. RECENT FINDINGS Stress-related dissociation is a key symptom of BPD, closely linked to other core domains of the disorder (emotion dysregulation, identity disturbances, and interpersonal disturbances). The understanding of neurobiological correlates of dissociation across different psychiatric disorders (e.g., dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder) is steadily increasing. At the same time, studies explicitly focusing on dissociation in BPD are still scarce. There is evidence for adverse effects of dissociation on affective-cognitive functioning (e.g., interference inhibition), body perception, and psychotherapeutic treatment response in BPD. On the neural level, increased activity in frontal regions (e.g., inferior frontal gyrus) and temporal areas (e.g., inferior and superior temporal gyrus) during symptom provocation tasks and during resting state was observed, although findings are still diverse and need to be replicated. Conceptual differences and methodological differences in study designs and sample characteristics (e.g., comorbidities, trauma history) hinder a straightforward interpretation and comparison of studies. Given the potentially detrimental impact of dissociation in BPD, more research on the topic is strongly needed to deepen the understanding of this complex clinical condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Krause-Utz
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Rachel Frost
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Elianne Chatzaki
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dorina Winter
- Pain and Psychotherapy Research Lab, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Christian Schmahl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bernet M Elzinga
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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25
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Sierk A, Manthey A, Brakemeier EL, Walter H, Daniels JK. The dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder is associated with subcortical white matter network alterations. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:643-655. [PMID: 32342260 PMCID: PMC8032639 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by intrusions, avoidance, and hyperarousal while patients of the dissociative subtype (PTSD-D) experience additional dissociative symptoms. A neurobiological model proposes hyper-inhibition of limbic structures mediated by prefrontal cortices to underlie dissociation in PTSD. Here, we tested whether functional alterations in fronto-limbic circuits are underpinned by white matter network abnormalities on a network level. 23 women with PTSD-D and 19 women with classic PTSD participated. We employed deterministic diffusion tractography and graph theoretical analyses. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) was chosen as a network weight and group differences assessed using network-based statistics. No significant white matter network alterations comprising both frontal and limbic structures in PTSD-D relative to classic PTSD were found. A subsequent whole brain exploratory analysis revealed relative FA alterations in PTSD-D in two subcortical networks, comprising connections between the left amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus as well as links between the left ventral diencephalon, putamen, and pallidum, respectively. Dissociative symptom severity in the PTSD-D group correlated with FA values within both networks. Our findings suggest fronto-limbic inhibition in PTSD-D may present a dynamic neural process, which is not hard-wired via white matter tracts. Our exploratory results point towards altered fiber tract communication in a limbic-thalamic circuit, which may underlie (a) an initial strong emotional reaction to trauma reminders before conscious regulatory processes are enabled and (b) deficits in early sensory processing. In addition, aberrant structural connectivity in low-level motor regions may present neural correlates for dissociation as a passive threat-response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Sierk
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Antje Manthey
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva-Lotta Brakemeier
- Department of Psychology & Marburg Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (MCMBB), Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Henrik Walter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith K Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
- Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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26
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Marsh RJ, Dorahy MJ, Butler C, Middleton W, de Jong PJ, Kemp S, Huntjens R. Inter-identity amnesia for neutral episodic self-referential and autobiographical memory in Dissociative Identity Disorder: An assessment of recall and recognition. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245849. [PMID: 33577556 PMCID: PMC7880432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amnesia is a core diagnostic criterion for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), however previous research has indicated memory transfer. As DID has been conceptualised as being a disorder of distinct identities, in this experiment, behavioral tasks were used to assess the nature of amnesia for episodic 1) self-referential and 2) autobiographical memories across identities. Nineteen DID participants, 16 DID simulators, 21 partial information, and 20 full information comparison participants from the general population were recruited. In the first study, participants were presented with two vignettes (DID and simulator participants received one in each of two identities) and asked to imagine themselves in the situations outlined. The second study used a similar methodology but with tasks assessing autobiographical experience. Subjectively, all DID participants reported amnesia for events that occurred in the other identity. On free recall and recognition tasks they presented a memory profile of amnesia similar to simulators instructed to feign amnesia and partial information comparisons. Yet, on tests of recognition, DID participants recognized significantly more of the event that occurred in another identity than simulator and partial information comparisons. As such, results indicate that the DID performance profile was not accounted for by true or feigned amnesia, lending support to the idea that reported amnesia may be more of a perceived than actual memory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary J. Marsh
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Martin J. Dorahy
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
- The Cannan Institute, Belmont Private Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Chandele Butler
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Warwick Middleton
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
- The Cannan Institute, Belmont Private Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter J. de Jong
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Simon Kemp
- School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing, University of Canterbury, Canterbury, New Zealand
| | - Rafaele Huntjens
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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27
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Lebois LAM, Li M, Baker JT, Wolff JD, Wang D, Lambros AM, Grinspoon E, Winternitz S, Ren J, Gönenç A, Gruber SA, Ressler KJ, Liu H, Kaufman ML. Large-Scale Functional Brain Network Architecture Changes Associated With Trauma-Related Dissociation. Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:165-173. [PMID: 32972201 PMCID: PMC8030225 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.19060647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dissociative experiences commonly occur in response to trauma, and while their presence strongly affects treatment approaches in posttraumatic spectrum disorders, their etiology remains poorly understood and their phenomenology incompletely characterized. Methods to reliably assess the severity of dissociation symptoms, without relying solely on self-report, would have tremendous clinical utility. Brain-based measures have the potential to augment symptom reports, although it remains unclear whether brain-based measures of dissociation are sufficiently sensitive and robust to enable individual-level estimation of dissociation severity based on brain function. The authors sought to test the robustness and sensitivity of a brain-based measure of dissociation severity. METHODS An intrinsic network connectivity analysis was applied to functional MRI scans obtained from 65 women with histories of childhood abuse and current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The authors tested for continuous measures of trauma-related dissociation using the Multidimensional Inventory of Dissociation. Connectivity estimates were derived with a novel machine learning technique using individually defined homologous functional regions for each participant. RESULTS The models achieved moderate ability to estimate dissociation, after controlling for childhood trauma and PTSD severity. Connections that contributed the most to the estimation mainly involved the default mode and frontoparietal control networks. By contrast, all models performed at chance levels when using a conventional group-based network parcellation. CONCLUSIONS Trauma-related dissociative symptoms, distinct from PTSD and childhood trauma, can be estimated on the basis of network connectivity. Furthermore, between-network brain connectivity may provide an unbiased estimate of symptom severity, paving the way for more objective, clinically useful biomarkers of dissociation and advancing our understanding of its neural mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A M Lebois
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Meiling Li
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Justin T Baker
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Jonathan D Wolff
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Danhong Wang
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Ashley M Lambros
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Elizabeth Grinspoon
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Sherry Winternitz
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Jianxun Ren
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Atilla Gönenç
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Staci A Gruber
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Hesheng Liu
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
| | - Milissa L Kaufman
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Mass. (Lebois, Baker, Wolff, Lambros, Grinspoon, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Harvard Medical School, Boston (Lebois, Baker, Winternitz, Gönenç, Gruber, Ressler, Kaufman); Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Mass. (Li, Wang, Ren, Liu); Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing (Liu); Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (Liu)
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28
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Roydeva MI, Reinders AATS. Biomarkers of Pathological Dissociation: A Systematic Review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 123:120-202. [PMID: 33271160 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pathological dissociation is a severe, debilitating and transdiagnostic psychiatric symptom. This review identifies biomarkers of pathological dissociation in a transdiagnostic manner to recommend the most promising research and treatment pathways in support of the precision medicine framework. A total of 205 unique studies that met inclusion criteria were included. Studies were divided into four biomarker categories, namely neuroimaging, psychobiological, psychophysiological and genetic biomarkers. The dorsomedial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, bilateral superior frontal regions, (anterior) cingulate, posterior association areas and basal ganglia are identified as neurofunctional biomarkers of pathological dissociation and decreased hippocampal, basal ganglia and thalamic volumes as neurostructural biomarkers. Increased oxytocin and prolactin and decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are identified as psychobiological markers. Psychophysiological biomarkers, including blood pressure, heart rate and skin conductance, were inconclusive. For the genetic biomarker category studies related to dissociation were limited and no clear directionality of effect was found to warrant identification of a genetic biomarker. Recommendations for future research pathways and possible clinical applicability are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika I Roydeva
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Antje A T S Reinders
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom.
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Loewenstein RJ. Firebug! Dissociative Identity Disorder? Malingering? Or …? An Intensive Case Study of an Arsonist. PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY & LAW 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12207-020-09377-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCourts struggle with questions of how to assess competency to stand trial (CTS) and not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) in dissociative identity disorder (DID). Concerns about CTS include dissociative amnesia and unpredictable switching behaviors that could cause inconsistent information transfer across self states, with the defendant unable to access important legal information about his/her defense and to collaborate with his/her attorney; DID defendants could not conform their conduct to the law or know right from wrong due to dissociative amnesia, the seemingly independent actions of self states, and the disruption of reality testing by switching. The author presents the case of a woman charged with both a witnessed and an unwitnessed burglary and arson, the latter at the home of her former therapist. The author was the fourth forensic evaluator in the case. Disagreements included whether the defendant met diagnostic criteria for DID or was malingering, and whether she was CTS and/or NGRI. In clinical work with DID, “the whole human being” is held responsible for all behavior, despite reported amnesia or lack of subjective agency. The Discrete Behavioral States (DBS) model of DID avoids reification of the DID self states and their conflation as separate “people.” This model supports evaluating the defendant at the level of specific self states, the self-state system, and that of the whole human being. The author concluded that the defendant met diagnostic criteria for DID and also was malingering its severity. She was competent to stand trial and legally sane.
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Staniloiu A, Kordon A, Markowitsch HJ. Stress- and trauma-related blockade of episodic-autobiographical memory processing. Neuropsychologia 2020; 139:107364. [PMID: 32006541 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Memory disorders without a direct neural substrate still belong to the riddles in neuroscience. Although they were for a while dissociated from research and clinical arenas, risking becoming forgotten diseases, they sparked novel interests, paralleling the refinements in functional neuroimaging and neuropsychology. Although Endel Tulving has not fully embarked himself on exploring this field, he had published at least one article on functional amnesia (Schacter et al., 1982) and ignited a seminal article on amnesia with mixed etiology (Craver et al., 2014). Most importantly, the research of Endel Tulving has provided the researchers and clinicians in the field of dissociative or functional amnesia with the best framework for superiorly understanding these disorders through the lens of his evolving concept of episodic memory and five long term memory systems classification, which he developed and advanced. Herein we use the classification of long-term memory systems of Endel Tulving as well as his concepts and views on autonoetic consciousness, relationships between memory systems and relationship between episodic memory and emotion to describe six cases of dissociative amnesia that put a challenge for researchers and clinicians due to their atypicality. We then discuss their possible triggering and maintaining mechanisms, pointing to their clinical heterogeneity and multifaceted causally explanatory frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Staniloiu
- University of Bielefeld, Germany; University of Bucharest, Romania; Oberberg Clinic Hornberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Kordon
- Oberberg Clinic Hornberg, Germany; University of Freiburg, Germany
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31
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Nicholson AA, Ros T, Jetly R, Lanius RA. Regulating posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms with neurofeedback: Regaining control of the mind. JOURNAL OF MILITARY, VETERAN AND FAMILY HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.3138/jmvfh.2019-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurofeedback is emerging as a psychophysiological treatment where self-regulation is achieved through online feedback of neural states. Novel personalized medicine approaches are particularly important for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as symptom presentation of the disorder, as well as responses to treatment, are highly heterogeneous. Learning to achieve control of specific neural substrates through neurofeedback has been shown to display therapeutic evidence in patients with a wide variety of psychiatric disorders, including PTSD. This article outlines the neural mechanisms underlying neurofeedback and examines converging evidence for the efficacy of neurofeedback as an adjunctive treatment for PTSD via both electroencephalography (EEG) and real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) modalities. Further, implications for the treatment of PTSD via neurofeedback in the military member and Veteran population is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. Nicholson
- Department of Psychological Research and Research Methods, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Neurology and Imaging of Cognition Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada, Ottawa
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario
| | - Tomas Ros
- Department of Psychological Research and Research Methods, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Neurology and Imaging of Cognition Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada, Ottawa
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Department of Psychological Research and Research Methods, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Neurology and Imaging of Cognition Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada, Ottawa
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario
| | - Ruth A. Lanius
- Department of Psychological Research and Research Methods, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Neurology and Imaging of Cognition Lab, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada, Ottawa
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario
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32
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Nicholson AA, McKinnon MC, Jetly R, Lanius RA. Uncovering the heterogeneity of posttraumatic stress disorder: Towards a personalized medicine approach for military members and Veterans. JOURNAL OF MILITARY, VETERAN AND FAMILY HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.3138/jmvfh.2019-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Recently, there has been substantial interest in exploring the heterogeneity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on a neurobiological level, as individuals with PTSD, including military members and Veterans, vary in their presentation of symptoms. Methods: Critically, a dissociative subtype of PTSD (PTSD+DS) has been defined, where a large body of evidence suggests that the unique presentation of symptoms among PTSD+DS patients is associated with aberrant neurobiological underpinnings. Results: PTSD+DS is often characterized by emotion overmodulation, with increased top-down activation from emotion regulation areas, which is associated with emotional detachment, depersonalization, and derealization. This is in stark contrast to the symptoms commonly observed in individuals with PTSD, who exhibit emotion undermodulation, which involves decreased top-down regulation of hyperactive emotion generation areas and is associated with vivid re-experiencing of trauma memories and hyperarousal. Discussion: This article examines a clinical case example that clearly illustrates this heterogeneous presentation of PTSD symptomatology and psychopathology. It discusses the implications this evidence base holds for a neurobiologically-informed, personalized medicine approach to treatment for military members and Veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A. Nicholson
- Department of Psychological Research and Research Methods, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada, Ottawa
| | - Margaret C. McKinnon
- Department of Psychological Research and Research Methods, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada, Ottawa
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Department of Psychological Research and Research Methods, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada, Ottawa
| | - Ruth A. Lanius
- Department of Psychological Research and Research Methods, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario
- Canadian Forces Health Services Group, Department of National Defence, Government of Canada, Ottawa
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Lynn SJ, Maxwell R, Merckelbach H, Lilienfeld SO, Kloet DVHVD, Miskovic V. Dissociation and its disorders: Competing models, future directions, and a way forward. Clin Psychol Rev 2019; 73:101755. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Nicholson AA, Densmore M, McKinnon MC, Neufeld RWJ, Frewen PA, Théberge J, Jetly R, Richardson JD, Lanius RA. Machine learning multivariate pattern analysis predicts classification of posttraumatic stress disorder and its dissociative subtype: a multimodal neuroimaging approach. Psychol Med 2019; 49:2049-2059. [PMID: 30306886 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291718002866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of psychiatry would benefit significantly from developing objective biomarkers that could facilitate the early identification of heterogeneous subtypes of illness. Critically, although machine learning pattern recognition methods have been applied recently to predict many psychiatric disorders, these techniques have not been utilized to predict subtypes of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including the dissociative subtype of PTSD (PTSD + DS). METHODS Using Multiclass Gaussian Process Classification within PRoNTo, we examined the classification accuracy of: (i) the mean amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (mALFF; reflecting spontaneous neural activity during rest); and (ii) seed-based amygdala complex functional connectivity within 181 participants [PTSD (n = 81); PTSD + DS (n = 49); and age-matched healthy trauma-unexposed controls (n = 51)]. We also computed mass-univariate analyses in order to observe regional group differences [false-discovery-rate (FDR)-cluster corrected p < 0.05, k = 20]. RESULTS We found that extracted features could predict accurately the classification of PTSD, PTSD + DS, and healthy controls, using both resting-state mALFF (91.63% balanced accuracy, p < 0.001) and amygdala complex connectivity maps (85.00% balanced accuracy, p < 0.001). These results were replicated using independent machine learning algorithms/cross-validation procedures. Moreover, areas weighted as being most important for group classification also displayed significant group differences at the univariate level. Here, whereas the PTSD + DS group displayed increased activation within emotion regulation regions, the PTSD group showed increased activation within the amygdala, globus pallidus, and motor/somatosensory regions. CONCLUSION The current study has significant implications for advancing machine learning applications within the field of psychiatry, as well as for developing objective biomarkers indicative of diagnostic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Nicholson
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Densmore
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Department of Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Richard W J Neufeld
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Paul A Frewen
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jean Théberge
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medial Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Joseph's Healthcare, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Canadian Forces, Health Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Donald Richardson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Department of Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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Facco E, Mendozzi L, Bona A, Motta A, Garegnani M, Costantini I, Dipasquale O, Cecconi P, Menotti R, Coscioli E, Lipari S. Dissociative identity as a continuum from healthy mind to psychiatric disorders: Epistemological and neurophenomenological implications approached through hypnosis. Med Hypotheses 2019; 130:109274. [PMID: 31383343 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The topic of multiple personality, redefined as Dissociative Identity Disorders (DIDs) in the DSM-5, is an intriguing and still debated disorder with a long history and deep cultural and epistemological implications, extending up to the idea of possession. Hypnosis is an appealing and valuable model to manipulate subjective experience and get an insight on both the physiology and the pathophysiology of the mind-brain functioning; it and has been closely connected with DIDs and possession since its origin in 18th century and as recently proved the capacity to yield a loss of sense of agency, mimicking delusions of alien control and spirit possession. In this study we report on five very uncommon "hypnotic virtuosos" (HVs) free from any psychiatric disorder, spontaneously undergoing the emergence of multiple identities during neutral hypnosis; this allowed us to check the relationship between their experience and fMRI data. During hypnosis the subjects underwent spontaneous non-intrusive experiences of other selves which were not recalled after the end of the session, due to post-hypnotic amnesia. The fMRI showed a significant decrease of connectivity in the Default Mode Network (DMN) especially between the posterior cingulate cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex. Our results and their contrast with the available data on fMRI in DIDs allows to draw the hypothesis of a continuum between healthy mind - where multiple identities may coexist at unconscious level and may sometimes emerge to the consciousness - and DIDs, where multiple personalities emerge as dissociated, ostensibly autonomous components yielding impaired functioning, subject's loss of control and suffering. If this is the case, it seems more reasonable to refrain from seeking for a clear-cut limit between normality (anyway a conventional, statistical concept) and pathology, and accept a grey area in between, where ostensibly odd but non-pathological experiences may occur (including so-called non-ordinary mental expressions) without calling for treatment but, rather, for being properly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Facco
- Studium Patavinum - Dept. of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Italy; Science of Consciousness Research Group, Dept. of General Psychology, University of Padua, Italy; Inst. F. Granone - Italian Center of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (CIICS), Turin, Italy.
| | - Laura Mendozzi
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Bona
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
| | - Achille Motta
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Villa San Benedetto Hospital, Hermanas Hospitalarias, Albese con Cassano, via Roma 16, Como, Italy
| | - Massimo Garegnani
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Isa Costantini
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; INRIA, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Ottavia Dipasquale
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy; Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro Cecconi
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Menotti
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Villa San Benedetto Hospital, Hermanas Hospitalarias, Albese con Cassano, via Roma 16, Como, Italy
| | | | - Susanna Lipari
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, via Capecelatro 66, 20148 Milan, Italy
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Daniels JK, Schulz A, Schellong J, Han P, Rottstädt F, Diers K, Weidner K, Croy I. Gray Matter Alterations Associated With Dissociation in Female Survivors of Childhood Trauma. Front Psychol 2019; 10:738. [PMID: 31024390 PMCID: PMC6460891 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Across various axis-1 disorders, the severity of dissociative symptoms is significantly related to a history of childhood traumatization. Thus, the question arises if coping with childhood trauma leads to neural adaptations that enhance the frequency of dissociative processing during adulthood. The aim of the two reported studies therefore was to identify and replicate gray matter alterations associated with dissociation. Methods and Results In a first study, whole-brain MRI data were acquired for 22 female in-patients with trauma-spectrum disorders and a history of severe childhood trauma. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was carried out to test for significant correlations between dissociation (depersonalization/derealization) severity and gray matter volume. Dissociation severity was positively associated with volume in the left angular gyrus. This result was diagnosis-invariant. The replication study involved 26 female in-patients with trauma-spectrum disorders and 25 healthy controls. No significant association between dissociation severity and brain volume in a left angular gyrus region of interest located at the peak identified in study 1 was identified and no significant group difference in this region could be established. Conclusion The angular gyrus has previously been implicated in the processing of agency and vestibular integration as well as dissociative processing. The current attempt at a direct replication of brain volume alterations however, failed. The data thus only partially support the notion that dissociative processing is associated trans-diagnostically with structural brain alterations in the left angular gyrus and independent replication in a larger patient sample is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith K Daniels
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Schulz
- Abteilung für Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Medizinische Fakultät Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Schellong
- Abteilung für Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Medizinische Fakultät Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Pengfei Han
- Abteilung für Psychologie, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabian Rottstädt
- Abteilung für Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Medizinische Fakultät Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kersten Diers
- Abteilung für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Medizinische Fakultät Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kerstin Weidner
- Abteilung für Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Medizinische Fakultät Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilona Croy
- Abteilung für Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Medizinische Fakultät Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Functional reorganization of neural networks involved in emotion regulation following trauma therapy for complex trauma disorders. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 23:101807. [PMID: 30986752 PMCID: PMC6505069 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objectives We investigated whether patients with complex interpersonal trauma engage neural networks that are commonly activated during cognitive reappraisal and responding naturally to affect-laden images. In this naturalistic study, we examined whether trauma treatment not only reduces symptoms but also changes neural networks involved in emotional control. Methods Before and after eight weeks of phase-oriented inpatient trauma treatment, patients (n = 28) with complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) and complex dissociative disorders (CDD) performed a cognitive reappraisal task while electroencephalography (EEG) was registered. Patients were measured as a prototypical dissociative part that aims to fulfill daily life goals while avoiding traumatic memories and associated dissociative parts. Matched healthy controls (n = 38) were measured twice as well. We examined task-related functional connectivity and assessed self-reports of clinical symptoms and emotion regulation skills. Results Prior to treatment and compared to controls, patients showed hypoconnectivity within neural networks involved in emotional downregulation while reappraising affect-eliciting pictures as well as viewing neutral and affect-eliciting pictures. Following treatment, connectivity became normalized in these networks comprising regions associated with cognitive control and memory. Additionally, patients showed a treatment-related reduction of negative but not of positive dissociative symptoms. Conclusions This is the first study demonstrating that trauma-focused treatment was associated with favorable changes in neural networks involved in emotional control. Emotional overregulation manifesting as negative dissociative symptoms was reduced but not emotional underregulation, manifesting as positive dissociative symptoms. Trauma-focused treatment normalized networks involved in emotion regulation. Post-treatment patients showed a reduction in clinical symptoms. Negative but not positive dissociative symptoms declined across treatment. Extensive therapy is warranted to overcome complex interpersonal traumatization.
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Schiavone FL, McKinnon MC, Lanius RA. Psychotic-Like Symptoms and the Temporal Lobe in Trauma-Related Disorders: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Assessment of Potential Malingering. CHRONIC STRESS 2018; 2:2470547018797046. [PMID: 32440584 PMCID: PMC7219949 DOI: 10.1177/2470547018797046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective To overview the phenomenology, etiology, assessment, and treatment of psychotic-like symptoms in trauma-related disorders focusing on the proposed role of temporal lobe dysfunction. Method We describe the literature pertaining to (i) psychotic-like symptoms and temporal lobe dysfunction in trauma-related disorders and (ii) psychological testing profiles in trauma-related disorders. We define trauma-related disorders as borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the dissociative disorders. Our search terms were dissociative disorders, temporal lobe, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, psychosis, and malingering. Results Trauma-related psychotic-like symptoms are common and can differ in phenomenology from primary psychotic symptoms. Hallucinations consist of auditory and nonauditory content that may or may not relate to traumatic content. Child voices are highly suggestive of complex dissociative disorders. Critically, not only do these symptoms resemble those seen in temporal lobe epilepsy, but the temporal lobe is implicated in trauma-related disorders, thus providing a plausible neurobiological explanation. Despite such evidence, these symptoms are frequently considered atypical and misdiagnosed. Indeed, common structured psychological assessment tools categorize these symptoms as possible indicators of invalid testing profiles. Conclusion Psychotic-like symptoms are common in trauma-related disorders, may be related to temporal lobe dysfunction, and are frequently misinterpreted. This may lead to ineffective treatment and inappropriate determinations of malingering in the forensic system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Massaro G, Altavilla D, Aceto P, Pellicano GR, Lucarelli G, Luciani M, Lai C. Neurophysiological Correlates of Collective Trauma Recall in 2009 L'Aquila Earthquake Survivors. J Trauma Stress 2018; 31:687-697. [PMID: 30338570 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to explore neural correlates of survivors of the 2009 L'Aquila, Italy earthquake in response to being shown pictures featuring their own city before and after an earthquake as well as those of an unfamiliar city. Moreover, we explored the associations among psychological variables and brain responses to the pictures of L'Aquila after the earthquake. Our final sample (N = 30 adults) comprised 15 survivors (M age = 31.40 years, SD = 9.42) and 15 controls (M age = 30.53 years, SD = 10.01). Participants' electroencephalographic (EEG) data were recorded during a visual task that included earthquake-related stimuli. Participants were assessed for posttraumatic and dissociation symptoms and event-related potential components, and low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) were analyzed. Compared to the control group, source localization in survivors indicated a lower intensity of the amygdala, hippocampal, parahippocampal, and temporopolar areas in response to visual stimuli concerning the earthquake, p < .001 to p < .0001. Results indicated a reduced limbic activation in response to visual stimuli that evoked the recall of earthquake in survivors. This finding suggests that survivors likely adopted a distancing strategy toward stimuli that may have elicited an emotional activation related to collective trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Massaro
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Altavilla
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Aceto
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Romana Pellicano
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Lucarelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Luciani
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Lai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Sierk A, Daniels JK, Manthey A, Kok JG, Leemans A, Gaebler M, Lamke JP, Kruschwitz J, Walter H. White matter network alterations in patients with depersonalization/derealization disorder. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2018; 43:170110. [PMID: 29877178 PMCID: PMC6158023 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.170110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depersonalization/derealization disorder (DPD) is a chronic and distressing condition characterized by detachment from oneself and/or the external world. Neuroimaging studies have associated DPD with structural and functional alterations in a variety of distinct brain regions. Such local neuronal changes might be mediated by altered interregional white matter connections. However, to our knowledge, no research on network characteristics in this patient population exists to date. METHODS We explored the structural connectome in 23 individuals with DPD and 23 matched, healthy controls by applying graph theory to diffusion tensor imaging data. Mean interregional fractional anisotropy (FA) was used to define the network weights. Group differences were assessed using network-based statistics and a link-based controlling procedure. RESULTS Our main finding refers to lower FA values within left temporal and right temporoparietal regions in individuals with DPD than in healthy controls when using a link-based controlling procedure. These links were also associated with dissociative symptom severity and could not be explained by anxiety or depression scores. Using network-based statistics, no significant results emerged. However, we found a trend for 1 subnetwork that may support the model of frontolimbic dysbalance suggested to underlie DPD symptomatology. LIMITATIONS To ensure ecological validity, patients with certain comorbidities or psychotropic medication were included in the study. Confirmatory replications are necessary to corroborate the results of this explorative investigation. CONCLUSION In patients with DPD, the structural connectivity between brain regions crucial for multimodal integration and emotion regulation may be altered. Aberrations in fibre tract communication seem to be not solely a secondary effect of local grey matter volume loss, but may present a primary pathophysiology in patients with DPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Sierk
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany (Sierk, Manthey, Lamke, Kruschwitz, Walter); the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK (Sierk); the Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (Daniels); the Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands (Kok); the PROVIDI Lab, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands (Leemans); and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (Gaebler)
| | - Judith K Daniels
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany (Sierk, Manthey, Lamke, Kruschwitz, Walter); the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK (Sierk); the Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (Daniels); the Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands (Kok); the PROVIDI Lab, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands (Leemans); and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (Gaebler)
| | - Antje Manthey
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany (Sierk, Manthey, Lamke, Kruschwitz, Walter); the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK (Sierk); the Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (Daniels); the Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands (Kok); the PROVIDI Lab, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands (Leemans); and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (Gaebler)
| | - Jelmer G Kok
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany (Sierk, Manthey, Lamke, Kruschwitz, Walter); the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK (Sierk); the Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (Daniels); the Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands (Kok); the PROVIDI Lab, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands (Leemans); and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (Gaebler)
| | - Alexander Leemans
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany (Sierk, Manthey, Lamke, Kruschwitz, Walter); the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK (Sierk); the Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (Daniels); the Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands (Kok); the PROVIDI Lab, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands (Leemans); and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (Gaebler)
| | - Michael Gaebler
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany (Sierk, Manthey, Lamke, Kruschwitz, Walter); the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK (Sierk); the Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (Daniels); the Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands (Kok); the PROVIDI Lab, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands (Leemans); and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (Gaebler)
| | - Jan-Peter Lamke
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany (Sierk, Manthey, Lamke, Kruschwitz, Walter); the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK (Sierk); the Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (Daniels); the Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands (Kok); the PROVIDI Lab, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands (Leemans); and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (Gaebler)
| | - Johann Kruschwitz
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany (Sierk, Manthey, Lamke, Kruschwitz, Walter); the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK (Sierk); the Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (Daniels); the Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands (Kok); the PROVIDI Lab, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands (Leemans); and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (Gaebler)
| | - Henrik Walter
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany (Sierk, Manthey, Lamke, Kruschwitz, Walter); the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK (Sierk); the Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands (Daniels); the Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands (Kok); the PROVIDI Lab, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands (Leemans); and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany (Gaebler)
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Krause-Utz A, Elzinga B. Current Understanding of the Neural Mechanisms of Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2018; 5:113-123. [PMID: 29577011 PMCID: PMC5857558 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-018-0146-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review In this article, we aim to give an overview over recent neuroimaging research on dissociation in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Stress-related dissociation is highly prevalent in BPD, while so far only little is known about its neural underpinnings. Recent Findings Based on research in depersonalization and the dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder, it has been proposed that dissociation involves alterations in a cortico-limbic network. In BPD, neuroimaging research explicitly focusing on dissociation is still scarce. Summary Functional neuroimaging studies have provided preliminary evidence for an altered recruitment and interplay of fronto-limbic regions (amygdala, anterior cingulate, inferior frontal gyrus, medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices) and temporoparietal areas (superior temporal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, fusiform gyrus), which may underlie disrupted affective-cognitive processing during dissociation in BPD. More neuroimaging research with larger samples, clinical control groups, and repeated measurements is needed to deepen the understanding of dissociation in BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Krause-Utz
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bernet Elzinga
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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Reinders AATS, Chalavi S, Schlumpf YR, Vissia EM, Nijenhuis ERS, Jäncke L, Veltman DJ, Ecker C. Neurodevelopmental origins of abnormal cortical morphology in dissociative identity disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2018; 137:157-170. [PMID: 29282709 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the two constitutes of cortical volume (CV), that is, cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA), in individuals with dissociative identity disorder (DID) with the view of gaining important novel insights into the underlying neurobiological mechanisms mediating DID. METHODS This study included 32 female patients with DID and 43 matched healthy controls. Between-group differences in CV, thickness, and SA, the degree of spatial overlap between differences in CT and SA, and their relative contribution to differences in regional CV were assessed using a novel spatially unbiased vertex-wise approach. Whole-brain correlation analyses were performed between measures of cortical anatomy and dissociative symptoms and traumatization. RESULTS Individuals with DID differed from controls in CV, CT, and SA, with significantly decreased CT in the insula, anterior cingulate, and parietal regions and reduced cortical SA in temporal and orbitofrontal cortices. Abnormalities in CT and SA shared only about 3% of all significantly different cerebral surface locations and involved distinct contributions to the abnormality of CV in DID. Significant negative associations between abnormal brain morphology (SA and CV) and dissociative symptoms and early childhood traumatization (0 and 3 years of age) were found. CONCLUSIONS In DID, neuroanatomical areas with decreased CT and SA are in different locations in the brain. As CT and SA have distinct genetic and developmental origins, our findings may indicate that different neurobiological mechanisms and environmental factors impact on cortical morphology in DID, such as early childhood traumatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A T S Reinders
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - S Chalavi
- Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Kinesiology, Research Center for Movement Control and Neuroplasticity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Y R Schlumpf
- Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Private Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clienia Littenheid AG, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | - E M Vissia
- Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E R S Nijenhuis
- Private Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clienia Littenheid AG, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | - L Jäncke
- Division of Neuropsychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Research Unit for Plasticity and Learning of the Healthy Aging Brain, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - D J Veltman
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Ecker
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
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Brand BL, Schielke HJ, Brams JS. Assisting the Courts in Understanding and Connecting with Experiences of Disconnection: Addressing Trauma-Related Dissociation as a Forensic Psychologist, Part I. PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY & LAW 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12207-017-9304-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Bailey TD, Brand BL. Traumatic dissociation: Theory, research, and treatment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Research and clinical issues in trauma and dissociation: Ethical and logical fallacies, myths, misreports, and misrepresentations. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2017.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Abstract
Dissociation involves disruptions of usually integrated functions of consciousness, perception, memory, identity, and affect (e.g., depersonalization, derealization, numbing, amnesia, and analgesia). While the precise neurobiological underpinnings of dissociation remain elusive, neuroimaging studies in disorders, characterized by high dissociation (e.g., depersonalization/derealization disorder (DDD), dissociative identity disorder (DID), dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder (D-PTSD)), have provided valuable insight into brain alterations possibly underlying dissociation. Neuroimaging studies in borderline personality disorder (BPD), investigating links between altered brain function/structure and dissociation, are still relatively rare. In this article, we provide an overview of neurobiological models of dissociation, primarily based on research in DDD, DID, and D-PTSD. Based on this background, we review recent neuroimaging studies on associations between dissociation and altered brain function and structure in BPD. These studies are discussed in the context of earlier findings regarding methodological differences and limitations and concerning possible implications for future research and the clinical setting.
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47
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Thome J, Densmore M, Frewen PA, McKinnon MC, Théberge J, Nicholson AA, Koenig J, Thayer JF, Lanius RA. Desynchronization of autonomic response and central autonomic network connectivity in posttraumatic stress disorder. Hum Brain Mapp 2016; 38:27-40. [PMID: 27647521 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although dysfunctional emotion regulatory capacities are increasingly recognized as contributing to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), little work has sought to identify biological markers of this vulnerability. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a promising biomarker that, together with neuroimaging, may assist in gaining a deeper understanding of emotion dysregulation in PTSD. The objective of the present study was, therefore, to characterize autonomic response patterns, and their related neuronal patterns in individuals with PTSD at rest. METHODS PTSD patients (N = 57) and healthy controls (N = 41) underwent resting-state fMRI. Connectivity patterns of key regions within the central autonomic network (CAN)-including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), amygdala, and periaqueductal gray (PAG)-were examined using a seed-based approach. Observed connectivity patterns were then correlated to resting HRV. RESULTS In contrast to controls, individuals with PTSD exhibited lower HRV. In addition, whereas controls engaged a localized connectivity pattern of CAN-related brain regions, in PTSD, key CAN regions were associated with widespread connectivity patterns in regions related to emotional reactivity (vmPFC and amygdala to insular cortex and lentiform nucleus; PAG to insula) and motor readiness (vmPFC and amygdala to precentral gyrus; PAG to precentral gyrus and cerebellum). Critically, whereas CAN connectivity in controls was strongly related to higher HRV (insula, mPFC, superior frontal cortex, thalamus), HRV covariation was absent in PTSD subjects. CONCLUSIONS This study provides the first evidence for a specific psychophysiological-neuronal profile in PTSD individuals characterized by lower resting HRV and a lack of HRV covariation with CAN-related brain connectivity. Hum Brain Mapp 38:27-40, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Thome
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Institute of Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Densmore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul A Frewen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Mc Master University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean Théberge
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Imaging, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew A Nicholson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julian Koenig
- Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Section for Translational Psychobiology in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian F Thayer
- Department of Psychology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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McKinnon MC, Boyd JE, Frewen PA, Lanius UF, Jetly R, Richardson JD, Lanius RA. A review of the relation between dissociation, memory, executive functioning and social cognition in military members and civilians with neuropsychiatric conditions. Neuropsychologia 2016; 90:210-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Vissia EM, Giesen ME, Chalavi S, Nijenhuis ERS, Draijer N, Brand BL, Reinders AATS. Is it Trauma- or Fantasy-based? Comparing dissociative identity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, simulators, and controls. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2016; 134:111-28. [PMID: 27225185 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Trauma Model of dissociative identity disorder (DID) posits that DID is etiologically related to chronic neglect and physical and/or sexual abuse in childhood. In contrast, the Fantasy Model posits that DID can be simulated and is mediated by high suggestibility, fantasy proneness, and sociocultural influences. To date, these two models have not been jointly tested in individuals with DID in an empirical manner. METHOD This study included matched groups [patients (n = 33) and controls (n = 32)] that were compared on psychological Trauma and Fantasy measures: diagnosed genuine DID (DID-G, n = 17), DID-simulating healthy controls (DID-S, n = 16), individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, n = 16), and healthy controls (HC, n = 16). Additionally, personality-state-dependent measures were obtained for DID-G and DID-S; both neutral personality states (NPS) and trauma-related personality states (TPS) were tested. CONCLUSION For Trauma measures, the DID-G group had the highest scores, with TPS higher than NPS, followed by the PTSD, DID-S, and HC groups. The DID-G group was not more fantasy-prone or suggestible and did not generate more false memories. Malingering measures were inconclusive. Evidence consistently supported the Trauma Model of DID and challenges the core hypothesis of the Fantasy Model.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Vissia
- Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M E Giesen
- Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - S Chalavi
- Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Kinesiology, Research Center for Movement Control and Neuroplasticity, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - E R S Nijenhuis
- Clienia Littenheid, Psychiatrische Klinik, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | - N Draijer
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B L Brand
- Psychology Department, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - A A T S Reinders
- Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Abstract
The etiology of dissociative identity disorder (DID) remains a topic of debate. Proponents of the fantasy model and the trauma model of DID have both called for more empirical research. To this end, the current study presents new and extended data analyses of a previously published H2O positron emission tomography imaging study. This study included 29 subjects: 11 patients with DID and 10 high- and 8 low-fantasy-prone DID-simulating mentally healthy control subjects. All subjects underwent an autobiographical memory script-driven (neutral and trauma related) imagery paradigm in 2 (simulated) dissociative personality states (neutral and trauma related). Psychobiological and psychophysiological data were obtained. Results of the new post-hoc tests on the psychophysiological responses support the trauma model. New results of the brain imaging data did not support the fantasy model. This study extends previously published results by offering important new supporting data for the trauma model of DID.
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