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Toh WL, Thomas N, Rossell SL. The Phenomenology of Visual and Other Nonauditory Hallucinations in Affective and Nonaffective Psychosis: A Mixed Methods Analysis. J Nerv Ment Dis 2024; 212:205-212. [PMID: 38090976 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Nonauditory hallucinations in psychosis have not received as much attention relative to voice-hearing experiences. The current paper aimed to document the characteristics of these hallucinations in affective and nonaffective psychosis. Participants were selected from a primary voice-hearing sample, who had endorsed visual, tactile, or olfactory hallucinations ( N = 55-75). A comprehensive, semistructured phenomenological interview was conducted, followed by mixed methods analysis. Visual hallucinations typically occurred daily, for a few minutes per episode, within one's direct line of sight; persons and/or animals were most commonly seen, with low controllability and mostly engendered negative affective outcomes. Tactile and olfactory hallucinations were endorsed by 46.8% and 39.0% of participants, respectively. The affective psychosis group ( n = 33) reported significantly greater awareness and lower functional impairment relative to the nonaffective psychosis group ( n = 42). Qualitative thematic analysis revealed notable themes and subthemes across each of these hallucinations modes. Further phenomenological investigations should be carried out in lesser known hallucination modalities, assisted by the development of appropriate assessment tools.
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Kreis I, Wold KF, Åsbø G, Simonsen C, Flaaten CB, Engen MJ, Lyngstad SH, Widing LH, Ueland T, Melle I. The relationship between visual hallucinations, functioning, and suicidality over the course of illness: a 10-year follow-up study in first-episode psychosis. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 10:30. [PMID: 38431677 PMCID: PMC10908818 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-024-00450-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Visual hallucinations in psychosis are under-researched despite associations with increased illness severity, functional impairments, and suicidality in the few existing studies. Further, there are no long-term longitudinal studies, making it impossible to conclude if these associations are state or trait phenomena. In the current prospective longitudinal study, 184 individuals with first-episode psychosis were assessed with semi-structured clinical interviews and self-report questionnaires at baseline and 10-year follow-up. Participants were grouped based on lifetime experience of visual hallucinations: before or at baseline (VH+/+), first during follow-up (VH-/+), or never (VH-/-). Associations with functioning, suicide attempts, childhood trauma and other markers of illness severity were tested using multinomial logistic regression analysis. At baseline, the VH+/+ group (37.5%), but not VH-/+ (12.5%), had poorer functioning, higher symptom severity, a lower age at onset, and included more individuals with a history of multiple suicide attempts than the VH-/- group (50%). At follow-up, the VH-/+ group, but not VH+/+, had poorer functioning and higher symptom severity than the VH-/- group. However, the number of participants who committed multiple suicide attempts during the follow-up period was again significantly higher in the VH+/+ group. There was no association with childhood trauma. Hence, visual hallucinations are associated with impaired functioning and higher symptom severity, but only in the short-term. However, visual hallucinations that arise early in the course of illness are a risk indicator for repeated suicide attempts throughout the illness course. These findings highlight the relevance of assessing visual hallucinations and monitoring their development over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Kreis
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | - Gina Åsbø
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Carmen Simonsen
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Early Intervention in Psychosis Advisory Unit for South East Norway, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Camilla Bärthel Flaaten
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Magnus Johan Engen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Nydalen District Psychiatric Center, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siv Hege Lyngstad
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Nydalen District Psychiatric Center, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Line Hustad Widing
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Substance Use, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Torill Ueland
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Melle
- NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- NORMENT, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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3
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Hayward M, Bibby-Jones AM, Thomas N, Paulik G, Mutanda D, Berry C. Multi-modal hallucinations across diagnoses: What relationships do they have with voice-related distress? Schizophr Res 2024; 265:58-65. [PMID: 37230912 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.04.005] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research into hallucinatory experiences has focused primarily upon hallucinations within the auditory modality, to the relative neglect of other modalities. Furthermore, the exploration of auditory hallucinations (or 'voices') has focused primarily upon the experiences of people with a diagnosis of psychosis. The presence of multi-modal hallucinations may have implications across diagnoses for levels of distress, formulation and the targeting of psychological interventions. METHODS This study presents a cross-sectional analysis of observational data from the PREFER survey (N = 335). Linear regression was used to explore the relationships between voice-related distress and the presence, number, type and timing of multi-modal hallucinations. RESULTS Simple relationships were not found between distress and the presence of hallucinations in visual, tactile, olfactory or gustatory modalities, or in the number of modalities experienced. When considering the degree to which another modality hallucination was experienced simultaneously with voices, there was some evidence that the degree of co-occurrence with visual hallucinations was predictive of distress. CONCLUSIONS The co-occurrence of voices with visual hallucinations may be associated with relatively greater distress, but not consistently, and the association between multimodal hallucinations and clinical impact appear complex and potentially variable from individual to individual. Further study of associated variables such as perceived voice power may further illuminate these relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Hayward
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RH, UK.
| | | | - Neil Thomas
- Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.
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4
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Collerton D, Barnes J, Diederich NJ, Dudley R, Ffytche D, Friston K, Goetz CG, Goldman JG, Jardri R, Kulisevsky J, Lewis SJG, Nara S, O'Callaghan C, Onofrj M, Pagonabarraga J, Parr T, Shine JM, Stebbins G, Taylor JP, Tsuda I, Weil RS. Understanding visual hallucinations: a new synthesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105208. [PMID: 37141962 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, we do not definitively know how people sometimes see things that are not there. Eight models of complex visual hallucinations have been published since 2000, including Deafferentation, Reality Monitoring, Perception and Attention Deficit, Activation, Input, and Modulation, Hodological, Attentional Networks, Active inference, and Thalamocortical Dysrhythmia Default Mode Network Decoupling. Each was derived from different understandings of brain organisation. To reduce this variability, representatives from each research group agreed an integrated Visual Hallucination Framework that is consistent with current theories of veridical and hallucinatory vision. The Framework delineates cognitive systems relevant to hallucinations. It allows a systematic, consistent, investigation of relationships between the phenomenology of visual hallucinations and changes in underpinning cognitive structures. The episodic nature of hallucinations highlights separate factors associated with the onset, persistence, and end of specific hallucinations suggesting a complex relationship between state and trait markers of hallucination risk. In addition to a harmonised interpretation of existing evidence, the Framework highlights new avenues of research, and potentially, new approaches to treating distressing hallucinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Collerton
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Third Floor, Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL UK.
| | - James Barnes
- Fatima College of Health Sciences, Department of Psychology, Al Mafraq, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
| | - Nico J Diederich
- Department of Neurology, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, 4, rue Barblé, L-1210 Luxembourg-City, Luxembourg.
| | - Rob Dudley
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Dominic Ffytche
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, de Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Karl Friston
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3AR.
| | - Christopher G Goetz
- Rush University Medical Center, Suite 755, 1725 W Harrison St, Chicago IL 60612 USA.
| | - Jennifer G Goldman
- Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Neurology; Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders; Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, 355 E. Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611 USA.
| | - Renaud Jardri
- Lille University, INSERM U-1172, Centre Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, CURE platform, Fontan Hospital, CHU Lille, France.
| | - Jaime Kulisevsky
- Movement Disorders Unit, Sant Pau Hospital, Hospital Sant Pau. C/ Mas Casanovas 90. Barcelona (08041) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERNED (Network Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases), Spain.
| | - Simon J G Lewis
- ForeFront Parkinson's Disease Research Clinic, 100 Mallett Street, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
| | - Shigetoshi Nara
- Dept. Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Okayama University, Tsushima-naka, 3-1-1, Okayama 700-8530, Japan.
| | - Claire O'Callaghan
- ForeFront Parkinson's Disease Research Clinic, 100 Mallett Street, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
| | - Marco Onofrj
- Clinica Neurologica, Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Science, University "G.d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, via Polacchi 39,66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Javier Pagonabarraga
- Movement Disorders Unit, Sant Pau Hospital, Hospital Sant Pau. C/ Mas Casanovas 90. Barcelona (08041) and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; CIBERNED (Network Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases), Spain.
| | - Thomas Parr
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3AR.
| | - James M Shine
- ForeFront Parkinson's Disease Research Clinic, 100 Mallett Street, Brain and Mind Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
| | - Glenn Stebbins
- Rush University Medical Center, Suite 755, 1725 W Harrison St, Chicago IL 60612 USA.
| | - John-Paul Taylor
- Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University NE4 5PL, UK.
| | - Ichiro Tsuda
- Chubu University Academy of Emerging Sciences and Center for Mathematical Science and Artificial Intelligence, Chubu University, Kasugai, Aichi 487-8501, Japan.
| | - Rimona S Weil
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3AR; Dementia Research Centre; Movement Disorders Centre, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG UK.
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Allen S, Goodall T, Jones C, James R, Surtees A. What Is the Prevalence of Visual Hallucinations in a First-Episode Psychosis Population? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Literature. SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN OPEN 2023; 4:sgad002. [PMID: 39145351 PMCID: PMC11207659 DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Background and Hypothesis This systematic review and meta-analysis review the literature regarding the prevalence of visual hallucinations in patients with first-episode psychosis. Previous reviews have focused on the prevalence of visual hallucinations in a general psychosis population, highlighting a weighted prevalence of 27%. However, no reviews have focused specifically on the experiences of those with a first episode of psychosis. Understanding "first-episode" experiences is crucial, as intervention during this "critical period" is thought to define long-term outcome. Therefore, it is important that the prevalence of different symptoms during this period is accurately represented. Study Design Systematic searches yielded 15 studies to be meta-analyzed. Information to calculate event rates was extracted. Studies were rated for their methodological quality using a risk of bias tool. The quality of included studies varied; generalizability bias was the domain with the most risk of bias. Study Results Prevalence rates were synthesized from the 15 papers included in the final analysis, which generated a weighted prevalence estimate of 33% of people with first-episode psychosis experiencing visual hallucinations. Subgroup analyses were carried out and did not demonstrate significant associations. Conclusions This meta-analysis provides a robust estimate of 33% for the prevalence of visual hallucinations in first-episode psychosis; highlighting that visual hallucinations are relatively common experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Allen
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Chris Jones
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rachel James
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham & Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew Surtees
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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6
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Prevalence and nature of multi-sensory and multi-modal hallucinations in people with first episode psychosis. Psychiatry Res 2023; 319:114988. [PMID: 36463721 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hallucinations can occur in single or multiple sensory modalities. This study explored how common these experiences were in people with first episode of psychosis (n = 82). Particular attention was paid to the number of modalities reported and whether the experiences were seen to be linked temporally and thematically. It was predicted that those people reporting a greater number of hallucinations would report more delusional ideation, greater levels of distress generally and lower functioning. All participants reported hallucinations in the auditory domain, given the nature of the recruitment. The participants also reported a range of other unusual sensory experiences, with visual and tactile hallucinations being reported by over half. Moreover, single sensory experiences or unimodal hallucinations were less common than two or more hallucination modalities which was reported by 78% of the participants. The number of hallucinations was significantly associated with greater delusional ideation and higher levels of general distress, but not with reduced functioning. It is clear there is a need to refine psychological treatments so that they are better matched to the actual experiences reported by people with psychosis. Theoretical implications are also considered.
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7
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Aynsworth C, Rolinson J, Pervez M, Collerton D, Dudley R. What is the frequency and nature of visual hallucinations in non-clinical participants? Psychol Psychother 2022; 96:281-295. [PMID: 36504251 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is a paucity of psychological treatments for visual hallucinations (VH). A key aspect in the psychological treatment of hallucination-related distress is normalisation to explain that these experiences are commonplace and can be non-distressing. In order to normalise VH, it is vital that more is known about VH in non-clinical populations. This study investigated the prevalence, content, context, appraisals, distress, and behavioural reactions to VH in a non-clinical sample. DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted. METHODS 466 students completed the Multi-Modality Unusual Sensory Experiences Questionnaire-VH subscale with additional contextual follow-up questions. RESULTS Of the 466 participants, 395 (84.8%) reported anomalous visual experiences. 176 (37.77%) participants reported VH similar to the content seen in psychosis. Of the overall sample, 17.38% felt their experience met the VH definition. Participants mainly saw figures, when alone and in the evening. Participants endorsed normalising appraisals: 112 out of 176 (78.87%) believed their mind was playing tricks on them and 83 (58.45%) believed they were tired. However, many also believed the VH was a threat to their mental (66, 46.48%) or physical well-being (41, 28.87%). These negative appraisals were associated with distress. CONCLUSION VH are seemingly common in non-clinical populations and are similar in a number of ways to those of people with psychosis. Awareness that VH occur on a continuum could normalise people's experiences and reduce their negative appraisals and related distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Aynsworth
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Julie Rolinson
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Maryam Pervez
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Daniel Collerton
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Robert Dudley
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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8
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Wearne D, Ayalde J, Curtis G, Gopisetty A, Banerjee A, Melvill-Smith P, Orr K, Rajanthiran L, Waters F. Visual phenomenology in schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder: an exploratory study. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e143. [PMID: 35876067 PMCID: PMC9345685 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.544] [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 Visual experiences such as hallucinations are commonly reported by people with psychosis, psychological trauma and dissociative states, although questions remain about their similarities and differences. For diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, clinical research must better delineate and compare the characteristics of these experiences in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and in schizophrenia. AIMS To compare visual phenomena and dissociation in participants with a primary psychotic illness and those with a trauma diagnosis. METHOD A quantitative group design study comparing visual phenomena in three participant groups who also have a history of hearing voices: schizophrenia and no trauma history (n = 19), PTSD with dissociation (n = 17) and comorbid schizophrenia and PTSD (n = 20). Validated clinical measures included the North-East Visual Hallucination Interview, PTSD Symptoms Scale Interview, Clinician Administered Dissociative States Scale, Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scales and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. RESULTS There was a remarkable similarity in visual experiences, including rates of complex visual hallucinations, between the three diagnostic groups. There were no significant differences in the severity or components of distress surrounding the visual experiences. Dissociation predicted visual hallucination severity for the comorbid schizophrenia and PTSD group, but not for PTSD or schizophrenia alone. CONCLUSIONS Visual experiences in PTSD can include visual hallucinations that are indistinguishable from those experienced in schizophrenia. Multimodal hallucinations are frequently observed in both schizophrenia and PTSD. A model for visual hallucinations in PTSD is suggested, following two separate neurobiological pathways based on distinct responses to trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Wearne
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremiah Ayalde
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Guy Curtis
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Aarethi Gopisetty
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amit Banerjee
- Early Psychosis Program Perth, headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Melvill-Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Australia Department of Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kenneth Orr
- Department of Psychiatry, St John of God Health Care, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Leon Rajanthiran
- Department of Psychiatry, St John of God Health Care, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Flavie Waters
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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9
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Agüera-Ortiz L, Babulal GM, Bruneau MA, Creese B, D'Antonio F, Fischer CE, Gatchel JR, Ismail Z, Kumar S, McGeown WJ, Mortby ME, Nuñez NA, de Oliveira FF, Pereiro AX, Ravona-Springer R, Rouse HJ, Wang H, Lanctôt KL. Psychosis as a Treatment Target in Dementia: A Roadmap for Designing Interventions. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 88:1203-1228. [PMID: 35786651 PMCID: PMC9484097 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Psychotic phenomena are among the most severe and disruptive symptoms of dementias and appear in 30% to 50% of patients. They are associated with a worse evolution and great suffering to patients and caregivers. Their current treatments obtain limited results and are not free of adverse effects, which are sometimes serious. It is therefore crucial to develop new treatments that can improve this situation. We review available data that could enlighten the future design of clinical trials with psychosis in dementia as main target. Along with an explanation of its prevalence in the common diseases that cause dementia, we present proposals aimed at improving the definition of symptoms and what should be included and excluded in clinical trials. A review of the available information regarding the neurobiological basis of symptoms, in terms of pathology, neuroimaging, and genomics, is provided as a guide towards new therapeutic targets. The correct evaluation of symptoms is transcendental in any therapeutic trial and these aspects are extensively addressed. Finally, a critical overview of existing pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments is made, revealing the unmet needs, in terms of efficacy and safety. Our work emphasizes the need for better definition and measurement of psychotic symptoms in dementias in order to highlight their differences with symptoms that appear in non-dementing diseases such as schizophrenia. Advances in neurobiology should illuminate the development of new, more effective and safer molecules for which this review can serve as a roadmap in the design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Agüera-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (imas12), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, & Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ganesh M Babulal
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Marie-Andrée Bruneau
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Geriatric Institute of Montreal Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Byron Creese
- Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, UK
| | | | - Corinne E Fischer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Department of Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer R Gatchel
- Harvard Medical School; Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA.,McLean Hospital, Belmont MA, USA
| | - Zahinoor Ismail
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute & O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Adult Neurodevelopmental and Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - William J McGeown
- School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Moyra E Mortby
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia & Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicolas A Nuñez
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Fabricio F de Oliveira
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Arturo X Pereiro
- Facultade de Psicoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ramit Ravona-Springer
- Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel & Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Hillary J Rouse
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,SiteRx, New York, NY, USA
| | - Huali Wang
- Dementia Care and Research Center, Peking University Institute of Mental Health; National & Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing, China
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute and Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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10
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Melvin K, Rollins CPE, Cromby J, Crossley J, Garrison JR, Murray GK, Suckling J. Arts-based methods for hallucination research. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2022; 27:199-218. [PMID: 34708671 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2021.1993807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurocognitive models of hallucinations posit theories of misattribution and deficits in the monitoring of mental or perceptual phenomena but cannot yet account for the subjective experience of hallucinations across individuals and diagnostic categories. Arts-based research methods (ABRM) have potential for advancing research, as art depicts experiences which cognitive neuropsychiatry seeks to explain. METHODS To examine how incorporating ABRM may advance hallucination research and theories, we explore data on the lived experiences of hallucinations in psychiatric and neurological populations. We present a multiple case study of two empirical ABRM studies, which used participant-generated artwork and artist collaborations alongside interviews. RESULTS ABRM combined with interviews illustrated that hallucinations were infused with sensory features, characterised by embodiment, and situated within lived circumstances. These findings advance neurocognitive models of hallucinations by nuancing their multimodal nature, illustrating their embodied feelings, and exploring their content and themes. The process of generating artworks aided in disclosing difficult to discuss hallucinations, promoted participant self-reflection, and clarified multimodal details that may have been misconstrued through interview alone. ABRM were relevant and acceptable for participants and researchers. CONCLUSION ABRM may contribute to the development of neurocognitive models of hallucinations by making hallucination experiences more visible, tangible, and accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Melvin
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.,Innovation, Technology and Operations Division, School of Business, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - John Cromby
- Innovation, Technology and Operations Division, School of Business, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Jon Crossley
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.,Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Jane R Garrison
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Graham K Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John Suckling
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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11
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Galvin JE, Chrisphonte S, Cohen I, Greenfield KK, Kleiman MJ, Moore C, Riccio ML, Rosenfeld A, Shkolnik N, Walker M, Chang LC, Tolea MI. Characterization of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and mild cognitive impairment using the Lewy body dementia module (LBD-MOD). Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:1675-1686. [PMID: 33793069 PMCID: PMC8484363 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Research Center program added the Lewy body dementia module (LBD-MOD) to the Uniform Data Set to facilitate LBD characterization and distinguish dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) from Alzheimer's disease (AD). We tested the performance of the LBD-MOD. METHODS The LBD-MOD was completed in a single-site study in 342 participants: 53 controls, 78 AD, and 110 DLB; 79 mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD); and 22 MCI-DLB. RESULTS DLB differed from AD in extrapyramidal symptoms, hallucinations, apathy, autonomic features, REM sleep behaviors, daytime sleepiness, cognitive fluctuations, timed attention tasks, and visual perception. MCI-DLB differed from MCI-AD in extrapyramidal features, mood, autonomic features, fluctuations, timed attention tasks, and visual perception. Descriptive data on LBD-MOD measures are provided for reference. DISCUSSION The LBD-MOD provided excellent characterization of core and supportive features to differentiate DLB from AD and healthy controls while also characterizing features of MCI-DLB.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Galvin
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Stephanie Chrisphonte
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Iris Cohen
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Keri K. Greenfield
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Michael J. Kleiman
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Claudia Moore
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Mary Lou Riccio
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Amie Rosenfeld
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Niurka Shkolnik
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Marcia Walker
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
| | - Lun-Ching Chang
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Florida Atlantic University
| | - Magdalena I. Tolea
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
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12
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Naasan G, Shdo SM, Rodriguez EM, Spina S, Grinberg L, Lopez L, Karydas A, Seeley WW, Miller BL, Rankin KP. Psychosis in neurodegenerative disease: differential patterns of hallucination and delusion symptoms. Brain 2021; 144:999-1012. [PMID: 33501939 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although psychosis is a defining feature of Lewy body disease, psychotic symptoms occur in a subset of patients with every major neurodegenerative disease. Few studies, however, have compared disease-related rates of psychosis prevalence in a large autopsy-based cohort, and it remains unclear how diseases differ with respect to the nature or content of the psychosis. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 372 patients with autopsy-confirmed neurodegenerative pathology: 111 with Alzheimer's disease, 59 with Lewy body disease and concomitant Alzheimer's disease, 133 with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) with tau inclusions (including progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration or Pick's disease), and 69 with FTLD and TDP inclusions (FTLD-TDP, including types A-C). Psychosis content was classified by subtype, and the frequency of each subtype was compared among pathological diagnoses using logistic regression. A total of 111 of 372 patients had psychosis. Compared to other groups, patients with Lewy body disease/Alzheimer's disease pathology were significantly more likely to have hallucinations and were more likely to have more than one subtype of hallucination. Patients with Braak Parkinson stage 5-6 Lewy body disease were significantly more likely than those with no Lewy body disease to have visual hallucinations of misperception, peripheral hallucinations, hallucinations that moved, hallucinations of people/animals/objects, as well as delusions regarding a place and delusions of misidentification. The feeling of a presence occurred significantly more frequently in patients with Lewy body disease/Alzheimer's disease than all other pathologies. Patients with FTLD-TDP were significantly more likely to have delusions, and for the delusions to occur in the first 3 years of the disease, when compared to patients with Alzheimer's disease and FTLD-tau, though rates were not significantly greater than patients with Lewy body disease/Alzheimer's disease. Paranoia occurred more frequently in the FTLD-TDP and Lewy body disease/Alzheimer's disease categories compared to patients with Alzheimer's disease or FTLD-tau. Patients with FTLD-TDP pathology had delusions of misidentification as frequently as patients with Lewy body disease/Alzheimer's disease, and were significantly more likely to have self-elevating delusions such as grandiosity and erotomania compared to patients with other pathologies including FTLD-tau. These data show that the nature and content of psychosis can provide meaningful information about the underlying neurodegenerative pathology, emphasizing the importance of characterizing patients' psychoses for prediction of the neuropathological diagnosis, regardless of a patient's clinical syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Naasan
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.,The Barbara and Maurice Deane Center for Wellness and Cognitive Health, Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Suzanne M Shdo
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Estrella Morenas Rodriguez
- Biomedizinisches Centrum (BMC), Biochemistry Chair, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität and Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Munich, Germany
| | - Salvatore Spina
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Lea Grinberg
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Lucia Lopez
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Anna Karydas
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - William W Seeley
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Bruce L Miller
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Katherine P Rankin
- Memory and Aging Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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13
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Montagnese M, Leptourgos P, Fernyhough C, Waters F, Larøi F, Jardri R, McCarthy-Jones S, Thomas N, Dudley R, Taylor JP, Collerton D, Urwyler P. A Review of Multimodal Hallucinations: Categorization, Assessment, Theoretical Perspectives, and Clinical Recommendations. Schizophr Bull 2020; 47:237-248. [PMID: 32772114 PMCID: PMC7825001 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbaa101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hallucinations can occur in different sensory modalities, both simultaneously and serially in time. They have typically been studied in clinical populations as phenomena occurring in a single sensory modality. Hallucinatory experiences occurring in multiple sensory systems-multimodal hallucinations (MMHs)-are more prevalent than previously thought and may have greater adverse impact than unimodal ones, but they remain relatively underresearched. Here, we review and discuss: (1) the definition and categorization of both serial and simultaneous MMHs, (2) available assessment tools and how they can be improved, and (3) the explanatory power that current hallucination theories have for MMHs. Overall, we suggest that current models need to be updated or developed to account for MMHs and to inform research into the underlying processes of such hallucinatory phenomena. We make recommendations for future research and for clinical practice, including the need for service user involvement and for better assessment tools that can reliably measure MMHs and distinguish them from other related phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Montagnese
- Neuroimaging Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Pantelis Leptourgos
- Department of Psychiatry, Connecticut Mental Health Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Flavie Waters
- School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium,Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Renaud Jardri
- University of Lille, INSERM U1172, CHU Lille, Centre Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Lille, France,Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Computationnelles, ENS, INSERM U960, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | | | - Neil Thomas
- Centre for Mental Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia,The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rob Dudley
- Gateshead Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK,School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John-Paul Taylor
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Daniel Collerton
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Prabitha Urwyler
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK,Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Department of Neurology, University Neurorehabilitation Unit, University Hospital Bern—Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland,To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: +41 31 632 76 07, fax: +41 31 632 75 76, e-mail:
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14
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Badcock JC, Larøi F, Kamp K, Kelsall-Foreman I, Bucks RS, Weinborn M, Begemann M, Taylor JP, Collerton D, O’Brien JT, El Haj M, Ffytche D, Sommer IE. Hallucinations in Older Adults: A Practical Review. Schizophr Bull 2020; 46:1382-1395. [PMID: 32638012 PMCID: PMC7707075 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbaa073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Older adults experience hallucinations in a variety of social, physical, and mental health contexts. Not everyone is open about these experiences, as hallucinations are surrounded with stigma. Hence, hallucinatory experiences in older individuals are often under-recognized. They are also commonly misunderstood by service providers, suggesting that there is significant scope for improvement in the training and practice of professionals working with this age group. The aim of the present article is to increase knowledge about hallucinations in older adults and provide a practical resource for the health and aged-care workforce. Specifically, we provide a concise narrative review and critique of (1) workforce competency and training issues, (2) assessment tools, and (3) current treatments and management guidelines. We conclude with a brief summary including suggestions for service and training providers and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna C Badcock
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Perth Voices Clinic, Murdoch, Australia
- To whom correspondence should be addressed; School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, 6009; tel: 0423123665, fax: 61864881006, e-mail:
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
- Norwegian Centre of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karina Kamp
- Department of Psychology and Behavioural Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Romola S Bucks
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Michael Weinborn
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Marieke Begemann
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center, Rijks Universiteit Groningen (RUG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - John-Paul Taylor
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Daniel Collerton
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John T O’Brien
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mohamad El Haj
- Laboratoire de Psychologie des Pays de la Loire (LPPL-EA 4638), Nantes Université, Univ Angers, Nantes, France
| | - Dominic Ffytche
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Iris E Sommer
- Rijks Universiteit Groningen (RUG), Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
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15
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Drori G, Bar-Tal P, Stern Y, Zvilichovsky Y, Salomon R. UnReal? Investigating the Sense of Reality and Psychotic Symptoms with Virtual Reality. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9061627. [PMID: 32481568 PMCID: PMC7355917 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Distortions of reality, such as hallucinations, are common symptoms of many psychiatric conditions. Accordingly, sense of reality (SoR), the ability to discriminate between true and false perceptions, is a central criterion in the assessment of neurological and psychiatric health. Despite the critical role of the SoR in daily life, little is known about how this is formed in the mind. Here, we propose a novel theoretical and methodological framework to study the SoR and its relation to psychotic symptoms. In two experiments, we employed a specialized immersive virtual reality (VR) environment allowing for well-controlled manipulations of visual reality. We first tested the impact of manipulating visual reality on objective perceptual thresholds (just noticeable differences). In a second experiment, we tested how these manipulations affected subjective judgments of reality. The results revealed that the objective perceptual thresholds were robust and replicable, demonstrating that SoR is a stable psychometric property that can be measured experimentally. Furthermore, reality alterations reduced subjective reality judgments across all manipulated visual aspects. Finally, reduced sensitivity to changes in visual reality was related to self-reported prodromal psychotic symptoms. These results provide evidence for the relevance of SoR in the assessment of psychosis and other mental disorders in which reality is distorted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gad Drori
- Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (P.B.-T.); (Y.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Paz Bar-Tal
- Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (P.B.-T.); (Y.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.S.)
| | - Yonatan Stern
- Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (P.B.-T.); (Y.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.S.)
- Psychology Department, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Yair Zvilichovsky
- Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (P.B.-T.); (Y.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.S.)
| | - Roy Salomon
- Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel; (P.B.-T.); (Y.S.); (Y.Z.); (R.S.)
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16
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Moritz S, Gawęda Ł, Heinz A, Gallinat J. Four reasons why early detection centers for psychosis should be renamed and their treatment targets reconsidered: we should not catastrophize a future we can neither reliably predict nor change. Psychol Med 2019; 49:2134-2140. [PMID: 31337458 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291719001740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the 1990s, facilities for individuals at putative risk for psychosis have mushroomed and within a very short time have become part of the standard psychiatric infrastructure in many countries. The idea of preventing a severe mental disorder before its exacerbation is laudable, and early data indeed strongly suggested that the sooner the intervention, the better the outcome. In this paper, the authors provide four reasons why they think that early detection or prodromal facilities should be renamed and their treatment targets reconsidered. First, the association between the duration of untreated psychosis and outcome is empirically established but has become increasingly weak over the years. Moreover, its applicability to those who are considered at risk remains elusive. Second, instruments designed to identify future psychosis are prone to many biases that are not yet sufficiently controlled. None of these instruments allows an even remotely precise prognosis. Third, the rate of transition to psychosis in at-risk patients is likely lower than initially thought, and evidence for the success of early intervention in preventing future psychosis is promising but still equivocal. Perhaps most importantly, the treatment is not hope-oriented. Patients are more or less told that schizophrenia is looming over them, which may stigmatize individuals who will never, in fact, develop psychosis. In addition self-stigma has been associated with suicidality and depression. The authors recommend that treatment of help-seeking individuals with mental problems but no established diagnosis should be need-based, and the risk of psychosis should be de-emphasized as it is only one of many possible outcomes, including full remission. Prodromal clinics should not be abolished but should be renamed and restructured. Such clinics exist, but the transformation process needs to be facilitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Moritz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Łukasz Gawęda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Psychopathology and Early Intervention Lab, II Department of Psychiatry, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Gallinat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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