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Li Verdugo J, Kong Z, Sembukutti Liyanage DS, Keum BT, Moody MD, Oh HY. Associations between vicarious discrimination and mental health among young adult college students: Findings from the 2020-2021 Healthy Minds Study. J Affect Disord 2024; 361:760-767. [PMID: 38925312 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.082] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor mental health among young adults in higher education is a growing concern. In recent years, the visibility of racism has sharply risen. Vicarious discrimination is defined as the secondhand witnessing of racism, and given society's increased accessibility to social media and the Internet, addressing indirect violence is urgently needed to inform anti-racism and mental health efforts. The current study examined associations between vicarious discrimination and mental health across a large sample of young college students in the United States. METHODS We analyzed data from the Healthy Minds Study (HMS; 2020-2021; N=130,566) and used multivariable logistic regression to examine whether past-year vicarious discrimination was associated with various mental health outcomes, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and direct discrimination. RESULTS The sample was predominantly white (n=31,438, 63.66%) and female-identifying (n=34,313, 69.49%) with an average age of 21.1 years. Approximately 35.9% of the sample endorsed experiencing vicarious discrimination. Vicarious discrimination was associated with greater depression (OR:1.97; 95% CI: [1.86,2.09], p< 0.001), anxiety (OR:1.82; 95% CI: [1.72,1.92], p<0.001), languishing (OR:1.75; 95% CI: [1.65,1.87], p<0.001), perceived need for treatment (OR:2.24; 95% CI: [2.10,2.40], p<0.001), suicidal ideation (OR:1.86; 95% CI: [1.73,2.01], p<0.001), suicide plan (OR:1.91; 95% CI: [1.71,2.14], p<0.001), suicide attempt (OR:1.89; 95% CI: [1.51,2.36], p<0.001), self-injurious behavior (OR:2.0; 95% CI: [1.88,2.12], p<0.001), and loneliness (OR:1.67; 95% CI: [1.58,1.77], p<0.001). DISCUSSION Consistent with growing literature, vicarious discrimination was associated with poorer mental health among young college students. Additional research should investigate moderators, mediators, and interventions to support those who may be impacted indirectly by discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliann Li Verdugo
- University of Washington School of Social Work, United States of America.
| | - Zifang Kong
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Southern Methodist University, United States of America
| | | | - Brian TaeHyuk Keum
- Department of Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology, Boston College, United States of America
| | - Myles D Moody
- Department of Sociology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, United States of America
| | - Hans Y Oh
- University of Southern California Dworak Peck School of Social Work, United States of America
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Nyström-Hansen M, Andersen MS, Davidsen KA, Roehder K, Trier C, Nayberg E, Lyons-Ruth K, Harder S. Hair cortisol concentrations in pregnant women with bipolar, depressive, or schizophrenic spectrum disorders. Arch Womens Ment Health 2024; 27:577-584. [PMID: 38308143 PMCID: PMC11231011 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-024-01434-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Maternal cortisol levels in pregnancy may support the growth of or adversely affect fetal organs, including the brain. While moderate cortisol levels are essential for fetal development, excessive or prolonged elevations may have negative health consequences for both the mother and the offspring. Little is known about predictors of altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity during pregnancy. This study examined maternal hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy in relation to severe psychopathology. METHODS Hair samples were collected from 69 women, 32 with a lifetime diagnosis of severe mental disorders (bipolar I or II disorder, moderate or severe depressive disorder, schizophrenic spectrum disorder), and 37 non-clinical controls. Hair samples were collected during the 3rd trimester, and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was used for cortisol assessment. Psychiatric diagnosis and current level of symptomatic functioning were assessed using the structured clinical interview from the DSM-5 and the global assessment of functioning scale. RESULTS Women with a lifetime diagnosis of severe mental illness had significantly elevated HCC compared to controls. Poorer current symptomatic functioning was also significantly associated with elevated HCC in pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS The implications of alterations in HCC on both maternal and infant health need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Nyström-Hansen
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Kirstine Agnete Davidsen
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit, Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Odense, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Katrine Roehder
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christopher Trier
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emilie Nayberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karlen Lyons-Ruth
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Hospital, Cambridge, USA
| | - Susanne Harder
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Oester Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Guimond S, Alftieh A, Devenyi GA, Mike L, Chakravarty MM, Shah JL, Parker DA, Sweeney JA, Pearlson G, Clementz BA, Tamminga CA, Keshavan M. Enlarged pituitary gland volume: a possible state rather than trait marker of psychotic disorders. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1835-1843. [PMID: 38357733 PMCID: PMC11132920 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172300380x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enlarged pituitary gland volume could be a marker of psychotic disorders. However, previous studies report conflicting results. To better understand the role of the pituitary gland in psychosis, we examined a large transdiagnostic sample of individuals with psychotic disorders. METHODS The study included 751 participants (174 with schizophrenia, 114 with schizoaffective disorder, 167 with psychotic bipolar disorder, and 296 healthy controls) across six sites in the Bipolar-Schizophrenia Network on Intermediate Phenotypes consortium. Structural magnetic resonance images were obtained, and pituitary gland volumes were measured using the MAGeT brain algorithm. Linear mixed models examined between-group differences with controls and among patient subgroups based on diagnosis, as well as how pituitary volumes were associated with symptom severity, cognitive function, antipsychotic dose, and illness duration. RESULTS Mean pituitary gland volume did not significantly differ between patients and controls. No significant effect of diagnosis was observed. Larger pituitary gland volume was associated with greater symptom severity (F = 13.61, p = 0.0002), lower cognitive function (F = 4.76, p = 0.03), and higher antipsychotic dose (F = 5.20, p = 0.02). Illness duration was not significantly associated with pituitary gland volume. When all variables were considered, only symptom severity significantly predicted pituitary gland volume (F = 7.54, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Although pituitary volumes were not increased in psychotic disorders, larger size may be a marker associated with more severe symptoms in the progression of psychosis. This finding helps clarify previous inconsistent reports and highlights the need for further research into pituitary gland-related factors in individuals with psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synthia Guimond
- Department of Psychiatry, The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts Mental Health Center and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ahmad Alftieh
- Department of Psychiatry, The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gabriel A. Devenyi
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Luke Mike
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts Mental Health Center and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M. Mallar Chakravarty
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, QC, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University Montréal, QC, Canada
- Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Jai L. Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - David A. Parker
- Department of Psychology, BioImaging Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of and Neuroscience, BioImaging Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John A. Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Godfrey Pearlson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Brett A. Clementz
- Department of Psychology, BioImaging Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
- Department of and Neuroscience, BioImaging Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Carol A. Tamminga
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Matcheri Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts Mental Health Center and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Kisely S, Arnautovska U, Siskind D, Warren N, Najman JM. Admissions for psychosis following agency-notified child maltreatment at 40-year-follow-up: Results from the Childhood Adversity and Lifetime Morbidity (CALM) cohort. Schizophr Res 2024; 267:247-253. [PMID: 38581827 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
There is substantial evidence of an association between self-reported child maltreatment (CM) and subsequent psychosis in retrospective data. Such findings may be affected by recall bias. Prospective studies of notifications to statutory agencies address recall bias but are less common and subject to attrition bias. These studies may therefore be underpowered to detect significant associations for some CM types such as sexual abuse. This study therefore linked administrative health data to a large birth cohort that included notifications to child protection agencies. We assessed psychiatric outcomes of CM as measured by inpatient admissions for non-affective psychoses (ICD10 codes F20-F29) to both public and private hospitals in Brisbane, Australia. Follow-up was up to 40 years old. There were 6087 cohort participants whose data could be linked to the administrative health data. Of these, 10.1 % had been the subject of a CM notification. Seventy-two participants (1.2 %) had been admitted for non-affective psychosis by 40-year follow-up. On adjusted analysis, all notified and substantiated types of CM were associated with admissions for non-affective psychosis. This included neglect, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, as well as notifications for multiple CM types. For instance, there was a 2.72-fold increase in admissions following any agency notification (95 % CI = 1.53-4.85). All maltreatment types therefore show a significant association with subsequent admissions for psychosis up to the age of 40. Screening for CM in individuals who present with psychosis is, therefore, indicated, as well as greater awareness that survivors of CM may be at higher risk of developing psychotic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Kisely
- Princess Alexandra Hospital Southside Clinical Unit, Greater Brisbane Clinical School, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, Queensland, Australia; Departments of Psychiatry, Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Canada; Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Urska Arnautovska
- Princess Alexandra Hospital Southside Clinical Unit, Greater Brisbane Clinical School, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, Queensland, Australia; Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dan Siskind
- Princess Alexandra Hospital Southside Clinical Unit, Greater Brisbane Clinical School, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, Queensland, Australia; Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicola Warren
- Princess Alexandra Hospital Southside Clinical Unit, Greater Brisbane Clinical School, Medical School, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba 4102, Queensland, Australia; Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jake Moses Najman
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Public Health Building, Herston 4006, Queensland, Australia; School of Social Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Queensland, Australia
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Zennadi MM, Ptito M, Redouté J, Costes N, Boutet C, Germain N, Galusca B, Schneider FC. MRI atlas of the pituitary gland in young female adults. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:1001-1010. [PMID: 38502330 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02779-3] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
The probabilistic topography and inter-individual variability of the pituitary gland (PG) remain undetermined. The absence of a standardized reference atlas hinders research on PG volumetrics. In this study, we aimed at creating maximum probability maps for the anterior and posterior PG in young female adults. We manually delineated the anterior and posterior parts of the pituitary glands in 26 healthy subjects using high-resolution MRI T1 images. A three-step procedure and a cost function-masking approach were employed to optimize spatial normalization for the PG. We generated probabilistic atlases and maximum probability maps, which were subsequently coregistered back to the subjects' space and compared to manual delineations. Manual measurements led to a total pituitary volume of 705 ± 88 mm³, with the anterior and posterior volumes measuring 614 ± 82 mm³ and 91 ± 20 mm³, respectively. The mean relative volume difference between manual and atlas-based estimations was 1.3%. The global pituitary atlas exhibited an 80% (± 9%) overlap for the DICE index and 67% (± 11%) for the Jaccard index. Similarly, these values were 77% (± 13%) and 64% (± 14%) for the anterior pituitary atlas and 62% (± 21%) and 47% (± 17%) for the posterior PG atlas, respectively. We observed a substantial concordance and a significant correlation between the volume estimations of the manual and atlas-based methods for the global pituitary and anterior volumes. The maximum probability maps of the anterior and posterior PG lay the groundwork for automatic atlas-based segmentation methods and the standardized analysis of large PG datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manel Merabet Zennadi
- Université Jean Monnet Saint Etienne, CHU de Saint Etienne, TAPE Research Unit EA 7423, F-42023, Saint Etienne, France
| | - Maurice Ptito
- École d'Optométrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jérôme Redouté
- CERMEP, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Nicolas Costes
- CERMEP, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Claire Boutet
- Université Jean Monnet Saint Etienne, CHU de Saint Etienne, TAPE Research Unit EA 7423, F-42023, Saint Etienne, France
| | - Natacha Germain
- Université Jean Monnet Saint Etienne, CHU de Saint Etienne, TAPE Research Unit EA 7423, F-42023, Saint Etienne, France
| | - Bogdan Galusca
- Université Jean Monnet Saint Etienne, CHU de Saint Etienne, TAPE Research Unit EA 7423, F-42023, Saint Etienne, France
| | - Fabien C Schneider
- Université Jean Monnet Saint Etienne, CHU de Saint Etienne, TAPE Research Unit EA 7423, F-42023, Saint Etienne, France.
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Shah JL, Paquin V, McIlwaine SV, Malla AK, Joober R, Pruessner M. Examining the psychobiological response to acute social stress across clinical stages and symptom trajectories in the early psychosis continuum. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:774-786. [PMID: 36852607 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The stress-vulnerability model has been repeatedly highlighted in relation to the risk, onset and course of psychosis, and has been independently studied in clinical high-risk (CHR) and first-episode psychosis (FEP) populations. Notable in this literature, however, is that there are few studies directly comparing markers of stress response across progressive stages of illness. Here we examined the psychobiological response to the Trier Social Stress Test in 28 CHR (mean age 19.1) and 61 FEP (age 23.0) patients, in order to understand the stage(s) or trajectories in which differences in subjective stress or physiological response occur. The overall clinical sample had greater perceived stress and blunted cortisol (FEP + CHR, n = 89, age 21.7) compared with healthy controls (n = 45, age 22.9). Additional analyses demonstrated elevated heart rate and systolic blood pressure in FEP compared with CHR, but there were no further differences in physiological parameters (cortisol, heart rate, or blood pressure) between stage- or trajectory-based groups. Together, this suggests that individual stress response markers may differentially emerge at particular stages en route to psychosis - and demonstrates how stage-based analyses can shed light on the emergence and evolution of neurobiological changes in mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai L Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Vincent Paquin
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sarah V McIlwaine
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ashok K Malla
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ridha Joober
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Oh H, Banawa R, Zhou S, DeVylder J, Koyanagi A. The mental and physical health correlates of psychotic experiences among US college students: Findings from the Healthy Mind Study 2020. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:834-840. [PMID: 35427464 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2058879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychotic experiences have been framed as a marker of mental and physical health status; however, more research is needed to confirm these associations in university populations. METHODS We analyzed data from the Healthy Minds Survey (Fall Semester Cohort 2020), which is a non-probability sample of students attending one of 28 universities in the United States, who completed an online survey (September 2020-December 2020). We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the associations between several mental and physical health conditions and psychotic experiences, adjusting for age, gender, sexual orientation race/ethnicity, and international student status. RESULTS In terms of mental health, all conditions were associated with greater odds of having lifetime psychotic experiences. Having at least one mental health condition was associated with 2.18 times greater odds of having lifetime psychotic experiences (aOR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.96-2.42). In terms of physical health, having at least one physical health condition was associated with 1.37 times greater odds of having lifetime psychotic experiences (aOR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.22-1.53), but only four conditions were associated with greater odds of lifetime psychotic experiences, which were: asthma, gastrointestinal disease, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic disease. The counts of mental and physical health conditions were associated with greater odds of lifetime psychotic experiences in a dose-dependent fashion. CONCLUSION Psychotic experiences appear to be an indicator for mental health problems and some physical health problems. More research is needed to determine whether assessing for psychotic experiences broadly can help identify at-risk individuals in university settings who may benefit from targeted preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Oh
- Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Rachel Banawa
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sasha Zhou
- Department of Public Health, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jordan DeVylder
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, España
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Palacios-Hernández B, Ramírez-Alvarado G, Téllez-Alanís B, Lino-González AL, Penagos-Rivera M, Hernández-Galván A. Hormones, psychotic disorders, and cognition in perinatal women: a mini review. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1296638. [PMID: 38250263 PMCID: PMC10797067 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1296638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous scientific evidence has shown a relationship between hormones and the onset and relapse of perinatal psychotic disorders (PPD) in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In healthy women the interaction between hormones and cognitive changes has been confirmed mainly in memory, attention, and executive function during pregnancy and postpartum, which respond to adaptive demands related to parenting tasks. In women with psychotic episodes there is a significant impairment in several cognitive functions, but studies of the perinatal period are limited. The objective of this mini review is to analyze the main findings to identify whether hormonal changes interact with the onset of PPD and cognitive impairment in perinatal women. The studies included samples of women with psychosis, risk of developing psychosis, bipolar psychosis, schizoaffective psychosis, and psychotic symptoms, during pregnancy and postpartum. Findings contributed to knowledge about five hypotheses regarding the relationship between hormones in the perinatal period and the appearance of PPD. Nevertheless, this review did not find reports of evidence of a relationship between hormonal production and cognitive function among women with clinically diagnosed PPD, suggesting a research gap. Clinical implications of assessing hormonal production and cognitive function in PPD are discussed. Although the evidence identified is scarce and heterogeneous, the findings call for further research with clinical samples on the role of hormones in perinatal psychotic disorders, especially as they relate to the study of cognition. This will promote more consistent evidence and understanding of PPD etiopathology that can guide early and effective multidisciplinary interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruma Palacios-Hernández
- Cuerpo Académico “Cognición y Afectos” (UAEMor CA-81), Centro de Investigación Transdisciplinar en Psicología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Ramírez-Alvarado
- Escuela de Estudios Superiores del Jicarero, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Jojutla de Juárez, Mexico
| | - Bernarda Téllez-Alanís
- Cuerpo Académico “Cognición y Afectos” (UAEMor CA-81), Centro de Investigación Transdisciplinar en Psicología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Ana Luisa Lino-González
- Cuerpo Académico “Cognición y Afectos” (UAEMor CA-81), Centro de Investigación Transdisciplinar en Psicología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- Investigación Biomédica Neurociencias Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Tlalpan, Mexico
| | - Miriam Penagos-Rivera
- Cuerpo Académico “Cognición y Afectos” (UAEMor CA-81), Centro de Investigación Transdisciplinar en Psicología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Adela Hernández-Galván
- Cuerpo Académico “Cognición y Afectos” (UAEMor CA-81), Centro de Investigación Transdisciplinar en Psicología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Cavaleri D, Capogrosso CA, Guzzi P, Bernasconi G, Re M, Misiak B, Crocamo C, Bartoli F, Carrà G. Blood concentrations of anterior pituitary hormones in drug-naïve people with first-episode psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 158:106392. [PMID: 37778198 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of anterior pituitary hormones - i.e., adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones (LH and FSH), growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) - in early schizophrenia and psychoses unclear. We thus performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the blood concentrations of ACTH, LH and FSH, GH, PRL, and TSH in drug-naïve people with first-episode psychosis (FEP) as compared with healthy controls. METHODS We searched Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycInfo for articles indexed until September 2022. Data quality was appraised. Random-effects meta-analyses were carried out, generating pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs). Between-study heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 statistic. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed. RESULTS Twenty-six studies were included. Drug-naïve people with FEP, compared to healthy subjects, had higher blood concentrations of ACTH (k = 7; N = 548; SMD = 0.62; 95%CI: 0.29 to 0.94; p < 0.001; I2 = 60.9%) and PRL (k = 17; N = 1757; SMD = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.56 to 1.14; p < 0.001; I2 = 85.5%) as well as lower levels of TSH (k = 6; N = 677; SMD = -0.34; 95%CI: -0.54 to -0.14; p = 0.001; I2 = 29.1%). Meta-regressions did not show any moderating effect of age (p = 0.78), sex (p = 0.21), or symptom severity (p = 0.87) on PRL concentrations in drug-naïve FEP. Available data were not sufficient to perform meta-analyses on FSH, LH, and GH. CONCLUSIONS Drug-naïve people with FEP have altered ACTH, PRL, and TSH blood concentrations, supporting the hypothesis that an abnormal anterior pituitary hormone secretion may be involved in the onset of schizophrenia and psychoses. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of pituitary hormones in FEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Cavaleri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy.
| | | | - Pierluca Guzzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Gianna Bernasconi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Martina Re
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10 Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Cristina Crocamo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Francesco Bartoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carrà
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy; Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House 149, London W1T 7BN, United Kingdom
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Obdržálková M, Ustohal L, Hlaváčová N, Mayerová M, Češková E, Kašpárek T, Ježová D. Selected neuroendocrine factors as potential molecular biomarkers of early non-affective psychosis course in relation to treatment outcome: A pilot study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21173. [PMID: 37916075 PMCID: PMC10616415 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this pilot study was to find whether the dysregulation of neuroendocrine biomarker signaling pathways in the first episode of non-affective psychosis is a predictive factor of treatment outcome. Patients with the first episode of non-affective psychosis (N = 29) were examined at admission, at discharge, and at follow-up (N = 23). The biomarkers included serum aldosterone, cortisol, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, and prolactin. We revealed lower baseline aldosterone and higher baseline cortisol concentrations in patients with very good outcome compared to those with good outcome after one year. We failed to reveal any significant association between treatment outcome and neurohumoral biomarkers in the whole sample at 1-year follow-up. However, baseline aldosterone concentrations negatively correlated with total PANSS scores at the discharge. Lower baseline aldosterone and higher baseline cortisol concentrations have the potential to predict a more favorable outcome for patients with the first episode of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Obdržálková
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Libor Ustohal
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nataša Hlaváčová
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michaela Mayerová
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Češková
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Kašpárek
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Ježová
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
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11
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Fan F, Tan S, Liu S, Chen S, Huang J, Wang Z, Yang F, Li CSR, Tan Y. Subcortical structures associated with childhood trauma and perceived stress in schizophrenia. Psychol Med 2023; 53:5654-5662. [PMID: 36154670 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002860] [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] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood trauma influences the clinical features of schizophrenia. In this study, we examined how childhood trauma and perceived stress are associated with clinical manifestations and subcortical gray matter volumes (GMVs) in patients with schizophrenia. METHODS We recruited 127 patients with schizophrenia and 83 healthy controls for assessment of early childhood trauma, perceived stress, and clinical symptoms. With structural brain imaging, we identified the GMVs of subcortical structures and examined the relationships between childhood trauma, perceived stress, clinical symptoms, and subcortical GMVs. RESULTS Compared to controls, patients with schizophrenia showed higher levels of childhood trauma and perceived stress. Patients with schizophrenia showed significantly smaller amygdala and hippocampus GMVs as well as total cortical GMVs than age-matched controls. Childhood trauma score was significantly correlated with the severity of clinical symptoms, depression, perceived stress, and amygdala GMVs. Perceived stress was significantly correlated with clinical symptoms, depression, and hippocampus and amygdala GMVs. Further, the association between childhood trauma (emotional neglect) and stress coping ability was mediated by right amygdala GMV in patients with schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Patients with schizophrenia had more exposure to early-life trauma and poorer stress coping. Both childhood trauma and perceived stress were associated with smaller amygdala volumes. The relationship between early-life trauma and perceived stress was mediated by right amygdala GMV in patients with schizophrenia. These findings together suggest the long-term effects of childhood trauma on perceived stress and the subcortical volumetric correlates of the effects in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmei Fan
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shuping Tan
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shibo Liu
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Song Chen
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Junchao Huang
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhiren Wang
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Fude Yang
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yunlong Tan
- Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, P. R. China
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12
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Stambouli M, Malaeb D, Farah N, Cheour M, Obeid S, Hallit S. Insomnia and distress as mediators on the relationship from cyber-victimization to self-reported psychotic experiences: a binational study from Tunisia and Lebanon. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:524. [PMID: 37475011 PMCID: PMC10360279 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05019-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While expansive research has accumulated concerning the association between traditional, face-to-face peer victimization and psychosis, a paucity of empirical research has been undertaken so far to investigate these associations with experiences of new and evolving ways of victimization through the digital world. Exploring these associations is highly relevant and timely, given that emerging adults are heavy users of digital technologies, highly exposed to online risks, and are at the peak age of onset of psychosis. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that psychological distress and insomnia symptoms have a significant indirect mediating effect on the association between cyber-victimization and self-reported positive psychotic experiences (SRPEs) in a binational sample of Tunisian and Lebanese community adults. METHOD The total sample was composed of 3766 participants; 3103 were from Lebanon (Mean age: 21.73 ± 3.80 years, 63.6% females) and 663 from Tunisia (Mean age: 26.32 ± 4.86 years, 59.9% females). Online anonymous self-report questionnaires were administered to all participants. RESULTS Higher SRPEs were found in Lebanese participants compared to Tunisians, in single participants compared to married ones, in those with a university level of education compared to secondary or less, in those who live in rural areas compared to urban, in those who do not smoke, do not drink alcohol and do not use marijuana or any other illegal drug. Furthermore, more cyber-victimization, a higher insomnia severity and psychological distress were significantly associated with higher SRPEs. After adjusting for potential confounders, mediation analysis demonstrated that higher cyber-victimization was significantly associated with more insomnia severity/psychological distress; which were, in turn, significantly associated with greater SRPEs. Finally, more cyber-victimization was significantly and directly associated with more positive dimension. CONCLUSION Identifying insomnia and distress as mediators could provide novel insight for psychosis prevention efforts and intervention targets for cyber-victimized individuals prone to experience subclinical psychotic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi hospital, Manouba, 2010 Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Manel Stambouli
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi hospital, Manouba, 2010 Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour Farah
- Faculty of Science, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - Majda Cheour
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi hospital, Manouba, 2010 Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Sahar Obeid
- School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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13
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Malekpour M, Shekouh D, Safavinia ME, Shiralipour S, Jalouli M, Mortezanejad S, Azarpira N, Ebrahimi ND. Role of FKBP5 and its genetic mutations in stress-induced psychiatric disorders: an opportunity for drug discovery. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1182345. [PMID: 37398599 PMCID: PMC10313426 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1182345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-induced mental health disorders are affecting many people around the world. However, effective drug therapy for curing psychiatric diseases does not occur sufficiently. Many neurotransmitters, hormones, and mechanisms are essential in regulating the body's stress response. One of the most critical components of the stress response system is the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The FKBP prolyl isomerase 51 (FKBP51) protein is one of the main negative regulators of the HPA axis. FKBP51 negatively regulates the cortisol effects (the end product of the HPA axis) by inhibiting the interaction between glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and cortisol, causing reduced transcription of downstream cortisol molecules. By regulating cortisol effects, the FKBP51 protein can indirectly regulate the sensitivity of the HPA axis to stressors. Previous studies have indicated the influence of FKBP5 gene mutations and epigenetic changes in different psychiatric diseases and drug responses and recommended the FKBP51 protein as a drug target and a biomarker for psychological disorders. In this review, we attempted to discuss the effects of the FKBP5 gene, its mutations on different psychiatric diseases, and drugs affecting the FKBP5 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Malekpour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Dorsa Shekouh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Shadi Shiralipour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Jalouli
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sahar Mortezanejad
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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14
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Almstrup FB, Nordentoft M, Jensen MA, Kristiansen J, Kristensen TD, Wenneberg C, Garde AH, Glenthøj LB, Nordholm D. Associations between saliva alpha-amylase, heart rate variability, saliva cortisol and cognitive performance in individuals at ultra high-risk for psychosis. Schizophr Res 2023; 255:165-172. [PMID: 37001391 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairments are present in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) of psychosis and UHR individuals exhibit a hyperactive and dysfunctional HPA-axis. Increasing stress levels could potentially lead to cognitive impairments and no previous studies have examined the association between physiological stress biomarkers and cognition in UHR individuals. This study aims to examine the association between saliva alpha amylase (SAA), heart rate variability (HRV), saliva cortisol, and cognition in UHR individuals. METHOD We included 72 UHR individuals, aged 18-40, fulfilling criteria of the comprehensive assessment of at-risk mental state (CAARMS). Cognitive tests indexed the 7 core domains as stated by Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS). Physiological stress levels were observed for one day: saliva was collected at awakening, 30 min and 60 min after awakening and at bedtime. HRV was measured during sleep and before awakening. We used generalized linear model and controlled for multiple testing using false discovery rate (FDR). RESULTS Higher levels of SAA were significantly associated with lower cognitive performance in the domains of verbal and visual learning and memory, sustained attention, working memory and global neurocognition looking at unadjusted data. Controlling for FDR visual memory, sustained attention and global neurocognition remained significant associated with SAA. We discovered no associations between cortisol and cognition. CONCLUSION Visual learning and memory, sustained attention and global neurocognition remained significantly associated with SAA. This finding supports our hypothesis that an association between abnormal stress biomarkers and impaired cognition might be present in UHR individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Beske Almstrup
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Jesper Kristiansen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Dam Kristensen
- Centre for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CINS, Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CNSR, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Christina Wenneberg
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Centre for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CINS, Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CNSR, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Anne Helene Garde
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise Birkedal Glenthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorte Nordholm
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
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15
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Chen N, Wu LJ, Xiao HB, Liu YH, Hu LK, Ma LL, Chu X, Dong J, Yan YX. Occupational stress is associated with insulin resistance and incident type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study of functional community. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 544:117356. [PMID: 37094773 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117356] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To exploit the association of occupational stress with the development of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a Chinese population-based cohort. METHODS A total of 6109 participants from a functional community cohort in Beijing were enrolled in 2015 and followed up until 2021. Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) were used to evaluate occupational stress. RESULTS At baseline, increase values of all five scales of COPSOQ and total COPSOQ were significantly associated with IR. During an average 5.63 y follow-up, 732 individuals developed T2D. Increasing in values of "Demands at work", "Insecurity at work", "Job satisfaction" and total COPSOQ were significantly associated with incident T2D (P<0.01). Mediation analysis showed that subjectively perceived occupational stress promoted T2D mainly by affecting plasma cortisol and the mediation effects of HOMA-IR, SBP, DBP, TG, Urea and UA were significant on the association between cortisol and incident T2D, with proportion mediated of 37.1%, 8.12%, 2.02%, 2.94%, 2.35% and 2.70%. CONCLUSION Occupational stress was independently associated with the development of IR and T2D. IR, BP, TG, Urea and UA all partly mediated the association between occupational stress and incident T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Juan Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huan-Bo Xiao
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yanjing Medical College, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Hong Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Kun Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin-Lin Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Chu
- Health Management Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Health Management Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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16
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Nordholm D, Jensen MA, Kristiansen J, Glenthøj LB, Kristensen TD, Wenneberg C, Hjorthøj C, Garde AH, Nordentoft M. A longitudinal study on physiological stress in individuals at ultra high-risk of psychosis. Schizophr Res 2023; 254:218-226. [PMID: 36996675 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.03.012] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Individuals at ultra high-risk (UHR) of psychosis exhibit significantly higher stress levels than healthy controls (HC). This study investigates how physiological stress measures differ between HC and UHR individuals and how physiological stress is associated with attenuated psychotic symptoms and changes over time in UHR individuals. Additionally, it examines how the use of medication affects physiological levels of stress. METHOD The study included 72 UHR individuals and 36 HC. UHR were included according to the comprehensive assessment of at-risk mental state (CAARMS); a total-CAARMS score measured the attenuated psychotic symptoms and was calculated from the four psychosis subscales. HC and UHR were examined at baseline, and 47 UHR individuals were followed up after six months. Physiological stress measures were salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase (SAA) and heart-rate variability (HRV). Saliva was collected at four-time points during the day. RESULTS There was no significant difference regarding cortisol (awakening response) or SAA measures between HC and UHR individuals. The use of antipsychotics and antidepressants was associated with low HRV in UHR individuals. In an exploratory analysis of 19 UHR individuals, we found an association between the change in total-CAARMS (six months total-CAARMS minus baseline total CAARMS) and the change in HRV during sleep (six months HRV minus baseline HRV). CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the use of antipsychotics and antidepressants could be associated with lower HRV in UHR individuals. There might be potential to investigate how HRV develops during the course of illness in UHR individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorte Nordholm
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health-CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.
| | | | - Jesper Kristiansen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Louise Birkedal Glenthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health-CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Tina Dam Kristensen
- Centre for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CINS, and Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CNSR, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Christina Wenneberg
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health-CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Centre for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CINS, and Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CNSR, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Carsten Hjorthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health-CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Helene Garde
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health-CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
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17
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Karanikas E. The immune-stress/endocrine-redox-metabolic nature of psychosis' etiopathology; focus on the intersystemic pathways interactions. Neurosci Lett 2023; 794:137011. [PMID: 36513162 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.137011] [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: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The evidence supporting the involvement of a number of systems in the neurobiological etiopathology of psychosis has recently grown exponentially. Indeed, the focus of research has changed from measuring solely neurotransmitters to estimating parameters from fields like immunity, stress/endocrine, redox, and metabolism. Yet, little is known regarding the exact role of each one of these fields on the formation of not only the brain neuropathological substrate in psychosis but also the associated general systemic pathology, in terms of causality directions. Research has shown deviations in the levels and/or function of basic effector molecules of the aforementioned fields namely cytokines, pro-/anti- oxidants, glucocorticoids, catecholamines, glucose, and lipids metabolites as well as kynurenines, in psychosis. Yet the evidence regarding their impact on neurotransmitters is minimal and the findings concerning these systems' interactions in the psychotic context are even more dispersed. The present review aims to draw holistically the frame of the hitherto known "players" in the field of psychosis' cellular pathobiology, with a particular focus on their in-between interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Karanikas
- Department of Psychiatry, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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18
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Wang XD, Bai HM, Li XL, Zhang LF, Li F, Bai Y, Wu ZY, Liu SQ, Li H. Corticotropin-releasing factor is involved in acute stress-induced analgesia and antipruritus. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2783. [PMID: 36209489 PMCID: PMC9660402 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Under the condition of stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) is activated and causes the secretion of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Previous studies have demonstrated that CRF is involved in the regulation of pain and itch. Thus, it remains worthy to explore whether the desensitization of pain and itch under high-intensity acute stress (such as high fear and tension) is related to the sharp increase of CRF. METHODS Forced swimming was used to simulate acute stress. ELISA and pharmacological methods were conducted to observe the effects of forced swimming on acute pain or itch and the relationship between blood CRF content and itch or pain behavior. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of CRF was conducted to examine the effects of CRF on acute pain or itch. Intrathecal administration of CRF receptor agonist or antagonist was conducted to examine the receptor mechanisms of the regulatory role of CRF in pain and itch. RESULTS ELISA experiment showed that the serum CRF in mice reached its peak within 5-10 min after acute stress (forced swimming). Behavioral data showed that the scratching behavior induced by itch agents decreased after acute swimming, while the mechanical pain threshold increased significantly. The inhibitory effect of acute stress on pain and itch is mediated by CRF receptor2 (CRFR2). Then, ICV injection of CRF was used to simulate the massive release of CRF under acute stress, and we observed that the scratching behavior induced by histamine or chloroquine was significantly inhibited after ICV injection of CRF. The above effects of CRF are mainly mediated by CRFR2. These results suggest that 5-10 min after acute stress, a large amount of CRF is released into the blood from the hypothalamus, which significantly inhibits acute pain and itch by acting on CRFR2. ICV injection of CRF can replicate the antipruritus effects of acute stress. CONCLUSIONS The present study investigated the mechanism of acute stress-induced analgesia and antipruritus and provided theoretical support for the treatment of pain and itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Inner Mongolia Armed Police Corps Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Hao-Miao Bai
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Lin-Fang Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Anatomy, Medical School of Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Wu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shang-Qing Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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19
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van den Heuvel LL, Smit AM, Stalder T, Kirschbaum C, Seedat S, Emsley R. Hair cortisol levels in schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome. Early Interv Psychiatry 2022; 16:902-911. [PMID: 34978366 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Individuals with schizophrenia demonstrate higher rates of metabolic syndrome (MetS) than the general population. Hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) reflect longer-term cortisol secretion and can provide additional insights into the role of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis in schizophrenia and co-occurring MetS. METHODS In a case-control study of 16 patients with schizophrenia (11 first episode psychosis [FEP] and 5 chronic) and 21 controls hair samples, representing a 3-month retrospective window of cortisol, were collected and analysed utilizing liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We investigated whether schizophrenia and MetS co-occurrence were associated with HCC utilizing multivariate regression models. We also explored the longitudinal trajectory of HCC in FEP patients by conducting a mixed models analysis. RESULTS At baseline HCC were significantly lower (Cohen's d = 0.88) in patients with schizophrenia than in controls (p = .014). HCC increased from baseline to month-12 in FEP patients compared to controls, demonstrating a trend towards significance (p = .097). MetS was not associated with HCC at baseline, but HCC increased significantly from baseline to month-12 in relation to MetS (p = .037). CONCLUSIONS In a subgroup of schizophrenia patients, psychosis may be associated with a blunted HPA axis with lower long-term cortisol output. MetS was associated with an increase in HCC and elevated cortisol levels observed in schizophrenia may be related to increased rates of MetS in schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Luella van den Heuvel
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council, Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna Margaretha Smit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Tobias Stalder
- Clinical Psychology, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- Biological Psychology, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council, Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robin Emsley
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council, Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Schonfeld L, Jaehne EJ, Ogden AR, Spiers JG, Hogarth S, van den Buuse M. Differential effects of chronic adolescent glucocorticoid or methamphetamine on drug-induced locomotor hyperactivity and disruption of prepulse inhibition in adulthood in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 117:110552. [PMID: 35337859 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sensitization of dopaminergic activity has been suggested as an underlying mechanism in the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. Adolescent stress and chronic abuse of methamphetamine (Meth) are well-known risk factors for psychosis and schizophrenia; however it remains unknown how these factors compare in terms of dopaminergic behavioural sensitization in adulthood. In addition, while Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been implicated in dopaminergic activity and schizophrenia, its role in behavioural sensitization remains unclear. In this study we therefore compared the effect of chronic adolescent treatment with the stress hormone, corticosterone (Cort), or with Meth, on drug-induced locomotor hyperactivity and disruption of prepulse inhibition in adulthood in BDNF heterozygous mice and their wild-type controls, as well as on dopamine receptor gene expression. Between 6 and 9 weeks of age, the animals either received Cort in the drinking water or were treated with an escalating Meth dose protocol. In adulthood, Cort-pretreated mice showed significantly reduced Meth-induced locomotor hyperactivity compared to vehicle-pretreated mice. In contrast, Meth hyperlocomotion was significantly enhanced in animals pretreated with the drug in adolescence. There were no effects of either pretreatment on prepulse inhibition. BDNF Het mice showed greater Meth-induced hyperlocomotion and lower prepulse inhibition than WT mice. There were no effects of either pretreatment on D1 or D2 gene expression in either the dorsal or ventral striatum, while D3 mRNA was shown to be reduced in male mice only irrespective of genotype. These results suggest that in adolescence, chronically elevated glucocorticoid levels, a component of chronic stress, do not cause dopaminergic sensitization adulthood, in contrast to the effect of chronic Meth treatment in the same age period. BDNF does not appear to be involved in the effects of chronic Cort or chronic Meth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Schonfeld
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emily J Jaehne
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexandra R Ogden
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jereme G Spiers
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Samuel Hogarth
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Australia; College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.
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21
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Cortisol Levels in Childhood Associated With Emergence of Attenuated Psychotic Symptoms in Early Adulthood. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:226-235. [PMID: 34715990 PMCID: PMC7612877 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis, elevated cortisol levels predict subsequent onset of psychotic disorder. However, it is unclear whether cortisol alterations are evident at an earlier clinical stage and promote progression of psychosis expression. This study aimed to address this issue by investigating whether cortisol levels in childhood were associated with the emergence of attenuated psychotic symptoms in early adulthood. In exploratory analyses, we examined whether cortisol and psychosocial stress measures interacted in predicting attenuated psychotic symptoms. METHODS A sample of children (N = 109) enriched for psychosis risk factors were recruited at age 9-12 years and assessed at age 11-14 years (T1) and 17-21 years (T2). Measures of psychopathology, psychosocial stressors, and salivary cortisol were obtained at T1. Attenuated psychotic symptoms were assessed at T2 using the Prodromal Questionnaire. RESULTS Diurnal cortisol (β = 0.915, 95% CI: 0.062-1.769) and daily stressors (β = 0.379, 95% CI: 0.034-0.723) at T1 were independently associated with total Prodromal Questionnaire scores at T2 after accounting for demographic factors and T1 psychopathology. Exploratory analyses indicated a significant interaction between T1 diurnal cortisol and daily stressors (β = 0.743, 95% CI: 0.081-1.405), with the highest predicted T2 total Prodromal Questionnaire scores occurring when both diurnal cortisol and daily stressors were increased. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that daily stressors and elevations in diurnal cortisol in late childhood/early adolescence increases risk for developing attenuated psychotic symptoms. These findings emphasize the importance of assessing environmental and biological risk factors for psychosis during neurodevelopmentally vulnerable time periods.
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22
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Romanova Z, Hlavacova N, Jezova D. Psychotropic Drug Effects on Steroid Stress Hormone Release and Possible Mechanisms Involved. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020908. [PMID: 35055090 PMCID: PMC8779609 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no doubt that chronic stress accompanied by adrenocortical stress hormone release affects the development and treatment outcome of several mental disorders. Less attention has been paid to the effects of psychotropic drugs on adrenocortical steroids, particularly in clinical studies. This review focuses on the knowledge related to the possible modulation of cortisol and aldosterone secretion under non-stress and stress conditions by antipsychotic drugs, which are being used in the treatment of several psychotic and affective disorders. The molecular mechanisms by which antipsychotic drugs may influence steroid stress hormones include the modulation of central and/or adrenocortical dopamine and serotonin receptors, modulation of inflammatory cytokines, influence on regulatory mechanisms in the central part of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, inhibition of corticotropin-releasing hormone gene promoters, influencing glucocorticoid receptor-mediated gene transcription, indirect effects via prolactin release, alteration of signaling pathways of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid actions. Clinical studies performed in healthy subjects, patients with psychosis, and patients with bipolar disorder suggest that single and repeated antipsychotic treatments either reduce cortisol concentrations or do not affect its secretion. A single and potentially long-term treatment with dopamine receptor antagonists, including antipsychotics, has a stimulatory action on aldosterone release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Romanova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.R.); (N.H.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, 83232 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Natasa Hlavacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.R.); (N.H.)
| | - Daniela Jezova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.R.); (N.H.)
- Correspondence:
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23
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Heurich M, Föcking M, Mongan D, Cagney G, Cotter DR. Dysregulation of complement and coagulation pathways: emerging mechanisms in the development of psychosis. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:127-140. [PMID: 34226666 PMCID: PMC8256396 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01197-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Early identification and treatment significantly improve clinical outcomes of psychotic disorders. Recent studies identified protein components of the complement and coagulation systems as key pathways implicated in psychosis. These specific protein alterations are integral to the inflammatory response and can begin years before the onset of clinical symptoms of psychotic disorder. Critically, they have recently been shown to predict the transition from clinical high risk to first-episode psychosis, enabling stratification of individuals who are most likely to transition to psychotic disorder from those who are not. This reinforces the concept that the psychosis spectrum is likely a central nervous system manifestation of systemic changes and highlights the need to investigate plasma proteins as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and pathophysiological mediators. In this review, we integrate evidence of alterations in proteins belonging to the complement and coagulation protein systems, including the coagulation, anticoagulation, and fibrinolytic pathways and their dysregulation in psychosis, into a consolidated mechanism that could be integral to the progression and manifestation of psychosis. We consolidate the findings of altered blood proteins relevant for progression to psychotic disorders, using data from longitudinal studies of the general population in addition to clinical high-risk (CHR) individuals transitioning to psychotic disorder. These are compared to markers identified from first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia as well as other psychosis spectrum disorders. We propose the novel hypothesis that altered complement and coagulation plasma levels enhance their pathways' activating capacities, while low levels observed in key regulatory components contribute to excessive activation observed in patients. This hypothesis will require future testing through a range of experimental paradigms, and if upheld, complement and coagulation pathways or specific proteins could be useful diagnostic or prognostic tools and targets for early intervention and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Heurich
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - Melanie Föcking
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Mongan
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gerard Cagney
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David R. Cotter
- grid.4912.e0000 0004 0488 7120Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Murphy F, Nasa A, Cullinane D, Raajakesary K, Gazzaz A, Sooknarine V, Haines M, Roman E, Kelly L, O'Neill A, Cannon M, Roddy DW. Childhood Trauma, the HPA Axis and Psychiatric Illnesses: A Targeted Literature Synthesis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:748372. [PMID: 35599780 PMCID: PMC9120425 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.748372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of early life stress (ELS) demonstrate the long-lasting effects of acute and chronic stress on developmental trajectories. Such experiences can become biologically consolidated, creating individual vulnerability to psychological and psychiatric issues later in life. The hippocampus, amygdala, and the medial prefrontal cortex are all important limbic structures involved in the processes that undermine mental health. Hyperarousal of the sympathetic nervous system with sustained allostatic load along the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis and its connections has been theorized as the basis for adult psychopathology following early childhood trauma. In this review we synthesize current understandings and hypotheses concerning the neurobiological link between childhood trauma, the HPA axis, and adult psychiatric illness. We examine the mechanisms at play in the brain of the developing child and discuss how adverse environmental stimuli may become biologically incorporated into the structure and function of the adult brain via a discussion of the neurosequential model of development, sensitive periods and plasticity. The HPA connections and brain areas implicated in ELS and psychopathology are also explored. In a targeted review of HPA activation in mood and psychotic disorders, cortisol is generally elevated across mood and psychotic disorders. However, in bipolar disorder and psychosis patients with previous early life stress, blunted cortisol responses are found to awakening, psychological stressors and physiological manipulation compared to patients without previous early life stress. These attenuated responses occur in bipolar and psychosis patients on a background of increased cortisol turnover. Although cortisol measures are generally raised in depression, the evidence for a different HPA activation profile in those with early life stress is inconclusive. Further research is needed to explore the stress responses commonalities between bipolar disorder and psychosis in those patients with early life stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felim Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anurag Nasa
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Kesidha Raajakesary
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Areej Gazzaz
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vitallia Sooknarine
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Madeline Haines
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elena Roman
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Linda Kelly
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling O'Neill
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary Cannon
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darren William Roddy
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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25
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Woldesenbet YM, Alenko A, Bukata IT, Gedefaw L, Fikru C. The status of serum cortisol before and after treatment of schizophrenia and its correlation to disease severity and improvement: A longitudinal study. SAGE Open Med 2021; 9:20503121211056216. [PMID: 34777807 PMCID: PMC8581778 DOI: 10.1177/20503121211056216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis functioning, with cortisol as its major output hormone, has been presumed to play a key role in the development of psychopathology of schizophrenia. Objective: We examined the association of serum cortisol with disease severity and improvement in schizophrenia patients in Jimma, Ethiopia. Method: A total of 34 newly diagnosed schizophrenics were included in this study. Data on demographic, behavioral, clinical state, serum cholesterol level, and antipsychotic usage were obtained at baseline and after 8 weeks. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale was used to assess psychotic symptoms severity. A paired sample t-test was used to compare baseline and post-treatment values. Linear regression was used to assess associations. Result: Post-treatment serum cortisol level was significantly lower than its baseline value (p = 0.001). There was also a significant positive and negative psychotic symptoms decrease after treatment (baseline positive psychotic vs post-treatment positive psychotic symptoms: t(33) = 6.24 (95% confidence interval = 7.03,13.84, p = 0.000) and (baseline negative psychotic vs post-treatment negative psychotic symptoms: t(33) = 4.21 (95% confidence interval = 3.82, 10.99, p = 0.000). At baseline, neither positive nor negative subscore on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale showed an association with serum cortisol level (B = −0.016, p = 0.794 and B = −0.032, p = 0.594). However, serum cortisol level showed strong associations with post-treatment positive sub scores and negative sub scores (B = 0.167, p = 0.007) and (B = 0.144, p = 0.010) on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Conclusion: We found a significant decrease in serum cortisol level after antipsychotics treatment and that was associated with improvement in psychotic symptoms in schizophrenics in Jimma, Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Markos Woldesenbet
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Arefayne Alenko
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Iyasu Tadesse Bukata
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Lealem Gedefaw
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Chaltu Fikru
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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26
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Bipin M, Premkumar P, Das MK, Lau JY, Sumich AL, Kumari V. Pituitary volume in people with chronic schizophrenia: Clarifying the roles of serious violence and childhood maltreatment. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2021; 314:111323. [PMID: 34198012 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2021.111323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Aberrations in stress-linked hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function have been independently associated with schizophrenia, antisocial behaviour and childhood maltreatment. In this study, we examined pituitary volume (PV) in relation to childhood maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect) in men (i) with schizophrenia and a history of serious violence (n = 13), (ii) with schizophrenia but without a history of serious violence (n = 15), (iii) with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and a history of serious violence (n = 13), and (iv) healthy participants without a history of violence (n = 15). All participants underwent whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging. Experiences of childhood maltreatment were rated based on interviews (for all), and case history and clinical/forensic records (for patients only). There was a trend for smaller PV, on average, in schizophrenia patients (regardless of a history of violence), compared to the healthy group and the ASPD group; other group differences in PV were non-significant. Sexual abuse ratings correlated negatively with PVs in ASPD participants, but no significant association between childhood maltreatment and PV was found in schizophrenia participants. Our findings are consistent with previous evidence of smaller-than-normal PV in chronic schizophrenia patients, and suggest that illness-related influences may mask the possible sexual abuse-smaller PV association, seen here in ASPD, in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal Bipin
- Division of Psychology, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Preethi Premkumar
- Division of Psychology, School of Applied Sciences, Southbank University of London, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Yf Lau
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK
| | - Alex L Sumich
- Division of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, UK
| | - Veena Kumari
- Division of Psychology, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK; Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, UK.
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The Impact of the FKBP5 Gene Polymorphisms on the Relationship between Traumatic Life Events and Psychotic-Like Experiences in Non-Clinical Adults. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11050561. [PMID: 33925151 PMCID: PMC8144983 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11050561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Common variations of the FKBP5 gene are implicated in psychotic disorders, by modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis reactivity to stress. It has been demonstrated that some of them might moderate the effects of childhood trauma on psychosis proneness. However, these associations have not been investigated with respect to traumatic life events (TLEs). Therefore, we aimed to explore whether the FKBP5 polymorphisms moderate the effects of TLEs on the level of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). A total of 535 non-clinical adults were approached for participation, and genotyping of six FKBP5 polymorphisms (rs3800373, rs9470080, rs4713902, rs737054, rs1360780 and rs9296158) was performed. The Prodromal Questionnaire-16 (PQ-16) and the Traumatic Events Checklist (TEC) were administered to assess PLEs and TLEs, respectively. Among the rs1360780 CC homozygotes, a history of physical abuse was associated with significantly higher PQ-16 scores. This difference was not significant in the rs1360780 T allele carriers. Similarly, a history of physical abuse was associated with significantly higher PQ-16 scores in the rs9296158 GG homozygotes but not in the rs9296158 A allele carriers. Finally, emotional neglect was related to significantly higher PQ-16 scores in the rs737054 T allele carriers but not in the rs737054 CC homozygotes. The present study indicates that variation in the FKBP5 gene might moderate the effects of lifetime traumatic events on psychosis proneness.
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28
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Dzirlo L, Richter F, Steinmair D, Löffler-Stastka H. Reflective Functioning in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Non-Affective Psychosis and Affective Disorders-Differences and Similarities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052780. [PMID: 33803368 PMCID: PMC7967285 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as part of the functional somatic syndromes, is frequent in the general population. Medical care and morbidity costs are high, and so is the psychological and somatic strain. The etiopathogenesis of IBS is still poorly understood; it is assumed to be multifactorial and to include biopsychosocial factors. Links between the intestine, psyche, nervous system (e.g., via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-Axis/neurotransmitters) and with the microbiome, the immune system have lately been investigated. Factors such as personality traits, mentalization, and early attachment strategies (deactivating and hyperactivating) have been suggested to influence IBS with relevance for treatment regimens. At this time, data on reflective functioning (RF) is lacking. Within a cross-sectional, we examined the mentalizing capacity of a clinical sample (n = 90) consisting of patients with IBS (n = 30), affective disorders (AD; n = 28), and non-affective psychosis (NAP; n = 32). The reflective functioning scale was used based on the brief reflective function interview (BRFI). The results revealed severe impairment in patients with IBS concerning their mentalizing ability, which was comparable to patients with affective disorders. Patients with non-affective-psychosis showed the lowest mentalizing ability. Thus, psychotherapeutic treatment with a focus on mentalization could be a promising approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Dzirlo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Schwestern, 1060 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Felix Richter
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (F.R.); (D.S.)
| | - Dagmar Steinmair
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (F.R.); (D.S.)
- Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Henriette Löffler-Stastka
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (F.R.); (D.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-(0)1-40400-30700
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Nordholm D, Hjorthøj C, Mondelli V, Krakauer K, Randers L, Dazzan P, Nordentoft M. Are attenuated positive symptoms and cortisol levels associated? Schizophr Res 2021; 228:621-623. [PMID: 33248883 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dorte Nordholm
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kildegårdsvej 28, opg. 15, Hellerup, Denmark; Lundbeck Foundation Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS), Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Research Collaboration at Psychiatric Centre North Zealand, Dyrehavevej 48, Hillerød, Denmark.
| | - Carsten Hjorthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kildegårdsvej 28, opg. 15, Hellerup, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, Denmark
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health at South London and Maudsley, NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Kristine Krakauer
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kildegårdsvej 28, opg. 15, Hellerup, Denmark; Lundbeck Foundation Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS), Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lasse Randers
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kildegårdsvej 28, opg. 15, Hellerup, Denmark; Lundbeck Foundation Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS), Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paola Dazzan
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health at South London and Maudsley, NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health - CORE, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kildegårdsvej 28, opg. 15, Hellerup, Denmark
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30
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Hair cortisol concentrations in mental disorders: A systematic review. Physiol Behav 2021; 229:113244. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Bernstein HG, Keilhoff G, Steiner J. The implications of hypothalamic abnormalities for schizophrenia. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 182:107-120. [PMID: 34266587 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-819973-2.00008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Until a few years ago, the hypothalamus was believed to play only a marginal role in schizophrenia pathophysiology. However, recent findings show that this rather small brain region involved in many pathways found disrupted-in schizophrenia. Gross anatomic abnormalities (volume changes of the third ventricle, the hypothalamus, and its individual nuclei) as well as alterations at the cellular level (circumscribed loss of neurons) can be observed. Further, increased or decreased expression of hypothalamic peptides such as oxytocin, vasopressin, several factors involved in the regulation of appetite and satiety, endogenous opiates, products of schizophrenia susceptibility genes as well as of enzymes involved in neurotransmitter and neuropeptide metabolism have been reported in schizophrenia and/or animal models of the disease. Remarkably, although profound disturbances of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, and the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis are typical signs of schizophrenia, there is currently no evidence for alterations in the expression of hypothalamic-releasing and inhibiting factors that control these hormonal axes. Finally, the implications of hypothalamus for disease-related disturbances of the sleep-wakefulness cycle and neuroimmune dysfunctions in schizophrenia are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Gert Bernstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Gerburg Keilhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johann Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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Incorporating cortisol into the NAPLS2 individualized risk calculator for prediction of psychosis. Schizophr Res 2021; 227:95-100. [PMID: 33046334 PMCID: PMC8287972 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk calculators are useful tools that can help clinicians and researchers better understand an individual's risk of conversion to psychosis. The North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study (NAPLS2) Individualized Risk Calculator has good predictive accuracy but could be potentially improved by the inclusion of a biomarker. Baseline cortisol, a measure of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning that is impacted by biological vulnerability to stress and exposure to environmental stressors, has been shown to be higher among individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHRP) who eventually convert to psychosis than those who do not. We sought to determine whether the addition of baseline cortisol to the NAPLS2 risk calculator improved the performance of the risk calculator. METHODS Participants were drawn from the NAPLS2 study. A subset of NAPLS2 participants provided salivary cortisol samples. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression evaluated the likelihood of an individual's eventual conversion to psychosis based on demographic and clinical variables in addition to baseline cortisol levels. RESULTS A total of 417 NAPLS2 participants provided salivary cortisol and were included in the analysis. Higher levels of cortisol were predictive of conversion to psychosis in a univariate model (C-index = 0.59, HR = 21.5, p-value = 0.004). The inclusion of cortisol in the risk calculator model resulted in a statistically significant improvement in performance from the original risk calculator model (C-index = 0.78, SE = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS Salivary cortisol is an inexpensive and non-invasive biomarker that could improve individual predictions about conversion to psychosis and treatment decisions for CHR-P individuals.
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Farrow P, Simmons JG, Pozzi E, Díaz-Arteche C, Richmond S, Bray K, Schwartz O, Whittle S. Associations between early life stress and anterior pituitary gland volume development during late childhood. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 122:104868. [PMID: 33068951 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Early Life Stress (ELS) is thought to influence Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal-Axis (HPAA) functioning, contributing to an increased risk for psychopathology through dysregulation of biological stress responses. Research exploring relationships between ELS and HPAA functioning has largely focused on its key hormonal output, cortisol. However, findings have been inconsistent, potentially due to cortisol's distinctive diurnal patterns and dynamic nature complicating its accurate measurement. Thus, this study explored the link between ELS and a more stable, structural component of the HPAA, specifically, anterior pituitary gland volume (PGV) in a community sample of children (N = 129, 68 female). PGV was traced from Magnetic Resonance Imaging brain scans across two time-points at ages 8 (baseline) and 10 years (follow-up). ELS exposure was assessed at baseline through parent-report questionnaires and maternal affective behavior observed in mother-child interaction tasks. ELS variables were reduced to a 5-factor structure using exploratory factor analysis - Uninvolved Parenting, Negative Affective Parenting, Neglect, Trauma, and Dysfunctional Discipline. Direct and sex-moderated associations between ELS and PGV were explored using regression and linear mixed models analyses. PGV-mediated associations between ELS and internalizing symptoms were also investigated. Childhood Neglect was significantly associated with greater baseline anterior PGV, that was stable over the follow-up period. This effect was found in the whole sample, and in males, specifically. No mediation effects were found. Results suggest that neglect may play a unique role in HPAA neurodevelopment; however, it is important that future research extends into adolescence to more clearly characterize these neurodevelopmental associations and any subsequent psychopathological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige Farrow
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julian G Simmons
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elena Pozzi
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia; Orygen, Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Carmela Díaz-Arteche
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia
| | - Sally Richmond
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, VIC, Australia
| | - Katherine Bray
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Orli Schwartz
- Orygen, Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Whittle
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, VIC, Australia; Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Oh HY, Koyanagi A, DeVylder JE, Link B. Urban upbringing and psychotic experiences in the United States: A racial and geographic comparison. Psychiatry Res 2020; 293:113372. [PMID: 32805588 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Urban upbringing has been associated with greater risk for psychotic experiences, though research is needed to confirm whether this is true in the U.S., and whether the association depends on race, type of experience, and region of the country. We analyzed data from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (White respondents only) and the National Survey of American Life (Black respondents). Multivariable logistic regression models found that urban upbringing was not significantly associated with lifetime psychotic experiences for Whites, but was significantly associated with lower odds for Blacks, adjusting for socio-demographic covariates and common mental disorders. Rural upbringing was associated with greater odds of lifetime auditory hallucinatory experiences for Blacks. Exploratory analyses suggested growing up in a large city or 'other' environment were associated with greater odds of lifetime psychotic experiences among Whites currently residing in the Northeast, but lower odds among Whites residing in the South. For Blacks currently residing in the West, rural upbringing was associated with significantly greater odds of lifetime psychotic experiences when compared with growing up in a large city. White and Blacks may have different lived experiences in urban and rural settings, calling for more race- and location- specific research to explain these diverging patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Y Oh
- Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordan E DeVylder
- Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, New York City, USA
| | - Bruce Link
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Riverside, USA
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Colizzi M, Weltens N, Lythgoe DJ, Williams SC, Van Oudenhove L, Bhattacharyya S. Differential sensitivity to the acute psychotomimetic effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol associated with its differential acute effects on glial function and cortisol. Psychol Med 2020; 52:1-8. [PMID: 33107418 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720003827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabis use has been associated with psychosis through exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), its key psychoactive ingredient. Although preclinical and human evidence suggests that Δ9-THC acutely modulates glial function and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, whether differential sensitivity to the acute psychotomimetic effects of Δ9-THC is associated with differential effects of Δ9-THC on glial function and HPA-axis response has never been tested. METHODS A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study investigated whether sensitivity to the psychotomimetic effects of Δ9-THC moderates the acute effects of a single Δ9-THC dose (1.19 mg/2 ml) on myo-inositol levels, a surrogate marker of glia, in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC), and circadian cortisol levels, the key neuroendocrine marker of the HPA-axis, in a set of 16 healthy participants (seven males) with modest previous cannabis exposure. RESULTS The Δ9-THC-induced change in ACC myo-inositol levels differed significantly between those sensitive to (Δ9-THC minus placebo; M = -0.251, s.d. = 1.242) and those not sensitive (M = 1.615, s.d. = 1.753) to the psychotomimetic effects of the drug (t(14) = 2.459, p = 0.028). Further, the Δ9-THC-induced change in cortisol levels over the study period (baseline minus 2.5 h post-drug injection) differed significantly between those sensitive to (Δ9-THC minus placebo; M = -275.4, s.d. = 207.519) and those not sensitive (M = 74.2, s.d. = 209.281) to the psychotomimetic effects of the drug (t(13) = 3.068, p = 0.009). Specifically, Δ9-THC exposure lowered ACC myo-inositol levels and disrupted the physiological diurnal cortisol decrease only in those subjects developing transient psychosis-like symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The interindividual differences in transient psychosis-like effects of Δ9-THC are the result of its differential impact on glial function and stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Colizzi
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Italy
| | - Nathalie Weltens
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - David J Lythgoe
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Steve Cr Williams
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Lukas Van Oudenhove
- Laboratory for Brain-Gut Axis Studies (LaBGAS), Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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Morgan C, Gayer-Anderson C, Beards S, Hubbard K, Mondelli V, Di Forti M, Murray RM, Pariante C, Dazzan P, Craig TJ, Reininghaus U, Fisher HL. Threat, hostility and violence in childhood and later psychotic disorder: population-based case-control study. Br J Psychiatry 2020; 217:575-582. [PMID: 32778182 PMCID: PMC7525109 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2020.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of research suggests that childhood adversities are associated with later psychosis, broadly defined. However, there remain several gaps and unanswered questions. Most studies are of low-level psychotic experiences and findings cannot necessarily be extrapolated to psychotic disorders. Further, few studies have examined the effects of more fine-grained dimensions of adversity such as type, timing and severity. AIMS Using detailed data from the Childhood Adversity and Psychosis (CAPsy) study, we sought to address these gaps and examine in detail associations between a range of childhood adversities and psychotic disorder. METHOD CAPsy is population-based first-episode psychosis case-control study in the UK. In a sample of 374 cases and 301 controls, we collected extensive data on childhood adversities, in particular household discord, various forms of abuse and bullying, and putative confounders, including family history of psychotic disorder, using validated, semi-structured instruments. RESULTS We found strong evidence that all forms of childhood adversity were associated with around a two- to fourfold increased odds of psychotic disorder and that exposure to multiple adversities was associated with a linear increase in odds. We further found that severe forms of adversity, i.e. involving threat, hostility and violence, were most strongly associated with increased odds of disorder. More tentatively, we found that some adversities (e.g. bullying, sexual abuse) were more strongly associated with psychotic disorder if first occurrence was in adolescence. CONCLUSIONS Our findings extend previous research on childhood adversity and suggest a degree of specificity for severe adversities involving threat, hostility and violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Morgan
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London; and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, UK,Correspondence: Professor Craig Morgan.
| | - Charlotte Gayer-Anderson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London; and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, UK
| | - Stephanie Beards
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Kathryn Hubbard
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
| | - Marta Di Forti
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Robin M. Murray
- FRS, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
| | - Carmine Pariante
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
| | - Paola Dazzan
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London; and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, UK
| | - Thomas J. Craig
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Ulrich Reininghaus
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London; and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, UK
| | - Helen L. Fisher
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London; and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, UK
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Martland N, Martland R, Cullen AE, Bhattacharyya S. Are adult stressful life events associated with psychotic relapse? A systematic review of 23 studies. Psychol Med 2020; 50:2302-2316. [PMID: 33054892 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720003554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Relapse rates among individuals with psychotic disorders are high. In addition to the financial burden placed on clinical services, relapse is associated with worse long-term prognosis and poorer quality of life. Robust evidence indicates that stressful life events commonly precede the onset of the first psychotic episode; however, the extent to which they are associated with relapse remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize available research investigating the association between recent stressful life events and psychotic relapse or relapse of bipolar disorder if the diagnosis included psychotic symptoms. PsycINFO, Medline and EMBASE were searched for cross-sectional, retrospective and prospective studies published between 01/01/1970 and 08/01/2020 that investigated the association between adult stressful life events and relapse of psychosis. Study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project guidelines. Twenty-three studies met eligibility criteria (prospective studies: 14; retrospective studies: 6; cross-sectional: 3) providing data on 2046 participants in total (sample size range: 14-240 participants). Relapse was defined as a return of psychotic symptoms (n = 20), a return of symptoms requiring hospitalization (n = 2) and a return of symptoms or hospitalization (n = 1). Adult stressful life events were defined as life events occurring after the onset of psychosis. Stressful life events included but were not limited to adult trauma, bereavement, financial problems and conflict. Eighteen studies found a significant positive association between adult stressful life events and psychotic relapse and five studies found a non-significant association. We conclude that adult stressful life events, occurring after psychosis onset, appear to be associated with psychotic relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Martland
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Martland
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alexis E Cullen
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sagnik Bhattacharyya
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AZ, UK
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Cullen AE, Addington J, Bearden CE, Stone WS, Seidman LJ, Cadenhead KS, Cannon TD, Cornblatt BA, Mathalon DH, McGlashan TH, Perkins DO, Tsuang MT, Woods SW, Walker EF. Stressor-Cortisol Concordance Among Individuals at Clinical High-Risk for Psychosis: Novel Findings from the NAPLS Cohort. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 115:104649. [PMID: 32197198 PMCID: PMC7193890 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Whilst elevations in basal cortisol levels have been reported among individuals at-risk for psychosis, the extent to which this represents hyperresponsivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to psychosocial stressors encountered in the natural environment is currently unclear. We aimed to examine stressor-cortisol concordance among youth at clinical high-risk (CHR) for psychosis in the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study 2 (NAPLS 2) and the relationship with clinical outcome. At baseline, CHR (N = 457) and healthy (N = 205) individuals provided salivary cortisol samples and completed daily stressor, life event, and childhood trauma measures. CHR youth were categorised as remitted, symptomatic, progression of positive symptoms, or psychosis conversion at the two-year follow-up. Within-group regression models tested associations between psychosocial stressors and cortisol; standardised beta coefficients (Stβ) were subsequently derived to enable within-group pooling of effect sizes across stressor types. After adjustment for potential confounders, all CHR subgroups reported greater exposure to life events and daily stressors, and more distress in relation to these events, relative to controls. All CHR groups were also more likely to experience childhood trauma; only CHR converters, however, were characterised by elevated basal cortisol. Daily stressor distress was significantly associated with cortisol in controls (β = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.12-1.08) and CHR youth who converted to psychosis (β = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.05-1.78). In controls only, life event exposure was associated with cortisol (β = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.08-0.83). When pooled across stressors, stressor-cortisol concordance was substantially higher among CHR converters (Stβ = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.44) relative to CHR progressed (Stβ = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.11 to 0.15), symptomatic (Stβ = 0.01, 95% CI: -0.11 to 0.12), and remitted groups (Stβ = 0.00, 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.13); however, unexpectedly, healthy controls showed intermediate levels of concordance (Stβ = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.26). In conclusion, whilst all CHR subgroups showed increased psychosocial stress exposure and distress relative to controls, only those who later converted to psychosis were characterised by significantly elevated basal cortisol levels. Moreover, only CHR converters showed a higher magnitude of stressor-cortisol concordance compared to controls, although confidence intervals overlapped considerably between these two groups. These findings do not support the notion that all individuals at CHR for psychosis show HPA hyperresponsiveness to psychosocial stressors. Instead, CHR individuals vary in their response to stressor exposure/distress, perhaps driven by genetic or other vulnerability factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis E. Cullen
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,Corresponding author at: Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (PO67), 16 De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, United Kingdom.
| | - Jean Addington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carrie E. Bearden
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences and Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, United States
| | - William S. Stone
- Harvard Medical School, Departments of Psychiatry at Massachusetts Mental Health Center Public Psychiatry Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts, General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Larry J. Seidman
- Harvard Medical School, Departments of Psychiatry at Massachusetts Mental Health Center Public Psychiatry Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts, General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kristin S. Cadenhead
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Tyrone D. Cannon
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
| | - Barbara A. Cornblatt
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Long Island, NY, United States
| | - Daniel H. Mathalon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Diana O. Perkins
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ming T. Tsuang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Scott W. Woods
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Elaine F. Walker
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States,Corresponding author at: 487 PAIS Building, 36 Eagle Row, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, United States.
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Atypical lateralization in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders: What is the role of stress? Cortex 2020; 125:215-232. [PMID: 32035318 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hemispheric asymmetries are a major organizational principle of the human brain. In different neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, like schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, depression, dyslexia and posttraumatic stress disorder, functional and/or structural hemispheric asymmetries are altered compared to healthy controls. The question, why these disorders all share the common characteristic of altered hemispheric asymmetries despite vastly different etiologies and symptoms remains one of the unsolved mysteries of laterality research. This review is aimed at reviewing potential reasons for why atypical lateralization is so common in many neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. To this end, we review the evidence for overlaps in the genetic and non-genetic factors involved in the ontogenesis of different disorders and hemispheric asymmetries. While there is evidence for genetic overlap between different disorders, only few asymmetry-related loci have also been linked to disorders and importantly, those effects are mostly specific to single disorders. However, there is evidence for shared non-genetic influences between disorders and hemispheric asymmetries. Most neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders show alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenocortical (HPA) axis and maternal as well as early life stress have been implicated in their etiology. Stress has also been suggested to affect hemispheric asymmetries. We propose a model in which early life stress as well as chronic stress not only increases the risk for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders but also changes structural and functional hemispheric asymmetries leading to the aberrant lateralization patterns seen in these disorders. Thus, pathology-related changes in hemispheric asymmetries are not a factor causing disorders, but rather a different phenotype that is affected by partly overlapping ontogenetic factors, primarily stress.
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Prochwicz K, Kłosowska J, Dembińska A. The Mediating Role of Stress in the Relationship Between Attention to Threat Bias and Psychotic-Like Experiences Depends on Coping Strategies. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:307. [PMID: 32411023 PMCID: PMC7200982 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00307] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Recent studies have provided evidence that enhanced stress level is associated with the increase of psychotic symptoms in both clinical and non-clinical populations. It has also been demonstrated that cognitive biases contribute to psychotic experiences. However, it remains unclear whether the effect of cognitive biases and perceived stress on psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) is influenced by coping methods. In the present study we examined whether the relationship linking cognitive biases with PLEs is mediated by the level of stress and whether particular coping methods modify the relationship between stress and PLEs. METHODS The study sample consisted of 290 non-clinical subjects; study variables were assessed by questionnaires. Moderated mediation analyses were conducted. RESULTS Perceived stress was found to serve as a partial mediator in the relationship linking attention to threat (ATB) and external attribution biases (ETB) with psychotic-like experiences. Also, moderated mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of attention to threat bias on positive and depressive symptoms of psychotic-like experiences via perceived stress was stronger at higher levels of distraction seeking coping. Moreover, the indirect effect of ATB on depressive symptoms was moderated by task-oriented coping and emotion-oriented coping. Task-oriented coping also moderated the indirect effect of ETB on depression. CONCLUSION The findings imply that both perceived stress and coping styles are important factors affecting the association between cognitive biases and psychotic-like experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Kłosowska
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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41
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Cullen AE, Rai S, Vaghani MS, Mondelli V, McGuire P. Cortisol Responses to Naturally Occurring Psychosocial Stressors Across the Psychosis Spectrum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:513. [PMID: 32595532 PMCID: PMC7300294 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with established psychosis and those at high-risk for the disorder have been found to show abnormalities within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, including elevations in basal and diurnal cortisol, but a blunted cortisol awakening response. However, the extent to which these features are associated with psychosocial stressors encountered in the natural environment (which are known to be more commonly experienced by these groups, and more distressing) is currently unclear. We therefore conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the concordance between naturally-occurring psychosocial stressors and cortisol levels in these populations. METHODS PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched up to November 2019 to identify studies examining the concordance between psychosocial stressors and cortisol in healthy controls and individuals on the psychosis spectrum (patients with established psychosis and/or high-risk individuals). An overall meta-analysis (including data for all stressor-cortisol pairings) was performed to determine the degree of concordance irrespective of group status, with meta-regression employed to test whether the degree of concordance differed in established psychosis and high-risk groups compared to controls. Planned stratified analyses were then performed to examine group differences (where established psychosis and high-risk groups were combined) within individual stressor-cortisol pairings. RESULTS Eighteen studies (16 datasets) were eligible for inclusion. The overall model, comprising 134 effect sizes, showed that stressors and cortisol measures were only weakly correlated [r=0.05 (95% CI: -0.00 to 0.10), p=0.059] and that neither established psychosis status (r=0.01, p=0.838) nor high-risk status (r=0.02, p=0.477) had a significant effect of the strength of correlation. In stratified analyses, significant differences between healthy controls and psychosis spectrum groups were observed for only one of the six stressor-cortisol pairings examined, where life event exposure and diurnal cortisol were positively correlated in controls [r=0.25 (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.46)], but negatively correlated in the psychosis spectrum group [r=-0.28 (95% CI: -0.49 to -0.04)]. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we observed poor concordance between naturally-occurring psychosocial stressors and cortisol irrespective of stressor type, cortisol measure, or group status. We consider a range of methodological factors that may have obscured the ability to detect "true" associations and provide recommendations for future studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis E Cullen
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sushma Rai
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Meghna S Vaghani
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philip McGuire
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Vaessen T, Viechtbauer W, van der Steen Y, Gayer-Anderson C, Kempton MJ, Valmaggia L, McGuire P, Murray R, Garety P, Wykes T, Morgan C, Lataster T, Lataster J, Collip D, Hernaus D, Kasanova Z, Delespaul P, Oorschot M, Claes S, Reininghaus U, Myin-Germeys I. Recovery from daily-life stressors in early and chronic psychosis. Schizophr Res 2019; 213:32-39. [PMID: 30930036 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Initial affective and psychotic reactivity to daily stressors is altered in psychosis, and most notably in early psychosis. In addition to altered initial stress reactivity, results from studies using Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) and psychophysiological measures indicate that impaired recovery from mild stressors may also be a risk factor for mental illness. The current ESM study investigated affective recovery from daily stressors in chronic psychosis patients (CP; n = 162), individuals at early stages of psychosis (EP; n = 127), and healthy volunteers (HV; n = 220) assessing fluctuations in negative affect (NA), tension, and suspiciousness ten times a day on six consecutive days. Recovery was operationalized for all three variables as the return to baseline (i.e., level at t-1) following the first stressful event of a day (i.e., t0). The EP group showed a delayed recovery of NA (t1-t3: B = 0.185; p = .007 and B = 0.228; p = .002) and suspiciousness (t1: B = 0.223; p = .010 and B = 0.291; p = .002) compared to HV and CP, respectively. Delayed recovery was detected for tension as well (t1-t2: EP > HV: B = 0.242; p = .040 and EP > CP: B = 0.284; p = .023), but contrary to both other momentary states, this effect disappeared when controlling for subsequent stressful events. There were no significant differences in recovery between HV and CP. These results suggest that in EP, stressful daily events have longer-lasting effects on overall negative affect and subclinical psychotic-like experiences. Future studies should incorporate physiological and endocrine measures in order to integrate recovery patterns of the different stress systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Vaessen
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Contextual Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurosciences, Mind-Body Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Wolfgang Viechtbauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Neurosciences, Center for Contextual Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yori van der Steen
- GGzE, Institute for Mental Health Care Eindhoven and De Kempen, Eindhoven, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Gayer-Anderson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Kempton
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Lucia Valmaggia
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College, London, UK
| | - Philip McGuire
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College, London, UK
| | - Robin Murray
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College, London, UK
| | - Philippa Garety
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College, London, UK
| | - Til Wykes
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College, London, UK
| | - Craig Morgan
- Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College, London, UK
| | - Tineke Lataster
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Lataster
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Open University, Heerlen, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dina Collip
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Hernaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Zuzana Kasanova
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Contextual Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philippe Delespaul
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Margreet Oorschot
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan Claes
- Department of Neurosciences, Mind-Body Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ulrich Reininghaus
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Inez Myin-Germeys
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Contextual Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Pituitary volume in individuals at elevated risk for psychosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Schizophr Res 2019; 213:23-31. [PMID: 30600112 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pituitary volume (PV) abnormalities, representing one of several markers of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, have been observed in psychosis, with variable patterns across illness stages. Typically, enlargements characterise first-episode patients, with reductions observed in those with chronic illness relative to healthy controls. Findings in high-risk populations have been inconsistent, highlighting the need for an updated review of the evidence. METHODS We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE for studies examining PV in high-risk [clinical high-risk (CHR), family history of psychosis (FHx), schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), and psychotic-experiences (PEs)] and healthy individuals. Random effects models were used to examine group differences in PV (Hedges g) with stratified analyses and meta-regression employed to investigate the effect of high-risk category, transition status, age, sex, and antipsychotic medication. RESULTS Ten studies, yielding 11 effect sizes, were eligible for inclusion. Overall, high-risk individuals had significantly larger PV relative to healthy controls (g = 0.16 [95% CI: 0.01 to 0.32] p = 0.04), despite showing a reduction in whole brain volume (g = -0.17, [95% CI. -0.30 to -0.03] p = 0.020). Individual sub-group analyses for CHR and FHx groups showed no significant differences relative to controls; however, larger PV increases characterised those who later transitioned to psychosis (g = 0.55, [95% CI. 0.06 to 1.04] p = 0.028). Larger effect sizes were positively associated with the proportion of high-risk individuals receiving antipsychotic medication. CONCLUSIONS PV enlargements characterise high-risk individuals and are more pronounced among those who later develop psychosis. We provide recommendations for future studies.
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Cannizzaro E, Ramaci T, Cirrincione L, Plescia F. Work-Related Stress, Physio-Pathological Mechanisms, and the Influence of Environmental Genetic Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4031. [PMID: 31640269 PMCID: PMC6843930 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16204031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Work-related stress is a growing health problem in modern society. The stress response is characterized by numerous neurochemicals, neuroendocrine and immune modifications that involve various neurological systems and circuits, and regulation of the gene expression of the different receptors. In this regard, a lot of research has focused the attention on the role played by the environment in influencing gene expression, which in turn can control the stress response. In particular, genetic factors can moderate the sensitivities of specific types of neural cells or circuits mediating the imprinting of the environment on different biological systems. In this current review, we wish to analyze systematic reviews and recent experimental research on the physio-pathological mechanisms that underline stress-related responses. In particular, we analyze the relationship between genetic and epigenetic factors in the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Ramaci
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy.
| | - Luigi Cirrincione
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Fulvio Plescia
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
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Taylor SF, Grove TB, Ellingrod VL, Tso IF. The Fragile Brain: Stress Vulnerability, Negative Affect and GABAergic Neurocircuits in Psychosis. Schizophr Bull 2019; 45:1170-1183. [PMID: 31150555 PMCID: PMC6811817 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbz046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Persons with schizophrenia exhibit sensitivity to stress and negative affect (NA), both strongly correlated with poor functional outcome. This theoretical review suggests that NA reflects a "fragile brain," ie, vulnerable to stress, including events not experienced as stressful by healthy individuals. Based on postmortem evidence of altered gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) function in parvalbumin positive interneurons (PVI), animal models of PVI abnormalities and neuroimaging data with GABAergic challenge, it is suggested that GABAergic disruptions weaken cortical regions, which leads to stress vulnerability and excessive NA. Neurocircuits that respond to stressful and salient environmental stimuli, such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the amygdala, are highly dysregulated in schizophrenia, exhibiting hypo- and hyper-activity. PVI abnormalities in lateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus have been hypothesized to affect cognitive function and positive symptoms, respectively; in the medial frontal cortex (dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and dorsal medial prefrontal cortex), these abnormalities may lead to vulnerability to stress, NA and dysregulation of stress responsive systems. Given that postmortem PVI disruptions have been identified in other conditions, such as bipolar disorder and autism, stress vulnerability may reflect a transdiagnostic dimension of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan F Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Rachel Upjohn Building, Ann Arbor, MI,To whom correspondence should be addressed; tel: 734-936-4955, fax: 734-936-7868, e-mail:
| | - Tyler B Grove
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Rachel Upjohn Building, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Ivy F Tso
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Rachel Upjohn Building, Ann Arbor, MI
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Aghamaleki-Sarvestani Z, Vousooghi N, Tabrizi M, Alipour ME, Alaghband-Rad J, Mostafavi-Abdolmaleky H, Zarindast MR. Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene expression in stress-induced and non-stress induced schizophrenia. Psychiatr Genet 2019; 30:10-18. [PMID: 31568068 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder and the outcome of gene-gene-environmental interactions, there are different possible pathophysiological mechanisms in different schizophrenia subtypes corresponding to various risk factors. This study was aimed at examining the impact of one of the most likely interactions, that is, 'dopamine and stress', in schizophrenia pathogenesis. METHODS Here, we investigated the interaction between 'war-related psychological trauma' without brain trauma and catechol-O-methyltransferase gene. Using real-time PCR analysis we measured catechol-O-methyltransferase gene expression level in the blood cells of 66 male subjects in four groups, namely veteran schizophrenia patients as 'stress-exposed schizophrenia' (S-schizophrenia), their healthy brothers as 'their genetically closest relatives' (S-siblings), schizophrenia patients without any history of significant stress as 'non-stress-exposed schizophrenia' (NoS-schizophrenia), and the control group. The results were analyzed by Relative Expression Software Tool 2009 software. RESULTS The catechol-O-methyltransferase gene expression was not significantly different between the S-schizophrenia and NoS-schizophrenia groups. However, compared to the control group, the catechol-O-methyltransferase expression was significantly decreased in three groups of S-schizophrenia, their healthy siblings, and NoS-schizophrenia patients. CONCLUSION This data supports that reduced blood catechol-O-methyltransferase expression, which may be associated with higher dopamine level, is involved both in stress-induced and non-stress-induced schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- Department of Neuroscience and addiction studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine.,Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences
| | | | - Mohammad Esmaeil Alipour
- Department of Neuroscience and addiction studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine.,Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center
| | | | - Hamid Mostafavi-Abdolmaleky
- Department of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Center, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mohammad Reza Zarindast
- Department of Neuroscience and addiction studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine.,Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine
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Morgan C, Knowles G, Hutchinson G. Migration, ethnicity and psychoses: evidence, models and future directions. World Psychiatry 2019; 18:247-258. [PMID: 31496097 PMCID: PMC6732691 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a large body of research reporting high rates of psychotic disorders among many migrant and minority ethnic groups, particularly in Northern Europe. In the context of increasing migration and consequent cultural diversity in many places worldwide, these findings are a major social and public health concern. In this paper, we take stock of the current state of the art, reviewing evidence on variations in rates of psychoses and putative explanations, including relevant theories and models. We discuss in particular: a) the wide variation in reported rates of psychotic disorders by ethnic group, and b) the evidence implicating social risks to explain this variation, at ecological and individual levels. We go on to set out our proposed socio-developmental model, that posits greater exposure to systemic social risks over the life course, particularly those involving threat, hostility and violence, to explain high rates of psychoses in some migrant and minority ethnic groups. Based on this analysis, the challenge of addressing this social and public health issue needs to be met at multiple levels, including social policy, community initiatives, and mental health service reform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Morgan
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Society and Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gemma Knowles
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Centre for Society and Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Anastassiadis C, Jones SL, Pruessner JC. Imaging the pituitary in psychopathologies: a review of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging studies. Brain Struct Funct 2019; 224:2587-2601. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-019-01942-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Honců P, Hill M, Bičíková M, Jandová D, Velíková M, Kajzar J, Kolátorová L, Bešťák J, Máčová L, Kancheva R, Krejčí M, Novotný J, Stárka Ľ. Activation of Adrenal Steroidogenesis and an Improvement of Mood Balance in Postmenopausal Females after Spa Treatment Based on Physical Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153687. [PMID: 31357645 PMCID: PMC6695846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spa treatment can effectively reestablish mood balance in patients with psychiatric disorders. In light of the adrenal gland’s role as a crossroad of psychosomatic medicine, this study evaluated changes in 88 circulating steroids and their relationships with a consolidation of somatic, psychosomatic and psychiatric components from a modified N-5 neurotic questionnaire in 46 postmenopausal 50+ women with anxiety-depressive complaints. The patients underwent a standardized one-month intervention therapy with physical activity and an optimized daily regimen in a spa in the Czech Republic. All participants were on medication with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. An increase of adrenal steroidogenesis after intervention indicated a reinstatement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The increases of many of these steroids were likely beneficial to patients, including immunoprotective adrenal androgens and their metabolites, neuroactive steroids that stimulate mental activity but protect from excitotoxicity, steroids that suppress pain perception and fear, steroids that consolidate insulin secretion, and steroids that improve xenobiotic clearance. The positive associations between the initial values of neurotic symptoms and their declines after the intervention, as well as between initial adrenal activity and the decline of neurotic symptoms, indicate that neurotic impairment may be alleviated by such therapy provided that the initial adrenal activity is not seriously disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Honců
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hill
- Institute of Endocrinology, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Marie Bičíková
- Institute of Endocrinology, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dobroslava Jandová
- College of Physical Education and Sport Palestra, 19700 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Velíková
- Institute of Endocrinology, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kajzar
- College of Physical Education and Sport Palestra, 19700 Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jiří Bešťák
- Institute of Endocrinology, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Máčová
- Institute of Endocrinology, 11694 Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Milada Krejčí
- College of Physical Education and Sport Palestra, 19700 Prague, Czech Republic
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Cortisol stress response in psychosis from the high-risk to the chronic stage: a systematic review. Ir J Psychol Med 2019; 36:305-315. [PMID: 31317845 DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2019.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We review studies of whether cortisol levels following psychosocial stress exposure differ between patients with psychosis and healthy control subjects. METHODS Original research published between 1993 and February 2019 was included in the literature search. Studies that used experimentally induced psychosocial stress and reported stress response measures of plasma or saliva cortisol levels in patients at any stage of illness (i.e. high risk, first episode and chronic phase) were included. RESULTS A total of 17 studies were included. Although there was evidence of inconsistencies in measures, we observed moderate evidence of an association with stress-induced cortisol blunting response across studies. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights recent evidence of blunting of cortisol response following experimentally induced psychosocial stress. While there was some evidence of this blunted response across illness types and stages, the strongest evidence was observed for those with chronic schizophrenia. Due to the low number of studies, in particular in bipolar disorder, much work is still needed to accurately characterise the biological effects of stress in psychosis.
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