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Campisi M, Cannella L, Celik D, Gabelli C, Gollin D, Simoni M, Ruaro C, Fantinato E, Pavanello S. Mitigating cellular aging and enhancing cognitive functionality: visual arts-mediated Cognitive Activation Therapy in neurocognitive disorders. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1354025. [PMID: 38524114 PMCID: PMC10957554 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1354025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The growing phenomenon of population aging is redefining demographic dynamics, intensifying age-related conditions, especially dementia, projected to triple by 2050 with an enormous global economic burden. This study investigates visual arts-mediated Cognitive Activation Therapy (CAT) as a non-pharmacological CAT intervention targets both biological aging [leukocyte telomere length (LTL), DNA methylation age (DNAmAge)] and cognitive functionality. Aligning with a broader trend of integrating non-pharmacological approaches into dementia care. The longitudinal study involved 20 patients with mild to moderate neurocognitive disorders. Cognitive and functional assessments, and biological aging markers -i.e., LTL and DNAmAge- were analyzed before and after CAT intervention. Change in LTL was positively correlated with days of treatment (p =0.0518). LTL significantly elongated after intervention (p =0.0269), especially in men (p =0.0142), correlating with younger age (p =0.0357), and higher education (p =0.0008). DNAmAge remained instead stable post-treatment. Cognitive and functional improvements were observed for Copy of complex geometric figure, Progressive Silhouettes, Position Discrimination, Communication Activities of Daily Living-Second edition, Direct Functional Status (p < 0.0001) and Object decision (p =0.0594), but no correlations were found between LTL and cognitive gains. Visual arts-mediated CAT effectively mitigates cellular aging, especially in men, by elongating LTL. These findings underscore the potential of non-pharmacological interventions in enhancing cognitive and functional status and general well-being in dementia care. Further research with larger and longer-term studies is essential for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Campisi
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luana Cannella
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Dilek Celik
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Gabelli
- Regional Centre for the Aging Brain (CRIC), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Donata Gollin
- Regional Centre for the Aging Brain (CRIC), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Simoni
- Regional Centre for the Aging Brain (CRIC), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Cristina Ruaro
- Regional Centre for the Aging Brain (CRIC), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Fantinato
- Regional Centre for the Aging Brain (CRIC), University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Davis JA, Ohan JL, Gregory S, Kottampally K, Silva D, Prescott SL, Finlay-Jones AL. Perinatal Women's Perspectives of, and Engagement in, Digital Emotional Well-Being Training: Mixed Methods Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46852. [PMID: 37847537 PMCID: PMC10618893 DOI: 10.2196/46852] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological distress in the early postpartum period can have long-lasting deleterious effects on a mother's well-being and negatively affect her infant's development. Intervention approaches based in contemplative practices such as mindfulness and loving-kindness and compassion are intended to alleviate distress and cultivate well-being and can be delivered effectively as digital mental health interventions (DMHIs). OBJECTIVE To understand the feasibility of engaging perinatal women in digital interventions, this study aimed to document participants' experiences in the Mums Minds Matter (MMM) study, a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing mindfulness, loving-kindness and compassion, and progressive muscle relaxation training delivered in a digital format and undertaken during pregnancy. To assess the different stages of engagement during and after the intervention, we adapted the connect, attend, participate, enact (CAPE) framework that is based on the idea that individuals go through different stages of engagement before they are able to enact change. METHODS The MMM study was nested within a longitudinal birth cohort, The ORIGINS Project. We aimed to recruit 25 participants per randomization arm. Data were collected sequentially during the intervention through regular web-based surveys over 8 weeks, with opportunities to provide regular feedback. In the postintervention phase, qualitative data were collected through purposive sampling. RESULTS Of 310 eligible women, 84 (27.1% [connect rate]) enrolled to participate in MMM. Of the remaining 226 women who did not proceed to randomization, 223 (98.7%) failed to complete the baseline surveys and timed out of eligibility (after 30 weeks' gestation), and 3 (1.3%) displayed high psychological distress scores. Across all program groups, 17 (20% [attend rate]) of the 84 participants actively opted out, although more may have disengaged from the intervention but did not withdraw. The main reasons for withdrawal were busy life and other priorities. In this study, we assessed active engagement and ongoing skills use (participate and enact) through postintervention interviews. We undertook 15 participant interviews, conducted 1 month to 3 months after the intervention. Our results provide insights into participant barriers and enablers as well as app changes, such as the ability to choose topics, daily reminders, case studies, and diversity in sounds. Implementing a DMHI that is brief, includes frequent prompts or nudges, and is easily accessible is a key strategy to target perinatal women. CONCLUSIONS Our research will enable future app designs that are sufficiently nuanced to maximize the uptake, engagement, and application of mental health skills and contemplative practices in the perinatal period. Providing convenient access to engaging and effective prevention programs is critical and should be part of prenatal self-care. Our research underscores the appeal and feasibility of digital intervention approaches based in contemplative practices for perinatal women. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) 12620000672954p; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12620000672954p. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/19803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Davis
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- Medical School (Paediatrics), University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Jeneva L Ohan
- Medical School (Paediatrics), University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | | | - Keerthi Kottampally
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- Medical School (Paediatrics), University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Desiree Silva
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- Medical School (Paediatrics), University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Susan L Prescott
- Medical School (Paediatrics), University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
- Nova Institute for Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Ochi S, Roy B, Prall K, Shelton RC, Dwivedi Y. Strong associations of telomere length and mitochondrial copy number with suicidality and abuse history in adolescent depressed individuals. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3920-3929. [PMID: 37735501 PMCID: PMC10730407 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02263-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is highly prevalent in adolescents and is a major risk factor for suicidality. Recent evidence shows that accelerated cellular senescence/aging is associated with psychiatric illness, including depression, in adults. The present study examined if the relationships of telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn), two critical indicators of cellular senescence/aging, are altered in depressed adolescents and whether these alterations are associated with suicidality, early-life adversities, and other co-occuring factors. In genomic DNA isolated from 53 adolescents (ages 16-19, 19 MDD with suicide attempt/suicidal ideation [MDD + SI/SA], 14 MDD without SA/SI [MDD-SI/SA], and 20 healthy controls [HC]), TL and mtDNAcn were measured as the ratio between the number of telomere repeats and that of a single-copy nuclear-hemoglobin [HBG] gene or the amount of mtDNA (NADH dehydrogenase, subunit 1) relative to HBG. Our data show that TL was significantly lower, and mtDNAcn was significantly higher in the total MDD group than HC. TL was significantly lower and mtDNAcn was significantly higher in the MDD + SA/SI group than in the HC, whereas there were no differences in the MDD-SI/SA group. TL was positively correlated with mtDNAcn in both HC and MDD-SA/SI groups; however, TL was negatively correlated with mtDNAcn in MDD + SA/SI. Furthermore, TL was negatively correlated with the severity of both depression and anxiety, while mtDNAcn was positively correlated with the severity of prior emotional abuse. Our study indicates that cellular senescence is more advanced in depressed adolescents with suicidal ideation and that childhood emotional abuse may participate in such a process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Ochi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Molecules and Function, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Bhaskar Roy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Kevin Prall
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Richard C Shelton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Yogesh Dwivedi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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Aghajanyan V, Bhupathy S, Sheikh S, Nausheen F. A Narrative Review of Telomere Length Modulation Through Diverse Yoga and Meditation Styles: Current Insights and Prospective Avenues. Cureus 2023; 15:e46130. [PMID: 37900433 PMCID: PMC10612486 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness practices have demonstrated the potential to positively impact various aspects of human health associated with telomere length (TL) - a recognized marker of healthy aging and susceptibility to age-related diseases. This review seeks to conduct an in-depth comparative analysis, examining methodological variations, outcome assessments, strengths, weaknesses, and gaps across mindfulness-focused studies concerning TL and attrition rates. While emerging data tentatively suggest a positive connection between mindfulness practices and TL, a notable research gap pertains to establishing the clinically recommended dosage of yoga/meditation and mindfulness interventions to effectively influence TL. To address this gap, upcoming research should prioritize meticulous structuring, pedagogical precision, and vigilant monitoring of mindfulness interventions to yield psychological and physiological benefits across an appropriate timeframe and intensity. The amalgamation of yoga/meditation or mindfulness emerges as a promising avenue for enhancing the quality of life while counteracting the influence of telomere attrition in the spectrum of age-related diseases. The core objective of this review is to meticulously investigate the interplay between yoga/meditation and mindfulness practices and their potential impact on TL - an essential biomarker indicative of age-related health and well-being. To achieve this, our study methodically compares various methodological approaches, outcome measures, strengths, and limitations within relevant research endeavors focused on TL and attrition rates. Through this scrutiny, we highlight prevailing research gaps. Our analysis underscores the need for comprehensive research efforts aimed at establishing the optimal therapeutic regimen for yielding significant clinical effects on TL and overall health. In summation, our exploration emphasizes the urgency of further studies to unravel the most effective approaches for positively influencing TL and its implications for holistic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahe Aghajanyan
- Medical Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, USA
| | - Supriya Bhupathy
- Medical Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, USA
| | - Shazia Sheikh
- Medical Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, USA
| | - Fauzia Nausheen
- Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, USA
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5
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Dasanayaka NN, Sirisena ND, Samaranayake N. Associations of meditation with telomere dynamics: a case-control study in healthy adults. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1222863. [PMID: 37519381 PMCID: PMC10380951 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1222863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Telomeres are protective end caps of chromosomes which naturally shorten with each cell division and thus with age. Short telomeres have been associated with many age-related diseases. Meditation has come to the fore as a mind-body practice which could influence the telomere dynamics underlying these phenomena. We previously reported meditation to be associated with higher telomerase levels, mindfulness and quality of life. Here, reporting on the same study population, we describe associations between long-term meditation and telomere length (TL), expression of hTERT and hTR genes and methylation of the promoter region of hTERT gene. Methods Thirty healthy meditators and matched non-meditators were recruited. TL was measured using quantitative PCR, gene expression was assessed using reverse transcriptase PCR, and methylation level was quantified by bisulfite-specific PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Comparisons between meditators and controls were carried out using t-tests, while Pearson correlation was used to identify correlations, and regression was used to identify predictors. Results Males comprised 63.4% of each group with an average age of 43 years. On average, they had meditated daily for 5.82 h (±3.45) for 6.8 years (±3.27). Meditators had longer relative TLs (p = 0.020), and TL decreased with age (p < 0.001) but was not associated with other socio-demographic variables. Regression analysis showed that age (p < 0.001) and duration of meditation (p = 0.003) significantly predicted TL. The meditators showed higher relative expression of hTERT (p = 0.020) and hTR (p = 0.029) genes while the methylation level of the promoter region of hTERT gene was significantly lower when compared to non-meditators (p < 0.001). Negative correlations were identified between the methylation level of the promoter region of hTERT gene and the expression of the hTERT gene (p = 0.001) and duration of meditation (p = 0.001). Conclusion The findings suggest that meditation as a lifestyle practice has multi-level beneficial effects on telomere dynamics with potential to promote healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirodhi Namika Dasanayaka
- Research Promotion and Facilitation Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nirmala Dushyanthi Sirisena
- Department of Anatomy, Genetics & Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nilakshi Samaranayake
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Huffman JC, Feig EH, Zambrano J, Celano CM. Positive Psychology Interventions in Medical Populations: Critical Issues in Intervention Development, Testing, and Implementation. AFFECTIVE SCIENCE 2023; 4:59-71. [PMID: 37070006 PMCID: PMC10105001 DOI: 10.1007/s42761-022-00137-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Positive psychological well-being is prospectively associated with superior health outcomes. Positive psychology interventions have promise as a potentially feasible and effective means of increasing well-being and health in those with medical illness, and several initial studies have shown the potential of such programs in medical populations. At the same time, numerous key issues in the existing positive psychology literature must be addressed to ensure that these interventions are optimally effective. These include (1) assessing the nature and scope of PPWB as part of intervention development and application; (2) identifying and utilizing theoretical models that can clearly outline potential mechanisms by which positive psychology interventions may affect health outcomes; (3) determining consistent, realistic targets for positive psychology interventions; (4) developing consistent approaches to the promotion of positive psychological well-being; (5) emphasizing the inclusion of diverse samples in treatment development and testing; and (6) considering implementation and scalability from the start of intervention development to ensure effective real-world application. Attention to these six domains could greatly facilitate the generation of effective, replicable, and easily adopted positive psychology programs for medical populations with the potential to have an important impact on public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff C. Huffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, MB Boston, USA
| | - Emily H. Feig
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, MB Boston, USA
| | - Juliana Zambrano
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, MB Boston, USA
| | - Christopher M. Celano
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, MB Boston, USA
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Dobewall H, Keltikangas-Järvinen L, Marttila S, Mishra PP, Saarinen A, Cloninger CR, Zwir I, Kähönen M, Hurme M, Raitakari O, Lehtimäki T, Hintsanen M. The relationship of trait-like compassion with epigenetic aging: The population-based prospective Young Finns Study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1018797. [PMID: 37143783 PMCID: PMC10151573 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1018797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Helping others within and beyond the family has been related to living a healthy and long life. Compassion is a prosocial personality trait characterized by concern for another person who is suffering and the motivation to help. The current study examines whether epigenetic aging is a potential biological mechanism that explains the link between prosociality and longevity. Methods We used data from the Young Finns Study that follows six birth-cohorts from age 3-18 to 19-49. Trait-like compassion for others was measured with the Temperament and Character Inventory in the years 1997 and 2001. Epigenetic age acceleration and telomere length were measured with five DNA methylation (DNAm) indicators (DNAmAgeHorvath, IEAA_Hannum, EEAA_Hannum, DNAmPhenoAge, and DNAmTL) based on blood drawn in 2011. We controlled for sex, socioeconomic status in childhood and adulthood, and body-mass index. Results and discussion An association between higher compassion in 1997 and a less accelerated DNAmPhenoAge, which builds on previous work on phenotypic aging, approached statistical significance in a sex-adjusted model (n = 1,030; b = -0.34; p = 0.050). Compassion in 1997 predicted less accelerated epigenetic aging over and above the control variables (n = 843; b = -0.47; p = 0.016). There was no relationship between compassion in 2001 (n = 1108/910) and any of the other four studied epigenetic aging indicators. High compassion for others might indeed influence whether an individual's biological age is lower than their chronological age. The conducted robustness checks partially support this conclusion, yet cannot rule out that there might be a broader prosocial trait behind the findings. The observed associations are interesting but should be interpreted as weak requiring replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Dobewall
- Faculty of Education, VISE Research Unit, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- *Correspondence: Henrik Dobewall,
| | | | - Saara Marttila
- Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Gerontology Research Center, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pashupati P. Mishra
- Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center - Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Aino Saarinen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - C. Robert Cloninger
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Igor Zwir
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Mika Kähönen
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Tampere University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mikko Hurme
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olli Raitakari
- Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Terho Lehtimäki
- Molecular Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center - Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mirka Hintsanen
- Faculty of Education, VISE Research Unit, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Porter N, Jason LA. Mindfulness Meditation Interventions for Long COVID: Biobehavioral Gene Expression and Neuroimmune Functioning. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:2599-2626. [PMID: 36387947 PMCID: PMC9653042 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s379653] [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: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Some individuals infected with SARS CoV-2 have developed Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC) or what has been referred to as Long COVID. Efforts are underway to find effective treatment strategies for those with Long COVID. One possible approach involves alternative medical interventions, which have been widely used to treat and manage symptoms of a variety of medical problems including post-viral infections. Meditation has been found to reduce fatigue and unrefreshing sleep, and for those with post-viral infections, it has enhanced immunity, and reduced inflammatory-driven pathogenesis. Our article summarizes the literature on what is known about mindfulness meditation interventions, and reviews evidence on how it may apply to those with Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Evidence is reviewed suggesting effective and sustainable outcomes may be achieved for symptomatology and underlying pathology of post-viral fatigue (PASC and ME/CFS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Porter
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonard A Jason
- Center for Community Research, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Sung MK, Koh E, Kang Y, Lee JH, Park JY, Kim JY, Shin SY, Kim YH, Setou N, Lee US, Yang HJ. Three months-longitudinal changes in relative telomere length, blood chemistries, and self-report questionnaires in meditation practitioners compared to novice individuals during midlife. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30930. [PMID: 36254044 PMCID: PMC9575785 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging accelerates during midlife. Researches have shown the health benefits of mind-body intervention (MBI). However, whether MBI is involved with aging process has not been well understood. In this study, we approach to examine the relations of MBI with this process by investigating an aging marker of the peripheral blood, blood chemistry, and self-report questionnaires. A quasi-experimental design was applied. Experienced MBI practitioners participated in a 3-month intensive meditation training, while the age, gender-matched MBI-naïve controls led a normal daily life. Measurements were taken at before and after the 3 months for relative telomere length (RTL), blood chemistry, and self-report questionnaires including items about sleep quality, somatic symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, emotional intelligence (EI), and self-regulation. For RTL, the repeated measures analysis of variance showed a significant group*time interaction (P = .013) with a significant post hoc result (P = .030) within the control group: RTL was significantly reduced in the control while it was maintained in the meditation group. In repeated measures analysis of variance for blood chemistries, there were significant group differences between the groups in glucose and total protein. In the post hoc comparison analysis, at post measurements, the meditation group exhibited significantly lower values than the control group in both glucose and total protein. There were significant group-wise differences in the correlations of RTL with triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase. Any of self-report results did not show significant changes in group*time interaction. However, there were group differences with significant (P < .05) or a tendency (.05 < P < .1) level. There were significant improvements in depression, stress and EI as well as tendencies of improvement in sleep quality and anxiety, in the meditation group compared to the control group. Our results suggest that meditation practice may have a potential to modify aging process in molecular cellular level combined with changes in psychological dimension.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eugene Koh
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratories, Singapore
| | | | - Jin-Hee Lee
- Department of Integrative Health Care, University of Brain Education, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Park
- Department of Integrative Health Care, University of Brain Education, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Ji Young Kim
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - So-Young Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon-Hee Kim
- Department of Clinical Nursing, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea
| | - Noriko Setou
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Ul Soon Lee
- Department of Brain Education Convergence, Global Cyber University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jeong Yang
- Korea Institute of Brain Science, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Integrative Health Care, University of Brain Education, Cheonan, Korea
- Department of Integrative Biosciences, University of Brain Education, Cheonan, Korea
- *Correspondence: Hyun-Jeong Yang, Korea Institute of Brain Science, Seoul 06022, Korea (e-mail: )
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Wong G, Sun R, Adler J, Yeung KW, Yu S, Gao J. Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) modulates brain-heart connection: An EEG case study. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:891377. [PMID: 36118979 PMCID: PMC9477156 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.891377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Loving-Kindness Meditation (LKM) is an efficient mental practice with a long history that has recently attracted interest in the fields of neuroscience, medicine and education. However, the neural characters and underlying mechanisms have not yet been fully illustrated, which has hindered its practical usefulness. This study aimed to investigate LKM from varied aspects and interactions between the brain, the heart, and psychological measurements. A Buddhist monk practitioner was recruited to complete one 10-min LKM practice, in between two 10-min resting tasks (pre- and post-resting) per experimental run. Two sets of single-channel wearable EEG devices were used to collect EEG data (placed at Fz and Pz) and heart rate simultaneously. A self-report evaluation was conducted to repeatedly record the comprehensive performance of mind and body in each session. EEG data were preprossessed and analyzed by EEGlab. Further statistics were made by SPSS. Spectrum analysis showed a significant increase of theta power (Fz: t = −3.356; p = 0.002; Pz: t = −5.199; p < 0.001) and decrease of heart rate between pre- and post-resting tasks (t = 4.092, p < 0.001). The analysis showed a negative correlation between theta power and heart rate (Fz: r = −0.681, p < 0.001; Pz: r = −0.384, p = 0.008), and a positive correlation between theta power and the self-designed report score (Fz: r = 0.601, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that LKM is accompanied by significant neurophysiological changes, mainly an increase in slower frequencies, such as theta, and a decrease in heart rate. More importantly, subjective psychological assessments were also correlated with objective neurophysiological measurements in a long-term meditator participant. During LKM meditation, this connection was stronger. The results of this case report have promising implications for LKM practice in daily life.
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Affiliation(s)
- GoonFui Wong
- Neuroscience for Education Laboratory, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Neuroscience for Education Laboratory, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jordana Adler
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute at Shasta (IRIS), Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Kwok Wah Yeung
- The Buddha Dharma Centre of Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Song Yu
- Shenzhen EEGSmart Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Junling Gao
- Buddhism and Science Research Laboratory, Centre of Buddhist Studies, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Junling Gao
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11
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Buttet M, Bagheri R, Ugbolue UC, Laporte C, Trousselard M, Benson A, Bouillon-Minois JB, Dutheil F. Effect of a lifestyle intervention on telomere length: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Mech Ageing Dev 2022; 206:111694. [PMID: 35760212 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2022.111694] [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: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of lifestyle intervention on telomere length (TL). METHOD Four databases were searched for studies reporting TL in leukocytes, before and after a lifestyle intervention. We computed random-effects meta-analysis on TL within intervention and control group after versus before intervention, and on changes in TL between groups. Sensitivity analyses and Meta-regression were conducted. RESULTS We included 20 studies in the systematic review (2995 participants, mean 50.3 years old, 77% women, 2045 following an intervention and 950 controls) and 19 in the meta-analysis. TL were similar at baseline between intervention and control groups. The physical activity ± diet group had an increase in TL (Effect size 0.17, 95%CI 0.03-0.31, p = 0.020) using changes within the intervention group, whereas TL shortened in the control group (-0.32, -0.61 to -0.02, p = 0.037). TL was longer in the physical activity ± diet intervention group (0.24, 0.08-0.40, p = 0.004) compared to controls after the intervention. Sensitivity analysis gave similar results. Meta-regressions demonstrated that combining strength and endurance exercise increased TL more than endurance alone or strength alone. CONCLUSION A lifestyle intervention with physical activity ± diet can increase telomere length, independently of population characteristics or baseline TL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Buttet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, General medicine, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Reza Bagheri
- University of Isfahan, Exercise physiology department, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ukadike C Ugbolue
- University of the West of Scotland, Health and Life Sciences, Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Catherine Laporte
- Université Clermont Auvergne, EA 7280 NPsy-Sydo, General medicine, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marion Trousselard
- French Armed Forces, Biomedical Research Institute, IRBA, Neurophysiology of Stress, Neuroscience and Operational Constraint Department, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360, Ile du Saulcy, 57000 Metz, France
| | - Amanda Benson
- Swinburne University of Technology, Sport Innovation Research Group, Department of Health and Biostatistics, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Jean-Baptiste Bouillon-Minois
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Emergency medicine, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Frédéric Dutheil
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, WittyFit, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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12
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West TN, Zhou J, Brantley MM, Kim SL, Brantley J, Salzberg S, Cole SW, Fredrickson BL. Effect of Mindfulness Versus Loving-kindness Training on Leukocyte Gene Expression in Midlife Adults Raised in Low-Socioeconomic Status Households. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:1185-1196. [PMID: 36278141 PMCID: PMC9585929 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01857-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives People raised in low socio-economic status (SES) households are at an increased risk for physical illness in adulthood. A shift in gene expression profiles in the immune system is one biological mechanism thought to account for elevated disease susceptibility, with a frequently-investigated profile being the conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA), characterized by increased expression of proinflammatory genes and decreased expression of antiviral and antibody-related genes. Methods The present study investigated, in a sample of at-risk midlife adults (N = 88), whether those randomized to learn loving-kindness meditation (LKM) in a 6-week workshop, would show a reduction in CTRA gene expression, compared to those randomized to learn mindfulness meditation (MM). We assessed emotions daily and hypothesized positive emotions to account for the expected effect of LKM on gene expression. Results Results showed significant group differences from pre- to post-intervention, yet in the opposite direction as hypothesized: Participants randomized to the MM group showed significant declines in CTRA gene expression, whereas those in the LKM group showed significant increases in CTRA gene expression. Both groups showed increases over the 6 weeks in daily reports of positive emotions, b=.007, p <.001 alongside decreases in negative emotions b=-.005, p <.001. Thus, positive emotions were not pursued as a candidate mediator of observed group effects. Conclusion This study is the first to examine whether the biological impact of childhood low-SES can be reversed in mid-life through meditation interventions. Results suggest mindfulness meditation may be a viable option for improving health outcomes in this at-risk population. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02400593.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor N. West
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #3270, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Jieni Zhou
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #3270, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | | | - Sumi L. Kim
- Chaplain’s Office, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey Brantley
- Duke Integrative Medicine, Duke University, Durham , NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Steve W. Cole
- Department of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Barbara L. Fredrickson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #3270, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
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13
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Dasanayaka NN, Sirisena ND, Samaranayake N. Impact of Meditation-Based Lifestyle Practices on Mindfulness, Wellbeing, and Plasma Telomerase Levels: A Case-Control Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:846085. [PMID: 35310206 PMCID: PMC8931770 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.846085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Meditation involves psychophysical training which can result in a range of benefits including creating a calm mind and increasing self-awareness, relaxation, and tranquility. Increasing evidence, mostly based on short-term focused interventions, suggests that meditation-based activities may also have favorable effects on physical wellbeing including cellular aging. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate if continued practice of meditation benefited quality of life, state of mindfulness, and plasma telomerase level in healthy adults. 30 long-term and skilled meditators were recruited from meditation centers in different parts of the island following a two-tier screening process of 70 eligible participants and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy non-meditators were recruited from the community. Mindfulness level and the quality of life were measured using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and Quality of Life Questionnaire, respectively, while the levels of plasma telomerase enzyme were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Skilled meditators had a better mindfulness level (p < 0.001) and quality of life (QOL; p < 0.001) than those in the comparison group. Similarly, higher plasma telomerase levels were observed in skilled meditators compared to non-meditators (p = 0.002). Trait mindfulness level and plasma telomerase level showed a significant relationship with the duration of meditation practice (p = 0.046 and p = 0.011, respectively). Regression analysis indicated that trait mindfulness level (p < 0.001) significantly predicts the plasma telomerase level. The findings of this comparative study add to the evidence on sustained benefits of meditation on wellbeing and healthy aging and supports incorporating meditation-based activities into lifestyle practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirodhi Namika Dasanayaka
- Research Promotion and Facilitation Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- *Correspondence: Nirodhi Namika Dasanayaka,
| | - Nirmala Dushyanthi Sirisena
- Department of Anatomy, Genetics and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
| | - Nilakshi Samaranayake
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
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14
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Sun S, Sheridan M, Tyrka A, Donofry SD, Erickson K, Loucks E. Addressing the biological embedding of early life adversities (ELA) among adults through mindfulness: Proposed mechanisms and review of converging evidence. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104526. [PMID: 34998833 PMCID: PMC8844271 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Early life adversities (ELA) are prevalent and have a profound and adverse impact across the lifespan, including on age-related health outcomes, yet interventions to remediate its adverse impact are scarce. This paper presents evidence for mindfulness training to reduce the elevated mental and physical health risks linked to ELA among adults by targeting biological mechanisms of ELA leading to these adverse health outcomes. We first provide a brief overview of ELA, its adverse health impacts, and mechanisms that might be responsible. Next, we review converging evidence that demonstrates that mindfulness training influences key biological pathways involved in ELA-linked negative health consequences, including (a) brain networks involved in self-regulation, (b) immunity and inflammation, (c) telomere biology, and (d) epigenetic modifications. Further, we review preliminary evidence from mindfulness-based trials that focused on populations impacted by ELA. We discuss limitations of this review and provide recommendations for future research. If effective, a mindfulness-based approach could be an important public health strategy for remediating the adverse mental and physical health consequences of ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Sun
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, United States; Mindfulness Center at Brown University, United States.
| | - Margaret Sheridan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Audrey Tyrka
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School
| | | | - Kirk Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Eric Loucks
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health,Mindfulness Center at Brown University
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15
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Sharma P, Yadav RK, Khadgawat R, Dada R. A 12-Week Yoga-Based Lifestyle Intervention Might Positively Modify Cellular Aging in Indian Obese Individuals: A Randomized-Controlled Trial. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2022; 28:168-178. [PMID: 35167359 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2021.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: Telomeres and telomerase are considered cardinal biomarkers of cellular aging. Shorter telomeres and low telomerase activity have been associated with obesity and accelerated aging. Objective: To compare the effects of a yoga-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI) with the standard of care (SOC) on cellular aging by estimating telomere length (TL) and telomerase activity in obesity. Design and setting: A parallel, two-arm, randomized-controlled trial was conducted at the Integral Health Clinic, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, from March 2017 to October 2019. Participants: Obese (n = 72), body mass index (BMI), 25-35 kg/m2, aged 20-45 years, male (21), and female (51). Intervention: Seventy-two obese participants were randomized to receive either a 12-week SOC (n = 36) or YBLI (n = 36). SOC included management of obesity as per Indian guidelines including a hypocaloric individualized diet and physical activity. The pretested YBLI included asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation. Methods: Blood samples were collected from both the groups at baseline, 2, 4, and 12 weeks. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. TL was measured by quantitative PCR, and serum telomerase levels by immunoassay. Outcome measures: Primary outcome measures were the changes in the TL and telomerase levels between the two groups at week 12. Secondary outcome measures were the changes in TL and telomerase, and anthropometric parameters (body weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio) at 2, 4, and 12 weeks of intervention in both SOC and YBLI groups. Results: There were no significant changes in TL and telomerase levels between the groups at week 12. The TL was significantly greater in the YBLI group versus the SOC group (p < 0.0001) at 2 weeks. The anthropometric and physiological parameters were influenced positively by both SOC and YBLI. Conclusion: The study did not meet the primary objective, although the results are suggestive of a positive impact of YBLI on aging in obesity as noted within the YBLI group. However, the results should be interpreted carefully, and in the light of other published data. Larger studies to better understand the possible positive benefits of YBLI on cellular aging are recommended. Clinical Trail Registration No. CTRI/2016/08/007136.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Sharma
- Integral Health and Wellness Clinic, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Raj Kumar Yadav
- Integral Health and Wellness Clinic, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Khadgawat
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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16
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The effect of mindfulness-based interventions on immunity-related biomarkers: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 92:102124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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Holcombe AO. Ad hominem rhetoric in scientific psychology. Br J Psychol 2021; 113:434-454. [PMID: 34820832 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12541] [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: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ad hominem discourse is largely prohibited in scientific journals. Historically, this prohibition restricted the dissemination of ad hominem discussion, but during the last decade, blogs and social media platforms became popular among researchers. With the use of social media now entrenched among researchers, there are important questions about the role of ad hominems. Ad hominems and other forms of strong criticism became particularly evident in online discussions associated with the recent replication crisis in psychology. Here, these discussions, and a few incidences of ad hominems in journal articles, are situated in the broader history of science. It is argued that explicit codes of conduct should be considered to curb certain kinds of ad hominem comments in certain fora, but that some ad hominem discussions have an important role to play in a healthier science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex O Holcombe
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Fritz MM, Walsh LC, Cole SW, Epel E, Lyubomirsky S. Kindness and cellular aging: A pre-registered experiment testing the effects of prosocial behavior on telomere length and well-being. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 11:100187. [PMID: 34589726 PMCID: PMC8474583 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Prosocial behavior can improve psychological well-being and physical health. However, the underlying biological mechanisms that mediate the relationship between prosociality and health remain unclear. In this pre-registered experiment, we tested whether a 4-week kindness intervention could slow leukocyte telomere shortening and increase well-being. Methods Community adults (N = 230) were randomly assigned to complete 1 of 3 activities, each week for 4 weeks: to perform 3 kind acts for other people, to perform 3 kind acts for themselves, or to list daily activities. At baseline and post-intervention, participants came to the lab to provide a small dried blood spot (DBS) sample via finger prick for analysis of telomere length. Participants completed psychological measures (e.g., loneliness, life satisfaction) at baseline, post-intervention, and at the 2-week follow up. Results Participants who performed kind acts for others did not demonstrate hypothesized changes in well-being, nor in telomere length, relative to controls. Exploratory analyses revealed that, relative to controls, participants who did kind acts for others showed reductions in loneliness through the 2-week follow up. Conclusions The salubrious effects of prosocial behavior in the short term are not likely due to the inhibition of cellular aging (at least as indexed by telomere length). However, extending kindness to others holds promise as a future research direction for interventions to alleviate loneliness. Prosocial behavior is associated with better health, but mechanisms remain unclear. We report a pre-registered investigation of prosocial behavior and telomere length. A 4-week prosocial behavior intervention did not slow rates of telomere shortening. Performing prosocial behavior for others was linked with reductions in loneliness. Prosocial behavior may reduce loneliness but does not appear to impact telomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Fritz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Lisa C Walsh
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Steven W Cole
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elissa Epel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sonja Lyubomirsky
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
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19
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Patrick JH, Carney AK, Ebert AR. Religious and Spiritual Growth Goals: A Forgotten Outcome. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2021; 94:41-54. [PMID: 34409872 DOI: 10.1177/00914150211034852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Religious and spiritual (R/S) growth goals have been forgotten among self-improvement goals. We used social cognitive theory, useful in other domains of self-improvement, to study R/S goals. Data from 350 adults (Mage = 40.5, SD = 14.6) were used to examine the relations among age, gender, social interactions, and commitment to R/S goals and physical activity goals. Results of the path analysis, X2 (DF = 2, N = 350) = 9.91, p < .01, showed similar contributions of positive social interactions to persistence on both goals. Differences between the two outcomes included a direct effect of age (β = .18), dissatisfaction with negative social interactions (β = .12), and satisfaction with positive social exchanges (β = .15) on persistence on R/S goals. Only positive social exchanges (β = .31) related to physical activity goals. The results are discussed in terms of the feasibility of applying goal-striving frameworks to the examination of R/S growth goals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexandria R Ebert
- Department of Psychology, 5631West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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20
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Dasanayaka NN, Sirisena ND, Samaranayake N. The effects of meditation on length of telomeres in healthy individuals: a systematic review. Syst Rev 2021; 10:151. [PMID: 34020720 PMCID: PMC8139075 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01699-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meditation-based practices have been suggested to result in many biological benefits which include reduction of attrition of telomeres, the protective nucleotide-protein complexes at termini of eukaryotic chromosomes. This systematic review evaluated the effects of meditation on telomere length (TL) in healthy adults. METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies conducted to determine the effects of meditation on TL in healthy individuals, published up to July 2020 were retrieved by searching seven electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Google Scholar). The methodological quality of RCTs and observational studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool and Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist, respectively. The data was synthesized narratively and the effect estimates of TL in the RCTs were synthesized using alternative methods as a meta-analysis was not conducted. The certainty of evidence was classified according to the GRADE system. RESULTS A total of 1740 articles were screened. Five studies comprising two RCTs and three case-control studies (CCS) were included in the final review based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The combined sample consisted of 615 participants with 41.7% males. Average age of participants was 47.7 years. One CCS and one RCT reported significant beneficial effects of meditation on TL while the two remaining CCS and the RCT showed positive effects of meditation on TL which were not significant. For all CCS and one RCT, the methodological quality was high while the remaining RCT was of moderate quality. The quality of evidence for the primary outcome was moderate in RCTs. CONCLUSION The effect of meditation on TL per se is still unclear. Strictly designed and well-reported RCTs with larger sample sizes are required to provide evidence of higher quality. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION The protocol of this review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database (registration number: CRD42020153977 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirodhi N Dasanayaka
- Research Promotion and Facilitation Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00800, Sri Lanka
| | - Nirmala D Sirisena
- Human Genetics Unit, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00800, Sri Lanka
| | - Nilakshi Samaranayake
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00800, Sri Lanka.
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21
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Mantzios M, Tariq A, Altaf M, Giannou K. Loving-Kindness Colouring and Loving-Kindness Meditation: Exploring the Effectiveness of Non-Meditative and Meditative Practices on State Mindfulness and Anxiety. JOURNAL OF CREATIVITY IN MENTAL HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15401383.2021.1884159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aqsa Tariq
- Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Kyriaki Giannou
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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22
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Waters L, Algoe SB, Dutton J, Emmons R, Fredrickson BL, Heaphy E, Moskowitz JT, Neff K, Niemiec R, Pury C, Steger M. Positive psychology in a pandemic: buffering, bolstering, and building mental health. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2021.1871945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Waters
- Centre for Positive Psychology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Jane Dutton
- Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Robert Emmons
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis
| | | | - Emily Heaphy
- Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
| | - Judith T. Moskowitz
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Kristin Neff
- Educational Psychology Department, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Cynthia Pury
- Clemson University Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Michael Steger
- Center for Meaning and Purpose, Department of Psychology, Optentia Research Programme, Colorado State University, North-West University, Fort Collins, Vanderbijlpark, CO, USA, South Africa
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23
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Travis F. On the Neurobiology of Meditation: Comparison of Three Organizing Strategies to Investigate Brain Patterns during Meditation Practice. Medicina (B Aires) 2020; 56:medicina56120712. [PMID: 33353049 PMCID: PMC7767117 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56120712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Three broad organizing strategies have been used to study meditation practices: (1) consider meditation practices as using similar processes and so combine neural images across a wide range of practices to identify the common underlying brain patterns of meditation practice, (2) consider meditation practices as unique and so investigate individual practices, or (3) consider meditation practices as fitting into larger categories and explore brain patterns within and between categories. The first organizing strategy combines meditation practices defined as deep concentration, attention to external and internal stimuli, and letting go of thoughts. Brain patterns of different procedures would all contribute to the final averages, which may not be representative of any practice. The second organizing strategy generates a multitude of brain patterns as each practice is studied individually. The rich detail of individual differences within each practice makes it difficult to identify reliable patterns between practices. The third organizing principle has been applied in three ways: (1) grouping meditations by their origin—Indian or Buddhist practices, (2) grouping meditations by the procedures of each practice, or (3) grouping meditations by brain wave frequencies reported during each practice. Grouping meditations by their origin mixes practices whose procedures include concentration, mindfulness, or effortless awareness, again resulting in a confounded pattern. Grouping meditations by their described procedures yields defining neural imaging patterns within each category, and clear differences between categories. Grouping meditations by the EEG frequencies associated with their procedures yields an objective system to group meditations and allows practices to “move” into different categories as subjects’ meditation experiences change over time, which would be associated with different brain patterns. Exploring meditations within theoretically meaningful categories appears to yield the most reliable picture of meditation practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Travis
- Center for Brain, Consciousness and Cognition, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, IA 52557, USA
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Finlay-Jones AL, Davis JA, O'Donovan A, Kottampally K, Ashley RA, Silva D, Ohan JL, Prescott SL, Downs J. Comparing Web-Based Mindfulness With Loving-Kindness and Compassion Training for Promoting Well-Being in Pregnancy: Protocol for a Three-Arm Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2020; 9:e19803. [PMID: 33052131 PMCID: PMC7593853 DOI: 10.2196/19803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promoting psychological well-being and preventing distress among pregnant women is an important public health goal. In addition to adversely impacting the mother's health and well-being, psychological distress in pregnancy increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes, compromises infant socioemotional development and bonding, and heightens maternal and child vulnerability in the postpartum period. Mindfulness and compassion-based interventions show potential for prevention and early intervention for perinatal distress. As there is an established need for accessible, scalable, flexible, and low-cost interventions, there is increased interest in the delivery of these programs on the web. This project aims to pilot a three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine the feasibility of a full-scale RCT comparing 2 web-based interventions (mindfulness vs loving-kindness and compassion) with a web-based active control condition (progressive muscle relaxation). OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of an RCT protocol comparing the 3 conditions delivered on the web as a series of instructional materials and brief daily practices over a course of 8 weeks. The second objective is to explore the experiences of women in the different intervention conditions. The third objective is to estimate SD values for the outcome measures to inform the design of an adequately powered trial to determine the comparative efficacy of the different conditions. METHODS Pregnant women (n=75) participating in a longitudinal birth cohort study (the ORIGINS project) will be recruited to this study from 18 weeks of gestational age. We will assess the acceptability and feasibility of recruitment and retention strategies and the participants' engagement and adherence to the interventions. We will also assess the experiences of women in each of the 3 intervention conditions by measuring weekly changes in their well-being and engagement with the program and by conducting a qualitative analysis of postprogram interviews. RESULTS This project was funded in September 2019 and received ethics approval on July 8, 2020. Enrollment to the study will commence in September 2020. Feasibility of a full-scale RCT will be assessed using ADePT (a process for decision making after pilot and feasibility trials) criteria. CONCLUSIONS If the study is shown to be feasible, results will be used to inform future full-scale RCTs. Evidence for flexible, scalable, and low-cost interventions could inform population health strategies to promote well-being and reduce psychological distress among pregnant women. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number 12620000672954p; http://anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12620000672954p.aspx. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/19803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Louise Finlay-Jones
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Ann Davis
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | | | - Keerthi Kottampally
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
| | | | - Desiree Silva
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
- Joondalup Health Campus, Joondalup, Australia
| | | | - Susan L Prescott
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
- Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- Curtin University, Bentley, Australia
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Quaglia JT, Soisson A, Simmer-Brown J. Compassion for self versus other: A critical review of compassion training research. JOURNAL OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2020.1805502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan T. Quaglia
- Department of Contemplative Psychology, Naropa University, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Annelyse Soisson
- Department of Contemplative Psychology, Naropa University, Boulder, CO, USA
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Friedman HL, MacDonald DA, Brown NJL, Coyne JC. Extraordinary claims require compelling evidence: Concerns about "loving-kindness meditation slows biological aging in novices". Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 111:104410. [PMID: 31455579 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Lever-van Milligen BA, Verhoeven JE, Schmaal L, van Velzen LS, Révész D, Black CN, Han LKM, Horsfall M, Batelaan NM, van Balkom AJLM, van Schaik DJF, van Oppen P, Penninx BWJH. The impact of depression and anxiety treatment on biological aging and metabolic stress: study protocol of the MOod treatment with antidepressants or running (MOTAR) study. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:425. [PMID: 31888565 PMCID: PMC6937704 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2404-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive and anxiety disorders have shown to be associated to premature or advanced biological aging and consequently to adversely impact somatic health. Treatments with antidepressant medication or running therapy are both found to be effective for many but not all patients with mood and anxiety disorders. These interventions may, however, work through different pathophysiological mechanisms and could differ in their impact on biological aging and somatic health. This study protocol describes the design of an unique intervention study that examines whether both treatments are similarly effective in reducing or reversing biological aging (primary outcome), psychiatric status, metabolic stress and neurobiological indicators (secondary outcomes). METHODS The MOod Treatment with Antidepressants or Running (MOTAR) study will recruit a total of 160 patients with a current major depressive and/or anxiety disorder in a mental health care setting. Patients will receive a 16-week treatment with either antidepressant medication or running therapy (3 times/week). Patients will undergo the treatment of their preference and a subsample will be randomized (1:1) to overcome preference bias. An additional no-disease-no-treatment group of 60 healthy controls without lifetime psychopathology, will be included as comparison group for primary and secondary outcomes at baseline. Assessments are done at week 0 for patients and controls, and at week 16 and week 52 for patients only, including written questionnaires, a psychiatric and medical examination, blood, urine and saliva collection and a cycle ergometer test, to gather information about biological aging (telomere length and telomerase activity), mental health (depression and anxiety disorder characteristics), general fitness, metabolic stress-related biomarkers (inflammation, metabolic syndrome, cortisol) and genetic determinants. In addition, neurobiological alterations in brain processes will be assessed using structural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in a subsample of at least 25 patients per treatment arm and in all controls. DISCUSSION This intervention study aims to provide a better understanding of the impact of antidepressant medication and running therapy on biological aging, metabolic stress and neurobiological indicators in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders in order to guide a more personalized medicine treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION Trialregister.nl Number of identification: NTR3460, May 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca A. Lever-van Milligen
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Josine E. Verhoeven
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne Schmaal
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura S. van Velzen
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dóra Révész
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine N. Black
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura K. M. Han
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Melany Horsfall
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Neeltje M. Batelaan
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anton J. L. M. van Balkom
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Digna J. F. van Schaik
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia van Oppen
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda W. J. H. Penninx
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands ,0000 0004 0546 0540grid.420193.dGGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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