1
|
Qi D, Wang W, Chu L, Wu Y, Wang W, Zhu M, Yuan L, Gao W, Deng H. Associations of schizophrenia with the activities of the HPA and HPG axes and their interactions characterized by hair-based biomarkers. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 165:107049. [PMID: 38657340 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107049] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Past studies on schizophrenia (SCZ) and the stress-sensitive neuroendocrine systems have mostly focused on a single system and traditionally utilized acute biomarkers (e.g., biomarkers from blood, urine and saliva) that poorly match the chronic course of schizophrenia in time span. Using eight biomarkers in hair, this study aimed to explore the functional characteristics of SCZ patients in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes and the interaction between the two axes. METHODS Hair samples were taken from 137 SCZ patients and 73 controls. The SCZ patients were diagnosed by their attending physician according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV and were clinically stable after treatment. Gender, age, BMI, frequency of hair washing, marital status, education level, family history of mental illness and clozapine dosage were concurrently collected as covariates. The 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS-10) and the social readjustment rating scale were used to assess chronic stress status in SCZ patients. Eight hair biomarkers, cortisol, cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, progesterone, cortisol/cortisone, cortisol/DHEA and cortisol/testosterone, were measured by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer. Among them, cortisol, cortisone, DHEA and cortisol/DHEA reflected the functional activity of the HPA axis, and testosterone and progesterone reflected the functional activity of the HPG axis, and cortisol/cortisone reflected the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 2 (11β-HSD 2), and cortisol/testosterone reflected the HPA-HPG interaction. RESULTS SCZ patients showed significantly higher cortisone and cortisol/testosterone than controls (p<0.001, η²p=0.180 and p=0.015, η²p=0.031), lower testosterone (p=0.009, η²p=0.034), progesterone (p<0.001, η²p=0.069) and cortisol/cortisone (p=0.001, η²p=0.054). There were significant intergroup differences in male and female progesterone (p=0.003, η²p=0.088 and p=0.030, η²p=0.049) and female testosterone (p=0.028, η²p=0.051). In SCZ patients, cortisol, cortisol/cortisone, cortisol/DHEA and cortisol/testosterone were positively associated with PSS-10 score (ps<0.05, 0.212 CONCLUSION The function of the HPA and HPG axes, the activity of 11β-HSD 2 and the HPA-HPG interaction were abnormal in SCZ patients. The abnormality of neuroendocrine systems was associated with chronic stress status in SCZ patients. This study provided evidence for abnormalities in the neuroendocrine systems in SCZ patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deyi Qi
- Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 211189, China; Institute of Child Development and Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Weiliang Wang
- School of Nursing, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 163319, China.
| | - Liuxi Chu
- Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 211189, China; Institute of Child Development and Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 211189, China; Institute of Child Development and Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 211189, China; Institute of Child Development and Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Minhui Zhu
- Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 211189, China; Institute of Child Development and Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Lin Yuan
- Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 211189, China; Institute of Child Development and Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Institute of Child Development and Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Huihua Deng
- Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 211189, China; Institute of Child Development and Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sher L, Bierer LM, Flory J, Makotkine I, Yehuda R. Interplay of combat deployment harassment, testosterone concentrations and post-deployment suicide risk in male veterans. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2024; 36:167-171. [PMID: 38528804 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2024.12] [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: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many combat veterans exhibit suicidal ideation and behaviour, but the relationships among experiences occurring during combat deployment and suicidality are still not fully understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that harassment during a combat deployment is associated with post-deployment suicidality and testosterone function. METHODS Male combat veterans who made post-deployment suicide attempts and demographically matched veterans without a history of suicide attempts were enrolled in the study. Demographic and clinical parameters of study participants were assessed and recorded. Study participants were interviewed by a trained clinician using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory (DRRI) – Relationships within unit scale, the Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI), and the Brown–Goodwin Aggression Scale. Free testosterone levels were assessed in morning blood samples. RESULTS DRRI harassment scores were higher and free testosterone levels were lower among suicide attempters in comparison with non-attempters. In the whole sample, DRRI harassment scores positively correlated with SSI scores and negatively correlated with free testosterone levels. Free testosterone levels negatively correlated with SSI scores. Aggression scale scores positively correlated with DRRI harassment scores among non-attempters but not among attempters. CONCLUSION Our observations that harassment scores are associated with suicidality and testosterone levels, and suicidality is associated with testosterone levels may indicate that there is a link between deployment harassment, testosterone function and suicidality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leo Sher
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Linda M Bierer
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Janine Flory
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Iouri Makotkine
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hutschemaekers MHM, de Kleine RA, Kampman M, Smits JAJ, Roelofs K. Social avoidance and testosterone enhanced exposure efficacy in women with social anxiety disorder: A pilot investigation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 158:106372. [PMID: 37672935 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106372] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Social avoidance has been associated with more persistent social anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms and low testosterone levels in individuals with SAD. We tested whether pre-treatment avoidance tendencies moderate the efficacy of testosterone-augmented exposure therapy. Fifty-five females with SAD received two exposure sessions during which fear levels were assessed. Session 1 was augmented with testosterone (0.50 mg) or placebo. Avoidance tendencies and symptom severity were assessed pre- and post-exposure. Participants showed stronger avoidance for social versus non-social stimuli and this tendency remained stable over time. Stronger pretreatment avoidance tendencies were associated with larger fear reduction in the testosterone but not the placebo condition. This effect did not transfer to the second non-enhanced session or symptom severity. The findings support the hypothesis that individuals suffering from SAD with relatively stronger pretreatment avoidance tendencies benefit more from testosterone-augmentation, pointing to a potential behavioral marker for testosterone enhancement of exposure therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moniek H M Hutschemaekers
- Overwaal Centre of Expertise for Anxiety Disorders, OCD and PTSD, Pro Persona Institute for Integrated Mental Health Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Mirjam Kampman
- Overwaal Centre of Expertise for Anxiety Disorders, OCD and PTSD, Pro Persona Institute for Integrated Mental Health Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jasper A J Smits
- Department of Psychology and Institute for Mental Health Research, The University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Karin Roelofs
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Graham BM. The impact of hormonal contraceptives on anxiety treatments: From preclinical models to clinical settings. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101030. [PMID: 35995079 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101030] [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: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure therapy is a central component of the first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, a common mental health condition that is twice as prevalent in women relative to men. A key underlying mechanism of exposure therapy is fear extinction, which is an active learning process supported by a neural circuitry that is highly regulated by ovarian hormones. This review synthesises research examining the impact of hormonal contraceptives on laboratory fear extinction tasks in female rats and women, and on exposure therapy in women with anxiety disorders. The evidence indicates that hormonal contraceptives have a detrimental impact on fear extinction and exposure therapy that is consistent across species, and from laboratory to clinical settings. Candidate pathways by which hormonal contraceptives impede fear extinction and exposure therapy include suppression of endogenous ovarian hormones and glucocorticoids, and downregulation of signalling pathways that support extinction learning. Key areas of focus for future research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn M Graham
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Krinke E, Held U, Steigmiller K, Felmingham K, Kleim B. Sex hormones and cortisol during experimental trauma memory consolidation: Prospective association with intrusive memories. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2040818. [PMID: 35386732 PMCID: PMC8979510 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2040818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trauma- and stress-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are more common in females than in males. Sex hormones affect learning and emotional memory formation and may be associated with the development of PTSD. Most previous studies have indexed these hormones in isolation. Objectives: To investigate associations of sex hormones and cortisol during memory consolidation on the development of intrusive memories. Methods: We employed an experimental trauma film paradigm in 61 healthy women and indexed salivary testosterone, progesterone, estradiol, and cortisol on day one and day two post experimental trauma exposure and their effects on intrusion frequency, distress, and vividness. Intrusive trauma memories were indexed by means of a diary in which participants documented intrusion frequency, distress, and vividness. Results and conclusion: Participants reported an average of 5.3 intrusions over the course of seven days (SD = 4.6, range 0-26). Progesterone, and estradiol indexed on day one predicted intrusion frequency, with higher progesterone and lower estradiol predicting more intrusive memories (p-values AUC progesterone 0.01 and estradiol 0.02). There was no evidence for associations between hormone concentration indices on day two and intrusion outcomes. Further research on the roles of gonadal and adrenal hormones in trauma memory formation is needed to advance our efforts to understand their influence on PTSD development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Krinke
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Held
- Department of Biostatistics at Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Steigmiller
- Department of Biostatistics at Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kim Felmingham
- Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
- Zurich Neuroscience Centre, ZNZ University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pillerová M, Borbélyová V, Pastorek M, Riljak V, Hodosy J, Frick KM, Tóthová L. Molecular actions of sex hormones in the brain and their potential treatment use in anxiety disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:972158. [PMID: 36159923 PMCID: PMC9492942 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.972158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mood disorders that can lead to impaired quality of life. Current treatment of anxiety disorders has various adverse effects, safety concerns, or restricted efficacy; therefore, novel therapeutic targets need to be studied. Sex steroid hormones (SSHs) play a crucial role in the formation of brain structures, including regions of the limbic system and prefrontal cortex during perinatal development. In the brain, SSHs have activational and organizational effects mediated by either intracellular or transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors. During perinatal developmental periods, the physiological concentrations of SSHs lead to the normal development of the brain; however, the early hormonal dysregulation could result in various anxiety diorders later in life. Sex differences in the prevalence of anxiety disorders suggest that SSHs might be implicated in their development. In this review, we discuss preclinical and clinical studies regarding the role of dysregulated SSHs signaling during early brain development that modifies the risk for anxiety disorders in a sex-specific manner in adulthood. Moreover, our aim is to summarize potential molecular mechanisms by which the SSHs may affect anxiety disorders in preclinical research. Finally, the potential effects of SSHs in the treatment of anxiety disorders are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pillerová
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Borbélyová
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Pastorek
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Vladimír Riljak
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Július Hodosy
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - L'ubomíra Tóthová
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hutschemaekers MHM, de Kleine RA, Hendriks GJ, Kampman M, Roelofs K. The enhancing effects of testosterone in exposure treatment for social anxiety disorder: a randomized proof-of-concept trial. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:432. [PMID: 34417443 PMCID: PMC8379251 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01556-8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with a social anxiety disorder (SAD) show hypofunctioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is linked to social fear and avoidance behavior. As testosterone administration has been shown to facilitate social-approach behavior in this population, it may enhance the effectiveness of exposure treatment. In this proof-of-concept study, we performed a randomized clinical assay in which 55 women diagnosed with SAD received two exposure therapy sessions. Session 1 was supplemented with either testosterone (0.50 mg) or placebo. Next, transfer effects of testosterone augmentation on within-session subjective fear responses and SAD symptom severity were assessed during a second, unenhanced exposure session (session 2) and at a 1-month follow-up, respectively. The participants having received testosterone showed a more reactive fear pattern, with higher peaks and steeper reductions in fear levels in session 2. Post-hoc exploration of moderating effects of endogenous testosterone levels, revealed that this pattern was specific for women with high basal testosterone, both in the augmented and in the transfer session. In contrast, the participants with low endogenous testosterone showed reduced peak fear levels throughout session 1, again with transfer to the unenhanced session. Testosterone did not significantly affect self-reported anxiety. The effects of testosterone supplementation on fear levels show transfer to non-enhanced exposure, with effects being modulated by endogenous testosterone. These first preliminary results indicate that testosterone may act on important fear mechanisms during exposure, providing the empirical groundwork for further exploration of multi-session testosterone-enhanced exposure treatment for SAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moniek H. M. Hutschemaekers
- grid.491369.00000 0004 0466 1666Overwaal Centre of Expertise for Anxiety Disorders, OCD and PTSD, Pro Persona Institute for Integrated Mental Health Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.5590.90000000122931605Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne A. de Kleine
- grid.5132.50000 0001 2312 1970Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan Hendriks
- grid.491369.00000 0004 0466 1666Overwaal Centre of Expertise for Anxiety Disorders, OCD and PTSD, Pro Persona Institute for Integrated Mental Health Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.5590.90000000122931605Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Kampman
- grid.491369.00000 0004 0466 1666Overwaal Centre of Expertise for Anxiety Disorders, OCD and PTSD, Pro Persona Institute for Integrated Mental Health Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.5590.90000000122931605Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Roelofs
- grid.5590.90000000122931605Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.5590.90000000122931605Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Peltier MR, Verplaetse TL, Mineur YS, Gueorguieva R, Petrakis I, Cosgrove KP, Picciotto MR, McKee SA. Sex differences in progestogen- and androgen-derived neurosteroids in vulnerability to alcohol and stress-related disorders. Neuropharmacology 2021; 187:108499. [PMID: 33600842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Stress and trauma exposure disturbs stress regulation systems and thus increases the vulnerability for stress-related disorders which are characterized by negative affect, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder. Similarly, stress and trauma exposure results in increased vulnerability to problematic alcohol use and alcohol use disorder, especially among women, who are more likely to drink to cope with negative affect than their male counterparts. Given these associations, the relationship between stress-related disorders and alcohol use is generally stronger among women leading to complex comorbidities across these disorders and alcohol misuse. This review highlights the therapeutic potential for progestogen- and androgen-derived neurosteroids, which affect both stress- and alcohol-related disorders, to target the overlapping symptoms related to negative affect. This article is part of the special issue on 'Vulnerabilities to Substance Abuse.'
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- MacKenzie R Peltier
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
| | | | | | - Ralitza Gueorguieva
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA; Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Ismene Petrakis
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gellner AK, Voelter J, Schmidt U, Beins EC, Stein V, Philipsen A, Hurlemann R. Molecular and neurocircuitry mechanisms of social avoidance. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 78:1163-1189. [PMID: 32997200 PMCID: PMC7904739 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Humans and animals live in social relationships shaped by actions of approach and avoidance. Both are crucial for normal physical and mental development, survival, and well-being. Active withdrawal from social interaction is often induced by the perception of threat or unpleasant social experience and relies on adaptive mechanisms within neuronal networks associated with social behavior. In case of confrontation with overly strong or persistent stressors and/or dispositions of the affected individual, maladaptive processes in the neuronal circuitries and its associated transmitters and modulators lead to pathological social avoidance. This review focuses on active, fear-driven social avoidance, affected circuits within the mesocorticolimbic system and associated regions and a selection of molecular modulators that promise translational potential. A comprehensive review of human research in this field is followed by a reflection on animal studies that offer a broader and often more detailed range of analytical methodologies. Finally, we take a critical look at challenges that could be addressed in future translational research on fear-driven social avoidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Kathrin Gellner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jella Voelter
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Hermann-Ehlers-Str. 7, 26160, Bad Zwischenahn, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry Und Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Str. 5, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Eva Carolina Beins
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Valentin Stein
- Institute of Physiology II, University Hospital Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - René Hurlemann
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Hermann-Ehlers-Str. 7, 26160, Bad Zwischenahn, Germany. .,Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fendt M, Parsons MH, Apfelbach R, Carthey AJ, Dickman CR, Endres T, Frank AS, Heinz DE, Jones ME, Kiyokawa Y, Kreutzmann JC, Roelofs K, Schneider M, Sulger J, Wotjak CT, Blumstein DT. Context and trade-offs characterize real-world threat detection systems: A review and comprehensive framework to improve research practice and resolve the translational crisis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 115:25-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|