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de Jong M, Wynchank DSMR, Michielsen M, Beekman ATF, Kooij JJS. A Female-Specific Treatment Group for ADHD-Description of the Programme and Qualitative Analysis of First Experiences. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2106. [PMID: 38610871 PMCID: PMC11012758 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072106] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The diagnostics and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in women remain insufficient. Fluctuations of reproductive hormones during the premenstrual period, postpartum period, and (peri)menopause are neglected, even though they impact ADHD symptoms and associated mood disorders. Therefore, we created a female-specific treatment group for women with ADHD and premenstrual worsening of ADHD and/or mood symptoms. Methods: We describe the group programme and underlying rationale, offering a qualitative analysis of the participants' evaluation. Results: The seven bi-weekly sessions foreground the menstrual cycle and address several ADHD-specific topics in relation to this cyclical pattern. Concurrently, women track their menstrual cycle and (fluctuating) ADHD and mood symptoms with an adjusted premenstrual calendar. In total, 18 women (25-47 years) participated in three consecutive groups. We analysed the evaluation of the last group. Participants experienced the group as a safe and welcoming space. Recognition was valued by all. The topics discussed were deemed valuable, and the structure suited them well. Completing the premenstrual calendar augmented the awareness and recognition of individual cyclical symptoms. A lifespan approach increased self-understanding. Participants took their menstrual cycle more seriously, prioritising self-acceptance and self-care. Conclusions: Exploring a cyclical approach in a group setting seems to be a positive addition to treatment for female ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M de Jong
- Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, PsyQ, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, AmsterdamUMC/VUmc, 1081 HJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU Medical Centre, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D S M R Wynchank
- Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, PsyQ, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - M Michielsen
- Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, PsyQ, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands
- Antes Older Adults Outpatient Treatment, 3079 DZ Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A T F Beekman
- Department of Psychiatry, AmsterdamUMC/VUmc, 1081 HJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- GGZ inGeest, 1062 NP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J J S Kooij
- Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, PsyQ, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, AmsterdamUMC/VUmc, 1081 HJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Metcalf CA, Johnson RL, Duffy KA, Freeman EW, Sammel MD, Epperson CN. Depressed, stressed, and inflamed: C-reactive protein linked with depression symptoms in midlife women with both childhood and current life stress. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3313. [PMID: 37679965 PMCID: PMC10918037 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
To determine whether the relationship between inflammatory factors and clinically significant depression symptoms is moderated by high exposure to adverse childhood experiences and current life stressors in a longitudinal community cohort of midlife women. Methods: Participants from the Penn Ovarian Ageing Study community cohort (age at baseline: M = 45.3 [SD = 3.8]) were included in analyses if they had a blood sample measuring basal inflammatory markers during at least one visit where depression symptom severity and current stressful life events were also assessed (N = 142, average number of visits per participant = 1.75 [SD = 0.92]). Approximately annually over the course of 16 years, participants self-reported depression symptom severity using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD) Scale, provided menstrual diaries to determine menopause stage, and contributed blood samples. Residual blood samples were assayed for interleukin (IL)-6, IL 1-beta (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Early life stress was quantified using the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire (low [0-1 experience(s)] versus high [≥ 2 experiences]). Current stressful life events were assessed using a structured interview (low [0-1 events] vs. high [≥ 2 events]). Generalised estimating equation models were used to model associations with the outcome of interest-clinically significant depression symptoms (CESD ≥16)-and risk factors: inflammatory marker levels (log transformed), adverse childhood experiences group, and current life stressors group. Covariates included menopause stage, age at study baseline, body mass index, race, and smoking status. We found a significant three-way interaction between log hsCRP levels, adverse childhood experiences group, and current life stressors group on likelihood of experiencing clinically significant depression symptoms (OR: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.22, 15.46; p = 0.024) after adjusting for covariates. Solely for women with high adverse childhood experiences and with high current life stressors, higher hsCRP was associated with higher odds of having clinically significant depression symptoms (OR: 1.46; 95% CI 1.07, 1.98; p = 0.016). This three-way interaction was not significant for IL-6, IL-1β, or TNF-α. For women in midlife with exposure to high adverse childhood experiences and multiple current life stressors, elevated levels of CRP were uniquely associated with clinically significant depression symptoms. Early life adversity and current life stressors represent identifiable individual risk factors whose negative impact may be curtailed with inventions to target inflammation in midlife women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Metcalf
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Korrina A Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ellen W Freeman
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Page CE, Soreth B, Metcalf CA, Johnson RL, Duffy KA, Sammel MD, Loughead J, Epperson CN. Natural vs. Surgical Postmenopause and Psychological Symptoms Confound the Effect of Menopause on Executive Functioning Domains of Cognitive Experience. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2024; 22:97-108. [PMID: 38694151 PMCID: PMC11058919 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.23021034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Objective The menopause transition is associated with difficulties in executive function. However, it is unclear whether these difficulties persist past perimenopause. This study investigated whether potential confounders, including natural vs. surgical postmenopause and menopause-related psychological symptoms, influence whether executive dysfunction persists into postmenopause. Study Design A cross-sectional sample of women aged 35-65 years (N = 1971) in one of four groups, premenopause, perimenopause, natural postmenopause, and surgical postmenopause, were surveyed. Participants self-reported executive functioning with the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS), anxiety symptom severity with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), and depression symptom severity with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Main Outcome Measures We analyzed the association between group and BADDS scores using linear regression models - first, by controlling for age, education, and self-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis (Model #1) and, second, by further controlling for current difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and depression (Model #2). Results In both models, BADDS scores were significantly elevated (indicating more difficulties in executive function) among women in the perimenopausal and surgical postmenopausal groups compared with those in the premenopausal group. Likewise, the perimenopausal and surgical postmenopausal groups had the highest proportions of participants who reported difficulty sleeping and clinical levels of anxiety and depression. BADDS scores were significantly higher in natural postmenopausal vs. premenopausal women without controlling for difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and depression (Model #1), but not when adjusting for these variables (Model #2). Conclusions The type of menopause and psychological symptoms are important confounders of the relationship between the menopause transition and executive dysfunction, and help explain whether executive dysfunction persists or recovers in postmenopause.Reprinted from Maturitas 2023; 170:64-73, with permission from Elsevier. Copyright © 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe E Page
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Page, Metcalf, Duffy, Sammel, Epperson); Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States (Johnson, Sammel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States (Soreth, Loughead); Department of Family Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Epperson)
| | - Brianna Soreth
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Page, Metcalf, Duffy, Sammel, Epperson); Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States (Johnson, Sammel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States (Soreth, Loughead); Department of Family Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Epperson)
| | - Christina A Metcalf
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Page, Metcalf, Duffy, Sammel, Epperson); Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States (Johnson, Sammel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States (Soreth, Loughead); Department of Family Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Epperson)
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Page, Metcalf, Duffy, Sammel, Epperson); Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States (Johnson, Sammel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States (Soreth, Loughead); Department of Family Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Epperson)
| | - Korrina A Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Page, Metcalf, Duffy, Sammel, Epperson); Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States (Johnson, Sammel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States (Soreth, Loughead); Department of Family Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Epperson)
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Page, Metcalf, Duffy, Sammel, Epperson); Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States (Johnson, Sammel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States (Soreth, Loughead); Department of Family Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Epperson)
| | - James Loughead
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Page, Metcalf, Duffy, Sammel, Epperson); Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States (Johnson, Sammel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States (Soreth, Loughead); Department of Family Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Epperson)
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Page, Metcalf, Duffy, Sammel, Epperson); Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States (Johnson, Sammel); Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States (Soreth, Loughead); Department of Family Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States (Epperson)
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de Jong M, Wynchank DSMR, van Andel E, Beekman ATF, Kooij JJS. Female-specific pharmacotherapy in ADHD: premenstrual adjustment of psychostimulant dosage. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1306194. [PMID: 38152361 PMCID: PMC10751335 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1306194] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition which is underdiagnosed and undertreated in women. For decades, the ADHD field has called for more insight into female-specific therapy. Preliminary findings postulate that changes in sex hormones during the menstrual cycle may influence the effectiveness of psychostimulant medication. Yet, pharmacotherapeutic interventions tailored to women with ADHD remain scarce. Previously, our group showed an increase in mood symptoms in the premenstrual week in women with ADHD. Premenstrual worsening of depressive and ADHD symptoms represent a treatment challenge. In our adult ADHD clinic, we noted several women describing exacerbation of their ADHD and depressive symptoms in the premenstrual week and/or insufficient effect of their established dosage of psychostimulant. We responded to the need expressed by these women by increasing their stimulant dosage in the premenstrual week, while monitoring the response and side effects. Methods This community case study of nine consecutive women being treated for ADHD and co-occurring conditions (including depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder), reports our local experience of increasing the individually prescribed psychostimulant dosage during the premenstrual period. We methodically monitored the effect of this increased dosage on ADHD symptoms, mood and somatic symptoms for the following 6-24 months. Results With premenstrual dose elevation, all nine women experienced improved ADHD and mood symptoms with minimal adverse events. Premenstrual inattention, irritability and energy levels improved, and now resembled the other non-premenstrual weeks more closely. All women decided to continue with the elevated premenstrual pharmacotherapy. Discussion Our preliminary results demonstrate potential benefits of increasing premenstrual psychostimulant dosage in women with ADHD, experiencing premenstrual worsening of ADHD and mood symptoms. The results concur with previous findings of diminished response to amphetamines in the late luteal phase. Increased dosage may help combat premenstrual worsening of cognitive and emotional symptoms in women with ADHD, with significant clinical implications. Better management of premenstrual ADHD and mood symptoms in vulnerable women can improve treatment outcome and meet an unmet need. However, implementation should be individually explored. Further investigation of luteal phase psychostimulant dose adjustment is required for safe, optimal and individualised treatment for women with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. de Jong
- PsyQ, Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, The Hague, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC/VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - E. van Andel
- PsyQ, Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - A. T. F. Beekman
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC/VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J. J. S. Kooij
- PsyQ, Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, The Hague, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC/VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Page CE, Soreth B, Metcalf CA, Johnson RL, Duffy KA, Sammel MD, Loughead J, Epperson CN. Natural vs. surgical postmenopause and psychological symptoms confound the effect of menopause on executive functioning domains of cognitive experience. Maturitas 2023; 170:64-73. [PMID: 36806931 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The menopause transition is associated with difficulties in executive function. However, it is unclear whether these difficulties persist past perimenopause. This study investigated whether potential confounders, including natural vs. surgical postmenopause and menopause-related psychological symptoms, influence whether executive dysfunction persists into postmenopause. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional sample of women aged 35-65 years (N = 1971) in one of four groups, premenopause, perimenopause, natural postmenopause, and surgical postmenopause, were surveyed. Participants self-reported executive functioning with the Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS), anxiety symptom severity with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), and depression symptom severity with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We analyzed the association between group and BADDS scores using linear regression models - first, by controlling for age, education, and self-reported attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis (Model #1) and, second, by further controlling for current difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and depression (Model #2). RESULTS In both models, BADDS scores were significantly elevated (indicating more difficulties in executive function) among women in the perimenopausal and surgical postmenopausal groups compared with those in the premenopausal group. Likewise, the perimenopausal and surgical postmenopausal groups had the highest proportions of participants who reported difficulty sleeping and clinical levels of anxiety and depression. BADDS scores were significantly higher in natural postmenopausal vs. premenopausal women without controlling for difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and depression (Model #1), but not when adjusting for these variables (Model #2). CONCLUSIONS The type of menopause and psychological symptoms are important confounders of the relationship between the menopause transition and executive dysfunction, and help explain whether executive dysfunction persists or recovers in postmenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe E Page
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Brianna Soreth
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Christina A Metcalf
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Korrina A Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States; Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - James Loughead
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States; Department of Family Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.
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Bradshaw PJ, Baller EB, Riddle JN, Leistikow N, Ross DA, Osborne LM. From Forgotten to Ignored: Herstory of Involutional Melancholia, Menopause, and Cognition. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:e37-e39. [PMID: 36202544 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip J Bradshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Erica B Baller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Julia N Riddle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nicole Leistikow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David A Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lauren M Osborne
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Relationship between sex hormones, reproductive stages and ADHD: a systematic review. Arch Womens Ment Health 2022; 25:1-8. [PMID: 34487213 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-021-01181-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This systematic review aims to summarize current available evidence for the relationship between sex hormones or reproductive life stages (adrenarche in males and females, menarche, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause) and ADHD. METHODS We systematically reviewed studies investigating the relationship between sex hormones and symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity in individuals with an ADHD diagnosis or equivalent assessment of symptoms with validated scales. Articles were screened sequentially by two reviewers who were clinically and academically familiar with ADHD. Studies were rated according to Oxford Levels of Evidence (CEBM 2009). RESULTS Four studies matched inclusion criteria. One article was a case report of a female with ADHD and premenstrual syndrome experiencing worsening symptoms prior to each period (Quinn, J Clin Psychol 61:579-587, 2005). Another was a review article analysing literature relating to the effect of hormones on ADHD symptoms and supporting that a relationship exists between ADHD symptoms and sex hormone levels, without further characterization (Haimov-Kochman and Berger, Front Hum Neurosci 8, 2014). Giotakos and colleagues found no relationship between Wender Utah scores and sex hormone levels (Giotakos et al., J Forensic Psychiatry Psychol 16:423-433, 2005). An exploratory study by Ostojic and Miller found evidence for an association between early pubertal onset, inattention and risk-taking behaviour (Ostojic and Miller, J Atten Disord 20:782-791, 2016). CONCLUSION The literature on the relationship between sex hormones and ADHD is limited. Available studies present contradicting information. It is not known how this lack of evidence affects the treatment of ADHD during the lifespan. Further research is required to correctly characterize the mechanisms behind ADHD symptoms and its potential association with sex hormones.
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Executive function after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers: does current mood and early life adversity matter? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 27:746-755. [PMID: 32187134 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the fact that negative mood and executive dysfunction are common after risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO), occurring in up to a third of women, little is known about risk factors predicting these negative outcomes. Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) predict poorer health in adulthood and may be a risk factor for negative outcomes after RRSO. Given the complex relationship between early life stress, affective disorders, and cognitive dysfunction, we hypothesized that ACE would be associated with poorer executive function and that mood symptoms would partially mediate this relationship. METHODS Women who had undergone RRSO were included in the study (N = 552; age 30-73 y). We measured executive function (continuous performance task, letter n-back task, and Brown Attention Deficit Disorder Scale Score), exposure to early life stress (ACE questionnaire), and mood symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the association between ACE and executive dysfunction and the role of mood symptoms as a mediator in this relationship. RESULTS ACE was associated with greater severity of subjective executive dysfunction (adjusted mean difference [aMD] = 7.1, P = 0.0005) and worse performance on both cognitive tasks (continuous performance task: aMD = -0.1, P = 0.03; n-back: aMD = -0.17, P = 0.007). Mood symptoms partially mediated ACE associations with sustained attention (21.3% mediated; 95% CI: 9.3%-100%) and subjective report of executive dysfunction (62.8% mediated; 95% CI: 42.3%-100%). CONCLUSIONS The relationship between childhood adversity and executive dysfunction is partially mediated by mood symptoms. These data indicate that assessing history of childhood adversity and current anxiety and depression symptoms may play a role in treating women who report cognitive complaints after RRSO. : Video Summary:http://links.lww.com/MENO/A571.
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Shanmugan S, Cao W, Satterthwaite TD, Sammel MD, Ashourvan A, Bassett DS, Ruparel K, Gur RC, Epperson CN, Loughead J. Impact of childhood adversity on network reconfiguration dynamics during working memory in hypogonadal women. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 119:104710. [PMID: 32563173 PMCID: PMC7745207 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Many women with no history of cognitive difficulties experience executive dysfunction during menopause. Significant adversity during childhood negatively impacts executive function into adulthood and may be an indicator of women at risk of a mid-life cognitive decline. Previous studies have indicated that alterations in functional network connectivity underlie these negative effects of childhood adversity. There is growing evidence that functional brain networks are not static during executive tasks; instead, such networks reconfigure over time. Optimal dynamics are necessary for efficient executive function; while too little reconfiguration is insufficient for peak performance, too much reconfiguration (supra-optimal reconfiguration) is also maladaptive and associated with poorer performance. Here we examined the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on network flexibility, a measure of dynamic reconfiguration, during a letter n-back task within three networks that support executive function: frontoparietal, salience, and default mode networks. Several animal and human subject studies have suggested that childhood adversity exerts lasting effects on executive function via serotonergic mechanisms. Tryptophan depletion (TD) was used to examine whether serotonin function drives ACE effects on network flexibility. We hypothesized that ACE would be associated with higher flexibility (supra-optimal flexibility) and that TD would further increase this measure. Forty women underwent functional imaging at two time points in this double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study. Participants also completed the Penn Conditional Exclusion Test, a task assessing abstraction and mental flexibility. The effects of ACE and TD were evaluated using generalized estimating equations. ACE was associated with higher flexibility across networks (frontoparietal β = 0.00748, D = 2.79, p = 0.005; salience β = 0.00679, D = 3.02, p = 0.003; and default mode β = 0.00910, D = 3.53, p = 0.0004). While there was no interaction between ACE and TD, active TD increased network flexibility in both ACE groups in comparison to sham depletion (frontoparietal β = 0.00489, D = 2.15, p = 0.03; salience β = 0.00393, D = 1.91, p = 0.06; default mode β = 0.00334, D = 1.73, p = 0.08). These results suggest that childhood adversity has lasting impacts on dynamic reconfiguration of functional brain networks supporting executive function and that decreasing serotonin levels may exacerbate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Shanmugan
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Wen Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Theodore D Satterthwaite
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Arian Ashourvan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Danielle S Bassett
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kosha Ruparel
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO USA
| | - James Loughead
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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10
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Karalexi MA, Georgakis MK, Dimitriou NG, Vichos T, Katsimpris A, Petridou ET, Papadopoulos FC. Gender-affirming hormone treatment and cognitive function in transgender young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 119:104721. [PMID: 32512250 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have examined whether steroid hormone treatment in transgender individuals may affect cognitive function; yet, their limited power does not allow firm conclusions to be drawn. We leveraged data from to-date literature aiming to explore the effect of gender-affirming hormone administration on cognitive function in transgender individuals. METHODS A search strategy of MEDLINE was developed (through June 1, 2019) using the key terms transgender, hormone therapy and cognitive function. Eligible were (i) cohort studies examining the longitudinal effect of hormone therapy on cognition, and (ii) cross-sectional studies comparing the cognitive function between treated and non-treated individuals. Standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) were pooled using random-effects models. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. OUTCOMES Ten studies (seven cohort and three cross-sectional) were eligible representing 234 birth-assigned males (aM) and 150 birth-assigned females (aF). The synthesis of cohort studies (n = 5) for visuospatial ability following hormone treatment showed a statistically significant enhancement among aF (g = 0.55, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.29, 0.82) and an improvement with a trend towards statistical significance among aM (g = 0.28, 95%CI: -0.01, 0.58). By contrast, no adverse effects of hormone administration were shown. No heterogeneity was evident in most meta-analyses. INTERPRETATION Current evidence does not support an adverse impact of hormone therapy on cognitive function, whereas a statistically significant enhancing effect on visuospatial ability was shown in aF. New longitudinal studies with longer follow-up should explore the long-term effects of hormone therapy, especially the effects on younger individuals, where there is greater scarcity of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Karalexi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marios K Georgakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos G Dimitriou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Vichos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Katsimpris
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Th Petridou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fotios C Papadopoulos
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
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11
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Tobón SSH, Suárez PD, Pérez EB, López JMH, García J, de Celis Alonso B. Lisdexamfetamine Alters BOLD-fMRI Activations Induced by Odor Cues in Impulsive Children. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2020; 19:290-305. [PMID: 32533819 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200613222502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) is a drug used to treat ADHD/impulsive patients. Impulsivity is known to affect inhibitory, emotional and cognitive function. On the other hand, smell and odor processing are known to be affected by neurological disorders, as they are modulators of addictive and impulsive behaviors specifically. We hypothesize that, after LDX ingestion, inhibitory pathways of the brain would change, and complementary behavioral regulation mechanisms would appear to regulate decision-making and impulsivity. METHODS 20 children were studied in an aleatory crossover study. Imaging of BOLD-fMRI activity, elicited by olfactory stimulation in impulsive children, was performed after either LDX or placebo ingestion. RESULTS Findings showed that all subjects who underwent odor stimulation presented activations of similar intensities in the olfactory centers of the brain. This contrasted with inhibitory regions of the brain such as the cingulate cortex and frontal lobe regions, which demonstrated changed activity patterns and intensities. While some differences between the placebo and medicated states were found in motor areas, precuneus, cuneus, calcarine, supramarginal, cerebellum and posterior cingulate cortex, the main changes were found in frontal, temporal and parietal cortices. When comparing olfactory cues separately, pleasant food smells like chocolate seemed not to present large differences between the medicated and placebo scenarios, when compared to non-food-related smells. CONCLUSION It was demonstrated that LDX, first, altered the inhibitory pathways of the brain, secondly it increased activity in several brain regions which were not activated by smell in drug-naïve patients, and thirdly, it facilitated a complementary behavioral regulation mechanism, run by the cerebellum, which regulated decision-making and impulsivity in motor and frontal structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia S Hidalgo Tobón
- Imaging Department, Infant Hospital of Mexico, Federico Gómez, 06720 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.,Physics Department, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana (UAM) Iztapalapa, Colonia Vicentina Iztapalapa, 09340, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Pilar Dies Suárez
- Imaging Department, Infant Hospital of Mexico, Federico Gómez, 06720 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Barragán Pérez
- Neurology Department, Infant Hospital of Mexico, Federico Gómez, 06720 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Javier M Hernández López
- Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), C.P. 72570, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Julio García
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Stephenson Cardiac Imaging Centre, Calgary University, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Benito de Celis Alonso
- Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), C.P. 72570, Puebla, Mexico
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12
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Su H, Chen T, Zhong N, Jiang H, Du J, Xiao K, Xu D, Wang Z, Zhao M. γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate/glutamine alterations of the left prefrontal cortex in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder: a combined transcranial magnetic stimulation-magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:347. [PMID: 32355791 PMCID: PMC7186735 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmitter systems are critical in the pathophysiology of addiction and represent potential targets for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This study aims to investigate changes in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, the combined resonance of glutamate and glutamine (Glx) in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and cognitive function of patients with methamphetamine dependence following rTMS intervention, using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). Methods Fifty methamphetamine-dependent patients were randomized to a 4-week course of active or sham rTMS, with 1H MRS measurement of DLPFC GABA and Glx levels relative to n-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) and craving and cognitive function measured at baseline and post-intervention. Results We observed significant reductions of GABA/NAA concentration in the active group and Glx/NAA concentration in the group receiving sham rTMS. There was a significant association between changes in GABA concentration and problem solving/error monitoring. Conclusions The effect of rTMS on cognitive function in individuals with methamphetamine dependence may be related to changes in GABA levels in the prefrontal cortex, and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Su
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Tianzhen Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Na Zhong
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Haifeng Jiang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jiang Du
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ke Xiao
- Shanghai Drug Rehabilitation Administration Bureau, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Ding Xu
- Shanghai Drug Rehabilitation Administration Bureau, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, State Key laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai 201108, China.,Institute of Psychological and Behavioral Science, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
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13
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Abstract
Objective: Recent evidence suggests that early or induced menopause increases the risk for cognitive impairment and dementia. Given the potential for different cognitive outcomes due to menopause types, it is important that present research on menopause and cognition distinguishes between types. The aim of this project was to determine to what extent research looking at cognition in postmenopausal women published in one year, 2016, accounted for menopausal type. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsychINFO using keywords and MeSH terms for menopause and cognition. We included any research paper reporting a cognitive outcome measure in a menopausal human population. Differentiation between the types of menopause was defined by four categories: undifferentiated, demographic differentiation (menopause type reported but not analyzed), partial differentiation (some but not all types analyzed), and full differentiation (menopause types factored into analysis, or recruitment of only one type). Results: Fifty research articles were found and analyzed. Differentiation was distributed as follows: undifferentiated, 38% (19 articles); demographic differentiation, 16% (8); partial differentiation, 28% (14); and full differentiation, 18% (9). Conclusions: This review revealed that although some clinical studies differentiated between the many menopauses, most did not. This may limit their relevance to clinical practice. We found that when menopause types are distinguished, the differing cognitive outcomes of each type are clarified, yielding the strongest evidence, which in turn will be able to inform best clinical practice for treating all women.
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14
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Beltz AM, Moser JS. Ovarian hormones: a long overlooked but critical contributor to cognitive brain structures and function. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1464:156-180. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriene M. Beltz
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan
| | - Jason S. Moser
- Department of PsychologyMichigan State University East Lansing Michigan
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15
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Nguyen HB, Loughead J, Lipner E, Hantsoo L, Kornfield SL, Epperson CN. What has sex got to do with it? The role of hormones in the transgender brain. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:22-37. [PMID: 30082887 PMCID: PMC6235900 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0140-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Sex differences and hormonal effects in presumed cisgender individuals have been well-studied and support the concept of a mosaic of both male and female "characteristics" in any given brain. Gonadal steroid increases and fluctuations during peri-puberty and across the reproductive lifespan influence the brain structure and function programmed by testosterone and estradiol exposures in utero. While it is becoming increasingly common for transgender and gender non-binary individuals to block their transition to puberty and/or use gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) to obtain their desired gender phenotype, little is known about the impact of these manipulations on brain structure and function. Using sex differences and the effects of reproductive hormones in cisgender individuals as the backdrop, we summarize here the existing nascent neuroimaging and behavioral literature focusing on potential brain and cognitive differences in transgender individuals at baseline and after GAHT. Research in this area has the potential to inform our understanding of the developmental origins of gender identity and sex difference in response to gonadal steroid manipulations, but care is needed in our research questions and methods to not further stigmatize sex and gender minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary B Nguyen
- School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Emily Lipner
- School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - C Neill Epperson
- School of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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16
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Nguyen HB, Chavez AM, Lipner E, Hantsoo L, Kornfield SL, Davies RD, Epperson CN. Gender-Affirming Hormone Use in Transgender Individuals: Impact on Behavioral Health and Cognition. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2018; 20:110. [PMID: 30306351 PMCID: PMC6354936 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-018-0973-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With increasing numbers of transgender and gender non-binary individuals presenting for care, knowing how to elucidate the mental health and cognitive outcomes of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is necessary. This article reviews the present literature covering GAHT effects on mood, behavioral health, and cognition in these individuals and offers research priorities to address knowledge gaps. RECENT FINDINGS Although there are some conflicting data, GAHT overwhelmingly seems to have positive psychological effects in both adolescents and adults. Research tends to support that GAHT reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, lowers perceived and social distress, and improves quality of life and self-esteem in both male-to-female and female-to-male transgender individuals. Clinically, prescribing GAHT can help with gender dysphoria-related mental distress. Thus, timely hormonal intervention represents a crucial tool for improving behavioral wellness in transgender individuals, though effects on cognitive processes fundamental for daily living are unknown. Future research should prioritize better understanding of how GAHT may affect executive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary B. Nguyen
- School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine-Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Place, MS F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Alexis M. Chavez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine-Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Place, MS F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Emily Lipner
- Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sara L. Kornfield
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert D. Davies
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine-Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Place, MS F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - C. Neill Epperson
- Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine-Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Place, MS F546, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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17
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Jacobs EG, Goldstein JM. The Middle-Aged Brain: Biological sex and sex hormones shape memory circuitry. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2018; 23:84-91. [PMID: 30271832 PMCID: PMC6157917 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily G. Jacobs
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara
| | - Jill M. Goldstein
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Harvard Medical School
- Departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Athinoula A. Martinos Brain Imaging Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
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18
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Shanmugan S, Loughead J, Cao W, Sammel MD, Satterthwaite TD, Ruparel K, Gur RC, Epperson CN. Impact of Tryptophan Depletion on Executive System Function during Menopause is Moderated by Childhood Adversity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:2398-2406. [PMID: 28322235 PMCID: PMC5645747 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Many healthy women with no history of cognitive dysfunction experience subjective executive difficulties during menopause. Preclinical literature suggests latent effects of early life adversity on serotonin function may play a role in this phenomenon. However, evidence in human participants regarding the mechanisms by which loss of estradiol contributes to this vulnerability is lacking. Here we examined the impact of tryptophan depletion (TD) and adverse childhood experiences (ACE) on brain activation during a working memory task in menopausal women. We hypothesized that an interactive effect between ACE and TD would be observed when women were hypogonadal, and that treatment with estradiol would attenuate this effect. Thirty-three women underwent functional imaging at four time points (123 total scans) in this double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over study. The effects of TD, ACE, and TD × ACE were evaluated using a voxel-wise, mixed-effects, 2 × 2 ANOVA. In the absence of exogenous estradiol, a TD by ACE interaction was observed on BOLD signal in the right DLPFC such that TD increased activation in high ACE subjects but decreased activation in low ACE subjects. While a similar interaction was observed with placebo treatment, treatment with estradiol attenuated the effects of ACE and TD such that no between or within group differences were observed. Together, these results suggest that early life adversity may have a lasting impact on serotonergic circuits underlying executive function that are unmasked by loss of estradiol during menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Shanmugan
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James Loughead
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wen Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Theodore D Satterthwaite
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kosha Ruparel
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Penn PROMOTES Research on Sex and Gender in Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Psychiatry or Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Center for Women’s Behavioral Wellness, 3535 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA, Tel: +(215) 573-8871, Fax: +(215) 573-8881, E-mail:
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19
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Impact of early life adversity and tryptophan depletion on functional connectivity in menopausal women: A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 84:197-205. [PMID: 28755550 PMCID: PMC5609529 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.07.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
During the menopause transition, women are at increased risk of subjective symptoms of executive dysfunction. Evidence from animal and human participant studies suggests adverse childhood experiences (ACE) may be a risk factor for executive complaints during this hormonal transition. Preclinical literature indicates early life adversity effects on serotonin function may play a role in this increased susceptibility. However, the mechanisms underlying this increase in vulnerability in human participants remain relatively unknown. Here we examined the impact of ACE and tryptophan depletion (TD), a paradigm used to lower central serotonin levels, on functional network connectivity in discovery and replication datasets. We hypothesized that ACE would be associated with decreased within-network connectivity. We predicted that TD would further lower connectivity in women with high levels of early adversity, but have no effect in women with low levels of early adversity. Forty women underwent two functional imaging sequences at two time points (141 total scans) in a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover study. The effects of ACE and TD were evaluated using generalized estimating equations (GEE). As predicted, ACE was associated with lower within-network connectivity. While TD had no effect on connectivity in the low ACE group, TD increased connectivity in the high ACE group. The robust effect of ACE remained significant in the replication dataset, though the ACE×TD interaction did not. Together, these results suggest that early life adversity has lasting impacts on large-scale functional networks underlying executive function. Alterations in functional network connectivity may be one mechanism by which early life adversity increases the risk of cognitive disorders during menopause.
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20
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Henning A. Proton and multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the human brain at ultra-high field strength: A review. Neuroimage 2017; 168:181-198. [PMID: 28712992 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) allows for a non-invasive and non-ionizing determination of in vivo tissue concentrations and metabolic turn-over rates of more than 20 metabolites and compounds in the central nervous system of humans. The aim of this review is to give a comprehensive overview about the advantages, challenges and advances of ultra-high field MRS with regard to methodological development, discoveries and applications from its beginnings around 15 years ago up to the current state. The review is limited to human brain and spinal cord application at field strength of 7T and 9.4T and includes all relevant nuclei (1H, 31P, 13C).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Henning
- Max Plank Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany; Institute of Physics, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt University, Greifswald, Germany.
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