1
|
Sheerin CM, O’Hara-Payne RK, Lancaster EE, Suarez-Rivas H, Chatzinakos C, Prom-Wormley EC, Peterson RE. Examining interactions between polygenic scores and interpersonal trauma exposure on alcohol consumption and use disorder in an ancestrally diverse college cohort. Front Genet 2024; 14:1274381. [PMID: 38361984 PMCID: PMC10868390 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1274381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Genetic factors impact alcohol consumption and use disorder (AUD), with large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identifying numerous associated variants. Aggregate genetic methods in combination with important environmental factors (e.g., interpersonal trauma [IPT]) can be applied to expand our understanding of the ways by which genetic and environmental variables work together to influence alcohol consumption and disordered use. The present study aimed to detail the relationships between genome-wide polygenic scores (PGS) for alcohol phenotypes (i.e., alcohol consumption and AUD status) and IPT exposure as well as the interaction between them across ancestry. Methods: Data were drawn from the Spit for Science (S4S) study, a US college student population, where participants reported on IPT exposure prior to college and alcohol consumption and problems during college (N = 9,006; ancestry: 21.3% African [AFR], 12.5% Admixed Americas [AMR], 9.6% East Asian [EAS], 48.1% European [EUR], 8.6% South Asian [SAS]). Two trans-ancestry PGS were constructed, one for alcohol consumption and another for AUD, using large-scale GWAS summary statistics from multiple ancestries weighted using PRS-CSx. Regression models were applied to test for the presence of associations between alcohol-PGS and IPT main and interaction effects. Results: In the meta-analysis across ancestry groups, IPT exposure and PGS were significantly associated with alcohol consumption (βIPT = 0.31, P IPT = 0.0002; βPGS = 0.09, P PGS = 0.004) and AUD (ORIPT = 1.12, P IPT = 3.5 × 10-8; ORPGS = 1.02, P PGS = 0.002). No statistically significant interactions were detected between IPT and sex nor between IPT and PGS. When inspecting ancestry specific results, the alcohol consumption-PGS and AUD-PGS were only statistically significant in the EUR ancestry group (βPGS = 0.09, P PGS = 0.04; ORPGS = 1.02, P PGS = 0.022, respectively). Discussion: IPT exposure prior to college was strongly associated with alcohol outcomes in this college-age sample, which could be used as a preventative measure to identify students at high risk for problematic alcohol use. Additionally, results add to developing evidence of polygenic score association in meta-analyzed samples, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to increase ancestral representation in genetic studies and inclusive analytic approaches to increase the generalizability of results from genetic association studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Sheerin
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Rowan K. O’Hara-Payne
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Center for Biological Data Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Eva E. Lancaster
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Hailie Suarez-Rivas
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Chris Chatzinakos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Institute for Genomics in Health, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Elizabeth C. Prom-Wormley
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Roseann E. Peterson
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Institute for Genomics in Health, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sinnott SM, Park CL, Huedo-Medina TB. Cognitive Coping Reduces Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Especially in the Context of Self-Blame. JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, MALTREATMENT & TRAUMA 2022; 31:1108-1127. [PMID: 36468082 PMCID: PMC9718451 DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2022.2061879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Following a traumatic event, coping strategies may affect the natural course of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). In particular, cognitive coping strategies (how one thinks about stressors) may reduce PTSS by increasing individuals' perceived control over events, appraising them as less threatening, particularly for individuals who experience self-blame after trauma. Individuals who experience a traumatic event (n =344) completed assessments at baseline (T1), one month (T2), and two months (T3). We tested whether T1 cognitive coping strategies (positive reinterpretation, acceptance, religious coping) predicted reduced T3 PTSS and whether this reduction was mediated by increased perceived control at T2. We tested whether this effect was particularly strong for individuals experiencing self-blame. Positive reinterpretation predicted decreases in, religious coping predicted increases in, and acceptance had no direct effect on PTSS. Overall, acceptance showed the greatest potential for reducing PTSS through increased perceived control over one's life. In a fully moderated mediation model, positive reinterpretation significantly interacted and acceptance marginally interacted with self-blame to predict increased perceived control and, subsequently, decreased T3 PTSS. Specifically, acceptance and positive reinterpretation were most helpful for those with higher levels of self-blame. Religious coping interacted with self-blame to predict decreased perceived control and subsequent increased PTSS. For trauma survivors experiencing self-blame, cognitive coping strategies that utilize compassionate self-talk, such as positive reinterpretation and acceptance, may be particularly helpful at increasing perceived control after trauma, while religious coping may have deleterious effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sinead M. Sinnott
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Crystal L. Park
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Etchells MJ, Brannen L, Donop J, Bielefeldt J, Singer EA, Moorhead E, Walderon T. Synchronous teaching and asynchronous trauma: Exploring teacher trauma in the wake of Covid-19. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 4:100197. [PMID: 34704016 PMCID: PMC8530794 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2021.100197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Following the onset of COVID-19, major subsections of our global society have shifted and mutated from the status quo of operation, especially in the field of education. A system that served far more social functions than just basic literacy and numeracy instruction, education has shifted out of the school buildings and into living rooms and spare bedrooms across the world. This research investigated the physical and psychological implications of traversing and functioning in this new virtual world that educators found themselves operating in. This study utilized narrative inquiry and survey data in order to gather mixed method data to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of COVID-19 and how educators processed and coped with the transition to distance learning. The findings illuminated narratives of trauma and managing stress in the face of the pandemic. Additional study may focus on replicating this research across multiple research locations.
Collapse
|
4
|
Ndungu J, Washington L, Willan S, Ramsoomar L, Ngcobo-Sithole M, Gibbs A. Risk factors for alcohol and drug misuse amongst young women in informal settlements in Durban, South Africa. Glob Public Health 2020; 15:1322-1336. [PMID: 32493132 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1775866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol and drug misuse (ADM) pose a significant disease burden globally. Yet, there remains a gap in understanding risk factors associated with women's ADM, particularly those in marginalised settings. We investigated risk factors associated with ADM amongst young women in urban informal settlements in South Africa. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted on a sample of 680 young women assessing associations between sociodemographic factors, mental health, relationship factors and past year ADM. Alcohol misuse was assessed using the 10 item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scale, with scores ≥8 defining misuse, a single item assessed past year illegal drug use. Alcohol and drug misuse were reported by 23.1% and 31.8% of the women respectively. In multivariable regression, alcohol misuse was associated with experiencing past year non-partner sexual violence, transactional sex with a main partner, past year drug use, and past week depressive symptoms, while drug misuse was associated with alcohol misuse, transactional sex with a casual partner, past year experience of physical and/or sexual IPV and having a functional limitation (disability). Results indicate ADM in informal settlements are shaped by violence and poor mental health. Interventions geared towards strengthening women's economic position and mental healthcare are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Ndungu
- School of Behavioural Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | | | - Samantha Willan
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Leane Ramsoomar
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Andrew Gibbs
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Medisauskaite A, Kamau C. Reducing burnout and anxiety among doctors: Randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Res 2019; 274:383-390. [PMID: 30852432 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.02.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Prevalence studies show high levels of burnout, anxiety, fatigue and other symptoms of distress among medical doctors. However, there are very few randomized controlled trials testing interventions against these problems. This randomized controlled trial (NCT02838290; ClinicalTrials.gov, 2016) tested interventions teaching 227 doctors about the psychology of burnout, stress, coping with patient death, and managing distress, as well as giving them information about prevalence rates among doctors. Primary outcomes included burnout, anxiety, insomnia, grief, alcohol/drug use, binge eating, physical symptoms, and psychiatric morbidity. The outcomes were tested before and after the interventions with a 7-day time-lag. The intervention significantly decreased doctors' levels of burnout (e.g. emotional exhaustion and depersonalization) and anxiety. Doctors in the control group had no significant changes in these signs of distress. The intervention did not significantly reduce other health and habit-related outcomes potentially because these need a longer time-lag than 7 days. Interventions teaching doctors about the psychology of work-related distress reduce burnout and anxiety by helping doctors realize that distress is a normal, human reaction to external stressors, common in medicine, and solvable by learning about psychological coping strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asta Medisauskaite
- Research Department of Medical Education, UCL Medical School, London, UK.
| | - Caroline Kamau
- Birkbeck Centre for Medical Humanities, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|