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Gillmeister H, Šmate I, Savva D, Li H, Parapadakis C, Adler J. Confrontation with others' emotions changes bodily resonance differently in those with low and high levels of depersonalization. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230248. [PMID: 39005042 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We present novel research on the cortical dynamics of atypical perceptual and emotional processing in people with symptoms of depersonalization-derealization disorder (DP-DR). We used electroencephalography (EEG)/event-related potentials (ERPs) to delineate the early perceptual mechanisms underlying emotional face recognition and mirror touch in adults with low and high levels of DP-DR symptoms (low-DP and high-DP groups). Face-sensitive visual N170 showed markedly less differentiation for emotional versus neutral face-voice stimuli in the high- than in the low-DP group. This effect was related to self-reported bodily symptoms like disembodiment. Emotional face-voice primes altered mirror touch at somatosensory cortical components P45 and P100 differently in the two groups. In the high-DP group, mirror touch occurred only when seeing touch after being confronted with angry face-voice primes. Mirror touch in the low-DP group, however, was unaffected by preceding emotions. Modulation of mirror touch following angry others was related to symptoms of self-other confusion. Results suggest that others' negative emotions affect somatosensory processes in those with an altered sense of bodily self. Our findings are in line with the idea that disconnecting from one's body and self (core symptom of DP-DR) may be a defence mechanism to protect from the threat of negative feelings, which may be exacerbated through self-other confusion. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sensing and feeling: an integrative approach to sensory processing and emotional experience'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Gillmeister
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Ieva Šmate
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Dimitra Savva
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Haojie Li
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Christina Parapadakis
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
| | - Julia Adler
- Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK
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2
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Isenstein EL, Freedman EG, Molholm S, Foxe JJ. Somatosensory temporal sensitivity in adults on the autism spectrum: A high-density electrophysiological mapping study using the mismatch negativity (MMN) sensory memory paradigm. Autism Res 2024. [PMID: 38973746 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Atypical reactivity to somatosensory inputs is common in autism spectrum disorder and carries considerable impact on downstream social communication and quality of life. While behavioral and survey work have established differences in the perception of somatosensory information, little has been done to elucidate the underlying neurophysiological processes that drive these characteristics. Here, we implemented a duration-based somatosensory mismatch negativity (MMN) paradigm to examine the role of temporal sensitivity and sensory memory in the processing of vibrotactile information in autistic (n = 30) and neurotypical (n = 30) adults. To capture the variability in responses between groups across a range of duration discrepancies, we compared the electrophysiological responses to frequent standard vibrations (100 ms) and four infrequent deviant vibrations (115, 130, 145, and 160 ms). The same stimuli were used in a follow-up behavioral task to determine active detection of the infrequent vibrations. We found no differences between the two groups with regard to discrimination between standard and deviant vibrations, demonstrating comparable neurologic and behavioral temporal somatosensory perception. However, exploratory analyses yielded subtle differences in amplitude at the N1 and P220 time points. Together, these results indicate that the temporal mechanisms of somatosensory discrimination are conserved in adults on the autism spectrum, though more general somatosensory processing may be affected. We discuss these findings in the broader context of the MMN literature in autism, as well as the potential role of cortical maturity in somatosensory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Isenstein
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Edward G Freedman
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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3
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Smith M, Ferguson HJ. Indistinguishable behavioural and neural correlates of perceptual self-other distinction in autistic and neurotypical adults. Cortex 2024; 176:242-259. [PMID: 38760243 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2024.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has suggested that self-bias (i.e., enhanced cognitive processing of self-versus other-relevant information) may be atypical in autism spectrum conditions (ASC), perhaps due to difficulties with self-other distinction. However, empirical evidence for this is inconsistent, and the neural basis of processing differences remains unknown. We present two experiments that aimed to test perceptual self-bias and familiarity effects in ASC using a perceptual-association task. Participants were asked to distinguish face/label associations of the self from those of other people of differing levels of familiarity (i.e., friend vs stranger). Experiment 1 took an individual differences approach by testing whether behavioural self-bias is associated with the number of autistic traits in a neurotypical adult sample (N = 59). Experiment 2 took a case-control approach by testing whether behavioural self-bias and associated ERP responses differ between neurotypical (N = 27) and autistic (N = 30) adults. Across both experiments, behavioural results showed that participants experienced a self-bias (self > friend and stranger) and a familiarity effect (e.g., friend > stranger); neither effect was affected by the number of autistic traits or autism diagnosis. In Experiment 2, analysis of N1, N2, and P3 ERP components revealed a typical self-bias in both groups (self distinct from friend and stranger), and only the autistic group showed evidence of a familiarity effect (N2 more negative-going for stranger than friend). The findings are discussed in relation to self-other distinction ability, and the relevance of other neuropsychological and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and alexithymia are also considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marchella Smith
- School of Psychology, Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Heather J Ferguson
- School of Psychology, Keynes College, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.
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4
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Isenstein EL, Freedman EG, Molholm S, Foxe JJ. Intact Somatosensory Temporal Sensitivity in Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A High-Density Electrophysiological Mapping Study Using the Mismatch Negativity (MMN) Sensory Memory Paradigm. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.05.578908. [PMID: 38370797 PMCID: PMC10871182 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.578908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Atypical reactivity to somatosensory inputs is common in autism spectrum disorder and carries considerable impact on downstream social communication and quality of life. While behavioral and survey work have established differences in the perception of somatosensory information, little has been done to elucidate the underlying neurophysiological processes that drive these characteristics. Here, we implemented a duration-based somatosensory mismatch negativity paradigm to examine the role of temporal sensitivity and sensory memory in the processing of vibrotactile information in autistic (n=30) and neurotypical (n=30) adults. To capture the variability in responses between groups across a range of duration discrepancies, we compared the electrophysiological responses to frequent standard vibrations (100 ms) and four infrequent deviant vibrations (115, 130, 145, and 160 ms). The same stimuli were used in a follow-up behavioral task to determine active detection of the infrequent vibrations. We found no differences between the two groups with regard to discrimination between standard and deviant vibrations, demonstrating comparable neurologic and behavioral temporal somatosensory perception. However, exploratory analyses yielded subtle differences in amplitude at the N1 and P220 time points. Together, these results indicate that the temporal mechanisms of somatosensory discrimination are conserved in adults on the autism spectrum, though more general somatosensory processing may be affected. We discuss these findings in the broader context of the MMN literature in autism, as well as the potential role of cortical maturity in somatosensory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Isenstein
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Edward G. Freedman
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | - John J. Foxe
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine & Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
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Lavenne-Collot N, Tersiguel M, Dissaux N, Degrez C, Bronsard G, Botbol M, Berthoz A. Self/other distinction in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessed with a double mirror paradigm. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0275018. [PMID: 36928493 PMCID: PMC10019668 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self/other distinction (SOD), which refers to the ability to distinguish one's own body, actions, and mental representations from those of others, is an essential skill for effective social interaction. A large body of clinical evidence suggests that disruptions in SOD may be key to social communication deficits in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In particular, egocentric biases have been found in cognitive, affective, behavioural, and motor domains. However, research in this area is scarce and consists of recognition paradigms that have used only static images; these methods may be insufficient for assessing SOD, given the increasing role of embodiment in our understanding of the pathophysiology of ASD. METHOD A single-centre, prospective pilot study was carried out to investigate, for the first time, self-recognition and SOD in seven adolescents with ASD compared with matched, typically developing controls (TDCs) using the "Alter Ego"TM double mirror paradigm. The participants viewed a double mirror in which their own face was gradually morphed into the face of an unfamiliar other (self-to-other sequence) or vice versa (other-to-self sequence); participants were instructed to indicate at which point the morph looked more like their own face than the other's face. Two judgement criteria were used: 1) M1: the threshold at which subjects started to recognize their own face during the other-to-self morphing sequence; 2) M2: the threshold at which subjects started to recognize the other's face during the self-to-other morphing sequence. RESULTS Consistent with the predictions, the results showed that the participants with ASD exhibited earlier self-recognition in the other-to-self sequence and delayed other-recognition in the self-to-other sequence, suggesting an egocentric bias. SOD impairments were also marginally correlated with ASD severity, indicating earlier face recognition in more severely affected individuals. Furthermore, in contrast with that of TDCs, the critical threshold for switching between self and other varied with the direction of morphing in ASD participants. Finally, these differences in face recognition and SOD using mirrors, unlike previous research using static images, support the central place of bodily self-consciousness in SOD impairments. CONCLUSIONS Although additional research is needed to replicate the results of this preliminary study, it revealed the first behavioural evidence of altered SOD in ASD individuals on an embodied, semiecological face-recognition paradigm. Implications for understanding ASD are discussed from a developmental perspective, and new research and therapeutic perspectives are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Lavenne-Collot
- Service de Psychiatrie de L’Enfant et de l ‘Adolescent, CHRU Brest, Brest, France
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
- Laboratoire du traitement de l’information médicale, Inserm U1101, Brest, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Marie Tersiguel
- Service de Psychiatrie de L’Enfant et de l ‘Adolescent, CHRU Brest, Brest, France
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Nolwenn Dissaux
- Service de Psychiatrie de L’Enfant et de l ‘Adolescent, CHRU Brest, Brest, France
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Céline Degrez
- Service de Psychiatrie de L’Enfant et de l ‘Adolescent, CHRU Brest, Brest, France
| | - Guillaume Bronsard
- Service de Psychiatrie de L’Enfant et de l ‘Adolescent, CHRU Brest, Brest, France
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
- Département de Sciences Humaines et Sociales, EA 7479, EA 3279 (CEReSS, AMU), Brest, France
| | - Michel Botbol
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
- Professeur Emérite de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - Alain Berthoz
- Professeur Honoraire au Collège de France, Paris, France
- Centre Interdisciplinaire de Biologie (CIRB), Paris, France
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Zhai J, Li X, Zhou Y, Fan L, Xia W, Wang X, Li Y, Hou M, Wang J, Wu L. Correlation and predictive ability of sensory characteristics and social interaction in children with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1056051. [PMID: 37091701 PMCID: PMC10117963 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1056051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have different social characteristics and particular sensory processing patterns, and these sensory behaviors may affect their social functioning. The objective of our study is to investigate the sensory profiles of children with ASD and their association with social behavior. Specifically, we aim to identify the predictive role of sensory processing in social functioning. Methods The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) was utilized to analyze sensory differences between ASD children and their peers. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and other clinical scales were employed to assess the social functioning of children with ASD. Additionally, the predictive ability of sensory perception on social performance was discussed using random forest and support vector machine (SVM) models. Results The SSP scores of ASD children were lower than those of the control group, and there was a significant negative correlation between SSP scores and clinical scale scores (P < 0.05). The random forest and SVM models, using all the features, showed higher sensitivity, while the random forest model with 7-feature factors had the highest specificity. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for all the models was higher than 0.8. Conclusion Autistic children in our study have different patterns of sensory processing than their peers, which are significantly related to their patterns of social functioning. Sensory features can serve as a good predictor of social functioning in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhe Zhai
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Heilongjiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, China
| | - Lili Fan
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Xia
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yutong Li
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Meiru Hou
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jia Wang
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Jia Wang,
| | - Lijie Wu
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Lijie Wu,
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A thalamo-preoptic pathway promotes social grooming in rodents. Curr Biol 2022; 32:4593-4606.e8. [PMID: 36113471 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.08.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Social touch is an essential component of communication. Little is known about the underlying pathways and mechanisms. Here, we discovered a novel neuronal pathway from the posterior intralaminar thalamic nucleus (PIL) to the medial preoptic area (MPOA) involved in the control of social grooming. We found that the neurons in the PIL and MPOA were naturally activated by physical contact between female rats and also by the chemogenetic stimulation of PIL neurons. The activity-dependent tagging of PIL neurons was performed in rats experiencing physical social contact. The chemogenetic activation of these neurons increased social grooming between familiar rats, as did the selective activation of the PIL-MPOA pathway. Neurons projecting from the PIL to the MPOA express the neuropeptide parathyroid hormone 2 (PTH2), and the central infusion of its receptor antagonist diminished social grooming. Finally, we showed a similarity in the anatomical organization of the PIL and the distribution of the PTH2 receptor in the MPOA between the rat and human brain. We propose that the discovered neuronal pathway facilitates physical contact with conspecifics.
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Nadeem MS, Murtaza BN, Al-Ghamdi MA, Ali A, Zamzami MA, Khan JA, Ahmad A, Rehman MU, Kazmi I. Autism - A Comprehensive Array of Prominent Signs and Symptoms. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1418-1433. [PMID: 33494665 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666210120095829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition characterized by multiple psychological and physiological impairments in young children. According to the recent reports, 1 out of every 58 newly-born children is suffering from autism. The aetiology of the disorder is complex and poorly understood, hindering the adaptation of targeted and effective therapies. There are no well- established diagnostic biomarkers for autism. Hence the analysis of symptoms by the pediatricians plays a critical role in the early intervention. METHODS In the present report, we have emphasized 24 behavioral, psychological and clinical symptoms of autism. RESULTS Impaired social interaction, restrictive and narrow interests, anxiety, depression; aggressive, repetitive, rigid and self-injurious behavior, lack of consistency, short attention span, fear, shyness and phobias, hypersensitivity and rapid mood alterations, high level of food and toy selectivity; inability to establish friendships or follow the instructions; fascination by round spinning objects and eating non-food materials are common psychological characteristics of autism. Speech or hearing impairments, poor cognitive function, gastrointestinal problems, weak immunity, disturbed sleep and circadian rhythms, weak motor neuromuscular interaction, lower level of serotonin and neurotransmitters, headache and body pain are common physiological symptoms. CONCLUSION A variable qualitative and quantitative impact of this wide range of symptoms is perceived in each autistic individual, making him/her distinct, incomparable and exceptional. Selection and application of highly personalized medical and psychological therapies are therefore recommended for the management and treatment of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid Nadeem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bibi Nazia Murtaza
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Maryam A Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akbar Ali
- College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University Rafha 1321, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazin A Zamzami
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jalaluddin A Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aftab Ahmad
- College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University Rafha 1321, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mujaddad Ur Rehman
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Feng C, Zhou X, Zhu X, Zhu R, Han S, Luo YJ. Effect of intranasal oxytocin administration on self-other distinction: Modulations by psychological distance and gender. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 120:104804. [PMID: 32721815 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Preliminary evidence indicates that intranasal oxytocin (OT) administration modulates one's ability to distinguish oneself from others (i.e., self-other distinction). However, previous findings on this topic are contradictory. The current study addressed this issue by (i) using a novel perceptual matching task examining self-other distinction compared to both close and distant others, and (ii) tentatively exploring potential modulations by gender. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized OT administration study, 100 participants (50 males and 50 females) were randomized to receive intranasal spray of 24 IU OT or placebo (PL). Afterwards, participants completed a geometry perceptual matching task in which different shapes were paired to the self, a friend, or a stranger. Participants were then asked to judge whether each pair of shapes and labels was correctly matched. The results revealed that compared to PL administration, OT facilitated distinction between the self and a friend in males but not in females. These findings provide insights for debates on the role of OT in self-other distinction by revealing modulations by psychological distance and gender, which have implications for the potential clinical applications of OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunliang Feng
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, China; School of Psychology, Center for Studies of Psychological Application, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, China.
| | - Xingmei Zhou
- Center of Brain Disorder and Cognitive Sciences, College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Center for Emotion and Brain, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiangru Zhu
- Institute of Cognition, Brain and Health, Institute of Psychology and Behavior, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Ruida Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shangfeng Han
- Center of Brain Disorder and Cognitive Sciences, College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Center for Emotion and Brain, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue-Jia Luo
- Center of Brain Disorder and Cognitive Sciences, College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Center for Emotion and Brain, Shenzhen Institute of Neuroscience, Shenzhen, China.
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10
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Interpersonal representations of touch in somatosensory cortex are modulated by perspective. Biol Psychol 2019; 146:107719. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.107719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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11
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Kuiper MWM, Verhoeven EWM, Geurts HM. Stop Making Noise! Auditory Sensitivity in Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: Physiological Habituation and Subjective Detection Thresholds. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:2116-2128. [PMID: 30680585 PMCID: PMC6483953 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Auditory sensitivities are common among people with autism spectrum disorder diagnoses (ASD). As underlying factors are unknown, we examined whether ASD adults (NASD = 33; NTypically Developing = 31; 25-45 years; IQ > 70): (1) habituated slower to auditory stimuli; (2) had lower auditory detection thresholds; and (3) whether these mechanisms related to self-reported auditory sensitivities. Two auditory stimuli (tone, siren) were repeated, whilst skin conductance responses were recorded to measure habituation. Detection thresholds were measured by stepwise reductions in tone volume. We found no evidence in favor of our hypotheses, but ASD adults did rate the auditory stimuli as more arousing. Based on explorative analyses, we argue that studying the strength of physiological responses to auditory stimuli is needed to understand auditory sensitivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke W M Kuiper
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis, Autism Expert Centre, Department of Research, Development & Innovation, Houtsniplaan 1, 6865 XZ, Doorwerth, The Netherlands.
- University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center, Brain and Cognition, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, 1001 NK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Elisabeth W M Verhoeven
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis, Autism Expert Centre, Department of Research, Development & Innovation, Houtsniplaan 1, 6865 XZ, Doorwerth, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde M Geurts
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis, Autism Expert Centre, Department of Research, Development & Innovation, Houtsniplaan 1, 6865 XZ, Doorwerth, The Netherlands
- University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Dutch Autism & ADHD Research Center, Brain and Cognition, Nieuwe Achtergracht 129, 1001 NK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Kuiper MWM, Verhoeven EWM, Geurts HM. The Dutch Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire: Psychometric properties of an autism-specific sensory sensitivity measure. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2018; 23:922-932. [DOI: 10.1177/1362361318788065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sensory sensitivity is common in autistic people and since the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.), hypo- and hyper-responsiveness to sensory stimuli are part of one of the criteria domains for an autism spectrum disorder classification. For scientific research and the clinical practice, one needs reliable and valid questionnaires that measure sensory sensitivity and can distinguish between hypo- and hyper-responsiveness. We translated the Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire into Dutch. The aim was to examine the psychometric properties and the clinical use of the Dutch Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire in 78 autistic and 68 typically developing adults (18–45 years; IQ > 70). Just like the original Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire, the Dutch Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire is a reliable and valid questionnaire. The Dutch Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire had reliable hypo- and hyper-responsiveness subscales, reasonable to good modality subscales and was stable over time. Moreover, using the 95th percentile of the typically developing group as cut-off, we showed that two thirds of the autistic adults had heightened sensory sensitivity. We also showed that hypo- and hyper-responsiveness do co-exist in both autistic and typically developing adults. In sum, we conclude that the Dutch Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire is suitable to be used in scientific research as well as in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke WM Kuiper
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis, The Netherlands
- University van Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hilde M Geurts
- Dr. Leo Kannerhuis, The Netherlands
- University van Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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