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Pick S, David AS, Edwards MJ, Goldstein LH, Hodsoll J, Millman LSM, Nicholson TR, Reinders AATS, Stanton B, Winston JS, Mehta MA, Chalder T, Hotopf M. Investigating psychobiological causes and mechanisms in functional seizures and functional motor symptoms: Study protocol. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305015. [PMID: 38905248 PMCID: PMC11192335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advances have been made in understanding the aetiology of functional neurological disorder (FND); however, its pathophysiological mechanisms have not been definitively demonstrated. Evidence suggests interacting roles for altered emotional processing and interoception, elevated autonomic arousal, and dissociation, but there is limited evidence demonstrating their causal influence on specific FND symptoms. Our superordinate aim is to elucidate potentially shared and distinct aetiological factors and mechanisms in two common FND subtypes, functional seizures (FS) and functional motor symptoms (FMS). METHODS This study has a multimodal, mixed between- and within-groups design. The target sample is 50 individuals with FS, 50 with FMS, 50 clinical controls (anxiety/depression), and 50 healthy controls. Potential aetiological factors (e.g., adverse life events, physical/mental health symptoms, dissociative tendencies, interoceptive insight/sensibility) will be assessed with a detailed medical history interview and self-report questionnaires. A laboratory session will include a neurocognitive battery, psychophysiological testing, cardiac interoception and time estimation tasks and an isometric handgrip task. A subsample will undergo magnetic resonance imaging, including structural, resting-state and task-based scans combined with psychophysiological recording. Remote monitoring with ecological momentary assessment and wearables will measure variability in FND symptoms and their potential predictors/correlates for ≥2 weeks in patients' daily lives. Longitudinal follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12-months will monitor longer-term outcomes in the clinical groups. DISCUSSION This study employs multimodal research methods to rigorously examine several putative mechanisms in FND, at subjective/experiential, behavioural, and physiological levels. The study will test causal hypotheses about the role of altered emotional processing, autonomic arousal, dissociation and interoception in the initiation or exacerbation of FND symptoms, directly comparing these processes in FS and FMS to healthy and clinical controls. This is the first study of its kind, with potential to reveal important targets for prevention and treatment of FND in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Pick
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony S. David
- Instutite of Mental Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J. Edwards
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laura H. Goldstein
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Hodsoll
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - L. S. Merritt Millman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy R. Nicholson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - A. A. T. S. Reinders
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Biba Stanton
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joel S. Winston
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mitul A. Mehta
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Hotopf
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Millman LSM, Short E, Ward E, Stanton B, Bradley-Westguard A, Goldstein LH, Winston JS, Mehta MA, Nicholson TR, Reinders AATS, David AS, Edwards MJ, Chalder T, Hotopf M, Pick S. Etiological Factors and Symptom Triggers in Functional Motor Symptoms and Functional Seizures: A Pilot Investigation. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:appineuropsych20230103. [PMID: 38481167 DOI: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.20230103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined etiological factors and symptom triggers of functional motor symptoms (FMS) or functional seizures (FS) and assessed potential relationships with relevant clinical features (i.e., functional symptoms, quality of life, and general functioning). METHODS Seventeen participants with FMS or FS and 17 healthy control participants underwent an in-depth clinical interview and completed questionnaires assessing adverse life events, psychological and physical symptoms, alexithymia, autistic traits, illness perceptions, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and work and social functioning. RESULTS Participants with FMS or FS perceived various causes of the disorder, including physical symptoms (65%), emotional problems (53%), adverse life events (47%), and work-related factors (29%). Triggers of FMS and FS included physical activity or exertion (59%), stress and emotions (59%), sensory experiences (47%), and fatigue (41%). Compared with healthy control participants, participants with FMS or FS reported more adverse events during adolescence and higher levels of alexithymia, somatoform dissociation, psychological dissociation (disengagement, depersonalization, and derealization), anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms. Participants with FMS or FS had worse HRQoL than healthy control participants and impaired work and social functioning. There were inverse associations between HRQoL scores and somatoform dissociation, anxiety, and adverse life events. CONCLUSIONS Participants with FMS or FS reported diverse biopsychosocial etiological factors and symptom triggers. Ongoing psychological symptoms and lifetime adverse experiences were associated with worse HRQoL. Future studies will examine these factors in larger samples of individuals with FMS or FS to better understand their shared and distinct etiological underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- L S Merritt Millman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Eleanor Short
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Emily Ward
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Biba Stanton
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Abigail Bradley-Westguard
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Joel S Winston
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Mitul A Mehta
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Timothy R Nicholson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Antje A T S Reinders
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Anthony S David
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Mark J Edwards
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Matthew Hotopf
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
| | - Susannah Pick
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London (Millman, Short, Ward, Stanton, Bradley-Westguard, Goldstein, Winston, Mehta, Nicholson, Reinders, Edwards, Chalder, Hotopf, Pick); University College London Institute of Mental Health, London (David); South London and Maudsley National Health Service Foundation Trust, London (Hotopf)
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Doustmohammadi F, Tavoli A, Tanhaye Reshvanloo F, Abaszad A. The Relationship Between Childhood Traumatic Experiences and Bodily Distress Syndrome: The Mediating Role of Somatoform Dissociation. J Genet Psychol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38456805 DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2024.2315932] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
This research aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and bodily distress syndrome, and the mediating role of somatoform dissociation. A total of 241 individuals living in Iran aged 20-40 years (M = 26.41 years, SD = 6.30; 74.7% females) were selected by convenience sampling to participate online in the research in March 2023. They answered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF), the Bodily Distress Syndrome Checklist (BDS-25), and the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20). The results of the structural equation modeling showed that the model had a good fit, and significant relationships were observed between childhood traumatic experiences and bodily distress syndrome, between childhood traumatic experiences and somatoform dissociation, and also between somatoform dissociation and bodily distress syndrome. The results indicated that somatoform dissociation partially mediates the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and bodily distress syndrome. Furthermore, the prevalence of bodily distress syndrome was higher in the female than the male participants. The results thus highlight the role of childhood traumatic experiences and somatoform dissociation in creating bodily distress syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Doustmohammadi
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Tavoli
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Asal Abaszad
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
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Fung HW, Wong MYC, Moskowitz A, Chien WT, Hung SL, Lam SKK. Association Between Psychotic and Dissociative Symptoms: Further Investigation Using Network Analysis. J Trauma Dissociation 2024; 25:279-296. [PMID: 38124492 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2023.2293776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The association and overlap between psychotic and dissociative phenomena have been increasingly recognized. Previous studies found that psychotic symptoms are closely associated with post-traumatic and dissociative symptoms and that these trauma-related phenomena may mediate the relationship between trauma and psychotic symptoms. It remained less explored which specific post-traumatic and dissociative symptom clusters are particularly associated with psychotic symptoms. This cross-sectional study used a data-driven approach (network analysis) to explore the associations among different psychotic and post-traumatic/dissociative symptom clusters in an online convenience predominantly female sample (N = 468)(59.2% had ever seen a psychiatrist). Participants completed well-established multidimensional measures that assessed different symptom clusters of psychosis, dissociation, and PTSD. In addition, multiple mediation analysis was conducted to examine which post-traumatic/dissociative symptoms could mediate the relationship between childhood and adulthood trauma and different psychotic symptoms. Our results confirmed previous findings that PTSD and dissociative symptoms are closely associated with psychotic symptoms. More importantly, both data-driven and multiple mediation analysis results indicated that identity dissociation was particularly associated with perceptual anomalies and bizarre experiences, while emotional constriction was particularly associated with negative symptoms. It is important to screen for trauma and dissociation and provide trauma-and dissociation-informed care when working with people at risk of or experiencing psychosis. Further longitudinal studies using more representative samples are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang Fung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ming Yu Claudia Wong
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Taipo, Hong Kong
| | | | - Wai Tong Chien
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Suet Lin Hung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Stanley Kam Ki Lam
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Leroy A, Derambure P, Hingray C, El-Hage W, Warembourg I, Vaiva G, Amad A. Right temporoparietal junction transcranial direct current stimulation in the treatment of functional dissociative seizures: a case series. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:83-86. [PMID: 36602649 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01533-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Functional dissociative seizures (FDSs) are clinical events that resemble epileptic seizures but are not associated with abnormal brain electrical discharges or other physiological problems. In this pilot case series, ten adults with FDSs were recruited from our psychiatry department after being referred by a neurologist who made the diagnosis of FDS based on video EEG results. Each subject received ten sessions of cathodal tDCS focused on the right temporoparietal junction. A significant decrease in weekly seizure frequency was seen in all participants between baseline (30.2 ± 70.3 events) and 1 month after tDCS treatment (0.2 ± 0.3events) (p = 0.006). Main predisposing factors were unchanged after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Leroy
- Univ Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition Centre (U-1172), Plasticity and SubjectivitY Team, CURE Platform, 59000, Lille, France.
- General Psychiatry Department, CHU Lille, Fontan Hospital, 59037, Lille Cedex, France.
- Centre National de Ressources et Résilience pour les psychotraumatismes (CN2R Lille - Paris), 59000, Lille, France.
| | - Philippe Derambure
- Univ Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition Centre (U-1172), Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Coraline Hingray
- Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie adulte du Grand Nancy, CPN, Laxou, France
- CNRS CRAN, UMR7039, Centre de Recherche en Automatique de Nancy, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Wissam El-Hage
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
- CHRU de Tours, Pôle de Psychiatrie et d'addictologie, Tours, France
| | - Isabelle Warembourg
- General Psychiatry Department, CHU Lille, Fontan Hospital, 59037, Lille Cedex, France
| | - Guillaume Vaiva
- Univ Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition Centre (U-1172), Plasticity and SubjectivitY Team, CURE Platform, 59000, Lille, France
- General Psychiatry Department, CHU Lille, Fontan Hospital, 59037, Lille Cedex, France
- Centre National de Ressources et Résilience pour les psychotraumatismes (CN2R Lille - Paris), 59000, Lille, France
| | - Ali Amad
- Univ Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition Centre (U-1172), Plasticity and SubjectivitY Team, CURE Platform, 59000, Lille, France
- General Psychiatry Department, CHU Lille, Fontan Hospital, 59037, Lille Cedex, France
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Mueller C, Sharma AA, Szaflarski JP. Peripheral and Central Nervous System Biomarkers of Inflammation in Functional Seizures: Assessment with Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:2729-2743. [PMID: 38077237 PMCID: PMC10710262 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s437063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Inflammation may link trauma to clinical symptoms in functional seizures (FS). We compared brain temperature and metabolites in FS, psychiatric (PCs) and healthy controls (HCs) and quantified their associations with serum biomarkers of inflammation and clinical symptoms. Patients and Methods Brain temperature and metabolites were measured with whole-brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and compared between groups in regions of interest and the whole brain. Relationships with inflammatory biomarkers and symptoms were assessed with Pearson correlations. Results Brain temperature was higher in FS than HCs in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG) and lower in the occipital cortex and frontal lobe. PCs showed lower temperatures than HCs in the frontal lobe including precentral gyrus and in the cerebellum. Myo-inositol (MINO) was higher in FS than HCs in the precentral gyrus, posterior temporal gyrus, ACG and OFC, and choline (CHO) was higher in the occipital lobe. CHO was higher in PCs than HCs in the ACG and OFC, and N-acetylaspartate (NAA) was higher in the ACG. There were no significant correlations with the serum inflammatory biomarkers. In FS, brain temperature correlated with depression, quality of life, psychological symptoms, and disability, CHO correlated with disability, and MINO correlated with hostility, disability, and quality of life. Conclusion Some of the previously identified neuroimaging abnormalities in FS may be related to comorbid psychiatric symptoms, while others, such as abnormalities in sensorimotor cortex, occipital regions, and the temporo-parietal junction may be specific to FS. Overlapping MINO and temperature increases in the ACG and OFC in FS suggest neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Mueller
- Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Ayushe A Sharma
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jerzy P Szaflarski
- Departments of Neurology, Neurobiology, and Neurosurgery, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Pick S, Millman LM, Sun Y, Short E, Stanton B, Winston JS, Mehta MA, Nicholson TR, Reinders AA, David AS, Edwards MJ, Goldstein LH, Hotopf M, Chalder T. Objective and subjective neurocognitive functioning in functional motor symptoms and functional seizures: preliminary findings. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023; 45:970-987. [PMID: 37724767 PMCID: PMC11057846 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2023.2245110] [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: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to provide a preliminary assessment of objective and subjective neurocognitive functioning in individuals with functional motor symptoms (FMS) and/or functional seizures (FS). We tested the hypotheses that the FMS/FS group would display poorer objective attentional and executive functioning, altered social cognition, and reduced metacognitive accuracy. METHOD Individuals with FMS/FS (n = 16) and healthy controls (HCs, n = 17) completed an abbreviated CANTAB battery, and measures of intellectual functioning, subjective cognitive complaints, performance validity, and comorbid symptoms. Subjective performance ratings were obtained to assess local metacognitive accuracy. RESULTS The groups were comparable in age (p = 0.45), sex (p = 0.62), IQ (p = 0.57), and performance validity (p-values = 0.10-0.91). We observed no impairment on any CANTAB test in this FMS/FS sample compared to HCs, although the FMS/FS group displayed shorter reaction times on the Emotional Bias task (anger) (p = 0.01, np2 = 0.20). The groups did not differ in subjective performance ratings (p-values 0.15). Whilst CANTAB attentional set-shifting performance (total trials/errors) correlated with subjective performance ratings in HCs (p-values<0.005, rs = -0.85), these correlations were non-significant in the FMS/FS sample (p-values = 0.10-0.13, rs-values = -0.46-0.50). The FMS/FS group reported more daily cognitive complaints than HCs (p = 0.006, g = 0.92), which were associated with subjective performance ratings on CANTAB sustained attention (p = 0.001, rs = -0.74) and working memory tests (p < 0.001, rs = -0.75), and with depression (p = 0.003, rs = 0.70), and somatoform (p = 0.003, rs = 0.70) and psychological dissociation (p-values<0.005, rs-values = 0.67-0.85). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a discordance between objective and subjective neurocognitive functioning in this FMS/FS sample, reflecting intact test performance alongside poorer subjective cognitive functioning. Further investigation of neurocognitive functioning in FND subgroups is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Pick
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - L.S. Merritt Millman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Yiqing Sun
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Eleanor Short
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Biba Stanton
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Joel S. Winston
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Mitul A. Mehta
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Timothy R. Nicholson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | | | | | - Mark J. Edwards
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Laura H. Goldstein
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
| | - Matthew Hotopf
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK
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Villagrán A, Lund C, Duncan R, Ingvar Lossius M. Adverse life events in patients with functional seizures: Assessment in clinical practice and association with long-term outcome. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 148:109456. [PMID: 37804600 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A history of adverse life events (ALE) is a risk factor for functional seizures (FS). Their influence on long-term outcome remains unclear. International guidelines recommend assessing ALE in patients presenting with associated disorders. It is not clear to what extent patients evaluated for FS are regularly asked about ALE. OBJECTIVES We hypothesised that the presence of ALE would relate to worse outcome at follow-up and, that the rate of detection of ALE in clinical work-up would be inferior to that based on self-report questionnaires. METHODS 53 patients with FS from the National Centre for Epilepsy in Norway, aged 16-62 years were included. Symptom severity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and antecedent ALE were assessed at baseline. Medical records were examined for disclosure of ALE. At a mean of 70.45 (SD 29.0, range 22-130) months after inclusion, participants were inquired about FS status, FS-related health care utilization and HRQoL. FINDINGS A history of emotional abuse documented in the medical record was an independent risk factor for worse HRQoL at follow-up. Prevalence of ALE documented in medical records was lower compared with rates measured by a self-report questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate an association between antecedent ALE and HRQoL years after diagnosis. A substantial proportion of the adverse life events by a self-report questionnaire had not been documented in the clinical records. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The supplemental use of a self-report questionnaire in the diagnostic work-up of patients with FS may be valuable for detecting ALE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Villagrán
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Caroline Lund
- Department of Neurohabilitation, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; National Centre for Rare Epilepsy-Related Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Roderick Duncan
- Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Morten Ingvar Lossius
- National Centre for Epilepsy, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Member of the ERN EpiCARE, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Strouza AI, Lawrence AJ, Vissia EM, Kakouris A, Akan A, Nijenhuis ERS, Draijer N, Chalavi S, Reinders AATS. Identity state-dependent self-relevance and emotional intensity ratings of words in dissociative identity disorder: A controlled longitudinal study. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3208. [PMID: 37721528 PMCID: PMC10570477 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is characterized by, among others, amnesic episodes and the recurrence of different dissociative identity states. While consistently observed in clinical settings, to our knowledge, no controlled research study has shown the degree to which different identity states report autobiographical knowledge over time. Hence, the current study investigates self-relevance and emotional intensity ratings of words longitudinally. METHODS Data of 46 participants were included: 13 individuals with DID, 11 DID-simulating actors, and a control group of 22 paired individuals. Individuals with DID and DID simulators participated once in the neutral identity state (NIS) and once in the trauma-related dissociative identity state (TIS). The control group paired 11 healthy controls with 11 participants with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a NIS-TIS pair. Self-relevance ratings of different word types were collected in a baseline and a follow-up session, on average 6 weeks apart. A mixed ANOVA design was used to assess the effects of group, session, word type, and dissociative identity state. RESULTS All participants in TIS and individuals with DID in NIS rated self-relevant trauma-related words more negatively. In the NIS, the control group rated self-relevant trauma-related words as less negative, whereas the ratings of simulating actors were intermediate. There was no group-dependent longitudinal effect for intensity ratings. CONCLUSIONS This study was the first to confirm clinical observations that self-relevant and emotional processing are different between individuals with DID and controls, but consistent over time. Actors were unable to perfectly simulate DID. The finding that ratings of self-relevant trauma-related words differ between subgroups as included in the study is in line with clinical observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini I. Strouza
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmcVU University AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Andrew J. Lawrence
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Andreana Kakouris
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of PsychiatryKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Ayse Akan
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of PsychiatryKing's College LondonLondonUK
- North East London NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Ellert R. S. Nijenhuis
- Clienia Littenheid AGPrivate Clinic for Psychiatry and PsychotherapyLittenheidSwitzerland
| | - Nel Draijer
- Department of PsychiatryVU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Sima Chalavi
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement SciencesKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Antje A. T. S. Reinders
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
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10
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Szily D, Kelemen R, Nagy ZS, Szabó D, Unoka ZS. Disturbed body schema, perceptual body image, and attitudinal body image in patients with borderline personality disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1168611. [PMID: 37822796 PMCID: PMC10562535 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1168611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder that affects attitudes toward the body. However, whether this condition also affects body schema and perceptual body image remains unclear. Previous questionnaire-based studies found dissatisfaction with one's body in patients with BPD. In addition to attitudinal body image, our study investigates whether body schema and perceptual body image are disturbed in patients with BPD. Method Our study included 31 patients diagnosed with BPD (25 women) and 30 healthy individuals (19 women) (Mage = 29 for both groups). The SCID-5-PD interview was used to determine personality disorder. Attitudinal body image was measured using the Body Attitude Test (BAT) factors. Body schema and perceptual body image were measured by two conditions of a body representation task, the body portraying method (BPM). Results BPD patients achieved higher scores in all three BAT factors and were more susceptible to misinformation in both conditions of BPM. Based on the results, BPD patients appear to have more negative attitudes toward their bodies and worse perceptual body image and body schema. Conclusion The novel finding of our study is that, besides the previously found attitudinal dissatisfaction with the body, individuals with BPD also show disturbances at the levels of body schema and perceptual body image. Our findings concerning disturbances in body schema and perceptual body need further research into their etiological factors and provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorottya Szily
- Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Zita S. Nagy
- OMINT-National Institute of Medical Rehabilitation, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dominik Szabó
- Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Szabolcs Unoka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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11
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Pozuelo Moyano B, Duquenne C, Favrat B, Francois-Xavier B, Kokkinakis I, Tzartzas K. Clinical impact and misdiagnosis of functional ophthalmological symptoms: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:340. [PMID: 37563729 PMCID: PMC10416532 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-04063-0] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a high prevalence of somatoform disorders and medically unexplained symptoms. When it comes to deciding whether a patient is able to work, it is essential to differentiate a somatoform disorder from a factitious disorder. The case presented demonstrates the impact on disability benefits and the subsequent psychosocial repercussions of misdiagnosing between a factitious disorder and a somatoform disorder. CASE PRESENTATION A 42-year-old Caucasian woman worked as a 100% fiduciary accountant until the age of 32 when she was placed on medical leave due to persistent trigeminal neuralgia. Afterward, she developed total blindness, not explained by a physiological process, accompanied by distress in a crucial emotional context. We evaluated the patient for a revision of a disability income after a diagnosis of factitious disorder with severe consequences such as disability income suspension and family conflict. Our psychiatric examination concluded the diagnoses of pain disorders related to psychological factors and a dissociative neurological symptom disorder with visual disturbance. CONCLUSIONS Blindness not explained by a physiological process may accompany trauma and psychological distress. Differentiating this pathology from factitious disorder or simulation is essential from an insurance medicine point of view, but also for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Pozuelo Moyano
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 44, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Duquenne
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 44, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bernard Favrat
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 44, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Ioannis Kokkinakis
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 44, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Konstantinos Tzartzas
- Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 44, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
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12
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Fung HW, Wong MYC, Lam SKK, Wong ENM, Chien WT, Hung SL, Lee KH, Cui J, Ross CA. Borderline personality disorder features and their relationship with trauma and dissociation in a sample of community health service users. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2023; 10:22. [PMID: 37394448 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-023-00228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have indicated that borderline personality disorder (BPD) is closely associated with trauma and dissociation. Nevertheless, BPD is a heterogeneous condition, and not all people with BPD have severe dissociation. This study examined whether the relationship of BPD features with trauma and dissociation would remain significant after controlling for some general non-specific mental health distress. We also made the first attempt to explore which specific BPD features would be particularly associated with dissociation. METHODS We analyzed survey data from a sample of community health service users in Hong Kong (N = 376). Hierarchical multiple regression and data-driven network analysis were used. RESULTS The lifetime prevalence of DSM-5 BPD was 16.0% in our sample. Of participants who met criteria for BPD, 43.3% scored above cutoff on the dissociation measures, thus possibly having clinically significant dissociative symptoms. BPD features were associated with adulthood trauma and psychoform dissociation even after controlling for age, depression and self-esteem. Network analysis showed that some BPD features - including impulsivity, identity disturbance and suicidal/self-mutilation behaviors - were particularly associated with dissociation; other BPD features such as interpersonal-related problems had relatively weak to no connection with dissociation. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that some particular BPD features might be dissociative in nature, although further longitudinal research is required. We argue that a trauma-informed perspective should be employed when working with clients presenting with BPD features despite these features being commonly stigmatized. Further research on the intervention needs of the people with BPD who suffer from high levels of dissociation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang Fung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Ming Yu Claudia Wong
- Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong
| | - Stanley Kam Ki Lam
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Emily Nga Man Wong
- Department of Counselling and Psychology, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, North Point, Hong Kong
| | - Wai Tong Chien
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Suet Lin Hung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | - Kun-Hua Lee
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Tsing Hua University, 521 Nan-Da Road, Hsinchu City, 30014, Taiwan
| | - Jialiang Cui
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Colin A Ross
- The Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma, Richardson, TX, USA
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13
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Mueller C, Szaflarski JP. White matter microstructure and serum biomarkers of inflammation in psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 39:103462. [PMID: 37413772 PMCID: PMC10509528 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103462] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation may contribute to the pathophysiology of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). However, it is unclear whether and to what degree comorbid psychiatric symptoms explain this association. In this study, we investigated the neuroinflammatory signature of PNES and how it compares to that of people with psychiatric conditions (PwPCs). METHODS We prospectively assessed differences in neurite density (NDI), orientation dispersion (ODI), and isotropic diffusion (F-ISO) in 23 participants with PNES and 27 PwPCs, and their relationships to serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF receptor 1 (TNF-R1), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), interleukin (IL)-6, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 using voxelwise multiple linear regressions. Pearson correlations between serum biomarkers and clinical symptoms were also obtained. RESULTS There were no white matter (WM) microstructural differences between groups. In PNES, TNF-R1 was negatively associated with NDI in the right uncinate fasciculus (UF) and positively associated with F-ISO in the left UF. IL-6 was positively associated with NDI and negatively with F-ISO in the left UF. ICAM-1 was positively associated with ODI in the left UF. TNF-α was negatively associated with ODI in the left cingulum bundle. The opposite relationships were observed in PwPCs. Higher TNF-R1 was associated with higher depression, anxiety, lower emotional quality of life, and higher levels of disability in PNES. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we report relationships between peripheral inflammatory biomarkers and WM integrity in PNES, including abnormalities in the UF and cingulum bundle. Our results suggest that serum biomarkers of inflammation may, with additional studies, become a useful aid to PNES diagnosis, especially in settings where video-EEG is not available. The lack of group differences in WM microstructure suggests that previously identified WM abnormalities in PNES versus healthy controls may be related to psychological comorbidities of PNES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Mueller
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Jerzy P Szaflarski
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA; Departments of Neurobiology and Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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14
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Cassady M, Baslet G. Dissociation in patients with epilepsy and functional seizures: A narrative review of the literature. Seizure 2023; 110:220-230. [PMID: 37433243 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.06.020] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissociation is a "disruption of the usually integrated functions of consciousness, memory, identity or perception of the environment" according to DSM-5. It is commonly seen in psychiatric disorders including primary dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and panic disorder. Dissociative phenomena are also described in the context of substance intoxication, sleep deprivation and medical illnesses including traumatic brain injury, migraines, and epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy have higher rates of dissociative experiences as measured on the Dissociative Experiences Scale compared to healthy controls. Ictal symptoms, especially in focal epilepsy of temporal lobe origin, may include dissociative-like experiences such as déjà vu/jamais vu, depersonalization, derealization and what has been described as a "dreamy state". These descriptions are common in the setting of seizures that originate from mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and may involve the amygdala and hippocampus. Other ictal dissociative phenomena include autoscopy and out of body experiences, which are thought to be due to disruptions in networks responsible for the integration of one's own body and extra-personal space and involve the temporoparietal junction and posterior insula. In this narrative review, we will summarize the updated literature on dissociative experiences in epilepsy, as well as dissociative experiences in functional seizures. Using a case example, we will review the differential diagnosis of dissociative symptoms. We will also review neurobiological underpinnings of dissociative symptoms across different diagnostic entities and discuss how ictal symptoms may shed light on the neurobiology of complex mental processes including the subjective nature of consciousness and self-identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Cassady
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Gaston Baslet
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Perona-Garcelán S, Rodenas-Perea G, Velasco-Barbancho E, Senín-Calderón C, Rodríguez-Testal JF, Moreno-Buzón R, Ruiz-Veguilla M, Crespo-Facorro B. Spanish validation of the Detachment and Compartmentalization Inventory (DCI) in a community and clinical sample. A new instrument for measuring dissociation. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY AND MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 16:102-108. [PMID: 33359120 DOI: 10.1016/j.rpsm.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dissociative symptoms are a type of phenomenon which is present in a wide variety of psychopathological disorders. It is therefore necessary to develop scales that measure this type of experience for therapy and research. Starting out from the bipartite model of dissociation, this study intended to adapt and validate the Detachment and Compartmentalization Inventory (DCI) in Spanish. MATERIAL AND METHODS For this, 308 participants (268 from the community population and 40 with psychiatric pathology) completed the DCI, the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES-II), the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ20) and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). RESULTS The results showed that the Spanish version has a two-factor structure similar to the original version and was invariant across participants. The reliability of DCI scores was adequate and acquired evidence of validity related to other instruments. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that the DCI is a valid scale for detecting detachment and compartmentalization dissociative experiences, both in the clinic and research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Juan F Rodríguez-Testal
- Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment Department, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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16
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Dissoziation: ein transdiagnostisches Phänomen. DIE PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2023. [PMCID: PMC9982778 DOI: 10.1007/s00278-022-00641-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Der Begriff der Dissoziation wurde in frühen Anfängen der Neurosenlehre verwendet, hat sich seither gewandelt und ist Ausgangspunkt vieler Kontroversen. Unter Dissoziation wird i. Allg. die Abspaltung sonst integrierter Gedächtnis‑, Bewusstseins‑, Identitäts- und Wahrnehmungsfunktionen (eigene Person und Umwelt) verstanden. Dissoziation ist ein klinisches Kriterium von Belastungsstörungen und der emotional instabilen Persönlichkeitsstörung; dissoziative Symptome haben sind ebenfalls als Phänomene bei anderen Erkrankungen hochrelevant. Differenzialdiagnostisch ist Schizophrenie bedeutsam. Die Unterscheidung zwischen Dissoziation von Detachment- und Kompartmentalisationstyp sowie die Berücksichtigung möglicher Traumatatypen können die Entwicklung von Krankheitsmodellen unterstützen. Die Behandlung basiert auf akkurater Diagnostik, einschließlich Biografie und Beziehungen. Komplexe Dissoziationslagen erfordern eine komplexe Therapie, weil neben der psychischen Integration weitere psychosoziale Bedarfe zu bedienen sind.
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17
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Panisch LS, Rogers RG, Breen MT, Nutt S, Dahud S, Salazar CA. Dissociation Among Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain: Relation to Surgical Treatment, Pelvic Pain Severity, and Health-Related Quality of Life. J Trauma Dissociation 2023; 24:296-311. [PMID: 36744637 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2023.2168828] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is associated with a history of trauma and symptoms of somatoform dissociation. We aimed to describe how somatoform dissociation impacts CPP symptoms, surgical treatment, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients (N = 133) diagnosed with CPP presenting for an appointment at a women's health clinic between November, 2019 - July, 2021 were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study and complete a survey assessing symptoms of somatoform dissociation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pelvic pain severity, history of CPP-related surgeries, and mental and physical HRQOL. We also conducted a post-hoc analysis assessing correlations of individual symptom items on the Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20) with HRQOL outcomes. We did not find a relationship between somatoform dissociation and pelvic pain severity or surgical history. Physical HRQOL outcomes were related to somatoform dissociation, PTSD symptoms, and pelvic pain severity, while mental HRQOL outcomes were connected to somatoform dissociation and PTSD symptoms. Our study reveals preliminary evidence suggesting that among CPP patients, HRQOL outcomes are affected by unique profiles of positive and negative symptoms of somatoform dissociation, including sensory disturbances, localized genital pain, and generalized numbness and bodily analgesia. Addressing specific symptoms of somatoform dissociation may enhance HRQOL among trauma-exposed women with CPP. Replication studies are needed to validate our findings. Integrating trauma-informed approaches, including standardized evaluations of trauma exposure and symptoms of somatoform dissociation into routine care for women with CPP is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Panisch
- School of Social Work, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Rebecca G Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Michael T Breen
- Department of Women's Health, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Health Transformation Building, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Stephanie Nutt
- Department of Women's Health, University of Texas at Austin, Health Transformation Building, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Soraya Dahud
- Department of Women's Health, University of Texas at Austin, Health Transformation Building, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Christina A Salazar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, New York, USA
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18
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Jo Y, Choi H. Factor Structure and Clinical Correlates of The Dissociative Symptoms Scale (DSS) Korean Version Among Community Sample With Adverse Childhood Experiences. J Trauma Dissociation 2023; 24:380-394. [PMID: 36809920 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2023.2181474] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Dissociative Symptoms Scale (DSS) among the Korean community adult population with adverse childhood experiences (ACE). Data were drawn from community sample data sets collected from an online panel investigating the impact of ACE and ultimately consisted of data from a total of 1304 participants. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed a bi-factor model with a general factor and four sub-factors such as depersonalization/derealization, gaps in awareness and memory, sensory misperceptions, and cognitive behavioral reexperiencing, which are the four factors that correspond to the original DSS. The DSS showed good internal consistency as well as convergent validity with clinical correlates such as posttraumatic stress disorder, somatoform dissociation, and emotion dysregulation. The high-risk group with more ACE was associated with increased DSS. These findings support the multidimensionality of dissociation and the validity of Korean DSS scores in a general population sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonhyoung Jo
- Department of Psychology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Hyunjung Choi
- Department of Psychology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
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19
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Balla U, Lev-Wiesel R, Bhattacharyya A, Israeli D, Daphna-Tekoah S. The Medical Somatic Dissociation Questionnaire Assessment For Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Brief Report. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2023; 32:153-163. [PMID: 36587374 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2022.2161439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is a prevalent phenomenon worldwide. However, a gap exists between its incidence and its disclosure rate. Furthermore, assessment tools and techniques capable to identify the source of symptoms are lacking. This study investigates the extent to which the validated Medical Somatic Dissociation Questionnaire (MSDQ) can differentiate between sexually and non-sexually abused children. A total of 794 children and youth between the ages of 8 and 18 (mean age: 12.2 (SD = 2.3); 42% female, 58% male) were recruited from the general population; other participants were residents of boarding schools and children who were referred to medical treatment. The anonymous online questionnaire included queries about demographics, a condensed version of the Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire, and the MSDQ. Findings indicate strong internal consistency, reliability, incremental validity, and predictive validity of the instrument, indicating the superiority of the MSDQ's ability to predict sexual abuse compared to physical abuse or the loss of a family member. It is concluded that the MSDQ can be integrated into the evaluation process performed by healthcare professionals in the diagnosis of minors with unexplained symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Balla
- Kaplan Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
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20
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Dimitrova LI, Dean SL, Schlumpf YR, Vissia EM, Nijenhuis ERS, Chatzi V, Jäncke L, Veltman DJ, Chalavi S, Reinders AATS. A neurostructural biomarker of dissociative amnesia: a hippocampal study in dissociative identity disorder. Psychol Med 2023; 53:805-813. [PMID: 34165068 PMCID: PMC9975991 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721002154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the neural correlates of dissociative amnesia, a transdiagnostic symptom mostly present in the dissociative disorders and core characteristic of dissociative identity disorder (DID). Given the vital role of the hippocampus in memory, a prime candidate for investigation is whether total and/or subfield hippocampal volume can serve as biological markers of dissociative amnesia. METHODS A total of 75 women, 32 with DID and 43 matched healthy controls (HC), underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using Freesurfer (version 6.0), volumes were extracted for bilateral global hippocampus, cornu ammonis (CA) 1-4, the granule cell molecular layer of the dentate gyrus (GC-ML-DG), fimbria, hippocampal-amygdaloid transition area (HATA), parasubiculum, presubiculum and subiculum. Analyses of covariance showed volumetric differences between DID and HC. Partial correlations exhibited relationships between the three factors of the dissociative experience scale scores (dissociative amnesia, absorption, depersonalisation/derealisation) and traumatisation measures with hippocampal global and subfield volumes. RESULTS Hippocampal volumes were found to be smaller in DID as compared with HC in bilateral global hippocampus and bilateral CA1, right CA4, right GC-ML-DG, and left presubiculum. Dissociative amnesia was the only dissociative symptom that correlated uniquely and significantly with reduced bilateral hippocampal CA1 subfield volumes. Regarding traumatisation, only emotional neglect correlated negatively with bilateral global hippocampus, bilateral CA1, CA4 and GC-ML-DG, and right CA3. CONCLUSION We propose decreased CA1 volume as a biomarker for dissociative amnesia. We also propose that traumatisation, specifically emotional neglect, is interlinked with dissociative amnesia in having a detrimental effect on hippocampal volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lora I. Dimitrova
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie L. Dean
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Yolanda R. Schlumpf
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Clienia Littenheid AG, Private Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | | | - Ellert R. S. Nijenhuis
- Clienia Littenheid AG, Private Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | - Vasiliki Chatzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lutz Jäncke
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Research Unit for Plasticity and Learning of the Healthy Aging Brain, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dick J. Veltman
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sima Chalavi
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antje A. T. S. Reinders
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Somma A, Krueger RF, Markon KE, Gialdi G, Frau C, Fossati A. The joint hierarchical structure of psychopathology and dysfunctional personality domain indicators among community-dwelling adults. Personal Ment Health 2023; 17:3-19. [PMID: 35770737 DOI: 10.1002/pmh.1556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
To examine the hierarchical structure of psychopathology and dysfunctional personality domains, 2416 Italian community-dwelling adult volunteers were administered a set of psychometrically sound psychopathology measures and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Brief Form+ (PID-5-BF+). Parallel analysis, minimum average partial, and very simple structure results suggested that 1-6 principal components (PCs) should be retained. Goldberg's bass-ackwards model of the joint psychopathology measure and PID-5-BF+ ipsatized domain scale correlation matrix evidenced a hierarchical structure that was consistent with the working model proposed by the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology (HiTOP) consortium. Hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis around latent variables of the psychopathology indicators and PID-5-BF+ domain scales recovered four latent dimensions, which were akin to the corresponding bass-ackwards components and nicely reproduced the HiTOP Internalizing, Externalizing, Thought Disorder, and Eating Pathology dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Somma
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Robert F Krueger
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kristian E Markon
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Giulia Gialdi
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Fossati
- School of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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McHugh DL, Egan DJ. Psychological and somatic manifestations of dissociation: The role of childhood trauma, attachment, and alexithymia. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2023.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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23
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Saarni SE, Rosenström T, Stenberg JH, Plattonen A, Holi M, Ekelund J, Granö N, Komsi N, Saarni SI. Finnish Psychotherapy Quality Register: rationale, development, and baseline results. Nord J Psychiatry 2022:1-12. [PMID: 36541920 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2022.2150788] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The push to systematically follow treatment outcomes in psychotherapies to improve health care is increasing worldwide. To manage psychotherapeutic services and facilitate tailoring of therapy according to feedback a comprehensive and feasible data system is needed. AIMS To describe the Finnish Psychotherapy Quality Register (FPQR), a comprehensive database on availability, quality, and outcomes of psychotherapies. METHODS We describe the development of the FPQR and outcome for outsourced psychotherapies for adults in Helsinki and Uusimaa hospital district (HUS). Symptom severity and functioning are measured with validated measures (e.g. CORE-OM, PHQ-9, OASIS, AUDIT, and SOFAS). Questionnaires on therapeutic alliance, risks, methods, and goals are gathered from patients and psychotherapist. RESULTS During 2018-2021, the FPQR included baseline data for 7274 unique patients and 336 psychotherapists. Response rate of measures was 85-98%. The use of the register was mandatory for the outsourced therapist of the hospital districts, and the patients were strongly recommended to fulfill the questionnaires. We report outcome for three groups of patients (n = 1844) with final/midterm data. The effect sizes for long psychotherapy (Hedge's g = 0.65 of SOFAS) were smaller than those for short psychotherapy (g = 0.75-0.91). Within three months of referral, 26-60% entered treatment depending on short- or long-term therapy. CONCLUSION The FPQR forms a novel rich database with commensurate data on availability and outcomes of outsourced psychotherapies. It may serve as a basis for a national comprehensive follow-up system of psychosocial treatments. The Finnish system seems to refer patients with milder symptoms to more intensive treatments and achieve poorer results compared to the IAPT model in UK, Norway, or Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suoma E Saarni
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tom Rosenström
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jan-Henry Stenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aino Plattonen
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Holi
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jesper Ekelund
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niklas Granö
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, Brain Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Niina Komsi
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Samuli I Saarni
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Campbell MC, Smakowski A, Rojas-Aguiluz M, Goldstein LH, Cardeña E, Nicholson TR, Reinders AATS, Pick S. Dissociation and its biological and clinical associations in functional neurological disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis. BJPsych Open 2022; 9:e2. [PMID: 36451595 PMCID: PMC9798224 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have reported elevated rates of dissociative symptoms and comorbid dissociative disorders in functional neurological disorder (FND); however, a comprehensive review is lacking. AIMS To systematically review the severity of dissociative symptoms and prevalence of comorbid dissociative disorders in FND and summarise their biological and clinical associations. METHOD We searched Embase, PsycInfo and MEDLINE up to June 2021, combining terms for FND and dissociation. Studies were eligible if reporting dissociative symptom scores or rates of comorbid dissociative disorder in FND samples. Risk of bias was appraised using modified Newcastle-Ottawa criteria. The findings were synthesised qualitatively and dissociative symptom scores were included in a meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42020173263). RESULTS Seventy-five studies were eligible (FND n = 3940; control n = 3073), most commonly prospective case-control studies (k = 54). Dissociative disorders were frequently comorbid in FND. Psychoform dissociation was elevated in FND compared with healthy (g = 0.90, 95% CI 0.66-1.14, I2 = 70%) and neurological controls (g = 0.56, 95% CI 0.19-0.92, I2 = 67%). Greater psychoform dissociation was observed in FND samples with seizure symptoms versus healthy controls (g = 0.94, 95% CI 0.65-1.22, I2 = 42%) and FND samples with motor symptoms (g = 0.40, 95% CI -0.18 to 1.00, I2 = 54%). Somatoform dissociation was elevated in FND versus healthy controls (g = 1.80, 95% CI 1.25-2.34, I2 = 75%). Dissociation in FND was associated with more severe functional symptoms, worse quality of life and brain alterations. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the potential clinical utility of assessing patients with FND for dissociative symptomatology. However, fewer studies investigated FND samples with motor symptoms and heterogeneity between studies and risk of bias were high. Rigorous investigation of the prevalence, features and mechanistic relevance of dissociation in FND is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm C Campbell
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; and Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Abigail Smakowski
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK; and University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maya Rojas-Aguiluz
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Laura H Goldstein
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Etzel Cardeña
- Center for Research on Consciousness and Anomalous Psychology (CERCAP), Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Timothy R Nicholson
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Susannah Pick
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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25
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Gardoki-Souto I, Redolar-Ripoll D, Fontana M, Hogg B, Castro MJ, Blanch JM, Ojeda F, Solanes A, Radua J, Valiente-Gómez A, Cirici R, Pérez V, Amann BL, Moreno-Alcázar A. Prevalence and Characterization of Psychological Trauma in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Cross-Sectional Study. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:2114451. [PMID: 36504759 PMCID: PMC9729049 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2114451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Preliminary evidence suggests that psychological trauma, especially childhood trauma, is a risk factor for the onset of fibromyalgia (FM). Objective The main objective of this study consisted of evaluating the prevalence and detailed characteristics of psychological trauma in a sample of patients with FM, the chronology of trauma across the lifespan, and its clinical symptoms. We also calculated whether childhood trauma could predict the relationship with different clinical variables. Method Eighty-eight females underwent an interview to assess sociodemographic data, psychiatric comorbidities, level of pain, FM impact, clinical symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, quality of life, and psychological trauma. Results The majority of participants (71.5%) met the diagnostic criteria for current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants reported having suffered traumatic events throughout their lifespan, especially in childhood and early adolescence, in the form of emotional abuse, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, and physical abuse. Traumatic events predict both poor quality of life and a level of pain in adulthood. All patients showed clinically relevant levels of anxiety, depression, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, and pain, as well as somatic comorbidities and poor quality of life. Pain levels predicted anxiety, depression, dissociation, and insomnia symptoms. 84% of the sample suffered one or more traumatic events prior to the onset of pain. Conclusions Our data highlight the clinical complexity of patients with FM and the role of childhood trauma in the onset and maintenance of FM, as well as the high comorbidity between anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and FM. Our data also supports FM patients experiencing further retraumatization as they age, with an extremely high prevalence of current PTSD in our sample. These findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary programs for FM patients to address their physical pain and their psychiatric and somatic conditions, pay special attention to the assessment of psychological trauma, and provide trauma-focused interventions. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04476316. Registered on July 20th, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itxaso Gardoki-Souto
- Forum Center Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar (PSMAR), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomous Universtiy of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diego Redolar-Ripoll
- Cognitive NeuroLab, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Barcelona, Spain
- Neuromodulation Unit, Brain 360 Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Fontana
- Forum Center Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar (PSMAR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bridget Hogg
- Forum Center Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar (PSMAR), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Autonomous Universtiy of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Josep M. Blanch
- Rheumatology Service, Parc de Salut Mar (PSMAR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabiola Ojeda
- Rheumatology Service, Parc de Salut Mar (PSMAR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aleix Solanes
- August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Radua
- August Pi I Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Karolinska Institute (KI), Stockholm, Sweden
- King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alicia Valiente-Gómez
- Forum Center Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar (PSMAR), Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Cirici
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Pérez
- Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benedikt L. Amann
- Forum Center Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar (PSMAR), Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Ana Moreno-Alcázar
- Forum Center Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Parc de Salut Mar (PSMAR), Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ISOMAE Institute of Neurosciences and Psychosomatic Psychology, Sant Cugat Del Vallés, Barcelona, Spain
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Kandeğer A, Boysan M, Karaoğlan G, Tekdemir R, Şen B, Tan Ö, Sağlıyan B, Selvi Y. Heterogeneity of associations between dissociation and attention deficit symptoms. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-14. [PMID: 36406851 PMCID: PMC9647769 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03836-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Childhood trauma and dissociative experiences are suggested to be predisposing transdiagnostic factors for attention deficit /hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as many psychiatric disorders. Trauma-related symptoms such as motor restlessness, emotional instability, and concentration problems can mimic, trigger, or exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Moreover, given the relationship between ADHD and trauma-induced distress, it has been suggested that dissociative experiences and attention problems may reveal overlapping characteristics. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between dissociative experiences and attention deficits by carrying out mixture analysis. A thousand and thirty-seven participants volunteered to the online investigation. Participants completed a test battery that included a sociodemographic form as well as the Adult ADHD Severity Rating Scale (ASRS), Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), and Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ). Item responses on the DES and attention deficit symptoms as indexed by the ASRS were subjected to latent class analysis. The three-latent-class model outperformed alternative mixture models. Mixture analysis classified the sample into three homogenous subgroups as follows: (1) No/low dissociation or attention problems; (2) Moderate dissociation with attention problems; and (3) High dissociation with attention problems. High dissociators with attention problems were characterized by heightened scores on somatoform dissociation and emotional neglect. No/low dissociation or attention problems latent class reported significantly lower scores on hyperactivity/impulsivity, depression, attention deficit in childhood, and sexual abuse than both moderate and high dissociation latent classes. High dissociators and moderate dissociators significantly differed on conduct problems and physical abuse. We concluded that impulsive hyperactivity, depression, and childhood sexual abuse were common features in heightened dissociation latent classes, as well as attention deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kandeğer
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Murat Boysan
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ankara Social Sciences University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gizem Karaoğlan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Rukiye Tekdemir
- Department of Psychiatry, Atatürk Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Barış Şen
- Department of Psychiatry, Biga State Hospital, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Özge Tan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Bilal Sağlıyan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Selvi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
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Fung HW, Ross CA, Lam SKK, Hung SL. Recent research on the interventions for people with dissociation. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2022.100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Prevalence and correlates of dissociative symptoms among people with depression. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 154:132-138. [PMID: 35933857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To improve the outcomes of depression treatment, personalized treatments that take individual needs into account are recommended. Recent research suggests that a subgroup of depressed people who suffer from co-occurring dissociation may be more likely to have encountered traumatic or stressful experiences and they may also have more psychosocial intervention needs. METHODS This study examined the prevalence and correlates of dissociative symptoms in an online convenience sample of people (N = 410) from 18 different countries/regions who reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms (indicated by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10). RESULTS Over 60% of participants exhibited clinically significant levels of dissociative symptoms (indicated by a Multiscale Dissociation Inventory total score >66). Compared with those with low levels of dissociative symptoms, participants with high levels of dissociative symptoms reported more traumas, interpersonal stress, depression and trauma-related symptoms. Emotional constriction in particular had a weak but significant negative correlation with the level of perceived medication benefits. LIMITATIONS The use of an online convenience sample could limit the generalizability of our findings. Our cross-sectional data could not demonstrate causal relationships between the study variables. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight a need for complex health interventions for depressed people with co-occurring dissociative symptoms, focusing not only on depressive symptoms but also addressing trauma and dissociation-related symptoms.
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29
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Jungilligens J, Popkirov S, Perez DL, Diez I. Linking gene expression patterns and brain morphometry to trauma and symptom severity in patients with functional seizures. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2022; 326:111533. [PMID: 36055038 PMCID: PMC9968826 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2022.111533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Within stress-diathesis models, adverse life experiences (ALEs) increase the susceptibility to functional neurological symptoms through neuroplasticity effects. We aimed to characterize potential genetic influences on this relationship in 20 patients with functional seizures. Questionnaires, structural MRIs and Allen Human Brain Atlas gene expression information were used to probe the intersection of symptom severity (Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire, SDQ-20), ALE burden, and gray matter volumes. SDQ-20 scores positively correlated with sexual trauma, emotional neglect, and threat to life experiences. Higher SDQ-20 scores related to lower bilateral insula, left orbitofrontal, right amygdala, and perigenual/posterior cingulate volumes. Higher sexual trauma burden correlated with lower right posterior insula and putamen volumes; higher emotional neglect related to lower bilateral insula/right amygdala volumes. Findings in left insula/ventral precentral gyrus (SDQ-20), right insula/putamen (sexual trauma), and right amygdala (emotional neglect) held when controlling for comorbid psychopathology. At the intersection of symptom severity and sexual trauma volumetric findings, genes overrepresented in adrenergic, serotonergic, and oxytocin receptor signaling as well as in cortical and amygdala development were spatially correlated. In conclusion, ALEs and symptom severity were associated with gray matter volumes in cingulo-insular and amygdala areas, spatially overlapping with expression patterns of genes involved in stress-related signaling and neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Jungilligens
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America.
| | - Stoyan Popkirov
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - David L Perez
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ibai Diez
- Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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30
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The effect of attachment style on long-term outcomes in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures: Results from a prospective study. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 135:108890. [PMID: 36037581 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Insecure and fearful attachment styles have been reported in psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). We have investigated associations between long-term clinical outcome in PNES, parenting and attachment styles and demographic, clinical, and neuropsychiatric factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients aged at least 16 years and with documented PNES, according to criteria from the International League Against Epilepsy, were prospectively recruited to this study. They were assessed at baseline to determine clinical characteristics, experience of attachment and perceptions of experienced parenting styles, trauma history, dissociation, and health-related quality of life. At a mean of 70.45 (SD 29.0, range 22-130) months after inclusion, participants were contacted by telephone and asked about their current medical status and psychiatric/psychological interventions. RESULTS Of 53 patients included in the study, 51 (96 %) provided follow-up data. Most (84.9 %) patients were female, and the mean age of PNES onset was 25.6 years. At follow-up, 20 patients (39 %) were free of PNES. Those patients that had achieved PNES freedom at follow-up had lower levels of attachment anxiety (p = 0.01) and reported to have experienced their fathers as less controlling (p = 0.02) and their mothers as more caring (p = 0.04) at baseline compared with those patients still suffering from PNES. Seizure freedom at follow-up was predicted by male gender, younger age at PNES onset, and less attachment anxiety. CONCLUSION In our cohort from a tertiary epilepsy center the long-term prognosis of PNES is poor. Attachment anxiety is a risk factor for persistent PNES. It may be of therapeutic relevance to assess attachment patterns in patients with PNES.
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Panisch LS, Rogers RG, Breen MT, Nutt S, Dahud S, Salazar CA. Childhood betrayal trauma, dissociation, and shame impact health-related quality of life among individuals with chronic pelvic pain. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 131:105744. [PMID: 35749903 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High betrayal trauma (HBT), or interpersonal trauma perpetrated by someone close, is linked to dissociation and shame, while trauma perpetrated by someone less close, low betrayal trauma (LBT) is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). OBJECTIVE Child interpersonal trauma is common among women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and can negatively impact physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Our study investigates unexplored connections between these variables. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING Survey data were analyzed from 96 English-speaking female patients with CPP at a women's health clinic (mean age = 33, 59 % White non-Hispanic, 62 % married or cohabitating, 61.5 % completed post-high school degree); prevalence of HBT and LBT were 65.2 % and 45.6 %, respectively. METHODS Multiple regression analyzed relationships between mental and physical HRQOL and dissociation, shame, and PTSD. Parallel mediation analyses examined indirect relationships between mental and physical HRQOL and exposure to childhood HBT and LBT. RESULTS Dissociation was related to worse physical HRQOL, while shame was related to worse physical and mental HRQOL. Dissociation and shame mediated relationships between childhood HBT and current mental (R2 = 0.08, p = .01) and physical (R2 = 0.11, p = .002) HRQOL. Shame, but not PTSD, mediated relationships between childhood LBT and current mental (R2 = 0.14, p < .001) and physical (R2 = 0.16, p < .001) HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides preliminary evidence that dissociation and shame negatively impact HRQOL among individuals with CPP in the context of exposure to different types of childhood betrayal trauma. Replication studies to validate our results with larger samples and longitudinal designs are encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Panisch
- Wayne State University School of Social Work, 5447 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202, United States of America.
| | - Rebecca G Rogers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albany Medical Center, 391 Myrtle Ave #2, Albany, NY 12208, United States of America
| | - Michael T Breen
- Department of Women's Health, University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity Street, Bldg. A, 9th Floor, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America; Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, 1501 Red River St, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Nutt
- Department of Women's Health, University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity Street, Bldg. A, 9th Floor, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
| | - Soraya Dahud
- Department of Women's Health, University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity Street, Bldg. A, 9th Floor, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
| | - Christina A Salazar
- Department of Women's Health, University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity Street, Bldg. A, 9th Floor, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America; Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, 1501 Red River St, Austin, TX 78712, United States of America
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Mertens YL, Daniels JK. The Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS): Validation of the German Version. J Trauma Dissociation 2022; 23:366-384. [PMID: 34670474 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2021.1989111] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale (CADSS) is a structured clinical interview to assess state dissociation rated by clinicians. The current study aimed to validate the German version of CADSS by comparing it to the established self-report measures for dissociation and exploring its underlying factor structure. Severity of within-session state dissociation was assessed directly following a standard psychotherapy session in a trauma-exposed patient sample (N= 105; 81.9% female). Internal consistency, convergent validity with other dissociation measures, and the factorial structure of the instrument were analyzed. The German version exhibited excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .94) and correlated significantly with self-report measures of state dissociation (r = .86) and trait dissociation (r = .77) indicative of high convergent validity. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor solution with the factors (1) Depersonalization/Derealization, (2) Identity Confusion/Alteration, and (3) Amnesia. Results support the CADSS as a useful instrument to assess state dissociation, conceptualized as a multidimensional construct, in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoki L Mertens
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Judith K Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Exploring strategies to cope with dissociation and its determinants through functional analysis in patients suffering from PTSD: A qualitative study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Clinical Manifestations of Body Memories: The Impact of Past Bodily Experiences on Mental Health. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050594. [PMID: 35624981 PMCID: PMC9138975 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Bodily experiences such as the feeling of touch, pain or inner signals of the body are deeply emotional and activate brain networks that mediate their perception and higher-order processing. While the ad hoc perception of bodily signals and their influence on behavior is empirically well studied, there is a knowledge gap on how we store and retrieve bodily experiences that we perceived in the past, and how this influences our everyday life. Here, we explore the hypothesis that negative body memories, that is, negative bodily experiences of the past that are stored in memory and influence behavior, contribute to the development of somatic manifestations of mental health problems including somatic symptoms, traumatic re-experiences or dissociative symptoms. By combining knowledge from the areas of cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuroscience with insights from psychotherapy, we identify Clinical Body Memory (CBM) mechanisms that specify how mental health problems could be driven by corporeal experiences stored in memory. The major argument is that the investigation of the neuronal mechanisms that underlie the storage and retrieval of body memories provides us with empirical access to reduce the negative impact of body memories on mental health.
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Vissia EM, Lawrence AJ, Chalavi S, Giesen ME, Draijer N, Nijenhuis ERS, Aleman A, Veltman DJ, Reinders AATS. Dissociative identity state-dependent working memory in dissociative identity disorder: a controlled functional magnetic resonance imaging study. BJPsych Open 2022; 8:e82. [PMID: 35403592 PMCID: PMC9059616 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2022.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Memory function is at the core of the psychopathology of dissociative identity disorder (DID), but little is known about its psychobiological correlates. AIMS This study aims to investigate whether memory function in DID differs between dissociative identity states. METHOD Behavioural data and neural activation patterns were assessed in 92 sessions during an n-back working memory task. Participants were people with genuine diagnosed DID (n = 14), DID-simulating controls (n = 16) and a paired control group (post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 16), healthy controls (n = 16)). Both DID groups participated as authentic or simulated neutral and trauma-related identity states. Reaction times and errors of omission were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA. Working memory neural activation (main working memory and linear load) was investigated for effects of identity state, participant group and their interaction. RESULTS Identity state-dependent behavioural performance and neural activation was found. DID simulators made fewer errors of omission than those with genuine DID. Regarding the prefrontal parietal network, main working memory in the left frontal pole and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 44) was activated in all three simulated neutral states, and in trauma-related identity states of DID simulators, but not those with genuine DID or post-traumatic stress disorder; for linear load, trauma-related identity states of those with genuine DID did not engage the parietal regions. CONCLUSIONS Behavioural performance and neural activation patterns related to working memory in DID are dependent on the dissociative identities involved. The narrowed consciousness of trauma-related identity states, with a proneness to re-experiencing traumatising events, may relate to poorer working memory functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline M Vissia
- Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; and Centre for Psychotrauma, Heelzorg, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Sima Chalavi
- Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; and Research Centre for Movement Control and Neuroplasticity, Department of Movement Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mechteld E Giesen
- Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nel Draijer
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | | | - André Aleman
- Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dick J Veltman
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Antje A T S Reinders
- Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; and Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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Kandeğer A, Şen B, Tekdemir R, Gülpamuk G, Selvi Y. Dissociative Experiences Associated With Internet Gaming Disorder After Controlling For Childhood Trauma And ADHD Diagnosis. J Trauma Dissociation 2022; 23:68-78. [PMID: 34569448 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2021.1984366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among childhood trauma, dissociative experiences, and internet gaming disorder (IGD) in young adults diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and age- and gender-matched controls. Forty participants diagnosed with ADHD at a university hospital psychiatric outpatient clinic and 40 healthy controls completed a test battery that included a sociodemographic form as well as the Adult ADHD Severity Rating Scale (ASRS), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ), and Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short Form (IGDS9-SF). The CTQ (t = -4.61, p < .01), DES (t = -4.71, p < .01), SDQ (t = -2.40, p < .01), and IGDS9-SF (t = -4.89, p < .01) scores were significantly higher in the ADHD group than in the control group. A hierarchical regression analysis that explained 50% of unique variance in internet gaming disorder (IGD) indicated that being male (β = 0.41, t = 4.61, p < .001) and having an ADHD diagnosis (β = 0.48, t = 5.49, p < .001) are robust predictors. Additionally, the DES score, which indicates the severity of psychoform dissociation (β = 0.34, t = 2.43, p = .017), was found to be significantly associated with IGD after controlling for ADHD diagnosis and childhood trauma. While excessive gaming may increase dissociative symptoms, the mental state of dissociative experiences may be a predisposing factor for IGD; however, further studies are needed to investigate these claims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kandeğer
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Barış Şen
- Department of Psychiatry, Biga State Hospital, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Rukiye Tekdemir
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Gizem Gülpamuk
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Selvi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center (Sam), Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
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Paredes-Echeverri S, Guthrie AJ, Perez DL. Toward a possible trauma subtype of functional neurological disorder: Impact on symptom severity and physical health. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1040911. [PMID: 36458126 PMCID: PMC9706184 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1040911] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a group, individuals with functional neurological disorder (FND) report an approximately 3-fold increase in adverse life experiences (ALEs) compared to healthy controls. In patients with FND, studies have identified a positive correlation between symptom severity and the magnitude of ALEs. While not all individuals with FND report ALEs, such findings raise the possibility of a trauma-subtype of FND. OBJECTIVE This study investigated if patients with FND, with or without probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or significant childhood maltreatment, differed in their symptom severity and physical health. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-eight patients with FND were recruited (functional seizures, n = 34; functional movement disorder, n = 56). Participants completed self-report measures of symptom severity [Somatoform Dissociation Questionniare-20 (SDQ-20), Screening for Somatoform Disorders: Conversion Disorder subscale (SOMS:CD), Patient Health Questionniare-15 (PHQ-15)], physical health [Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF36-physical health)], childhood maltreatment [Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)], and PTSD [PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5)]; a psychometric battery of other common predisposing vulnerabilities was also completed. To adjust for multiple comparisons, a Bonferroni correction was applied to all univariate analyses. RESULTS Patients with FND and probable PTSD (n = 33) vs. those without probable PTSD (n = 43) had statistically significant increased scores on all symptom severity measures - as well as decreased physical health scores. In secondary post-hoc regression analyses, these findings remained significant adjusting for age, sex, race, college education, and: pathological dissociation; alexithymia; attachment styles; personality characteristics; resilience scores; functional seizures subtype; or moderate-to-severe childhood abuse and neglect scores; SOMS:CD and SDQ-20 findings also held adjusting for depression and anxiety scores. In a separate set of analyses, patients with FND and moderate-to-severe childhood abuse (n = 46) vs. those without moderate-to-severe childhood abuse (n = 32) showed statistically significant increased SDQ-20 and PHQ-15 scores; in post-hoc regressions, these findings held adjusting for demographic and other variables. Stratification by childhood neglect did not relate to symptom severity or physical health scores. CONCLUSION This study provides support for a possible trauma-subtype of FND. Future research should investigate the neurobiological and treatment relevance of a FND trauma-subtype, as well as continuing to delineate clinical characteristics and mechanisms in individuals with FND that lack a history of ALEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Paredes-Echeverri
- Functional Neurological Disorder Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Andrew J Guthrie
- Functional Neurological Disorder Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David L Perez
- Functional Neurological Disorder Research Group, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, Division of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Fung HW, Chien WT, Lam SKK, Ross CA. Investigating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD among people with self-reported depressive symptoms. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:953001. [PMID: 36339839 PMCID: PMC9627202 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.953001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma has been increasingly linked to depression. Previous studies have suggested that comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be associated with poor outcomes in depression treatment. However, the prevalence and correlates of ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD (CPTSD) in people with depression remain unclear. METHODS This study examined the prevalence and correlates of ICD-11 PTSD and CPTSD in an online convenience sample of 410 adults from 18 different countries/regions who reported clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms (indicated by a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10). RESULTS According to the International Trauma Questionnaire results, 62.68% of participants met the ICD-11 criteria for PTSD/CPTSD (5.6% PTSD, 57.1% CPTSD). Participants with CPTSD reported more types of trauma and higher levels of interpersonal stress than those without PTSD. Participants with CPTSD also reported higher levels of mental health problems, including depressive, dissociative and psychotic symptoms, than those without PTSD. Only disturbances in self-organization (DSO) symptoms but not classical PTSD symptoms had a significant relationship with depressive symptoms, when other major variables (including trauma, interpersonal stress, and comorbid psychotic and dissociative symptoms) were controlled for. CONCLUSIONS Trauma-related symptoms should be regularly screened for in clients who report depressive symptoms. Depressed clients who have comorbid trauma disorders have more trauma and interpersonal stress and exhibit more severe mental health problems. They may require specific trauma-focused interventions in addition to standard depression treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang Fung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai Tong Chien
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stanley Kam Ki Lam
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Colin A Ross
- The Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma, Richardson, TX, United States
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Schlumpf YR, Nijenhuis ERS, Klein C, Jäncke L, Bachmann S. Functional connectivity changes in the delta frequency band following trauma treatment in complex trauma and dissociative disorder patients. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:889560. [PMID: 35966482 PMCID: PMC9364934 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.889560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phase-oriented trauma treatment is efficacious in the treatment of complex trauma and dissociative disorder patients. However, the neural correlates of this therapeutic effect are not yet well-understood. In the current study we investigated whether patients show a strengthening in functional network connectivity in the delta frequency band (1-3.5 Hz) over the course of phase-oriented inpatient trauma treatment while they performed an emotion regulation task. Further, we examined whether neural changes were associated with symptom reduction and improvement in emotion regulation skills. METHODS Before and after 8 weeks of treatment, electroencephalography (EEG) was acquired in patients (n = 28) with a complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) or complex dissociative disorder (CDD). They also completed clinical and emotion regulation questionnaires. To delimit data variability, patients participated as one dissociative part that is referred to as Apparently Normal Part (ANP). Patients' data were compared to a matched healthy control croup (n = 38), also measured twice. RESULTS Prior to treatment, functional connectivity was significantly lower in patients compared to controls during cognitive reappraisal of unpleasant pictures and passive viewing of unpleasant and neutral pictures. These hypoconnected networks largely overlapped with networks typically activated during the recall of (emotional) autobiographical memories. Functional connectivity strength within these networks significantly increased following treatment and was comparable to controls. Patients showed symptom reduction across various clinical domains and improvement in the use of cognitive reappraisal as emotion regulation strategy. Treatment-related network normalizations were not related to changes in questionnaire data. CONCLUSION Phase-oriented treatment may strengthen connections between regions that are activated during autobiographical recall. These findings encourage further investigation of this circuitry as a therapeutic target in cPTSD and CDD patients. CLINIAL TRIAL REGISTRATION www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02459340, https://www.kofam.ch/de/studienportal/suche/149284/studie/26681.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda R Schlumpf
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Clienia Littenheid AG, Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | - Ellert R S Nijenhuis
- Clienia Littenheid AG, Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | - Carina Klein
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lutz Jäncke
- Division of Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Research Unit for Plasticity and Learning of the Healthy Aging Brain, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silke Bachmann
- Clienia Littenheid AG, Hospital for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Littenheid, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospitals and University of Halle (Saale), Halle, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Beutler S, Mertens YL, Ladner L, Schellong J, Croy I, Daniels JK. Trauma-related dissociation and the autonomic nervous system: a systematic literature review of psychophysiological correlates of dissociative experiencing in PTSD patients. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2132599. [PMID: 36340007 PMCID: PMC9635467 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2132599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurophysiological models link dissociation (e.g. feeling detached during or after a traumatic event) to hypoarousal. It is currently assumed that the initial passive reaction to a threat may coincide with a blunted autonomic response, which constitutes the dissociative subtype of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective: Within this systematic review we summarize research which evaluates autonomic nervous system activation (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure) and dissociation in PTSD patients to discern the validity of current neurophysiological models of trauma-related hypoarousal. Method: Of 553 screened articles, 28 studies (N = 1300 subjects) investigating the physiological response to stress provocation or trauma-related interventions were included in the final analysis. Results: No clear trend exists across all measured physiological markers in trauma-related dissociation. Extracted results are inconsistent, in part due to high heterogeneity in experimental methodology. Conclusion: The current review is unable to provide robust evidence that peri- and post-traumatic dissociation are associated with hypoarousal, questioning the validity of distinct psychophysiological profiles in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Beutler
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Yoki L Mertens
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Liliana Ladner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Julia Schellong
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Judith K Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Piramide N, Sarasso E, Tomic A, Canu E, Petrovic IN, Svetel M, Basaia S, Dragasevic Miskovic N, Kostic VS, Filippi M, Agosta F. Functional MRI connectivity of the primary motor cortex in functional dystonia patients. J Neurol 2021; 269:2961-2971. [PMID: 34773159 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10879-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional movement disorders include a wide spectrum of clinically documented movement disorders without an apparent organic substrate. OBJECTIVE To explore the functional connectivity (FC) of the primary motor (M1) cortex in functional dystonia (FD) patients relative to healthy controls, with a focus on different clinical phenotypes. METHODS Forty FD patients (12 fixed [FixFD]; 28 mobile [MobFD]) and 43 healthy controls (14 young FixFD-age-matched [yHC]; 29 old MobFD-age-matched [oHC]) underwent resting state fMRI. A seed-based FC analysis was performed using bilateral M1 as regions of interest. RESULTS Compared to controls, FD patients showed reduced FC between left M1 and left dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and between right M1 and left M1, premotor/supplementary motor area (SMA), dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and bilateral precuneus. Relative to yHC, FixFD patients showed reduced FC between M1 and precuneus bilaterally. Compared to oHC, MobFD patients revealed reduced FC between right M1 and left M1, premotor/SMA, dorsal-PCC, bilateral primary sensory cortices and parieto-occipital areas, and increased FC of right M1 with right associative visual cortex and bilateral ventral-PCC. FixFD patients, relative to MobFD, showed lower FC between the right M1 and right associative visual area, and bilateral precuneus and ventral-PCC. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests an altered brain FC of the motor circuit with areas involved in emotional processes and sense of agency in FD. FixFD patients showed FC abnormalities mainly in areas related to sense of agency, while MobFD in regions involved in sensorimotor functions (reduced FC) and emotional processing (increased FC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Piramide
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Sarasso
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Aleksandra Tomic
- Clinic of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Elisa Canu
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Igor N Petrovic
- Clinic of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Svetel
- Clinic of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Silvia Basaia
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Vladimir S Kostic
- Clinic of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
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Cavicchioli M, Scalabrini A, Northoff G, Mucci C, Ogliari A, Maffei C. Dissociation and emotion regulation strategies: A meta-analytic review. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 143:370-387. [PMID: 34592484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clinical and neurobiological models posited that dissociative mechanisms might affect processes involved in emotional generation and regulation. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive theoretical framework that systematically includes dissociation within emotional functioning. METHODS The current study aims at conducting a meta-analytic review on the relationship between dissociation and emotion regulation in order to empirically estimate to what extent dissociation is related to emotion regulation processes. The meta-analysis was based on r coefficient as effect size measure, using a random-effect approach. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 57 independent studies for a total of 11596 individuals. Findings showed an overall moderate relationship between dissociation and emotion regulation (rw = .32; p < .05). The association between dissociation and emotion regulation was the same among clinical samples than non-clinical ones. Furthermore, dissociation showed moderate to large relationships with maladaptive domains of emotion regulation, namely disengagement (rw = 0.34; p < .01) (i.e., behavioral avoidance, experiential avoidance, thought and emotional suppression) and aversive cognitive perseveration (rw = 0.38; p < .001) (i.e., rumination, worry and nonacceptance). The analysis did not find significant relationship between dissociation and adaptive domain of emotional regulation (i.e., problem solving, mindfulness). CONCLUSION Dissociation in the context of emotion regulation might be viewed as a basic neuro-mental mechanism that automatically contribute to the over-modulation of emotional states through avoidance reactions from internal and external reality. Future longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the causal relationships between dissociation and emotion regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cavicchioli
- Department of Psychology, University "Vita-Salute San Raffaele", Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milano (MI), Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, San Raffaele-Turro Hospital, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milano (MI), Italy.
| | - Andrea Scalabrini
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences (DiSPuTer), G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100, Chieti (CH), Italy.
| | - Georg Northoff
- Mental Health Centre, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Tianmu Road 305, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310013, China; Centre for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou Normal University, Tianmu Road 305, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310013, China; The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research & University of Ottawa. Brain and Mind Research Institute, Centre for Neural Dynamics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 145 Carling Avenue, Rm. 6435, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Z 7K4, Canada
| | - Clara Mucci
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Anna Ogliari
- Department of Psychology, University "Vita-Salute San Raffaele", Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milano (MI), Italy; Child in Mind Lab, University "Vita-Salute San Raffaele", Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milano (MI), Italy
| | - Cesare Maffei
- Department of Psychology, University "Vita-Salute San Raffaele", Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milano (MI), Italy; Unit of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, San Raffaele-Turro Hospital, Via Stamira d'Ancona 20, 20127, Milano (MI), Italy
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Hamouda K, Senf-Beckenbach PA, Gerhardt C, Irorutola F, Rose M, Hinkelmann K. Executive Functions and Attention in Patients With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures Compared With Healthy Controls: A Cross-Sectional Study. Psychosom Med 2021; 83:880-886. [PMID: 34292202 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNESs) are considered functional neurological symptoms and are highly prevalent in specialized epilepsy clinics. The underlying mechanisms of PNES are not fully understood. Recent findings point toward possible alterations in attention and executive functions. This study aimed to extend the current knowledge of attention and executive function in patients with PNES and to assess possible relationships between seizures and dissociation, childhood trauma, and cognitive function. METHODS We recruited 40 patients with PNES and 40 sex-, age-, and education-matched healthy controls (HCs) in this study. Participants completed self-report questionnaires to assess early life stress (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire [CTQ]), dissociation (the German version of the Dissociative Experience Scale, or Fragebogen zu dissoziativen Symptomen), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). Executive functions and attention were assessed with the Trail Making Test (TMT), Digit Span, and Attention Network Task. RESULTS Compared with HCs, patients with PNES reported significantly higher levels of childhood trauma, depression, and dissociation. Patients with PNES also had reduced performance indices for Digit Span Forward (d = 0.62), Digit Span Backward (d = 0.62), and TMT (d = 0.67) but not Attention Network Task. CTQ scores positively correlated with TMT and Digit Span Backward performance in patients with PNES. Adjusting for CTQ scores attenuated the observed group difference in TMT performance. Depression and dissociation did not explain the observed findings. CONCLUSIONS These results contribute to the evidence of impaired executive functions in patients with PNES. Furthermore, childhood trauma scores, but not (trait) dissociation or depression scores, seem to drive group differences (HC versus patients with PNES).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Hamouda
- From the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; and Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center of Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Personalization of Treatment for Patients with Childhood-Abuse-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10194522. [PMID: 34640540 PMCID: PMC8509230 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Differences in effectiveness among treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are typically small. Given the variation between patients in treatment response, personalization offers a new way to improve treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of psychotherapy outcome in PTSD and to combine these into a personalized advantage index (PAI). Methods: We used data from a recent randomized controlled trial comparing prolonged exposure (PE; n = 48), intensified PE (iPE; n = 51), and skills training (STAIR), followed by PE (n = 50) in 149 patients with childhood-abuse-related PTSD (CA-PTSD). Outcome measures were clinician-assessed and self-reported PTSD symptoms. Predictors were identified in the exposure therapies (PE and iPE) and STAIR+PE separately using random forests and subsequent bootstrap procedures. Next, these predictors were used to calculate PAI and to retrospectively determine optimal and suboptimal treatment in a leave-one-out cross-validation approach. Results: More depressive symptoms, less social support, more axis-1 diagnoses, and higher severity of childhood sexual abuse were predictors of worse treatment outcomes in PE and iPE. More emotion regulation difficulties, lower general health status, and higher baseline PTSD symptoms were predictors of worse treatment outcomes in STAIR+PE. Randomization to optimal treatment based on these predictors resulted in more improvement than suboptimal treatment in clinician assessed (Cohens’ d = 0.55) and self-reported PTSD symptoms (Cohens’ d = 0.47). Conclusion: Personalization based on PAI is a promising tool to improve therapy outcomes in patients with CA-PTSD. Further studies are needed to replicate findings in prospective studies.
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Stroink L, Mens E, Ooms MHP, Visser S. Maladaptive schemas of patients with functional neurological symptom disorder. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:933-940. [PMID: 34585455 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2671] [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: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The psychological underpinnings of functional neurological symptom disorders (FNSD) remain poorly understood. A disintegration of explicit and implicit information processing in patients with FNSD has previously been suggested; however, this suggestion has so far received little empirical support. Trauma and maladaptive schemas probably reinforce disintegration in FNSD. The present study explored the occurrence of maladaptive schemas and investigated the impact of trauma-related maladaptive schemas in patients with FNSD. METHODS Forty-eight FNSD patients were assessed at the start of treatment using the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-2) to explore maladaptive schemas. The Life Event Checklist (LEC-5) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were used to explore trauma states, and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP-68) was used to measure health dysfunction. RESULTS The self-sacrifice schema scored within a clinically relevant range where no increased scores were found in other maladaptive schemas. Linear regression models showed a positive association between mistrust/abuse and severity of health dysfunction. DISCUSSION Results suggest that maladaptive schemas play a modest role in FNSD at the start of treatment. It is suggested to examine the occurrence of maladaptive schemas in FNS-disordered patients with a longitudinal design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk Stroink
- Pro Persona Integrated Mental Health Care, Pro Persona Behavioral Science Institute, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Mens
- Department of Research and Development, Heliomare Rehabilitation Center, Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn H P Ooms
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Klimmendaal Rehabilitation Medical Center, Arnhem, The Netherlands
| | - Sako Visser
- Pro Persona Integrated Mental Health Care, Pro Persona Behavioral Science Institute, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Reuben KE, Stanzione CM, Singleton JL. Interpersonal Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress in Autistic Adults. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2021; 3:247-256. [PMID: 36605371 PMCID: PMC8992908 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2020.0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Many autistic adults report interpersonal traumas (IPTs) such as physical or sexual assault, which are often associated with posttraumatic stress and dissociation. Factors such as gender might make autistic individuals particularly vulnerable to experiencing IPT and negative posttraumatic symptoms. Methods In this study, 687 self-identified autistic adults completed an online survey on their traumatic experiences and mental health symptoms. Results Seventy-two percent of participants reported experiencing sexual assault, other unwanted or uncomfortable sexual experiences, or physical assault. Forty-four percent of participants met the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including 50% of those who had experienced IPT and 28% of those who had not (odds ratio = 2.50; 95% confidence interval 1.74-3.60). IPT was also significantly associated with higher levels of psychoform (p < 0.001) and somatoform (p < 0.001) dissociation. Autistic cisgender women and gender minorities experienced a significantly higher number of traumas (p = 0.004) and were significantly more likely than cisgender men to experience sexual IPT (p < 0.001) and meet the criteria for PTSD (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between autistic individuals with and without a professional autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Conclusions IPT is associated with potentially severe mental health outcomes for autistic adults. Autistic women and gender minorities may be particularly vulnerable to sexual IPT and adverse outcomes. Increased screening for a history of IPT and posttraumatic symptoms is recommended for all autistic adults regardless of ASD diagnosis status. Lay summary Why was this study done?: Many autistic people experience interpersonal traumas (IPTs) such as sexual or physical assault. These can lead to mental health challenges such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or dissociation (a disconnection between individuals and aspects of their perceptions or sense of self). We wanted to better understand what might make autistic adults more likely to experience trauma and how it affects them.What was the purpose of this study?: The purpose was to understand what might make autistic people more at risk of experiencing IPT and PTSD. We also wanted to know if IPT is associated with a higher risk of PTSD or dissociation.What did the researchers do?: Six hundred eighty-seven autistic adults filled out an online survey about their traumatic experiences, PTSD symptoms, and dissociation symptoms. We analyzed their responses to see how often participants reported experiencing different types of trauma and whether they met the criteria for PTSD and clinical dissociation. We then compared trauma experiences and PTSD rates across genders and those with and without a professional autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and compared PTSD rates and dissociation rates across participants who had versus had not experienced IPT.What were the results of the study?: Seventy-two percent of autistic adults in this study reported having experienced sexual assault, another unwanted sexual experience, or physical assault. Almost half (44%) met the criteria for PTSD. Most participants (93%) also reported high levels of mind-based dissociation, and 32% reported high levels of body-based dissociation (dissociation that causes negative emotions to be experienced as physical problems such as headaches or trouble moving). Participants who had experienced IPT were almost twice as likely to meet the criteria for PTSD and scored higher on both measures of dissociation. Cisgender women and gender minorities were more likely to experience IPT and meet the criteria for PTSD than cisgender men. Participants with and without a professional ASD diagnosis did not differ.What do these findings add to what was already known?: Most previous research on trauma and PTSD for autistic people was done on children and did not look at IPT specifically or compare people based on their gender or ASD diagnosis. As far as we know, this is the first study on posttraumatic dissociation in autistic adults.What are potential weaknesses in the study?: The findings of this study may not apply to autistic adults as a whole. People who could have participated may not have been interested in the topic, may not have seen study advertisements and so been unaware of the study, or may not have had the time or energy to participate. Findings might have been different if different groups of autistic people participated more.How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future?: If professionals who help autistic people do not talk to them about trauma, traumatized autistic adults may not get the right support. This study could encourage professionals to screen more autistic people, especially women and gender minorities, for trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Reuben
- Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Address correspondence to: Katherine E. Reuben, BS, Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, P.O. Box 3995, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA.
| | | | - Jenny L. Singleton
- Department of Linguistics, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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Structure of ICD-11 complex PTSD and relationship with psychoform and somatoform dissociation. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Zdankiewicz-Ścigała E, Ścigała D, Sikora J, Kwaterniak W, Longobardi C. Relationship between interoceptive sensibility and somatoform disorders in adults with autism spectrum traits. The mediating role of alexithymia and emotional dysregulation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255460. [PMID: 34428238 PMCID: PMC8384168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study is to analyses the relationship between interoceptive sensibility and somatoform disorders among persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It has been assumed that the interoceptive sensibility is accompanied by a high level of alexithymia and emotion dysregulation in somatoform disorders. METHODS Persons under the care of the foundation helping people with ASD were asked to participate in the study. In total, 205 people took part in the research. The participants aged from 18 to 63 (M = 34.91; SD = 8.44). The ASD group comprised 79 persons (38.5% of subjects). The control group comprised 126 individuals (61.5% of subjects). Participants completed self-report questionnaires measuring autism (AQ), interoceptive sensibility (BPQ), alexithymia (TAS20), emotional dysregulation (DERS), and somatoform disorder (SDQ). RESULTS The analyses showed a moderation effect of the group, which indicates the existence of a relationship between interoceptive sensibility and somatoform disorders to the greater extent in the clinical group than in the control group. In addition, the serial multiple mediation model analysis allowed to verify the mediating effect of emotion dysregulation and alexithymia on the abovementioned relationship. The indirect effect, which assumed the mediating role of alexithymia turned out to be significant, contrary to the indirect effect where emotion dysregulation was a mediator in a situation where both variables were applied simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS Interoceptive sensibility correlated with level of alexithymia, in particular, difficulties in identifying and verbalizing emotions and emotion dysregulation in the lack of emotional awareness and lack of emotional clarity and is associated with somatoform disorders in the investigated group regardless of participants' belonging to the ASD or control group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dawid Ścigała
- Institute of Psychology, The Maria Grzegorzewska University, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Joanna Sikora
- Institute of Psychology, The Maria Grzegorzewska University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wanda Kwaterniak
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
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Fiala L, Lenz J, Bob P. Effect of psychosocial trauma and stress on sexual dysfunction in women with endometriosis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26836. [PMID: 34397850 PMCID: PMC8341311 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial tissue plays an important role in the regulation of female fertility and there is evidence that endometrial pathology (including endometriosis) is closely related to endocrine disorders. On the other hand, various neuroendocrine changes can be significantly affected by psychosocial stress. In connection with these findings, we tested the relationship between neuroendocrine changes, sexual dysfunction, psychosocial/traumatic stress, and dissociative symptoms in women with endometriosis. METHODS A total of 65 patients with endometriosis were included in the study. Clinical examinations were focused on the biochemical analysis of neuroendocrine markers of endometriosis (cancer antigen 125 [CA 125] and cancer antigen 19-9 [CA 19-9]), estradiol, psychometric evaluation of sexual dysfunction, psychosocial/traumatic stress, and dissociative symptoms. RESULTS The results showed significant Spearman correlations between the values of the revised range of sexual difficulties for sexual dysfunction (Revised Female Sexual Distress Scale), psychosocial/traumatic stress (Trauma Symptoms Checklist) (R = 0.31), and dissociative symptoms (Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire) (R = 0.33). Positive correlations were also found between CA 125 and CA 19-9 (R = 0.63), and between CA 125 and the results of the values of the revised scale of sexual difficulties for sexual dysfunction (Revised Female Sexual Distress Scale) (R = 0.29). Also psychosocial/traumatic stress (Trauma Symptoms Checklist) significantly correlated with CA 125 (R = 0.38) and with CA 19-9 (R = 0.33). CONCLUSION These results represent the first findings regarding the relationship of the neuroendocrine markers CA 125 and CA 19-9 and sexual dysfunction with trauma/stress-related symptoms and dissociative symptoms in women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludek Fiala
- Institute of Sexology, Psychiatric Clinic, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Sexology, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Lenz
- Department of Pathology, Znojmo Hospital, Czech Republic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Bob
- Department of Psychiatry, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Labate A, Martino I, Caligiuri ME, Fortunato F, Bruni A, Segura-Garcia C, Arcuri P, De Fazio P, Cerasa A, Gambardella A. Orbito-frontal thinning together with a somatoform dissociation might be the fingerprint of PNES. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 121:108044. [PMID: 34051606 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate neuroanatomical changes in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) compared to major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls. METHODS Forty-two drug-naïve PNES subjects and 25 patients with MDD, matched for demographic characteristics and level of depression (as measured by Beck Depression Inventory-II, BDI-II), were consecutively recruited. Patients performed an extensive neuropsychiatric assessment including: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Traumatic Experience Checklist, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale and Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ-20). All patients, together with 78 healthy matched controls, underwent 3T brain MRI followed by surface-based morphometry. RESULTS Cortical thickness analysis revealed significant cortical thinning in bilateral medial orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and left rostral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in patients with MDD compared to subjects with PNES and controls. Interestingly, increased thickness of the right pars triangularis was found in PNES subjects compared to controls. PNES showed higher scores in SDQ-20 (p < 0.001) compared to MDD, which was corroborated by neuroimaging data, where somatoform dissociation scores correlated with morphological changes in the left medial OFC. CONCLUSION Our results show selective cortical thinning over the medial OFC in patients with PNES compared to wider regions of thinning in patients with MDD. Somatoform dissociation was the only psychopathological assessment significantly different in PNES and MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Labate
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Iolanda Martino
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Eugenia Caligiuri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Fortunato
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonella Bruni
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Segura-Garcia
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Arcuri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pasquale De Fazio
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- IRIB, National Research Council, Mangone, CS, Italy; S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN) Crotone, Crotone, Italy
| | - Antonio Gambardella
- Institute of Neurology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy; Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Catanzaro, Italy
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