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Seymour K, Sterzer P, Soto N. Believing is seeing: The link between paranormal beliefs and perceiving signal in noise. Conscious Cogn 2022; 106:103418. [PMID: 36244292 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2022.103418] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Research suggests that at the core of paranormal belief formation is a tendency to attribute meaning to ambiguous stimuli. But it is unclear whether this tendency reflects a difference in perceptual sensitivity or a decision bias. Using a two-alternative forced choice task, we tested the relationship between paranormal belief and perceptual sensitivity. Participants were shown two stimuli presented in temporal succession. In one interval an ambiguous Mooney Face (i.e., signal) was presented, in the other interval a scrambled version of the image (i.e., noise) was presented. Participants chose in which of the two intervals the face appeared. Our results revealed that participants with stronger beliefs in paranormal phenomena were less sensitive to discriminating signal from noise. This finding builds on previous research using "yes/no" tasks, but importantly disentangles perceptual sensitivity from response bias and suggests paranormal believers perceive things differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiley Seymour
- The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Philipp Sterzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany; University Psychiatric Clinics Basel, Switzerland
| | - Natalie Soto
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, New South Wales, Australia
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Relationships among subclinical psychotic symptoms in young adults over time. Psychiatry Res 2022; 314:114617. [PMID: 35749858 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114617] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subclinical psychotic symptoms are common in the general population and are often benign. However, those that become distressing or persistent may increase risk for the development of a psychotic disorder. Cognitive models have proposed that certain appraisals of hallucinatory experiences can lead to delusional beliefs, particularly if an individual is experiencing negative mood. However, the dynamic relationships among these symptoms are poorly understood. This study examined the longitudinal relationships among subclincal hallucinations, delusional ideation, and depression in a sample of young adults. METHODS 677 college students completed baseline questionnaires to assess: delusional ideation (Peters Delusions Inventory), hallucinations (Launay-Slade Hallucinations Scale-Extended), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory). These measures were repeated 7, 13, 19, and 25 months later. RESULTS Higher baseline severity of hallucinations was strongly predictive of severity of delusions across all future follow-up timepoints, specifically when baseline depression was high. However, the severity of hallucinations did not change over time, nor were they predicted by baseline delusional ideation. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the proposal that hallucinations frequently precede more severe delusional ideation, rather than the reverse sequence, particularly when depressive symptoms are present. Such longitudinal relationships provide clues to the underlying mechanisms of psychosis, highlighting one pathway for intervention.
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Monteiro de Barros MC, Leão FC, Vallada Filho H, Lucchetti G, Moreira-Almeida A, Prieto Peres MF. Prevalence of spiritual and religious experiences in the general population: A Brazilian nationwide study. Transcult Psychiatry 2022:13634615221088701. [PMID: 35382640 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221088701] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Spiritual and religious experiences (SREs) are common subjective phenomena related to the awareness of transcendence, which transforms one's perception of life, death and suffering. Despite the high prevalence of SREs worldwide, not enough studies have been conducted beyond Europe and North America. To fill this gap, this study investigates the prevalence of SREs in Brazil and their association with socio-demographic variables. This online cross-sectional study includes participants from all regions of Brazil. Sixteen SREs were investigated, being categorized into 4 groups: mystical, mediumistic, psi-related and past life/near-death experiences. Prevalence was calculated as percentages and multinomial logistic regression models were used. A total of 1,053 Brazilians were included; 92% reported one SRE in their lifetime and 47.5% experienced at least one SRE frequently. Participants reported having had at least one mystical experience (35%), one psi-related experience (27.7%), and one mediumistic experience (11%). Half the sample had "felt the presence of a dead person" and 70% experienced precognitive dreams at least once. In a multivariate analysis, SREs were associated with the female gender but showed no associations with income, education, employment status and ethnicity. Mystical experiences were associated with age 55 and older. In summary, SREs are very prevalent across different strata of the population, and deserve more attention from researchers and clinicians in order to clarify their nature and implications for mental health care and research in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Monteiro de Barros
- Program of Spirituality, Religiosity and Health (ProSer), Institute of Psychiatry, 363307Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frederico Camelo Leão
- Program of Spirituality, Religiosity and Health (ProSer), Institute of Psychiatry, 363307Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Homero Vallada Filho
- Program of Spirituality, Religiosity and Health (ProSer), Institute of Psychiatry, 363307Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giancarlo Lucchetti
- Research Center in Spirituality and Health (NUPES), School of Medicine, 469074Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Alexander Moreira-Almeida
- Research Center in Spirituality and Health (NUPES), School of Medicine, 469074Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Juiz de Fora, Brazil
| | - Mario Fernando Prieto Peres
- Program of Spirituality, Religiosity and Health (ProSer), Institute of Psychiatry, 363307Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Palmer-Cooper E, McGuire N, Wright A. Unusual experiences and their association with metacognition: investigating ASMR and Tulpamancy. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2022; 27:86-104. [PMID: 34743647 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2021.1999798] [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: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unusual experiences in Tulpamancer and Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) communities are generally positive and sought after, unlike hallucinations and delusions in clinical populations. Metacognition, the ability to reflect on self-referential experiences, may aid sense-making around unusual experiences, reducing distress. This study investigated group differences in hallucination-proneness, delusion-proneness, and metacognition in these communities compared to controls, and whether metacognition predicted unusual experiences. METHODS 243 participants reporting ASMR, Tulpamancy, or neither, with no history of psychosis, took part in an online observational study. Participants completed the Beck Cognitive Insight Scale, Metacognitions Questionnaire-30, and Brief Core Schema Scales to capture metacognition. A Tulpamancer+ (reporting ASMR) group was identified and included in analyses. ANCOVAs highlighted group differences in hallucination-proneness, with Tulpamancer+ scoring higher, and metacognitive beliefs, with Tulpamancers reporting lower metacognitive belief endorsement. There were no group differences in delusion-proneness, self-reflection, or self-schemas. Stepwise regression demonstrated metacognition does influence unusual experiences in the non-clinical population, and this influence varies across groups. CONCLUSIONS In non-clinical populations, unusual sensory experiences are not associated with increased metacognitive beliefs, but having multiple unusual experiences is associated with higher hallucination-proneness. Results suggest improving metacognition in clinical groups may help reduce distress related to unusual sensory experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Palmer-Cooper
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - Nicola McGuire
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Abigail Wright
- Center of Excellence for Psychosocial and Systemic Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Thomas D. A participatory research study to explore the healing potential of children's anomalous experiences. Explore (NY) 2021; 18:551-558. [PMID: 34526234 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children and young people commonly have 'positive' and 'negative' anomalous experiences that are silenced, ignored or medicalised by 'adults-in-authority'. Whether 'positive' or 'negative', anomalous experiences can catalyse self-healing for children and young people. Through children achieving greater self-awareness and a sense of intra-connectedness between self, others and the world. OBJECTIVES The study's aim was to explore the nature of self and experience with children and young people. This article focuses on one of the studies objectives: to explore with children and young people any anomalous experiences; and identify any self-reporting of healing and/or positive transformation. METHODS A participatory, qualitative approach was used to research with children and young people. Using IPA (Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis), and Critical Discourse Analysis, 20 narrative accounts and 10 visual narrative representations, from 16 children and young people who experience anomalous phenomena, were analysed and 'co-interpreted' with participants. PARTICIPANTS In total, 16 children and young people (aged 4-21 years) participated in the study. Four participants had pre-existing medical conditions (Epilepsy, Narcolepsy, Caterplexy & Autism), while twelve participants had no pre-existing medical conditions. RESULTS All self-reported anomalous experiences, were viewed by children and young people as carrying healing and transformational potentials - regardless of whether their experiences were 'positive' or 'negative' Healing and transformation were reported by children and young people, that included - self-withdrawal from medications; changes in attitudes and behaviours; feeling more connected to self, others and the world; enjoying life and 'knowing' self How children and young people's anomalous experiences are responded to by 'adults-in-authority' has consequences for children and young people's wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS Children and young people should be included in studies that consider anomalous experiences, using research methodologies such as participatory approaches, to widen our understanding of these types of experiences. While the results show how anomalous experiences can carry healing and transformational potentials for children and young people, adults-in authority can catalyse suffering in how they understand and respond to these experiences. More research is needed and is continuing in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Thomas
- University of Central Lancashire, Floor 1, Eden House, Fylde Road, Blackburn, Lancashire PR1 2HE, United Kingdom.
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Premkumar P, Alahakoon P, Smith M, Kumari V, Babu D, Baker J. Mild-to-moderate schizotypal traits relate to physiological arousal from social stress. Stress 2021; 24:303-317. [PMID: 32686572 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2020.1797674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizotypy denotes psychosis-like experiences, such as perceptual aberration, magical ideation, and social anxiety. Altered physiological arousal from social stress is found in people with high schizotypal traits. Two experiments aimed to determine the relationship of schizotypy to physiological arousal from social stress. Experiment 1 tested the hypotheses that heart rate from social stress would be greater in high, than mild-to-moderate, schizotypal traits, and disorganized schizotypy would explain this effect because of distress from disorganisation. Experiment 1 tested social stress in 16 participants with high schizotypal traits and 10 participants with mild-to-moderate schizotypal traits. The social stress test consisted of a public speech and an informal discussion with strangers. The high schizotypal group had a higher heart rate than the mild-to-moderate schizotypal group during the informal discussion with strangers, but not during the public speech. Disorganized schizotypy accounted for this group difference. Experiment 2 tested the hypothesis that mild-to-moderate schizotypal traits would have a linear relationship with physiological arousal from social stress. Experiment 2 tested 24 participants with mild-to-moderate schizotypal traits performing the abovementioned social stress test while their heart rate and skin conductance responses were measured. Mild-to-moderate schizotypal traits had a linear relationship with physiological arousal during the discussion with strangers. Distress in disorganized schizotypy may explain the heightened arousal from close social interaction with strangers in high schizotypy than mild-to-moderate schizotypy. Mild-to-moderate schizotypal traits may have a linear relationship with HR during close social interaction because of difficulty with acclimatizing to the social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethi Premkumar
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Prasad Alahakoon
- Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Madelaine Smith
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Veena Kumari
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, College of Life and Health Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Diviesh Babu
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Joshua Baker
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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Bowden SC, Crowe SF. Editorial to the Special Issue “Improving the Reliability and Validity of Brief Cognitive Assessments”. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Bowden
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne,
| | - Simon F Crowe
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University,
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Ragazzi TCC, Shuhama R, Menezes PR, Del-Ben CM. Cannabis use as a risk factor for psychotic-like experiences: A systematic review of non-clinical populations evaluated with the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences. Early Interv Psychiatry 2018; 12:1013-1023. [PMID: 29927066 DOI: 10.1111/eip.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM Epidemiological data have provided evidence that psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) can occur in the general population, not necessarily accompanied by the impairment and suffering observed in formal psychiatric diagnoses. According to the psychosis continuum hypothesis, PLEs would be subject to the same risk factors as frank psychosis. The aim of this review was to summarize observational studies that evaluated cannabis use as a risk factor for PLEs as determined by the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences in non-clinical samples. The instrument composed of 3 dimensions-positive, negative and depressive-is a scale specifically designed to assess the occurrence, frequency and impact of PLEs in non-clinical population. METHODS We searched PubMed/Medline, Web of Science and PsycInfo electronic databases for indexed peer-reviewed studies published until September 2017. RESULTS We initially identified 100 articles. The PRISMA model for systematic reviews was used and 19 full-text articles were analysed. In general, the findings suggested that the higher the cannabis use and the younger the participants, the higher the reports of PLEs, although associations were more consistent for the positive dimension. CONCLUSIONS More attention should be paid to the understanding of the risk factors of PLEs in the general population, since these experiences are themselves a risk for psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taciana C C Ragazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rosana Shuhama
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Paulo R Menezes
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Cristina M Del-Ben
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Mitchell CAA, Maybery MT, Russell-Smith SN, Collerton D, Gignac GE, Waters F. The Structure and Measurement of Unusual Sensory Experiences in Different Modalities: The Multi-Modality Unusual Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (MUSEQ). Front Psychol 2017; 8:1363. [PMID: 28848477 PMCID: PMC5554527 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hallucinations and other unusual sensory experiences (USE) can occur in all modalities in the general population. Yet, the existing literature is dominated by investigations into auditory hallucinations (“voices”), while other modalities remain under-researched. Furthermore, there is a paucity of measures which can systematically assess different modalities, which limits our ability to detect individual and group differences across modalities. The current study explored such differences using a new scale, the Multi-Modality Unusual Sensory Experiences Questionnaire (MUSEQ). The MUSEQ is a 43-item self-report measure which assesses USE in six modalities: auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, bodily sensations, and sensed presence. Scale development and validation involved a total of 1,300 participants, which included: 513 students and community members for initial development, 32 individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder for validation, 659 students for factor replication, and 96 students for test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that a correlated-factors model and bifactor model yielded acceptable model fit, while a unidimensional model fitted poorly. These findings were confirmed in the replication sample. Results showed contributions from a general common factor, as well as modality-specific factors. The latter accounted for less variance than the general factor, but could still detect theoretically meaningful group differences. The MUSEQ showed good reliability, construct validity, and could discriminate non-clinical and clinical groups. The MUSEQ offers a reliable means of measuring hallucinations and other USE in six different modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A A Mitchell
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western AustraliaCrawley, WA, Australia
| | - Murray T Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western AustraliaCrawley, WA, Australia
| | | | - Daniel Collerton
- Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Bensham HospitalGateshead, United Kingdom.,Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Gilles E Gignac
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western AustraliaCrawley, WA, Australia
| | - Flavie Waters
- School of Psychological Science, The University of Western AustraliaCrawley, WA, Australia.,Clinical Research Centre, Graylands Hospital, North Metro Health Service Mental HealthMount Claremont, WA, Australia
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Mindfulness training and false perception in individuals with high unusual experiences. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2015.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lee KW, Chan KW, Chang WC, Lee EHM, Hui CLM, Chen EYH. A systematic review on definitions and assessments of psychotic-like experiences. Early Interv Psychiatry 2016; 10:3-16. [PMID: 25772746 DOI: 10.1111/eip.12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) or subclinical psychotic experiences have received increased attention as some studies have suggested continuity between PLEs and psychotic disorders. However, epidemiological and correlational studies of PLEs showed mixed findings - it is observed that different studies use a wide variety of definitions of PLEs, as well as different assessment tools that are designed to capture such described experiences. The differences in definitions and assessment tools adopted could contribute to the discrepancy of findings. The current review aims to examine the definitions and assessment tools adopted in the studies of PLEs. METHODS Literature search was conducted between October 2013 and February 2014 using three search engines: Medline, Web of Science and PubMed. RESULTS A total of 76 papers met the selection criteria and were included in the current review. It is found that the majority of papers reviewed defined PLEs quantitatively using assessment tools and do not have a specific phenomenological definition, whereas assessment tools adopted have a wide variety. Furthermore, phenomenological studies of PLEs were rare. CONCLUSIONS The variations in definitions and assessment tools of PLEs might contribute to mixed findings in researches. Reaching to a consensus through the study of phenomenology of PLEs is essential to further advancement of the research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit-Wai Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kit-Wa Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wing-Chung Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | - Eric Yu-Hai Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Abstract
This study investigated whether people who report recurrent extrasensory perception (ESP) experiences (telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition) have suffered more traumatic experiences and traumatic intrusions. Thirty-one nonclinical participants reporting recurrent ESP experiences were compared with a nonclinical sample of 31 individuals who did not report recurrent ESP phenomena. Past traumatic experiences were assessed via a self-report measure of trauma history (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire); traumatic intrusions were assessed via a performance-based personality measure (Rorschach Traumatic Content Index). Participants also completed the Anomalous Experience Inventory, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2, the Dissociative Experience Scale, and the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale. The ESP group reported higher levels of emotional abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, and traumatic intrusions. The association between ESP experiences and trauma was partly mediated by the effects of dissociation and emotional distress. Implications for health professionals are discussed. Results also showed the reliability of the twofold method of assessment of trauma.
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Krebs TS, Johansen PØ. Psychedelics and mental health: a population study. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63972. [PMID: 23976938 PMCID: PMC3747247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The classical serotonergic psychedelics LSD, psilocybin, mescaline are not known to cause brain damage and are regarded as non-addictive. Clinical studies do not suggest that psychedelics cause long-term mental health problems. Psychedelics have been used in the Americas for thousands of years. Over 30 million people currently living in the US have used LSD, psilocybin, or mescaline. Objective To evaluate the association between the lifetime use of psychedelics and current mental health in the adult population. Method Data drawn from years 2001 to 2004 of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health consisted of 130,152 respondents, randomly selected to be representative of the adult population in the United States. Standardized screening measures for past year mental health included serious psychological distress (K6 scale), mental health treatment (inpatient, outpatient, medication, needed but did not receive), symptoms of eight psychiatric disorders (panic disorder, major depressive episode, mania, social phobia, general anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and non-affective psychosis), and seven specific symptoms of non-affective psychosis. We calculated weighted odds ratios by multivariate logistic regression controlling for a range of sociodemographic variables, use of illicit drugs, risk taking behavior, and exposure to traumatic events. Results 21,967 respondents (13.4% weighted) reported lifetime psychedelic use. There were no significant associations between lifetime use of any psychedelics, lifetime use of specific psychedelics (LSD, psilocybin, mescaline, peyote), or past year use of LSD and increased rate of any of the mental health outcomes. Rather, in several cases psychedelic use was associated with lower rate of mental health problems. Conclusion We did not find use of psychedelics to be an independent risk factor for mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teri S. Krebs
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Pål-Ørjan Johansen
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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Metacognitive therapy in treatment-resistant psychosis: a multiple-baseline study. Behav Cogn Psychother 2013; 42:166-85. [PMID: 23286558 DOI: 10.1017/s1352465812001026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More effective psychological treatments for psychosis are required. Case series data and pilot trials suggest metacognitive therapy (MCT) is a promising treatment for anxiety and depression. Other research has found negative metacognitive beliefs and thought-control strategies may be involved in the development and maintenance of hallucinations and delusions. The potential of MCT in treating psychosis has yet to be investigated. AIMS Our aim was to find out whether a short number of MCT sessions would be associated with clinically significant and sustained improvements in delusions, hallucinations, anxiety, depression and subjective recovery in patients with treatment-resistant long-standing psychosis. METHOD Three consecutively referred patients, each with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia and continuing symptoms, completed a series of multiple baseline assessments. Each then received between 11 and 13 sessions of MCT and completed regular assessments of progress, during therapy, post-therapy and at 3-month follow-up. RESULTS Two out of 3 participants achieved clinically significant reductions across a range of symptom-based outcomes at end-of-therapy. Improvement was sustained at 3-month follow-up for one participant. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the feasibility of using MCT with people with medication-resistant psychosis. MCT was acceptable to the participants and associated with meaningful change. Some modifications may be required for this population, after which a controlled trial may be warranted.
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Evrard R. Psychopathologie et expériences exceptionnelles : une revue de la littérature. EVOLUTION PSYCHIATRIQUE 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evopsy.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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