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Reich DB, Gatchell J, Lovell-Smith N, Ren B, Zanarini MC. Reported Personality Traits and Histories of Childhood Maltreatment in Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar 2 Disorder: A Comparative Study. J Pers Disord 2024; 38:301-310. [PMID: 38857159 DOI: 10.1521/pedi.2024.38.3.301] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
This study compared borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar 2 disorder (BP 2 disorder) with respect to reported childhood trauma and Five-Factor personality traits using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Participants were 50 men and women, aged 18-45, with DSM-5-diagnosed BPD and 50 men and women in the same age group with DSM-5-diagnosed BP 2 disorder. Participants could not meet criteria for both BPD and BP 2 disorder. Borderline participants had significantly higher scores on the neuroticism subscale and significantly lower scores on the agreeableness subscale of the NEO-FFI. After correction for multiple comparisons, there were no between-group differences on CTQ scores. Study results suggest that BPD and BP 2 disorder differ primarily with respect to underlying temperament/genetic architecture and that environmental factors have only a limited role in the differential etiologies of the two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Boyu Ren
- McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
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Xiao Q, Shen L, He H, Wang X, Fu Y, Ding J, Jiang F, Zhang J, Zhang Z, Grecucci A, Yi X, Chen BT. Alteration of prefrontal cortex and its associations with emotional and cognitive dysfunctions in adolescent borderline personality disorder. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02438-2. [PMID: 38642117 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02438-2] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The neurobiological mechanism of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in adolescents remains unclear. The study aimed to assess the alterations in neural activity within prefrontal cortex in adolescents with BPD and investigate the relationship of prefrontal activity with emotional regulation and cognitive function. This study enrolled 50 adolescents aged 12-17 years with BPD and 21 gender and age-matched healthy control (HC) participants. Study assessment for each participant included a brain resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), clinical assessment questionnaires such as Borderline Personality Features Scale (BPFS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and cognitive testing with Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT). Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) were obtained from rs-fMRI analysis. Correlation analysis was also performed to evaluate the associations of the neuroimaging metrics such as fALFF and FC with clinical assessment questionnaire and cognitive testing scores. Adolescents with BPD showed increased fALFF values in the right inferior frontal gyrus and decreased activity in the left middle frontal gyrus as compared to the HC group (p < 0.05, cluster size ≥ 100, FWE correction). In adolescents with BPD, increased fALFF in the right inferior frontal gyrus was related to the BPFS (emotional dysregulation), DERS-F (lacking of emotional regulation strategies) and Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory-4 C scores (internal emotional regulation function of self-injurious behavior). The reduced fALFF in the left middle frontal gyrus was associated with the SCWT-A (reading characters) and the SCWT-B (reading color) scores. Additionally, the fALFF values in the left middle frontal gyrus and the right inferior frontal gyrus were related to the CTQ-D (emotional neglect) (p < 0.05). The left middle frontal gyrus exhibited increased FC with the right hippocampus, left inferior temporal gyrus and right inferior frontal gyrus (voxel p < 0.001, cluster p < 0.05, FWE correction). The increased FC between the left middle frontal gyrus and the right hippocampus was related to the SCWT-C (cognitive flexibility) score. We observed diverging changes in intrinsic brain activity in prefrontal cortex, and neural compensatory changes to maintain function in adolescents with BPD. In addition, decreased neural function was closely associated with emotional dysregulation, while increased neural function as indicated by brain activity and FC was associated with cognitive dysfunction. These results indicated that alterations of intrinsic brain activity may be one of the underlying neurobiological markers for clinical symptoms in adolescents with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xiao
- Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorder (Xiangya Hospital), Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Liying Shen
- Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Haoling He
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P.R. China
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Yan Fu
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Jun Ding
- Department of Public Health, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Furong Jiang
- Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Jinfan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Zhejia Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Alessandro Grecucci
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (DiPSCo), University of Trento, Rovereto (TN), 38068, Italy
| | - Xiaoping Yi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, P.R. China.
| | - Bihong T Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
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Yi X, Fu Y, Ding J, Jiang F, Han Z, Zhang Y, Zhang Z, Xiao Q, Chen BT. Altered gray matter volume and functional connectivity in adolescent borderline personality disorder with non-suicidal self-injury behavior. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:193-202. [PMID: 36754875 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02161-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior is one of the characteristics of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in adolescents. Prior studies have shown that adolescents with BPD may have a unique pattern of brain alterations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alterations in brain structure and function including gray matter volume and resting-state functional connectivity in adolescents with BPD, and to assess the association between NSSI behavior and brain changes on neuroimaging in adolescents with BPD. METHODS 53 adolescents with BPD aged 12-17 years and 39 age-gender matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled into this study. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was acquired with both 3D-T1 weighted structural imaging and resting-state functional imaging. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis for gray matter volume and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analysis were performed for assessing gray matter volume and FC. Clinical assessment for NSSI, mood, and depression was also obtained. Correlative analysis of gray matter alterations with self-injury or mood scales were performed. RESULTS There were reductions of gray matter volume in the limbic-cortical circuit and default mode network in adolescents with BPD as compared to HCs (FWE P < 0.05, cluster size ≥ 1000). The diminished gray matter volumes in the left putamen and left middle occipital gyrus were negatively correlated with NSSI in adolescents with BPD (r = - 0.277 and P = 0.045, r = - 0.422 and P = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, there were alterations of FC in these two regions with diminished gray matter volumes (voxel P < 0.001, cluster P < 0.05, FWE corrected). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that diminished gray matter volume of the limbic-cortical circuit and default mode network may be an important neural correlate in adolescent BPD. In addition, the reduced gray matter volume and the altered functional connectivity may be associated with NSSI behavior in adolescents with BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Yi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Fu
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Ding
- Department of Public Health, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Furong Jiang
- Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zaide Han
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinping Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhejia Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qian Xiao
- Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bihong T Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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Altered cortical thickness and emotional dysregulation in adolescents with borderline personality disorder. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2163768. [PMID: 37052085 PMCID: PMC9848334 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2163768] [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] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Emotional dysregulation is a core feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Previous studies have reported that abnormal grey matter volume is associated with the limbic-cortical circuit and default mode network (DMN) in patients with BPD. However, alterations of cortical thickness in adolescents with BPD have not been well evaluated.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess cortical thickness and its association with emotional dysregulation in adolescents with BPD.Method: This prospective study enrolled 52 adolescents with BPD and 39 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Assessments included brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition with structural and resting-state functional MRI data, and clinical assessment for emotional dysregulation using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Cortical thickness and seed-based functional connectivity were analysed with FreeSurfer 7.2 software. Correlation analysis between cortical thickness and the scores from emotional assessment was performed with Spearman analysis.Results: Compared to HCs, there was altered cortical thickness in the DMN and limbic-cortical circuit in adolescents with BPD (Monte Carlo correction, all p < .05). These regions with altered cortical thickness were significantly associated with emotional dysregulation (all p < .05). There were also alterations of functional connectivity, i.e. with increased connectivity of the right prefrontal cortex with bilateral occipital lobes, or with the limbic system, and with decreased connectivity among the DMN regions (voxel p < .001, cluster p < .05, family-wise error corrected).Conclusions: Our results suggest that the altered cortical thickness and altered functional connectivity in the limbic-cortical circuit and DMN may be involved in emotional dysregulation in adolescents with BPD.
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Xiao Q, Yi X, Fu Y, Jiang F, Zhang Z, Huang Q, Han Z, Chen BT. Altered brain activity and childhood trauma in Chinese adolescents with borderline personality disorder. J Affect Disord 2023; 323:435-443. [PMID: 36493941 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.003] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood trauma may cause borderline personality disorder (BPD). The aim of this study was to assess functional alteration and its association with childhood trauma in Chinese adolescents with BPD. METHODS A total of 187 adolescents with BPD aged 12-17 years and 207 age and gender- matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled into this study. The sample consisted of 50 adolescents with BPD and 21 HCs underwent brain resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). The rs-fMRI data was analyzed for both neural activity as indicated by amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and seed-based functional connectivity (FC). Clinical assessment for childhood trauma, impulsivity, and depression was also performed. Correlative analysis of functional alterations with childhood trauma assessment were performed. RESULTS Adolescents with BPD had significantly higher rate of all assessed childhood trauma than the HC group (P < 0.001). Most adolescents with BPD (61.5 %) had emotional neglect, which was the most commonly seen type of childhood trauma. Compared with HCs, adolescents with BPD showed decreased ALFF in the cortical regions including the left superior frontal gyrus and right middle occipital gyrus, and default mode network (DMN) regions including the left angular gyrus and medial superior frontal gyrus. Adolescents with BPD also showed enhanced ALFF in the limbic system (left hippocampus, insula, thalamus) (P < 0.05, FWE correction, cluster size ≥100). There were significant correlations between the insula ALFF and childhood trauma assessment for emotional neglect, physical abuse and physical neglect (P < 0.01). Moreover, adolescents with BPD showed increased FC between the left insula and right cortical regions (voxel P < 0.001, cluster P < 0.05, FWE correction). LIMITATIONS The sample size was small. This cohort had patients with more severe BPD symptoms and some had comorbidities such as anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. CONCLUSIONS There were alterations of brain activity as indicated by ALFF in the limbic - cortical circuit and DMN regions in adolescents with BPD and the activity in the left insula was correlated with emotional neglect. In addition, the FC between the left insula and the limbic - prefrontal circuit was enhanced. These results implicate that the functional alterations of insula may serve as a potential neuroimaging biomarker for adolescents with BPD who suffered from childhood trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xiao
- Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Yi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China; National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China; Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China; Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China; Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Yan Fu
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China; Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Furong Jiang
- Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Zhejia Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Qinlin Huang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Zaide Han
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, PR China
| | - Bihong T Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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Yi X, Fu Y, Zhang Z, Jiang F, Xiao Q, Chen BT. Altered regional homogeneity and its association with cognitive function in adolescents with borderline personality disorder. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2023; 48:E1-E10. [PMID: 36596589 PMCID: PMC9829058 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.220144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents with borderline personality disorder often have cognitive impairment, but the underlying mechanism for this is not clear. This study was aimed at assessing alterations in regional homogeneity using resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) in adolescents with borderline personality disorder, and evaluating the associations between regional homogeneity and cognitive testing scores. METHODS We enrolled 50 adolescents with borderline personality disorder (age 12-17 years) and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We performed regional homogeneity and seed-based functional connectivity analysis for both groups. We also performed correlative analysis for regional homogeneity and cognitive testing scores. RESULTS Compared with healthy controls, adolescents with borderline personality disorder had reduced regional homogeneity values in the frontal cortex (including the left inferior orbitofrontal cortex and the bilateral superior frontal cortex) as well as in the left precuneus in the default mode network. Adolescents with borderline personality disorder also had higher regional homogeneity values in several cortical regions: the right middle temporal gyrus, the right cuneus, the right precentral gyrus and the left middle occipital gyrus. Regional homogeneity values in the left middle occipital gyrus, left inferior orbitofrontal cortex and right superior frontal gyrus were associated with cognitive testing scores in adolescents with borderline personality disorder. We also found increased functional connectivity between the left middle occipital gyrus and right superior frontal gyrus in adolescents with borderline personality disorder. LIMITATIONS This study had a modest sample size, with a possible case selection bias for patients with more severe illness. This cohort also included patients with comorbidities or taking psychotropic medications, which may have confounded study results. CONCLUSION Alterations in regional homogeneity and functional connectivity in brain regions that involve the limbic-cortical circuit could be neural correlates for cognitive impairment in adolescents with borderline personality disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Qian Xiao
- From the Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China (Yi, Fu); the National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China (Yi, Fu); the National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China (Yi); the Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China (Zhang); the Mental Health Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China (Jiang, Xiao); the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, Calif., USA (Chen)
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Zarnowski O, Ziton S, Holmberg R, Musto S, Riegle S, Van Antwerp E, Santos-Nunez G. Functional MRI findings in personality disorders: A review. J Neuroimaging 2021; 31:1049-1066. [PMID: 34468063 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12924] [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: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Personality disorders (PDs) have a prevalence of approximately 10% in the United States, translating to over 30 million people affected in just one country. The true prevalence of these disorders may be even higher, as the paucity of objective diagnostic criteria could be leading to underdiagnosis. Because little is known about the underlying neuropathologies of these disorders, patients are diagnosed using subjective criteria and treated nonspecifically. To better understand the neural aberrancies responsible for these patients' symptoms, a review of functional MRI literature was performed. The findings reveal that each PD is characterized by a unique set of activation changes corresponding to individual structures or specific neural networks. While unique patterns of neural activity are distinguishable within each PD, aberrations of the limbic/paralimbic structures and default mode network are noted across several of them. In addition to identifying valuable activation patterns, this review reveals a void in research pertaining to paranoid, schizoid, histrionic, narcissistic, and dependent PDs. By delineating patterns in PD neuropathology, we can more effectively direct future research efforts toward enhancing objective diagnostic techniques and developing targeted treatment modalities. Furthermore, understanding why patients are manifesting certain symptoms can advance clinical awareness and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Zarnowski
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Shirley Ziton
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Rylan Holmberg
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Sarafina Musto
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Sean Riegle
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Emily Van Antwerp
- West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, West Virginia, USA
| | - Gabriela Santos-Nunez
- University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Radiology Department, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Cattarinussi G, Delvecchio G, Prunas C, Moltrasio C, Brambilla P. Effects of pharmacological treatments on emotional tasks in borderline personality disorder: A review of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. J Affect Disord 2021; 288:50-57. [PMID: 33839558 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.03.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common mental disorder characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, impaired self-image, impulsivity and aggressive behaviors that often requires pharmacological treatments. Neuroimaging alterations have been extensively reported in BPD, especially in regions within the fronto-limbic system. Although medications can be an important confounding factor in functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies, their role on brain function in BPD patients still remains uncertain. Therefore, this review aims to improve our understanding on the potential effect of the most commonly prescribed drugs for BPD on brain function during processing of emotional tasks. METHODS A search on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science of fMRI studies exploring the effect of antipsychotics, antidepressants and mood stabilizers on brain activity during processing of emotional tasks on BPD was conducted. RESULTS Overall the studies showed small or no effect of pharmacological treatments on brain activity and connectivity in BPD patients during processing of emotional tasks. LIMITATIONS The small sample size, the observational design, the elevated percentage of women, the concomitant use of psychostimulants, anticholinergics and opioids substitute treatments and the high rate of comorbidities limit the conclusion of this review. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacological treatments seem to have minor role on brain activity/connectivity in BPD patients during emotional tasks, ultimately suggesting that in BPD patients brain deficits seem not be influenced by medications. This might be due to functional brain specificities of BPD and to the differences in pharmacological regimens and compliance to therapy between BPD and other common psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Delvecchio
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Cecilia Prunas
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Moltrasio
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Husain SF, Tang TB, Tam WW, Tran BX, Ho CS, Ho RC. Cortical haemodynamic response during the verbal fluency task in patients with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder: a preliminary functional near-infrared spectroscopy study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:201. [PMID: 33879125 PMCID: PMC8056702 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03195-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an emerging neuroimaging modality that provides a direct and quantitative assessment of cortical haemodynamic response during a cognitive task. It may be used to identify neurophysiological differences between psychiatric disorders with overlapping symptoms, such as bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Hence, this preliminary study aimed to compare the cerebral haemodynamic function of healthy controls (HC), patients with BD and patients with BPD. METHODS Twenty-seven participants (9 HCs, 9 patients with BD and 9 patients with BPD) matched for age, gender, ethnicity and education were recruited. Relative oxy-haemoglobin and deoxy-haemoglobin changes in the frontotemporal cortex was monitored with a 52-channel fNIRS system during a verbal fluency task (VFT). VFT performance, clinical history and symptom severity were also noted. RESULTS Compared to HCs, both patient groups had lower mean oxy-haemoglobin in the frontotemporal cortex during the VFT. Moreover, mean oxy-haemoglobin in the left inferior frontal region is markedly lower in patients with BPD compared to patients with BD. Task performance, clinical history and symptom severity were not associated with mean oxy-haemoglobin levels. CONCLUSIONS Prefrontal cortex activity is disrupted in patients with BD and BPD, but it is more extensive in BPD. These results provide further neurophysiological evidence for the separation of BPD from the bipolar spectrum. fNIRS could be a potential tool for assessing the frontal lobe function of patients who present with symptoms that are common to BD and BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Fabeha Husain
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599 Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228 Singapore
| | - Tong-Boon Tang
- grid.444487.f0000 0004 0634 0540Centre for Intelligent Signal and Imaging Research (CISIR), University Teknologi PETRONAS, Darul Ridzuan, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak Malaysia
| | - Wilson W. Tam
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597 Singapore
| | - Bach X. Tran
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA ,grid.56046.310000 0004 0642 8489Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, 116001 Vietnam ,grid.473736.20000 0004 4659 3737Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, 70000 Vietnam
| | - Cyrus S. Ho
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228 Singapore
| | - Roger C. Ho
- grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599 Singapore ,grid.4280.e0000 0001 2180 6431Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228 Singapore
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Sicorello M, Schmahl C. Emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder: A fronto–limbic imbalance? Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 37:114-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Developments in diagnosis and treatment of people with borderline personality disorder. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2020; 33:441-446. [PMID: 32639358 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000625] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Borderline personality disorder (BPD) attracts significant attention from clinicians and researchers alike. Despite increased recognition and willingness to diagnose BPD, most effective treatment approaches remain inaccessible to most. We consider recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of BPD. RECENT FINDINGS A literature search of EMBASE and PsychINFO, using the search terms 'borderline personality disorder,' 'diagnosis' and 'treatment' for publications since October 2018, yielded over 300 articles and reviews. The literature highlights the increasing awareness of the diagnostic complexity of BPD as well as the emerging significance of 'common factors' and stepped care approaches for managing and treating the disorder. SUMMARY Clinical practice is evolving to embrace more holistic diagnostic approaches, generalist treatment frameworks and stepped-care models that can be tailored to fit individual needs and service resources. The new frontiers in this field include expansion of timely treatment options, improved knowledge regarding the expression and management of BPD in men, adolescents and the elderly, and bridging cultural divides to create a worldwide population approach.
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