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Pugliese E, Visco-Comandini F, Papa C, Ciringione L, Cornacchia L, Gino F, Cannito L, Fadda S, Mancini F. Understanding Trauma in IPV: Distinguishing Complex PTSD, PTSD, and BPD in Victims and Offenders. Brain Sci 2024; 14:856. [PMID: 39335352 PMCID: PMC11430181 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14090856] [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: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This work aims to shed light on the differential diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder (BPD) within the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), which represents a highly innovative field of clinical research. To this end, a critical review of the literature was conducted to identify and compare the clinical patterns and symptomatic overlaps among cPTSD, PTSD, and BPD, with an emphasis on their manifestation in both IPV victims and offenders. The results show that despite some symptomatic similarities, cPTSD, PTSD, and BPD have distinct clinical patterns of interpersonal violence. Specifically, disturbances in self-organization (DSO) are more commonly found in offenders, while the diagnosis of cPTSD seems more aligned with the psychological functioning of victims. In addition, cPTSD and specific characteristics of BPD, such as fear of rejection and instability of identity, constitute risk factors for IPV victimization. cPTSD is shown as a predisposing factor not only for IPV victims but also for offenders, while PTSD emerges as a consequential factor. The specific pathways linking PTSD, cPTSD, and BPD with IPV have significant implications for clinical practice. Further research is needed to understand these profiles and the mechanisms linking trauma-related features to IPV, which is crucial for implementing effective violence prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Pugliese
- Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva APC e Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.V.-C.); (C.P.)
| | - Federica Visco-Comandini
- Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva APC e Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.V.-C.); (C.P.)
| | - Carolina Papa
- Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva APC e Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.V.-C.); (C.P.)
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Luciana Ciringione
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
- Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva, 37122 Verona, Italy
| | | | - Fabiana Gino
- Associazione Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Loreta Cannito
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Fadda
- Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva APC e Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.V.-C.); (C.P.)
| | - Francesco Mancini
- Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva APC e Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva SPC, 00185 Roma, Italy; (F.V.-C.); (C.P.)
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, 00193 Roma, Italy
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Raimondi G, Balsamo M, Carlucci L, Alivernini F, Lucidi F, Samela T, Innamorati M. Meta-analysis of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and its short forms: A two-part study. J Clin Psychol 2024; 80:1797-1820. [PMID: 38630901 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.23695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is the most used self-report questionnaire to assess deficits in emotion regulation (ER), composed of 6 dimensions and 36 items. Many studies have evaluated its factor structure, not always confirming the original results, and proposed different factor models. A possible way to try to identify the dimensionality of the DERS could be through a meta-analysis with structural equation models (MASEM) of its factor structure. The MASEM indicated that a six-factor model with 32 items (DERS-32) was the most suitable to represent the dimensionality of the DERS (χ2 = 2095.96, df = 449, p < .001; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.024, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.023-0.025; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.97; Tucker Lewis index [TLI] = 0.96; standardized root mean squared residual [SRMR] = 0.04). This result was also confirmed by a confirmatory factor analysis (χ2 = 3229.67, df = 449, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.075, 95% CI: 0.073-0.078; CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.93; SRMR = 0.05) on a new sample (1092 participants; mean age: 28.28, SD = 5.82 years) recruited from the Italian population. Analyses and results from this sample are reported in the second study of this work. The DERS-32 showed satisfactory internal consistency (i.e., ordinal α, Molenaar Sijtsma statistic, and latent class reliability coefficient) for all its dimensions and correctly categorized individuals with probable borderline symptomatology. In conclusion, the DERS-32 has demonstrated to be the best model for the DERS among all the others considered in this work, as well as a reliable tool to assess deficits in ER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Raimondi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Balsamo
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Leonardo Carlucci
- Department of Humanities, Letters, Cultural Heritage and Educational Studies, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Fabio Alivernini
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Lucidi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tonia Samela
- Clinical Psychology Unit, IDI IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Innamorati
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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di Marco S, Gaumard M, Hage WE, Tarrada A, Fugain L, Ertan D, Hingray C. A cross-sectional survey on French psychiatrists' knowledge and perceptions of dissociative identity disorder. L'ENCEPHALE 2024:S0013-7006(24)00091-5. [PMID: 38824042 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine French psychiatrists' level of general knowledge about dissociative identity disorder and to evaluate their perceptions of this condition. METHODS In this study, French psychiatrists were invited by e-mail to answer an online survey. The questionnaire asked about their general knowledge and perceptions of dissociative identity disorder. RESULTS We received 924 answers including 582 complete questionnaires. The survey revealed that almost two-thirds (60.8%) of psychiatrists working in France had never received any training on dissociative disorders and 62% had never managed patients suffering from dissociative identity disorder. Only 19.5% of them claimed to believe unreservedly in the existence of the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder. The psychiatrists' confidence in diagnosing or treating dissociative identity disorder was low (mean confidence in diagnosis: 3.32 out of 10 (SD 1.89), mean confidence in treatment: 3.1 out of 10 (SD 1.68)). Fifty percent believed that dissociative identity disorder is an entity created by cinema, medias or social networks. Seventy-seven point seven percent thought that confusion with borderline personality disorder is possible, and 41.3% with schizophrenia. CONCLUSION In France, there is a lack of training and knowledge about dissociative identity disorder, as well as persistent skepticism about the validity of the diagnosis. Specific training seems essential for a better understanding of dissociative identity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia di Marco
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand-Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Marie Gaumard
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand-Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Wissam El Hage
- Pôle de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Alexis Tarrada
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand-Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Département de neurologie, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Laure Fugain
- Centre du psychotraumatisme de Lorraine-Sud (CPN), Nancy, France
| | - Deniz Ertan
- Unité de recherche, institut La-Teppe, Tain-l'Hermitage, France
| | - Coraline Hingray
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand-Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Faculté de médecine, université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France; Centre du psychotraumatisme de Lorraine-Sud (CPN), Nancy, France; Département de neurologie, CHRU de Nancy, Nancy, France.
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Saxena M, Tote S, Sapkale B. Multiple Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management. Cureus 2023; 15:e49057. [PMID: 38116333 PMCID: PMC10730093 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissociative identity disorder (DID), commonly known as multiple personality disorder (MPD), is a contentious mental health condition that typically arises as a result of traumatic events to help people avoid unpleasant memories. To completely comprehend the complexity and nuance of DID, this study investigates its symptomatology, diagnostic criteria, therapeutic modalities, and historical controversies. Patients with DID frequently have two or more distinct personality identities, each with its memories, characteristics, and attributes. Ten personality disorders are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), but DID, formerly known as MPD, is not one of those personality disorders. Nevertheless, myths and misunderstandings cloud our knowledge of the disease, and some critics attribute the condition's emergence to therapy rather than trauma. This study emphasizes the possibilities for recovery and fulfilling life for persons affected by DID by attempting to provide a comprehensive understanding of DID, debunk myths and misconceptions, and throw light on effective therapy methods. It accomplishes this by carefully examining the body of literature and existing studies. The DID study used a systematic strategy to obtain a thorough grasp of the causes, diagnosis, symptoms, and therapies of the disorder. It employed precise keywords and Boolean operators across four databases, prioritized current peer-reviewed English-language publications, and enforced strict exclusion standards. While admitting potential biases and limits in the databases used, the research intended to maintain methodological transparency and robustness, helping to provide an accurate and up-to-date picture of DID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudit Saxena
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sachin Tote
- Anatomy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Bhagyesh Sapkale
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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5
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Goldner L, Lev-Wiesel R, Bussakorn B. "I'm in a Bloody Battle without Being Able to Stop It": The Dissociative Experiences of Child Sexual Abuse Survivors. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:7941-7963. [PMID: 36799511 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231153865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Dissociation in child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors remains under-recognized and diagnosed, partly because of the difficulties involved in identifying dissociative symptoms. Qualitative research can contribute to a better understanding of the lived experiences of dissociation. This study focused on the experiences of dissociation in the context of CSA. In all, 22 female incest survivors, all diagnosed with different dissociative disorders, provided narratives about their experiences of dissociation. The narratives were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The narrative analysis revealed four central themes. The first theme deals with reliving the experience of the abuse. The second theme refers to the experience of disconnection from the body, the self, and the surroundings. The third theme covers the lack of coherence in the narrative, and the fourth theme describes the bridge between voluntary controlled and nonvoluntary uncontrolled use of dissociation. The data are discussed in light of several traumagenic constructs, including a lack of self-sense, being entrapped in a victim-aggressor relationship, and distorted time perception. It is suggested that the extent to which participants can control their dissociation and the coherency of their narratives reflects the severity of their dissociation. Clinicians can consider helping clients use dissociation as an adaptive defense mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limor Goldner
- Faculty of Welfare and Health Sciences, The Emili Sagol CATs Research Center, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Rachel Lev-Wiesel
- Faculty of Welfare and Health Sciences, The Emili Sagol CATs Research Center, University of Haifa, Israel
- Tel Hai College, Upper Galilee, and the Emili Sagol CATs Research Center, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Binson Bussakorn
- Faculty of Fine Arts, FAA-Emili Sagol Creative Arts Research and Innovation for Well-being Center, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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6
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Lawless J, Tarren-Sweeney M. Alignment of Borderline Personality Disorder and Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder With Complex Developmental Symptomatology. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2023; 16:433-446. [PMID: 37234826 PMCID: PMC10205943 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-022-00445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cluster analysis of maltreatment-related mental health symptoms manifested by adolescents in foster care suggest the absence of an underlying taxonomic structure. To test this further, we investigated alignment between mental health symptom profiles derived through cluster analysis and nominal diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), among a sample of 230 adolescents in long-term foster care. Nominal DSM-V BPD and ICD-11 C-PTSD caseness was estimated from Child Behaviour Checklist and Assessment Checklist for Adolescents score algorithms, and alignment of case assignment with previously-derived symptom profiles was examined. Nineteen BPD and three C-PTSD nominal cases were identified. Low C-PTSD prevalence reflected low concordance between PTSD and 'disturbances in self organization' (DSO) case assignment. The BPD and C-PTSD cases were aligned to more complex and severe symptom profiles. While the complex and severe presentations identified in the present study included core symptoms and clinical signs of BPD, they were also characterised by clinical-level inattention/over-activity and conduct problems. The present findings provide some support for the validity of the BPD construct for describing complex and severe psychopathology manifested by adolescents in foster care, and no support for the C-PTSD construct. However, the symptom profiles point to high variability in combinations of multiple symptom types that does not conform to traditional definitions of a 'diagnosable' mental disorder. Further research is needed to determine if complex post-maltreatment symptomatology can be validly conceptualised as one or more complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lawless
- School of Health Sciences, Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand
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7
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Fung HW, Chien WT, Chan C, Ross CA. A Cross-Cultural Investigation of the Association between Betrayal Trauma and Dissociative Features. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:NP1630-NP1653. [PMID: 35467456 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221090568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Betrayal trauma theory proposes that betrayal and non-betrayal traumas are different in terms of their nature and impacts. The theory predicts that dissociation is more strongly related to betrayal than to non-betrayal trauma, however there is a lack of cross-cultural evaluation of the theory. One competing theory is the socio-cognitive model, which proposes that dissociative amnesia (DA) and identity dissociation (ID) are the results of social influence and are not trauma-related conditions. This study aimed to test the hypotheses based on betrayal trauma theory and investigated the relationship between trauma, dissociation and other mental health problems in two culturally different convenience samples of people seeking web-based educational interventions for dissociation (N = 83 English speakers and N = 82 Chinese speakers). Compared with childhood non-betrayal trauma, childhood betrayal trauma had a statistically stronger relationship with dissociation and borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms in both samples. DA and ID symptoms were cross-culturally associated with childhood betrayal trauma after controlling for other variables (including sample membership, age, depression levels, medication treatment and non-betrayal trauma). Participants with DA/ID symptoms reported significantly more trauma-related symptoms in both samples. The findings supported the cross-cultural application of the betrayal trauma theory for dissociative features and BPD symptoms. Implications for research and practice (e.g., child protection, assessment for survivors of childhood betrayal trauma) are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang Fung
- The Department of Applied Social Sciences, 177361The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Wai Tong Chien
- Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Chitat Chan
- The Department of Applied Social Sciences, 177361The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Colin A Ross
- The Colin A. Ross Institute for Psychological Trauma, Richardson, Texas, United States
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Al-Shamali HF, Winkler O, Talarico F, Greenshaw AJ, Forner C, Zhang Y, Vermetten E, Burback L. A systematic scoping review of dissociation in borderline personality disorder and implications for research and clinical practice: Exploring the fog. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1252-1264. [PMID: 35152771 PMCID: PMC9511244 DOI: 10.1177/00048674221077029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is frequently complicated by the presence of dissociative symptoms. Pathological dissociation is linked with earlier and more severe trauma exposure, emotional dysregulation and worse treatment outcomes in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Dissociative Disorders, with implications for BPD. OBJECTIVE A systematic scoping review was conducted to assess the extent of current literature regarding the impact of dissociation on BPD and to identify knowledge gaps. METHODS Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus) were searched, and English peer-reviewed studies with adults with BPD were included, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) 2018 guidelines. RESULTS Most of the 70 included studies were observational (98%) with first authors from Germany (59%). Overall, dissociation was associated with increased BPD symptom severity, self-harm and reduced psychotherapy treatment response; findings regarding suicide risk were mixed. Dissociation was associated with working memory and cognitive deficits, decreased pain perception, altered body ownership, no substance abuse or the abuse of sedative substances, increased fantasy proneness, personality fragmentation, fearful attachment, dream anxiety, perceived stress and altered stress responses, increased cumulative body mass index, decreased water consumption, several neurological correlates and changes in gene expression. CONCLUSION BPD with significant dissociative symptoms may constitute a more severe and at-risk subgroup of BPD patients. However, there are significant research gaps and methodological issues in the area, including the possibility of unrecognized Dissociative Disorders in BPD study populations confounding results. Further studies are needed to better understand the impact of dissociation on BPD course and treatment, and to clarify the most appropriate assessment tools for clinical practice. In addition, interventional studies are needed to develop dissociation-specific BPD treatments to determine whether targeting dissociation in BPD can improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda F Al-Shamali
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Olga Winkler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Fernanda Talarico
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Burback
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada,Lisa Burback, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R7, Canada.
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Craparo G, La Rosa VL, Marino G, Vezzoli M, Cinà GS, Colombi M, Arcoleo G, Severino M, Costanzo G, Mangiapane E. Risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms in hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 recovered patients. A cross-sectional study. Psychiatry Res 2022; 308:114353. [PMID: 34968807 PMCID: PMC8688161 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
High rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have been found among patients with more severe COVID-19-related symptoms, and hospitalization is generally recognized as a risk factor for developing PTSD. Furthermore, other personality characteristics may increase the risk of developing post-traumatic stress symptoms following a COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to assess personality traits, alexithymia, dissociation, anxiety, and depression in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and the impact of these variables on the presence of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Five hundred and six participants completed a battery of standardized questionnaires. All the scales used in this study are valid and reliable measures of their respective constructs. Results showed that high levels of alexithymia, dissociation, anxiety, and depression statistically significantly predicted the three main clusters of PTSD symptoms (avoidance, intrusion, and hyperarousal) in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. Furthermore, negative affectivity and psychoticism significantly predicted PTSD symptoms in our sample. Finally, individuals hospitalized by COVID-19 are more at risk of developing intrusion and hyperarousal symptoms than those who never needed hospital care. Our findings are a valuable contribution in identifying the main risk factors of psychological distress related to COVID-19 to address the long-term mental health needs of people who have experienced the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Craparo
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, Enna 94100, Italy.
| | | | - Graziella Marino
- IRCCS – Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata (CROB), Rionero in Vulture, Potenza, Italy
| | - Michela Vezzoli
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Serena Cinà
- Department of Psychology, U.O.C., Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale Trapani, Trapani, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Giulia Costanzo
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, Enna 94100, Italy
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Evaluating the Factor Structure of the Emotion Dysregulation Scale-Short (EDS-s): A Preliminary Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010418. [PMID: 35010680 PMCID: PMC8744789 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Emotion dysregulation (ED) can be considered a psychopathological transdiagnostic dimension, the presence of which should be reliably screened in clinical settings. The aim of the current study was to validate the Italian version of the Emotion Dysregulation Scale-short (EDS-s), a brief self-report tool assessing emotion dysregulation, in a non-clinical sample of 1087 adults (768 women and 319 men). We also assessed its convergent validity with scales measuring binge eating and general psychopathology. Structural equation modeling suggested the fit of a one-factor model refined with correlations between the errors of three pairs of items (χ2 = 255.56, df = 51, p < 0.001, RMSEA = 0.08, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93, SRMR = 0.04). The EDS-s demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (ordinal alpha = 0.94). Moreover, EDS-s scores partly explained the variance of both binge eating (0.35, p < 0.001) and general psychopathology (0.60, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the EDS-s can be considered to be a reliable and valid measure of ED.
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11
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Nester MS, Schielke HJ, Brand BL, Loewenstein RJ. Dissociative Identity Disorder: Diagnostic Accuracy and DSM-5 Criteria Change Implications. J Trauma Dissociation 2021; 23:1-13. [PMID: 34661505 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2021.1989123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) revised the diagnostic criteria for dissociative identity disorder (DID) to more accurately reflect the symptom profile of DID patients. No study has examined how this change affects clinical diagnosis of DID. The present study examined clinician reports of patient symptoms in relation to DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 DID diagnostic criteria. Data were analyzed from 169 clinicians who participated in the Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders Network Study with a patient they assigned a DID diagnosis. Clinicians evaluated their patients with respect to DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 DID diagnostic criteria. Researchers determined a clinician-assigned DID diagnosis as "accurate" when the patient's reported dissociative symptoms matched DSM-IV-TR and/or DSM-5 criteria for DID. Most of the clinicians (95.27%) accurately diagnosed DID. Of those accurately diagnosed, 83.85% of patients met DSM-IV-TR and DSM-5 DID criteria, 9.94% only met DSM-IV-TR DID criteria, and 6.21% only met DSM-5 DID criteria. Further examination of responses suggested that possible idiomatic responses to the negative wording of the DSM-5 exclusionary criteria might have accounted for the DSM-IV-TR appearing to fit for a greater number of cases in this study. Changes in the DSM criteria for DID did not substantially change the frequency or accuracy of assigned DID diagnoses, but the removal of the requirement in DSM-5 that self-states regularly take control of an individual's behavior slightly increased the number of individuals meeting criteria for DID.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shae Nester
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, USA
| | - Hugo J Schielke
- Traumatic Stress Injury & Concurrent Program, Homewood Health Centre, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bethany L Brand
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard J Loewenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and Private Practice, Baltimore, Marylad, USA
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12
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Velotti P, Civilla C, Rogier G, Beomonte Zobel S. A Fear of COVID-19 and PTSD Symptoms in Pathological Personality: The Mediating Effect of Dissociation and Emotion Dysregulation. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:590021. [PMID: 33833698 PMCID: PMC8021772 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.590021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak is currently putting a strain on the mental health resilience of the world's population. Specifically, it is likely to elicit an intense response to fear and to act as a risk factor for the onset of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some individuals may be more at risk than others, with pathological personality variables being a potential candidate as a central vulnerability factor. In addition, the pathways that lead the pathological personality to PTSD and intense fear responses to COVID-19 are likely to be explained by poor emotion regulation capacities, as well as by dissociative mechanisms. Aims: This study aimed to shed light on vulnerability factors that may account for the onset of PTSD and intense responses of fear in response to COVID-19 outbreak and to test the mediating role of emotion dysregulation and dissociation proneness in these pathways. Methods: We used a longitudinal design of research administered to a sample of community individuals (N = 308; meanage = 35.31, SD = 13.91; 22.7% were male). Moreover, we used self-report questionnaires to measure pathological personality, emotion regulation capacities, dissociative proneness at the beginning of the lockdown, and PTSD symptoms and fear of COVID-19 at the end of the Italian lockdown (from March 9 to May 18, 2020). Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses. Results: We found that pathological personality levels longitudinally predicted PTSD and fear of COVID-19 levels. Moreover, the associations between emotion dysregulation and dissociation were shown to significantly and totally mediate the relationship between pathological personality and PTSD, whereas no significant mediation effects were observed in relation to fear of COVID-19. Conclusions: Individuals with pathological personality traits may be more vulnerable to the onset of negative psychological consequences related to COVID-19 outbreak, such as PTSD symptomatology and fear levels. Emotion regulation capacities appear to be relevant targets of interventions for PTSD symptomatology. Future research should explore the mediating variables linking pathological personality to intense fear responses to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Velotti
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Mirman A, Bick AS, Kalla C, Canetti L, Segman R, Dan R, Ben Yehuda A, Levin N, Bonne O. The imprint of childhood adversity on emotional processing in high functioning young adults. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:615-625. [PMID: 33125770 PMCID: PMC7814751 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been acknowledged as risk factors for increased mental health complications in adulthood, specifically increasing susceptibility to developing psychopathology upon exposure to trauma. Yet, little is known regarding the impact of mild ACEs on highly functioning population. In this study forty participants were selected from a group of 366 highly selected military parachute trainees using the self-report "childhood trauma questionnaire," and classified into two groups of 20 each, with and without ACEs. Behavioral measurements were obtained before and at the peak of an intensive combat training period, including anxiety, depression and executive function assessment. Functional MRI including a negative emotional face perception task was conducted at the first time point. Psychometric and cognitive measurements revealed higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and more difficulties in executive functioning in the ACE group at baseline. Slower reaction time to emotional faces presentation was found in the ACE group. Lower activation in response to negative emotional faces stimuli was found in this group in bilateral secondary visual areas, left anterior insula, left parietal cortex and left primary motor and sensory regions. In contrast, higher activation in the ACE group was found in the right ventral lateral prefrontal cortex (Vlpfc). No significant differences between groups were detected in the amygdala. To conclude, mild adverse childhood experiences produce long-term sequela on psychological wellbeing and neurocircuitry even in high functioning population. Brain regions modulated by childhood trauma may instigate avoidance mechanisms dampening the emotional and cognitive effects of intensive stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aron Mirman
- Functional Imaging Unit, Department of NeurologyHadassah‐Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalemIsrael
- Department of PsychiatryHadassah‐Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalemIsrael
| | - Atira S. Bick
- Functional Imaging Unit, Department of NeurologyHadassah‐Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalemIsrael
| | - Carmel Kalla
- Department of Mental HealthIsrael Defense ForcesRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Laura Canetti
- Department of PsychologyHebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
| | - Ronen Segman
- Molecular Psychiatry LaboratoryHadassah‐Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalemIsrael
| | - Rotem Dan
- Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC)Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalemIsrael
- Department of NeurologyHadassah Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalemIsrael
| | | | - Netta Levin
- Functional Imaging Unit, Department of NeurologyHadassah‐Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalemIsrael
| | - Omer Bonne
- Department of PsychiatryHadassah‐Hebrew University Medical CenterJerusalemIsrael
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Golshani S, Ghanbari S, Firoozabadi A, Shakeri J, Hookari S, Rahami B, Sadeghi Bahmani D, Brand S. Dissociative Symptoms and Self-Reported Childhood and Current Trauma in Male Incarcerated People with Borderline Personality Disorder - Results from a Small Cross-Sectional Study in Iran. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:2407-2417. [PMID: 33116540 PMCID: PMC7586052 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s266016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that incarcerated people show higher rates of symptoms of psychopathology. In the present study, we assessed male Iranian incarcerated people with borderline personality disorders (BPD) and investigated the occurrence of past and current trauma and their associations with dissociative experiences. METHODS A total of 69 male Iranian incarcerated people (mean age: 33.76 years) diagnosed with PBD completed questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, dissociative experiences, and past and current traumatic events. RESULTS Participants reporting the occurrence of childhood trauma also reported the occurrence of adulthood trauma. Dissociation and adulthood trauma were associated in a U-shaped, non-linear fashion: Low and high adulthood trauma were associated with higher dissociation. Younger age, the presence of childhood trauma, and being single or divorced predicted adulthood trauma. CONCLUSION The pattern of results suggests that both childhood and adulthood trauma are highly prevalent among male incarcerated people, while the association between adulthood trauma and dissociation appeared to be more complex. When treating male incarcerated people, a complex interplay between past and current traumas and dissociation should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanobar Golshani
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sahel Ghanbari
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ali Firoozabadi
- Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Hafez Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jalal Shakeri
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Sarah Hookari
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Bahareh Rahami
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Dena Sadeghi Bahmani
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,University of Basel, Psychiatric Clinics (UPK), Center for Affective-, Stress- and Sleep Disorders (ZASS), Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Serge Brand
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.,University of Basel, Psychiatric Clinics (UPK), Center for Affective-, Stress- and Sleep Disorders (ZASS), Basel 4002, Switzerland.,Department of Sport, Exercise, and Health, Division of Sport Science and Psychosocial Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Brand BL, Schielke HJ, Putnam KT, Putnam FW, Loewenstein RJ, Myrick A, Jepsen EKK, Langeland W, Steele K, Classen CC, Lanius RA. An Online Educational Program for Individuals With Dissociative Disorders and Their Clinicians: 1-Year and 2-Year Follow-Up. J Trauma Stress 2019; 32:156-166. [PMID: 30698858 PMCID: PMC6590319 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with dissociative disorders (DDs) are underrecognized, underserved, and often severely psychiatrically ill, characterized by marked dissociative and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms with significant disability. Patients with DD have high rates of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts. Despite this, there is a dearth of training about DDs. We report the outcome of a web-based psychoeducational intervention for an international sample of 111 patients diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) or other complex DDs. The Treatment of Patients with Dissociative Disorders Network (TOP DD Network) program was designed to investigate whether, over the course of a web-based psychoeducational program, DD patients would exhibit improved functioning and decreased symptoms, including among patients typically excluded from treatment studies for safety reasons. Using video, written, and behavioral practice exercises, the TOP DD Network program provided therapists and patients with education about DDs as well as skills for improving emotion regulation, managing safety issues, and decreasing symptoms. Participation was associated with reductions in dissociation and PTSD symptoms, improved emotion regulation, and higher adaptive capacities, with overall sample |d|s = 0.44-0.90, as well as reduced NSSI. The improvements in NSSI among the most self-injurious patients were particularly striking. Although all patient groups showed significant improvements, individuals with higher levels of dissociation demonstrated greater and faster improvement compared to those lower in dissociation |d|s = 0.54-1.04 vs. |d|s = 0.24-0.75, respectively. These findings support dissemination of DD treatment training and initiation of treatment studies with randomized controlled designs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karen T. Putnam
- The Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Frank W. Putnam
- The Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Richard J. Loewenstein
- Sheppard Pratt Health System and University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Amie Myrick
- Family and Children's ServicesBel AirMaryland
| | | | | | | | - Catherine C. Classen
- University of California San Francisco and Zuckerberg San Francisco General HospitalSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
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16
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Temple MJ. Understanding, identifying and managing severe dissociative disorders in general psychiatric settings. BJPSYCH ADVANCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1192/bja.2018.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
SUMMARYThe severe dissociative disorders of dissociative identity disorder (DID) and dissociative disorder not otherwise specified (DDNOS) are complex, not uncommon presentations associated with severe symptoms, high rates of comorbidity, high service use compared with other psychiatric disorders, and high suicidality. They exact high personal and socioeconomic burdens and show poor response to standard treatments, with high levels of treatment attrition and ‘revolving-door’ out-patient and in-patient service use; patients are often misdiagnosed or labelled ‘untreatable’. DID and DDNOS diagnoses remain controversial, but they have been repeatedly validated internationally over the past 20 years and the disorders can be accurately identified using screening tools and structured clinical interviews. Neurobiological understanding of the disorders is increasing; findings are consistent with a trauma origin and have commonality with features seen in other trauma-related disorders. Specialist treatment that addresses the dissociative symptoms alongside their trauma origins shows promise in early evidence. Working knowledge of these disorders among non-specialist psychiatrists and psychologists in the UK remains poor, resulting in long delays before diagnosis and treatment.LEARNING OBJECTIVES•Understand trauma-related DID and DDNOS, in particular that they are ‘real’ and not rare disorders•Know when to suspect their presence in general psychiatric settings and how to assess for them•Understand (and help the patient to access) specialist treatments and be able to apply general approaches in the non-specialist settingDECLARATION OF INTERESTNone.
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17
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Papadopoulos NL, Röhricht F. A single case report of Body Oriented Psychological Therapy for a patient with Chronic Conversion Disorder. ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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18
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Krause-Utz A, Elzinga B. Current Understanding of the Neural Mechanisms of Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2018; 5:113-123. [PMID: 29577011 PMCID: PMC5857558 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-018-0146-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review In this article, we aim to give an overview over recent neuroimaging research on dissociation in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Stress-related dissociation is highly prevalent in BPD, while so far only little is known about its neural underpinnings. Recent Findings Based on research in depersonalization and the dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder, it has been proposed that dissociation involves alterations in a cortico-limbic network. In BPD, neuroimaging research explicitly focusing on dissociation is still scarce. Summary Functional neuroimaging studies have provided preliminary evidence for an altered recruitment and interplay of fronto-limbic regions (amygdala, anterior cingulate, inferior frontal gyrus, medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices) and temporoparietal areas (superior temporal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, fusiform gyrus), which may underlie disrupted affective-cognitive processing during dissociation in BPD. More neuroimaging research with larger samples, clinical control groups, and repeated measurements is needed to deepen the understanding of dissociation in BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annegret Krause-Utz
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bernet Elzinga
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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19
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Brand BL, Schielke HJ, Brams JS, DiComo RA. Assessing Trauma-Related Dissociation in Forensic Contexts: Addressing Trauma-Related Dissociation as a Forensic Psychologist, Part II. PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY & LAW 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12207-017-9305-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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20
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Pick S, Mellers JDC, Goldstein LH. Dissociation in patients with dissociative seizures: relationships with trauma and seizure symptoms. Psychol Med 2017; 47:1215-1229. [PMID: 28065191 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716003093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to extend the current understanding of dissociative symptoms experienced by patients with dissociative (psychogenic, non-epileptic) seizures (DS), including psychological and somatoform types of symptomatology. An additional aim was to assess possible relationships between dissociation, traumatic experiences, post-traumatic symptoms and seizure manifestations in this group. METHOD A total of 40 patients with DS were compared with a healthy control group (n = 43), matched on relevant demographic characteristics. Participants completed several self-report questionnaires, including the Multiscale Dissociation Inventory (MDI), Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire-20, Traumatic Experiences Checklist and the Post-Traumatic Diagnostic Scale. Measures of seizure symptoms and current emotional distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were also administered. RESULTS The clinical group reported significantly more psychological and somatoform dissociative symptoms, trauma, perceived impact of trauma, and post-traumatic symptoms than controls. Some dissociative symptoms (i.e. MDI disengagement, MDI depersonalization, MDI derealization, MDI memory disturbance, and somatoform dissociation scores) were elevated even after controlling for emotional distress; MDI depersonalization scores correlated positively with trauma scores while seizure symptoms correlated with MDI depersonalization, derealization and identity dissociation scores. Exploratory analyses indicated that somatoform dissociation specifically mediated the relationship between reported sexual abuse and DS diagnosis, along with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS A range of psychological and somatoform dissociative symptoms, traumatic experiences and post-traumatic symptoms are elevated in patients with DS relative to healthy controls, and seem related to seizure manifestations. Further studies are needed to explore peri-ictal dissociative experiences in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pick
- Department of Psychology,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London,London,UK
| | - J D C Mellers
- Neuropsychiatry Outpatients Department,Maudsley Hospital, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust,London,UK
| | - L H Goldstein
- Department of Psychology,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London,London,UK
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Abstract
Dissociation involves disruptions of usually integrated functions of consciousness, perception, memory, identity, and affect (e.g., depersonalization, derealization, numbing, amnesia, and analgesia). While the precise neurobiological underpinnings of dissociation remain elusive, neuroimaging studies in disorders, characterized by high dissociation (e.g., depersonalization/derealization disorder (DDD), dissociative identity disorder (DID), dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder (D-PTSD)), have provided valuable insight into brain alterations possibly underlying dissociation. Neuroimaging studies in borderline personality disorder (BPD), investigating links between altered brain function/structure and dissociation, are still relatively rare. In this article, we provide an overview of neurobiological models of dissociation, primarily based on research in DDD, DID, and D-PTSD. Based on this background, we review recent neuroimaging studies on associations between dissociation and altered brain function and structure in BPD. These studies are discussed in the context of earlier findings regarding methodological differences and limitations and concerning possible implications for future research and the clinical setting.
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22
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Schielke H, Brand B, Marsic A. Assessing therapeutic change in patients with severe dissociative disorders: the progress in treatment questionnaire, therapist and patient measures. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2017; 8:1380471. [PMID: 29163860 PMCID: PMC5687799 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1380471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Treatment research for dissociative identity disorder (DID) and closely related severe dissociative disorders (DD) is rare, and has been made more difficult by the lack of a reliable, valid measure for assessing treatment progress in these populations. Objective: This paper presents psychometric data for therapist and patient report measures developed to evaluate therapeutic progress and outcomes for individuals with DID and other DD: the Progress in Treatment Questionnaire - Therapist (PITQ-t; a therapist report measure) and the Progress in Treatment Questionnaire - Patient (PITQ-p; a patient self-report measure). Method: We examined the data of 177 patient-therapist pairs (total N = 354) participating in the TOP DD Network Study, an online psychoeducation programme aimed at helping patients with DD establish safety, regulate emotions, and manage dissociative and posttraumatic symptoms. Results: The PITQ-t and PITQ-p demonstrated good internal consistency and evidence of moderate convergent validity in relation to established measures of emotional dysregulation, dissociation, posttraumatic stress disorder, and psychological quality of life, which are characteristic difficulties for DD patients. The measures also demonstrated significant relationships in the hypothesized directions with positive emotions, social relations, and self-harm and dangerous behaviours. The patient-completed PITQ-p, which may be used as an ongoing assessment measure to guide treatment planning, demonstrated evidence of stronger relationships with established symptom measures than the PITQ-t. Conclusions: The PITQ-t and PITQ-p merit use, additional research, and refinement in relation to the assessment of therapeutic progress with patients with DD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Schielke
- Psychology Department, California Department of State Hospitals, Napa, CA, USA
| | - Bethany Brand
- Psychology Department, Towson University, Towson, MD, USA
| | - Angelika Marsic
- Psychology Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Correctional Institution, CA, Tehachapi, USA
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Webermann AR, Brand BL. Mental illness and violent behavior: the role of dissociation. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2017; 4:2. [PMID: 28138388 PMCID: PMC5260135 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-017-0053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of mental illness in violent crime is elusive, and there are harmful stereotypes that mentally ill people are frequently violent criminals. Studies find greater psychopathology among violent offenders, especially convicted homicide offenders, and higher rates of violence perpetration and victimization among those with mental illness. Emotion dysregulation may be one way in which mental illness contributes to violent and/or criminal behavior. Although there are many stereotyped portrayals of individuals with dissociative disorders (DDs) being violent, the link between DDs and crime is rarely researched. METHODS We reviewed the extant literature on DDs and violence and found it is limited to case study reviews. The present study addresses this gap through assessing 6-month criminal justice involvement among 173 individuals with DDs currently in treatment. We investigated whether their criminal behavior is predicted by patient self-reported dissociative, posttraumatic stress disorder and emotion dysregulation symptoms, as well as clinician-reprted depressive disorders and substance use disorder. RESULTS Past 6 month criminal justice involvement was notably low: 13% of the patients reported general police contact and 5% reported involvement in a court case, although either of these could have involved the DD individual as a witness, victim or criminal. Only 3.6% were recent criminal witnesses, 3% reported having been charged with an offense, 1.8% were fined, and 0.6% were incarcerated in the past 6 months. No convictions or probations in the prior 6 months were reported. None of the symptoms reliably predicted recent criminal behavior. CONCLUSIONS In a representative sample of individuals with DDs, recent criminal justice involvement was low, and symptomatology did not predict criminality. We discuss the implications of these findings and future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya R Webermann
- University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Math/Psychology Building Rm. 312, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250 USA
| | - Bethany L Brand
- Department of Psychology, Towson University, Towson, 21252 MD USA
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Brand BL, Webermann AR, Frankel AS. Assessment of complex dissociative disorder patients and simulated dissociation in forensic contexts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2016; 49:197-204. [PMID: 28029435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Few assessors receive training in assessing dissociation and complex dissociative disorders (DDs). Potential differential diagnoses include anxiety, mood, psychotic, substance use, and personality disorders, as well as exaggeration and malingering. Individuals with DDs typically elevate on many clinical and validity scales on psychological tests, yet research indicates that they can be distinguished from DD simulators. Becoming informed about the testing profiles of DD individuals and DD simulators can improve the accuracy of differential diagnoses in forensic settings. In this paper, we first review the testing profiles of individuals with complex DDs and contrast them with DD simulators on assessment measures used in forensic contexts, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), and the Structured Inventory of Reported Symptoms (SIRS), as well as dissociation-specific measures such as the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Dissociative Disorders (SCID-D-R). We then provide recommendations for assessing complex trauma and dissociation through the aforementioned assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L Brand
- Psychology Department, Towson University, Towson, MD, United States.
| | - Aliya R Webermann
- Psychology Department, Towson University, Towson, MD, United States.
| | - A Steven Frankel
- Psychology Department, University of Southern California, Lafayette, CA, United States.
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Webermann AR, Myrick AC, Taylor CL, Chasson GS, Brand BL. Dissociative, depressive, and PTSD symptom severity as correlates of nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidality in dissociative disorder patients. J Trauma Dissociation 2016. [PMID: 26211678 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2015.1067941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigates whether symptom severity can distinguish patients diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and dissociative disorder not otherwise specified with a recent history of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts from those patients without recent self-harm. A total of 241 clinicians reported on recent history of patient NSSI and suicide attempts. Of these clinicians' patients, 221 completed dissociative, depressive, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology measures. Baseline cross-sectional data from a naturalistic and prospective study of dissociative disorder patients receiving community treatment were utilized. Analyses evaluated dissociative, depressive, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity as methods of classifying patients into NSSI and suicide attempt groupings. Results indicated that dissociation severity accurately classified patients into NSSI and suicidality groups, whereas depression severity accurately classified patients into NSSI groups. These findings point to dissociation and depression severity as important correlates of NSSI and suicidality in patients with dissociative disorders and have implications for self-harm prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya R Webermann
- a Department of Psychology , Towson University , Towson , Maryland , USA
| | - Amie C Myrick
- b Family and Children's Services of Central Maryland , Bel Air , Maryland , USA
| | | | - Gregory S Chasson
- a Department of Psychology , Towson University , Towson , Maryland , USA
| | - Bethany L Brand
- a Department of Psychology , Towson University , Towson , Maryland , USA
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