1
|
Kulakova E, Graumann L, Wingenfeld K. The Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis and Social Cognition in Borderline Personality Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:378-394. [PMID: 37539934 PMCID: PMC10845078 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230804085639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by emotional instability, impulsivity and unstable interpersonal relationships. Patients experience discomforting levels of distress, inducing symptoms like dissociation, aggression or withdrawal. Social situations are particularly challenging, and acute social stress can reduce patients' cognitive and social functioning. In patients with Major Depressive Disorder or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, which show high comorbidity with BPD, the endocrine stress response is characterized by Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, which affects cognitive functioning. Compared to these clinical groups, research on HPA-axis function in BPD is relatively scarce, but evidence points towards a blunted cortisol reactivity to acute stress. Since BPD patients are particularly prone to social stress and experience high subjective difficulties in these situations, it seems plausible that HPA-axis dysregulation might contribute to decreased social cognition in BPD. The present review summarizes findings on the HPA-axis function in BPD and its association with social cognition following acute social stress. For this purpose, we review literature that employed a widely used social stressor (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST) to study the effects of acute social stress on social cognition and the HPA-axis response. We contrast these findings with studies on social cognition that employed Cyberball, another widely used social stressor that lacks HPA-axis involvement. We conclude that research on social cognition in BPD reveals heterogeneous results with no clear relationship between social functioning and HPA-axis response. More research is needed to better understand the psychophysiological underpinnings of impaired social cognition in BPD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Kulakova
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Livia Graumann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Wingenfeld
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hakamata Y, Mizukami S, Izawa S, Moriguchi Y, Hori H, Matsumoto N, Hanakawa T, Inoue Y, Tagaya H. Childhood trauma affects autobiographical memory deficits through basal cortisol and prefrontal-extrastriate functional connectivity. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 127:105172. [PMID: 33831650 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological trauma can damage the brain, especially in areas where glucocorticoid receptors are expressed, via perturbed secretion of cortisol. Childhood trauma is associated with blunted basal cortisol secretion, brain alterations, and autobiographical memory deficits referred to as overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM). However, it remains unknown whether childhood trauma affects OGM through altered cortisol and brain alterations. METHODS Using resting-state fMRI in 100 healthy humans, we examined whether childhood trauma affects OGM through its related basal cortisol and brain functional connectivity (FC). Trauma and OGM were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT), respectively. Basal cortisol levels were measured by 10 points-in-time across two days. Multiple mediation analysis was employed. RESULTS CTQ was associated with greater semantic-associate memory of OGM, a retrieval tendency toward semantic content with no specific contextual details of an experienced event, as well as blunted basal cortisol levels. While CTQ was correlated with decreased FC between the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), it showed a more predominant correlation with increased FC between the lateral and anteromedial PFC and extrastriate cortex. Importantly, the increased prefrontal-extrastriate FC completely mediated the relationship between CTQ and semantic-associate memory, affected by hyposecretion of cortisol. CONCLUSION Childhood trauma may lead to the lack of visuoperceptual contextual details in autobiographical memory by altering basal cortisol secretion and connectivity of the prefrontal-hippocampal-extrastriate regions. The intensified prefrontal-extrastriate connectivity may contribute to OGM formation by strengthening the semantic content in memory retrieval. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the trauma-cortisol-brain-memory link will provide important clinical implications for trauma-related mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Hakamata
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan; Department of Health Science, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Japan; Department of Clinical Psychology, International University of Health and Welfare, Japan.
| | - Shinya Mizukami
- Department of Radiological Technology, Kitasato University School of Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Shuhei Izawa
- Occupational Stress and Health Management Research Group, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Moriguchi
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Hori
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Hanakawa
- Integrative Brain Imaging Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Japan; Department of Integrated Neuroanatomy and Neuroimaging, Kyoto University, Japan
| | - Yusuke Inoue
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hirokuni Tagaya
- Department of Health Science, Kitasato University School of Allied Health Sciences, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lund JI, Toombs E, Radford A, Boles K, Mushquash C. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Executive Function Difficulties in Children: A Systematic Review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 106:104485. [PMID: 32388225 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and detrimental mental health outcomes has been increasingly explored within scientific literature since the original ACE study was published by Felitti et al. (1998). Given that deficits in executive functions (EF) are prominent in most forms of psychopathology across the lifespan, there is utility in considering how ACEs relate to EF outcomes. OBJECTIVE To consolidate the research to date on the relationship between ACEs and EF outcomes among child samples. METHODS A systematic review was conducted that included 16 scientific databases and 17 grey literatures. RESULTS Across 36 studies, many examined EF related to forms of maltreatment (e.g. abuse, neglect, and exposure to intimate partner violence) and found a strong relationship between maltreatment and EF deficits among children. Similarly, family member mental illness (maternal depression in particular) was associated with poor EF outcomes. The relationship between other ACEs and EF outcomes have not been uniquely examined, including intimate partner violence and family member incarceration. CONCLUSIONS This review acts as a preliminary step towards broader understanding of outcomes related to early childhood experiences through the consideration of EFs. Through documentation of such relationships, it is possible to consider how prevention and treatment approaches may be improved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessie I Lund
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Canada.
| | - Elaine Toombs
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Canada
| | - Abbey Radford
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Canada
| | - Kara Boles
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Canada
| | - Christopher Mushquash
- Department of Psychology, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Lakehead University, Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, Fort William First Nation, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shin SH, Conley D, Ksinan Jiskrova G, Wills TA. Adverse Childhood Experiences and E‐Cigarette Use During Young Adulthood. Am J Addict 2019; 28:303-310. [DOI: 10.1111/ajad.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sunny H. Shin
- School of Social WorkVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond Virginia
- Department of PsychiatrySchool of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond Virginia
| | - David Conley
- School of Social WorkVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond Virginia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Quaedflieg CWEM, Stoffregen H, Sebalo I, Smeets T. Stress-induced impairment in goal-directed instrumental behaviour is moderated by baseline working memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 158:42-49. [PMID: 30664942 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute stress has been found to impair goal-directed instrumental behaviour, a cognitively flexible behaviour that requires cognitive control. The current study aimed to investigate the role of individual differences in baseline and stress-induced changes in working memory (WM) on the shift to less goal-directed responding under stress. To this end, 112 healthy participants performed an instrumental learning task. In phase 1, participants learned instrumental actions that were associated with two different food rewards. In phase 2, one of these food rewards was devalued by eating until satiety. Before the extinction test in phase 3, participants were subjected to the Maastricht Acute Stress Test or a no-stress control procedure. Results showed that the effect of stress on instrumental behaviour is modulated by baseline, but not stress-induced changes in WM capacity. Specifically, only at low baseline WM capacity did stress induce a shift to less goal-directed behaviour. These findings highlight that our cognitive resources are limited and for those who already have limited resources at baseline taking into account motivational value is impaired under stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C W E M Quaedflieg
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Psychology, University of Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | - I Sebalo
- School of Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, UK
| | - T Smeets
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands; Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Teixeira RR, Díaz MM, Santos TVDS, Bernardes JTM, Peixoto LG, Bocanegra OL, Neto MB, Espindola FS. Chronic stress induces a hyporeactivity of the autonomic nervous system in response to acute mental stressor and impairs cognitive performance in business executives. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119025. [PMID: 25807003 PMCID: PMC4373764 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined the incidence of chronic stress in business executives (109 subjects: 75 male and 34 female) and its relationship with cortisol levels, cognitive performance, and autonomic nervous system (ANS) reactivity after an acute mental stressor. Blood samples were collected from the subjects to measure cortisol concentration. After the sample collection, the subjects completed the Lipp Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults and the Stroop Color-Word Test to evaluate stress and cognitive performance levels, respectively. Saliva samples were collected prior to, immediately after, and five minutes after the test. The results revealed that 90.1% of the stressed subjects experienced stress phases that are considered chronic stress. At rest, the subjects with chronic stress showed higher cortisol levels, and no gender differences were observed. No differences were found between the stressed and non-stressed subjects regarding salivary amylase activity prior to test. Chronic stress also impaired performance on the Stroop test, which revealed higher rates of error and longer reaction times in the incongruent stimulus task independently of gender. For the congruent stimulus task of the Stroop test, the stressed males presented a higher rate of errors than the non-stressed males and a longer reaction time than the stressed females. After the acute mental stressor, the non-stressed male group showed an increase in salivary alpha-amylase activity, which returned to the initial values five minutes after the test; this ANS reactivity was not observed in the chronically stressed male subjects. The ANS responses of the non-stressed vs stressed female groups were not different prior to or after the Stroop test. This study is the first to demonstrate a blunted reactivity of the ANS when male subjects with chronic psychological stress were subjected to an acute mental stressor, and this change could contribute to impairments in cognitive performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Roland Teixeira
- Federal University of Uberlandia, Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Uberlandia, Brazil
| | - Miguel Mauricio Díaz
- Federal University of Uberlandia, Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Uberlandia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Leonardo Gomes Peixoto
- Federal University of Uberlandia, Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Uberlandia, Brazil
| | - Olga Lucia Bocanegra
- Federal University of Uberlandia, Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Uberlandia, Brazil
| | - Morun Bernardino Neto
- University of Sao Paulo, Department of Basic and Ambiental Sciences, Lorena, SP, Brazil
| | - Foued Salmen Espindola
- Federal University of Uberlandia, Institute of Genetics and Biochemistry, Uberlandia, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rubin LH, Cook JA, Weber KM, Cohen MH, Martin E, Valcour V, Milam J, Anastos K, Young MA, Alden C, Gustafson DR, Maki PM. The association of perceived stress and verbal memory is greater in HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected women. J Neurovirol 2015; 21:422-32. [PMID: 25791344 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-015-0331-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to findings from cohorts comprised primarily of HIV-infected men, verbal memory deficits are the largest cognitive deficit found in HIV-infected women from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), and this deficit is not explained by depressive symptoms or substance abuse. HIV-infected women may be at greater risk for verbal memory deficits due to a higher prevalence of cognitive risk factors such as high psychosocial stress and lower socioeconomic status. Here, we investigate the association between perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and verbal memory performance using the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) in 1009 HIV-infected and 496 at-risk HIV-uninfected WIHS participants. Participants completed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery which yielded seven cognitive domain scores, including a primary outcome of verbal memory. HIV infection was not associated with a higher prevalence of high perceived stress (i.e., PSS-10 score in the top tertile) but was associated with worse performance on verbal learning (p < 0.01) and memory (p < 0.001), as well as attention (p = 0.02). Regardless of HIV status, high stress was associated with poorer performance in those cognitive domains (p's < 0.05) as well as processing speed (p = 0.01) and executive function (p < 0.01). A significant HIV by stress interaction was found only for the verbal memory domain (p = 0.02); among HIV-infected women only, high stress was associated with lower performance (p's < 0.001). That association was driven by the delayed verbal memory measure in particular. These findings suggest that high levels of perceived stress contribute to the deficits in verbal memory observed in WIHS women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leah H Rubin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA,
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wingenfeld K, Wolf OT. Effects of cortisol on cognition in major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder - 2014 Curt Richter Award Winner. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 51:282-95. [PMID: 25462901 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Stress hormones influence a wide range of cognitive functions, including memory performance and executive function. It is well established that glucocorticoids enhance memory consolidation but impair memory retrieval. While most of the effects have been attributed to glucocorticoid receptors (GR), the importance of mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) has been also emphasized. Dysfunctions in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have been reported for several mental disorders. While major depressive disorder (MDD) as well as borderline personality disorder (BPD) seem to be characterized by enhanced cortisol release in concert with a reduced feedback sensitivity of the HPA axis, in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) a contrary picture has been reported. Despite the fact that altered GR function has been discussed for these disorders only very few studies have investigated the effects of glucocorticoids on cognitive performance in these patients so far. In a series of studies, we investigated the effects of glucocorticoids on cognition (i.e. declarative memory, working memory and response inhibition) in different mental disorders such as MDD, PTSD and BPD. While in patients with MDD cortisol administration failed to effect memory retrieval, patients with PTSD and BPD showed enhanced rather than impaired memory retrieval after cortisol administration. These results indicate an altered sensitivity to cortisol in these disorders. Results from one of our recent studies in the field of social cognition underline the importance of the MR. We found that emotional empathy was enhanced through stimulation of the MR via fludrocortisone in healthy participants and women with BPD. This review aims to integrate these findings and discuss potential mechanisms and implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Wingenfeld
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité University Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Oliver T Wolf
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Golier JA, Caramanica K, Makotkine I, Sher L, Yehuda R. Cortisol response to cosyntropin administration in military veterans with or without posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 40:151-8. [PMID: 24485487 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated altered sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to its direct regulators in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but little is known about the adrenal response to hormonal stimulation in PTSD. An increased cortisol response to synthetic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) was recently found to be associated with war-zone deployment and not PTSD specifically. To more accurately assess whether there is altered adrenocortical responsivity to hormonal stimulation in relation to war-zone deployment or PTSD, we performed the low-dose cosyntropin stimulation test in a sample of 45 male veterans: 13 war-zone exposed veterans with chronic PTSD (PTSD+), 22 war-zone exposed veterans without chronic PTSD (PTSD-), and 10 veterans not exposed to a war-zone and without chronic PTSD (non-exposed). Plasma cortisol and ACTH were measured at baseline and at intervals over a one hour period following intravenous administration of 1μg of cosyntropin. A significant main effect of group (PTSD+, PTSD-, non-exposed) on the cortisol response to cosyntropin was observed. Cosyntropin-stimulated plasma cortisol levels were significantly higher in the PTSD+ and PTSD- groups compared to the non-exposed group. A significant main effect of group was also observed on peak cortisol levels. These findings suggest that war-zone exposure itself has persistent effects on adrenocortical activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Golier
- Departments of Psychiatry, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Kimberly Caramanica
- Departments of Psychiatry, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Iouri Makotkine
- Departments of Psychiatry, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Leo Sher
- Departments of Psychiatry, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Departments of Psychiatry, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wingenfeld K, Driessen M, Schlosser N, Terfehr K, Carvalho Fernando S, Wolf OT. Cortisol effects on autobiographic memory retrieval in PTSD: an analysis of word valence and time until retrieval. Stress 2013; 16:581-6. [PMID: 23594034 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2013.796925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In healthy participants, cortisol administration has been found to impair autobiographic memory retrieval. We recently reported that administration of 10 mg of hydrocortisone had enhancing effects on autobiographical memory retrieval, i.e. more specific memory retrieval, in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while in healthy controls the impairing effects were replicated. We here report a re-analysis of these data with respect to cue-word valence and retrieval time. In a placebo-controlled cross-over study, 43 patients with PTSD and 43 age- and sex-matched healthy controls received either placebo or hydrocortisone orally before the autobiographical memory test was performed. We found that the effects of cortisol on memory retrieval depended on cue-word valence and group (significant interaction effects of drug by group and drug by valence by group). The enhancing effect of cortisol on memory retrieval in PTSD seemed to be relatively independent of cue-word valence, while in the control group the impairing effects of cortisol were only seen in response to neutral cue-words. The second result of the study was that in patients as well as in controls, cortisol administration led to faster memory retrieval compared to placebo. This was seen in response to positive and (to lesser extend) to neutral cue-words, but not in response to negative cue-words. Our findings illustrate that the opposing effects of cortisol on autobiographical memory retrieval in PTSD patients and controls are further modulated by the emotionality of the cue-words.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Wingenfeld
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité University Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Predicting PTSD: pre-existing vulnerabilities in glucocorticoid-signaling and implications for preventive interventions. Brain Behav Immun 2013; 30:12-21. [PMID: 22981834 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2012.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Revised: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that may develop in response to a traumatic event. Approximately 10% of trauma-exposed individuals subsequently develop PTSD. It is hypothesized that the development of PTSD is associated with biological vulnerability factors, which are already present prior to the onset of symptoms. In this review we present an overview of currently identified vulnerability factors in the glucocorticoid (GC) signaling pathway for the development of PTSD. In addition, the implications of the identified vulnerability factors for potential preventive intervention strategies, including glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonists and oxytocin, are discussed. Summarized, the findings of these studies indicate that individuals vulnerable for development of PTSD have dysregulations on various levels of the GC-signaling cascade: i.e. low levels of circulating levels of cortisol shortly after trauma, high GR number in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), high GILZ mRNA expression and low FKBP5 expression in PBMCs prior to trauma, and high sensitivity of T-cells for regulation by GCs prior to trauma. Furthermore, single nucleotide polymorphisms in the GR and FKBP5 genes have been found to be associated with increased risk for PTSD. Collectively, the identified vulnerability factors tentatively suggest that the development of PTSD may be preceded by a high sensitivity of various cells for regulation by GCs. The identification of these vulnerability factors may ultimately aid selective targeting of preventive interventions towards individuals at risk for PTSD. In addition, the identification of these vulnerability factors may eventually result in new preventive pharmacological strategies for PTSD.
Collapse
|
12
|
Wingenfeld K, Driessen M, Terfehr K, Schlosser N, Fernando SC, Otte C, Beblo T, Spitzer C, Löwe B, Wolf OT. Effects of cortisol on memory in women with borderline personality disorder: role of co-morbid post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression. Psychol Med 2013; 43:495-505. [PMID: 23171911 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291712001961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress and cortisol administration are known to have impairing effects on memory retrieval in healthy humans. These effects are reported to be altered in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but they have not yet been investigated in borderline personality disorder (BPD). METHOD In a placebo-controlled cross-over study, 71 women with BPD and 40 healthy controls received either placebo or 10 mg of hydrocortisone orally before undertaking a declarative memory retrieval task (word list learning) and an autobiographical memory test (AMT). A working memory test was also applied. RESULTS Overall, opposing effects of cortisol on memory were observed when comparing patients with controls. In controls, cortisol had impairing effects on memory retrieval whereas in BPD patients cortisol had enhancing effects on memory retrieval of words, autobiographical memory and working memory. These effects were most pronounced for specificity of autobiographical memory retrieval. Patients with BPD alone and those with co-morbid PTSD showed this effect. We also found that co-morbid MDD influenced the cortisol effects: in this subgroup (BPD + MDD) the effects of cortisol on memory were absent. CONCLUSIONS The present results demonstrate beneficial effects of acute cortisol elevations on hippocampal-mediated memory processes in BPD. The absence of these effects in patients with co-morbid MDD suggests that these patients differ from other BPD patients in terms of their sensitivity to glucocorticoids (GCs).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Wingenfeld
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hayes JP, VanElzakker MB, Shin LM. Emotion and cognition interactions in PTSD: a review of neurocognitive and neuroimaging studies. Front Integr Neurosci 2012; 6:89. [PMID: 23087624 PMCID: PMC3466464 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2012.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric syndrome that develops after exposure to terrifying and life-threatening events including warfare, motor-vehicle accidents, and physical and sexual assault. The emotional experience of psychological trauma can have long-term cognitive effects. The hallmark symptoms of PTSD involve alterations to cognitive processes such as memory, attention, planning, and problem solving, underscoring the detrimental impact that negative emotionality has on cognitive functioning. As such, an important challenge for PTSD researchers and treatment providers is to understand the dynamic interplay between emotion and cognition. Contemporary cognitive models of PTSD theorize that a preponderance of information processing resources are allocated toward threat detection and interpretation of innocuous stimuli as threatening, narrowing one's attentional focus at the expense of other cognitive operations. Decades of research have shown support for these cognitive models of PTSD using a variety of tasks and methodological approaches. The primary goal of this review is to summarize the latest neurocognitive and neuroimaging research of emotion-cognition interactions in PTSD. To directly assess the influence of emotion on cognition and vice versa, the studies reviewed employed challenge tasks that included both cognitive and emotional components. The findings provide evidence for memory and attention deficits in PTSD that are often associated with changes in functional brain activity. The results are reviewed to provide future directions for research that may direct better and more effective treatments for PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmeet P. Hayes
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare SystemBoston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of MedicineBoston, MA, USA
| | - Michael B. VanElzakker
- Department of Psychology, Tufts UniversityMedford, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa M. Shin
- Department of Psychology, Tufts UniversityMedford, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cortisol has enhancing, rather than impairing effects on memory retrieval in PTSD. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:1048-56. [PMID: 22197003 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the present study, we aimed to compare the effect of exogenous cortisol on memory retrieval in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with the effects in healthy controls. In healthy participants, administration of cortisol impairs declarative memory retrieval. Only a few studies have investigated these effects in PTSD yielding mixed results. METHODS In a placebo-controlled crossover study, 44 patients with PTSD and 65 healthy controls received either placebo or 10mg of hydrocortisone orally before memory testing. In addition to declarative memory retrieval (word list learning), we also tested autobiographical memory retrieval specificity. RESULTS In both tasks opposing effects of cortisol on memory were observed when comparing patients with controls. In controls, cortisol had impairing effects on memory retrieval, while in PTSD patients cortisol had enhancing effects on memory retrieval in both memory domains. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggest beneficial effects of acute cortisol elevations on hippocampal mediated memory processes in PTSD. Possible neurobiological mechanisms underlying these findings are discussed.
Collapse
|
15
|
Thoma MV, Joksimovic L, Kirschbaum C, Wolf JM, Rohleder N. Altered salivary alpha-amylase awakening response in Bosnian War refugees with posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:810-7. [PMID: 22001009 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) has been suggested. No study so far has investigated diurnal secretion patterns of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) in PTSD, a promising candidate for non-invasive assessment of SNS activity. We compared sAA diurnal profiles between a group of Bosnian War refugees with PTSD and a healthy control group, and further analyzed for associations with psychiatric symptoms and glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity of inflammatory regulation. PTSD patients showed a sAA awakening response profile that was opposite to those seen in healthy controls, i.e. an increase instead of a sharp decrease. Patterns of sAA secretion were further positively associated with psychiatric symptoms of PTSD. Finally, higher sAA awakening responses were associated with higher GC sensitivity of inflammatory cytokine production. These findings are in line with altered SNS function in PTSD, and lend further support for employing assessment of diurnal sAA profiles as non-invasive biomarkers in stress-related disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Verena Thoma
- Department of Psychology & Volen National Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abercrombie HC, Wirth MM, Hoks RM. Inter-individual differences in trait negative affect moderate cortisol's effects on memory formation: preliminary findings from two studies. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:693-701. [PMID: 21955834 PMCID: PMC3310250 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Revised: 07/31/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute emotional arousal moderates the effects of cortisol on memory. However, it is currently unknown how stable inter-individual differences (i.e., traits) moderate cortisol's effects on memory. In two studies using within-subjects designs - 31 healthy males in Study 1 and 42 healthy subjects (22 female) in Study 2 - we measured trait negative affect (NA) and presented emotional and neutral pictures. In Study 1, we manipulated endogenous cortisol levels using a speech stressor following encoding. In Study 2, using a randomized placebo-controlled design, we pharmacologically manipulated cortisol levels prior to encoding (0.1mg/kg hydrocortisone vs. saline infused over 30min). Free recall for pictures was subsequently assessed. Trait NA repeatedly moderated the relationship between cortisol and memory formation. Findings suggested the speculative conclusion that the direction of effects may vary by sex. In males, cortisol was related to memory facilitation in subjects with lower Trait NA. Conversely, females with higher Trait NA showed greater cortisol-related increases in memory. Trait NA may be a stable inter-individual difference predicting neurocognitive effects of cortisol during stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather C. Abercrombie
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Psychiatry, Madison, WI, 53719, USA,Corresponding author. University of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry, 6001 Research Park Boulevard, Madison, WI, 53719 USA, Tel.: +1 608 263 6126; fax: +1 608 263 0265. (H.C. Abercrombie)
| | - Michelle M. Wirth
- University of Notre Dame, Department of Psychology, 1238 Haggar Hall, Notre Dame, IN, 46556, USA
| | - Roxanne M. Hoks
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Psychiatry, Madison, WI, 53719, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gould F, Clarke J, Heim C, Harvey PD, Majer M, Nemeroff CB. The effects of child abuse and neglect on cognitive functioning in adulthood. J Psychiatr Res 2012; 46:500-6. [PMID: 22336639 PMCID: PMC3307950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 12/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Recent research has revealed that early life trauma (ELS), including abuse (sexual and/or physical) and neglect, produce lasting changes in the CNS. We posited that cognitive deficits, often observed in psychiatric patients, result, in part, due to the neurobiological consequences of ELS. Additionally, we hypothesized that the nature and magnitude of cognitive deficits would differ according to the subtype of ELS experienced. METHOD The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) was used to assess neurocognitive functioning in 93 subjects (60 with ELS and 33 without). In the patients with a history of ELS, 35% and 16.7%, respectively, met criteria for current major depression and PTSD. RESULTS Significant associations between ELS status and CANTAB measures of memory and executive and emotional functioning were found. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that exposure to ELS results in a cascade of neurobiological changes associated with cognitive deficits in adulthood that vary according to the type of trauma experienced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Gould
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Jennifer Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida,Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Christine Heim
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Philip D. Harvey
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Matthias Majer
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Charles B. Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The Cognitive Neuroscience of True and False Memories. TRUE AND FALSE RECOVERED MEMORIES 2012; 58:15-52. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-1195-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
19
|
Hayes JP, Vanelzakker MB, Shin LM. Emotion and cognition interactions in PTSD: a review of neurocognitive and neuroimaging studies. Front Integr Neurosci 2012; 6:89. [PMID: 23087624 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2012.00089/bibtex] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric syndrome that develops after exposure to terrifying and life-threatening events including warfare, motor-vehicle accidents, and physical and sexual assault. The emotional experience of psychological trauma can have long-term cognitive effects. The hallmark symptoms of PTSD involve alterations to cognitive processes such as memory, attention, planning, and problem solving, underscoring the detrimental impact that negative emotionality has on cognitive functioning. As such, an important challenge for PTSD researchers and treatment providers is to understand the dynamic interplay between emotion and cognition. Contemporary cognitive models of PTSD theorize that a preponderance of information processing resources are allocated toward threat detection and interpretation of innocuous stimuli as threatening, narrowing one's attentional focus at the expense of other cognitive operations. Decades of research have shown support for these cognitive models of PTSD using a variety of tasks and methodological approaches. The primary goal of this review is to summarize the latest neurocognitive and neuroimaging research of emotion-cognition interactions in PTSD. To directly assess the influence of emotion on cognition and vice versa, the studies reviewed employed challenge tasks that included both cognitive and emotional components. The findings provide evidence for memory and attention deficits in PTSD that are often associated with changes in functional brain activity. The results are reviewed to provide future directions for research that may direct better and more effective treatments for PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmeet P Hayes
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System Boston, MA, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because an increasingly large cohort of individuals is approaching their elderly years, there is concern about how the healthcare system will cope with the greater demands placed upon it. One area of concern is the impact of trauma and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aged. Although several reviews have highlighted the lack of knowledge and research on the topic, there still remain gaps in the literature. Nevertheless, some recent behavioral, endocrinological and neuroimaging studies may provide new insights into the discussion. The central aims of this paper are to summarize the etiological, epidemiological and clinical aspects of PTSD, trauma, and the elderly, and to integrate this knowledge with (i) what is known about PTSD in adults, and (ii) the behavioral, hormonal and cerebral changes associated with healthy aging. METHODS A comprehensive search was performed with ISI Web of Science and PubMed for articles pertinent to the psychology and biology of PTSD, trauma, and the elderly. RESULTS There exist both significant similarities and differences between adults and elderly with PTSD concerning cognitive and biological profile. Evidence suggests that PTSD in the elderly does not follow a simple clinical trajectory. CONCLUSIONS PTSD in the elderly must be considered within the context of normal aging. Strong claims about an interaction between PTSD and aging are difficult to make due to sample heterogeneity, but it is clear that PTSD in this age group presents unique aspects not seen in younger cohorts. Further research must integrate their studies with the biological, psychological, and social changes already associated with the aging process.
Collapse
|
21
|
Wingenfeld K, Wolf OT. HPA axis alterations in mental disorders: impact on memory and its relevance for therapeutic interventions. CNS Neurosci Ther 2010; 17:714-22. [PMID: 21143429 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00207.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctions in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have been reported for several mental disorders that are also often characterized by memory disturbances. It is now well established that glucocorticoids influence cognitive processes by enhancing memory consolidation and impairing memory retrieval. There is further evidence for an association between HPA axis related disturbances and memory function in mental disorders. The present selective review provides a brief overview of HPA axis dysfunction and its impact on memory function in major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Furthermore, the relevance of these findings for therapeutic intervention is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Wingenfeld
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf & Schön Klinik Hamburg-Eilbek, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yehuda R, Golier JA, Bierer LM, Mikhno A, Pratchett LC, Burton CL, Makotkine I, Devanand DP, Pradhaban G, Harvey PD, Mann JJ. Hydrocortisone responsiveness in Gulf War veterans with PTSD: effects on ACTH, declarative memory hippocampal [(18)F]FDG uptake on PET. Psychiatry Res 2010; 184:117-27. [PMID: 20934312 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2010.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 06/22/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine, cognitive and hippocampal alterations have been described in Gulf War (GW) veterans, but their inter-relationships and significance for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have not been described. Hydrocortisone (Hcort) was administered to GW veterans with (PTSD+ n=12) and without (PTSD- n=8) chronic PTSD in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind challenge. Changes in plasma ACTH, memory, and hippocampal [(18)F]FDG uptake on positron emission tomography were assessed. The low-dose dexamethasone suppression test was also administered. The PTSD+ group showed greater cortisol and ACTH suppression, reflecting greater peripheral glucocorticoid receptor (GR) responsiveness, and did not show an Hcort-induced decrement in delayed recall or retention. The groups had comparable relative regional hippocampal [(18)F]FDG uptake at baseline, but only the PTSD- group had an Hcort-associated decrease in hippocampal [(18)F]FDG uptake. Asymmetry in hippocampal hemispheric volumes differed between PTSD+ and PTSD- groups. This asymmetry was associated with cortisol, ACTH, retention and functional hippocampal asymmetry before, but not after, Hcort administration. Differences in brain metabolic responses between GW veterans with and without PTSD may reflect differences in peripheral and central GR responsiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yehuda R, Flory JD, Pratchett LC, Buxbaum J, Ising M, Holsboer F. Putative biological mechanisms for the association between early life adversity and the subsequent development of PTSD. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2010; 212:405-17. [PMID: 20706708 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-010-1969-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Early Life Stress (ELS) increases risk for both adult traumatization and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Adult PTSD may also reflect a continuation of a response to an earlier exposure to adversity. Given similarities between neuroendocrine aspects of PTSD and ELS, such as in reduced cortisol signaling and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) responsiveness, some aspects of the biology of PTSD may reflect biological correlates of risk. OBJECTIVES This paper will examine how empirical findings regarding the biological basis of ELS can inform our understanding of the neuroendocrinology of PTSD. This paper will also propose a hypothetical model to guide future research that integrates genetic, epigenetic, neuroendocrine, and psychological observations to understand the contribution of ELS neurobiology to PTSD. RESULTS Recent genetic findings demonstrate heritable aspects of at least some of these cortisol-related disturbances. Furthermore, ELS may produce at least some of the PTSD-associated changes in glucocorticoid responsiveness through epigenetic mechanisms such as developmental programming. These, then, may contribute to enduring changes in stress responsiveness as well as enhanced risk for adult exposure and PTSD. CONCLUSION Molecular mechanisms associated with gene x environment interactions or GR programming are essential in explaining current observations in the neuroendocrinology of PTSD that have been difficult to understand through the lens of contemporary stress theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 526 OOMH, 130 W. Kingsbridge Rd, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rohleder N, Wolf JM, Wolf OT. Glucocorticoid sensitivity of cognitive and inflammatory processes in depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2010; 35:104-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2009.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2009] [Revised: 12/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
25
|
Milani P, Piu P, Popa T, della Volpe R, Bonifazi M, Rossi A, Mazzocchio R. Cortisol-induced effects on human cortical excitability. Brain Stimul 2010; 3:131-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2009.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 07/21/2009] [Accepted: 07/26/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
|
26
|
Effects of cortisol on emotional but not on neutral memory are correlated with peripheral glucocorticoid sensitivity of inflammatory cytokine production. Int J Psychophysiol 2009; 72:74-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2008.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2007] [Revised: 03/21/2008] [Accepted: 03/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
27
|
|
28
|
Wolf OT. The influence of stress hormones on emotional memory: relevance for psychopathology. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2008; 127:513-31. [PMID: 17900515 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2007.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2006] [Revised: 07/17/2007] [Accepted: 08/04/2007] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Substantial progress within recent years has led to a better understanding of the impact of stress on emotional memory. These effects are of relevance for understanding and treating psychopathology. The present selective review describes how emotional memory is modulated through stress hormones. Acute as well as chronic effects are discussed and information from rodent models is compared to human experimental studies and clinical observations. Finally, the relevance of these findings for emotional memory disturbances in psychiatric disorders is exemplified by discussions on neuroendocrine alterations in depression, post traumatic stress disorder and phobias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver T Wolf
- Department of Psychology, University of Bielefeld, Postfach 10 01 31, D-33501 Bielefeld, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
DiFrancesco MW, Holland SK, Ris MD, Adler CM, Nelson S, DelBello MP, Altaye M, Brunner HI. Functional magnetic resonance imaging assessment of cognitive function in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 56:4151-63. [PMID: 18050246 DOI: 10.1002/art.23132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate changes in brain activation patterns detected by functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI), and the relationship between FMRI activation patterns and results of formal neuropsychological testing, in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Ten patients with childhood-onset SLE underwent formal neuropsychological testing and FMRI using 3 paradigms: a continuous performance task (CPT) to evaluate attention, an N-Back task to assess working memory, and verb generation to evaluate language processing. Composite Z maps were generated to summarize the brain activation patterns for each FMRI paradigm in patients with childhood-onset SLE and to compare these patterns with those observed in healthy controls. Between-group comparison Z maps showing differences in activation between childhood-onset SLE patients and controls were generated, using a significance level of P < 0.05 in a general linear model. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the childhood-onset SLE group showed statistically significant increased activation of brain areas involved in the CPT, N-Back, and verb generation tasks. In contrast, in the absence of active stimulus, e.g., during times of the paradigm control tasks, childhood-onset SLE patients consistently undersuppressed activity in the expected brain areas. Activation in selected cortical areas was found to correlate negatively with results of a subset of individual neuropsychological test scores. CONCLUSION FMRI abnormalities are present in childhood-onset SLE, manifesting as an imbalance between active and inhibitory responses to an array of stimuli. Differences in brain activation patterns compared with those observed in controls suggest that childhood-onset SLE may be associated with abnormalities in white matter connectivity resulting in neuronal network dysfunction, rather than injury of specific gray matter areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark W DiFrancesco
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Yehuda R, Harvey PD, Buchsbaum M, Tischler L, Schmeidler J. Enhanced effects of cortisol administration on episodic and working memory in aging veterans with PTSD. Neuropsychopharmacology 2007; 32:2581-91. [PMID: 17392739 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Though both glucocorticoid alterations and memory impairments have been noted in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is not clear if these phenomena are causally linked. As there is emerging evidence that these domains become further altered in PTSD with increasing age, it is of interest to examine these relationships in an older cohort. Aging (mean age, 62.7+/-8.9; range, 52-81) combat veterans with (n=13) and without (n=17) PTSD received an intravenous bolus of 17.5 mg hydrocortisone (cortisol), a naturally occurring glucocorticoid, or placebo in a randomized, double-blind manner, on two mornings approximately 1-2 weeks apart. Neuropsychological testing to evaluate episodic and working memory performance was performed 75 min later. Cortisol enhanced episodic memory performance in both groups of subjects, but enhanced elements of working memory performance only in the PTSD+ group. The preferential effect of cortisol administration on working memory in PTSD may be related to the superimposition of PTSD and age, as cortisol had impairing effects on this task in a previously studied, younger cohort. The findings suggest that there may be opportunities for developing therapeutic strategies using glucocorticoids in the treatment of aging combat veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Yehuda
- The Traumatic Stress Studies Program, Psychiatry Department, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10468, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Oei NYL, Elzinga BM, Wolf OT, de Ruiter MB, Damoiseaux JS, Kuijer JPA, Veltman DJ, Scheltens P, Rombouts SARB. Glucocorticoids Decrease Hippocampal and Prefrontal Activation during Declarative Memory Retrieval in Young Men. Brain Imaging Behav 2007; 1:31-41. [PMID: 19946603 PMCID: PMC2780685 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-007-9003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs, cortisol in human) are associated with impairments in declarative memory retrieval. Brain regions hypothesized to mediate these effects are the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Our aim was to use fMRI in localizing the effects of GCs during declarative memory retrieval. Therefore, we tested memory retrieval in 21 young healthy males in a randomized placebo-controlled crossover design. Participants encoded word lists containing neutral and emotional words 1 h prior to ingestion of 20 mg hydrocortisone. Memory retrieval was tested using an old/new recognition paradigm in a rapid event-related design. It was found that hydrocortisone decreased brain activity in both the hippocampus and PFC during successful retrieval of neutral words. These observations are consistent with previous animal and human studies suggesting that glucocorticoids modulate both hippocampal and prefrontal brain regions that are crucially involved in memory processing. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11682-007-9003-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Y. L. Oei
- Leiden University Institute for Psychological Research, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bernet M. Elzinga
- Leiden University Institute for Psychological Research, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Oliver T. Wolf
- Department of Psychology, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Michiel B. de Ruiter
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica S. Damoiseaux
- Alzheimer Center, Free University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Free University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P. A. Kuijer
- Department of Physics & Medical Technology, Free University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick J. Veltman
- PET Center, Free University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Scheltens
- Alzheimer Center, Free University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Free University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Serge A. R. B. Rombouts
- Leiden University Institute for Psychological Research, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, PO Box 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Physics & Medical Technology, Free University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|