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Gao JH, Liu YY, Xu HX, Wu K, Zhang LL, Cheng P, Peng XH, Cao JL, Hua R, Zhang YM. Divergent input patterns to the central lateral amygdala play a duet in fear memory formation. iScience 2024; 27:110886. [PMID: 39319272 PMCID: PMC11421289 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Somatostatin (SOM)-expressing neurons in the central lateral amygdala (CeL) are responsible for fear memory learning, but the circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying this biology remain elusive. Here, we found that glutamatergic neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB) directly dominated the activity of CeLSOM neurons, and that selectively inhibiting the LPBGlu→CeLSOM pathway suppressed fear memory acquisition. By contrast, inhibiting CeL-projecting glutamatergic neurons in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) interfered with consolidation-related processes. Notably, CeLSOM-innervating neurons in the LPB were modulated by presynaptic cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R), and knock down of CB1Rs in LPB glutamatergic neurons enhanced excitatory transmission to the CeL and partially rescued the impairment in fear memory induced by CB1R activation in the CeL. Overall, our study reveals the mechanisms by which CeLSOM neurons mediate the formation of fear memories during fear conditioning in mice, which may provide a new direction for the clinical research of fear-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Hua Gao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng 224008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue-Ying Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui-Xiang Xu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Wu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Le-le Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Han Peng
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong-Mei Zhang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu, China
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Ma L, Keen LD, Steinberg JL, Eddie D, Tan A, Keyser-Marcus L, Abbate A, Moeller FG. Relationship between Central Autonomic Effective Connectivity and Heart Rate Variability: A Resting-state fMRI Dynamic Causal Modeling Study. Neuroimage 2024; 300:120869. [PMID: 39332747 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The central autonomic network (CAN) serves as a regulatory hub with top-down regulatory control and integration of bottom-up physiological feedback via the autonomic nervous system. Heart rate variability (HRV)-the time variance of the heart's beat-to-beat intervals-is an index of the CAN's affective and behavioral regulatory capacity. Although neural functional connectivities that are associated with HRV and CAN have been well studied, no published report to date has studied effective (directional) connectivities (EC) that are associated with HRV and CAN. Better understanding of neural EC in the brain has the potential to improve our understanding of how the CAN sub-regions regulate HRV. To begin to address this knowledge gap, we employed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic causal modeling (DCM) with parametric empirical Bayes analyses in 34 healthy adults (19 females; mean age= 32.68 years [SD= 14.09], age range 18-68 years) to examine the bottom-up and top-down neural circuits associated with HRV. Throughout the whole brain, we identified 12 regions associated with HRV. DCM analyses revealed that the ECs from the right amygdala to the anterior cingulate cortex and to the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex had a negative linear relationship with HRV and a positive linear relationship with heart rate. These findings suggest that ECs from the amygdala to the prefrontal cortex may represent a neural circuit associated with regulation of cardiodynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangsuo Ma
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States.
| | - Larry D Keen
- Department of Psychology, Virginia State University, Virginia, United States
| | - Joel L Steinberg
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States
| | - David Eddie
- Recovery Research Institute, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Alex Tan
- Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - Lori Keyser-Marcus
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States
| | - Antonio Abbate
- Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
| | - F Gerard Moeller
- Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States; C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia, United States
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Geier TJ, Atkinson SN, Pan AY, Mantz-Wichman M, Jazinski-Chambers K, Hillard CJ, deRoon-Cassini TA. Differences in intestinal bacteria in traumatic injury survivors with and without probable posttraumatic stress disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 361:528-535. [PMID: 38914163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common consequence of traumatic injury, yet certain biological factors contributing to PTSD are poorly understood. The gut microbiome may influence mental health outcomes, but its role in heterogeneous PTSD presentations requires elucidation. METHODS Bacterial composition was examined in adults 2-4 years post-trauma with probable PTSD (n = 24) versus trauma-exposed controls without probable PTSD (n = 24). 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic tools assessed microbial diversity and abundance. Relationships between taxa and PTSD symptom clusters were evaluated. RESULTS No differences were found in overall microbial community structure between groups. The probable PTSD group exhibited significantly reduced Actinobacteriota and increased Verrucomicrobiota phylum abundance compared to controls. Specific taxa showed notable inverse associations with negative mood/cognition versus hyperarousal symptoms. Prevotella and Ruminococcaceae were negatively associated with negative mood but positively associated with hyperarousal. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrate microbial signatures of probable PTSD subtypes, highlighting the microbiome as a potential mediator of heterogeneous trauma psychopathology. Definition of PTSD microbial correlates provides a foundation for personalized psychobiotic interventions targeting predominant symptom profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Geier
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America.
| | - Samantha N Atkinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Microbiome Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Amy Y Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Quantitative Health Sciences, Center for Microbiome Research, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Margo Mantz-Wichman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Kelley Jazinski-Chambers
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
| | - Terri A deRoon-Cassini
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America; Comprehensive Injury Center, Division of Data Surveillance and Informatics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States of America
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Kim H, Jeon MJ, Seong G, Jung YC, Park JY, Lee D. Functional connectivity of the amygdala in relation to high stress and low mindfulness. Neurosci Lett 2024; 842:137985. [PMID: 39255895 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137985] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High psychological stress has been associated with several brain functional changes, including functional connectivity (FC) alterations in regions such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. This study explored FC alterations associated with high perceived stress, and also investigated whether these neuroimaging features were correlated with low levels of mindfulness. METHODS This study included 29 adults (12 males and 17 females; mean age: 27.6 ± 3.2) who complained of moderate or higher perceived stress and 31 adults (17 males and 14 females; mean age: 29.2 ± 7.2) who complained of low-level stress on the questionnaire scale. Seed-based resting-state FC analysis was conducted to compare between high and low stress groups. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) and the amygdala were selected as seeds. RESULTS High stress group showed weaker left amygdala-based FC in the left cerebellum crus II and the left orbitofrontal cortex compared with low stress group. High stress group had weaker FC between the left DLPFC and the left inferior parietal lobule. On the contrary, high stress group had stronger FC between the left VMPFC and the left caudate compared with low stress group. Weaker FC between the amygdala and the cerebellum crus II was correlated with lower level of awareness facet of mindfulness. CONCLUSIONS Those with high perceived stress showed low levels of mindfulness and several FC alterations centered on the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. Our findings also suggest that weak amygdala-based FC alterations associated with high psychological stress are related to low-level awareness facet of mindfulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heeyeon Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin 16995, South Korea; Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Jeon
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin 16995, South Korea
| | - Goeun Seong
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Young-Chul Jung
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Psychiatry, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute for Innovation in Digital Healthcare, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Jin Young Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin 16995, South Korea; Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea.
| | - Deokjong Lee
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Yongin Empathy Psychiatry Clinic, Seoul 07008, South Korea.
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Ben-Azu B, Oritsemuelebi B, Oghorodi AM, Adebesin A, Isibor H, Eduviere AT, Otuacha OS, Akudo M, Ekereya S, Maidoh IF, Iyayi JO, Uzochukwu-Godfrey FC. Psychopharmacological interaction of alcohol and posttraumatic stress disorder: Effective action of naringin. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176791. [PMID: 38944175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176791] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are prevalently co-occurring, important risk factors for a broad array of neuropsychiatric diseases. To date, how these two contrastive concomitant pairs increase the risk of neuropsychiatric states, notably exacerbating PTSD-related symptoms, remains unknown. Moreover, pharmacological interventions with agents that could reverse PTSD-AUD comorbidity, however, remained limited. Hence, we investigated the neuroprotective actions of naringin in mice comorbidly exposed to PTSD followed by repeated ethanol (EtOH)-induced AUD. Following a 7-day single-prolong-stress (SPS)-induced PTSD in mice, binge/heavy drinking, notably related to AUD, was induced in the PTSD mice with every-other-day ethanol (2 g/kg, p.o.) administration, followed by daily treatments with naringin (25 and 50 mg/kg) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), from days 8-21. PTSD-AUD-related behavioral changes, alcohol preference, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis dysfunction-induced neurochemical alterations, oxidative/nitrergic stress, and inflammation were examined in the prefrontal-cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. PTSD-AUD mice showed aggravated anxiety, spatial-cognitive, social impairments and EtOH intake, which were abated by naringin, similar to fluoxetine. Our assays on the HPA-axis showed exacerbated increased corticosterone release and adrenal hypertrophy, accompanied by marked dopamine and serotonin increase, with depleted glutamic acid decarboxylase enzyme in the three brain regions, which naringin, however, reversed, respectively. PTSD-AUD mice also showed increased TNF-α, IL-6, malondialdehyde and nitrite levels, with decreased antioxidant elements in the prefrontal-cortex, striatum, and hippocampus compared to SPS-EtOH-mice, mainly exacerbating catalase and glutathione decrease in the hippocampus relative SPS-mice. These findings suggest that AUD exacerbates PTSD pathologies in different brain regions, notably comprising neurochemical dysregulations, oxidative/nitrergic and cytokine-mediated inflammation, with HPA dysfunction, which were, however, revocable by naringin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benneth Ben-Azu
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.
| | - Benjamin Oritsemuelebi
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Akpobo M Oghorodi
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Adaeze Adebesin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu Campus, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Happy Isibor
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Anthony T Eduviere
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Oghenemine S Otuacha
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Moses Akudo
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Surhirime Ekereya
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Isioma F Maidoh
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Joy O Iyayi
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
| | - Faith C Uzochukwu-Godfrey
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria
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Korem N, Duek O, Ben-Zion Z, Spiller TR, Gordon C, Amen S, Levy I, Harpaz-Rotem I. Post-treatment alterations in white matter integrity in PTSD: Effects on symptoms and functional connectivity a secondary analysis of an RCT. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2024; 343:111864. [PMID: 39111111 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2024.111864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been linked to altered communication within the limbic system, including reduced structural connectivity in the uncinate fasciculus (UNC; i.e., decreased fractional anisotropy; FA) and reduced resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between the hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Previous research has demonstrated attenuation of PTSD symptoms and alterations in RSFC following exposure-based psychotherapy. However, the relationship between changes in structural and functional connectivity patterns and PTSD symptoms following treatment remains unclear. To investigate this, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial of intensive exposure therapy, evaluating alterations in UNC FA, hippocampus-vmPFC RSFC, and PTSD symptoms before (pre-treatment), 7 days after (post-treatment), and 30 days after (follow-up) the completion of therapy. Our results showed that post-treatment changes in RSFC were positively correlated with post-treatment and follow-up changes in UNC FA and that post-treatment changes in UNC FA were positively correlated with post-treatment and follow-up changes in PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest that early changes in functional connectivity are associated with sustained changes in anatomical connectivity, which in turn are linked to reduced PTSD symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nachshon Korem
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Or Duek
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ziv Ben-Zion
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tobias R Spiller
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Charles Gordon
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shelley Amen
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ifat Levy
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Yale University Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, New Haven, CT, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ilan Harpaz-Rotem
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Yale University Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience, New Haven, CT, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Varkevisser T, Geuze E, van Honk J. Amygdala fMRI-A Critical Appraisal of the Extant Literature. Neurosci Insights 2024; 19:26331055241270591. [PMID: 39148643 PMCID: PMC11325331 DOI: 10.1177/26331055241270591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Even before the advent of fMRI, the amygdala occupied a central space in the affective neurosciences. Yet this amygdala-centred view on emotion processing gained even wider acceptance after the inception of fMRI in the early 1990s, a landmark that triggered a goldrush of fMRI studies targeting the amygdala in vivo. Initially, this amygdala fMRI research was mostly confined to task-activation studies measuring the magnitude of the amygdala's response to emotional stimuli. Later, interest began to shift more towards the study of the amygdala's resting-state functional connectivity and task-based psychophysiological interactions. Later still, the test-retest reliability of amygdala fMRI came under closer scrutiny, while at the same time, amygdala-based real-time fMRI neurofeedback gained widespread popularity. Each of these major subdomains of amygdala fMRI research has left its marks on the field of affective neuroscience at large. The purpose of this review is to provide a critical assessment of this literature. By integrating the insights garnered by these research branches, we aim to answer the question: What part (if any) can amygdala fMRI still play within the current landscape of affective neuroscience? Our findings show that serious questions can be raised with regard to both the reliability and validity of amygdala fMRI. These conclusions force us to cast doubt on the continued viability of amygdala fMRI as a core pilar of the affective neurosciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Varkevisser
- University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Research and Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elbert Geuze
- University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Brain Research and Innovation Center, Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jack van Honk
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Chen Z, Liu Y, Lin C, Li Z, Shan J, Duan Z, Rong L, Wei X, Xiao L, Liu H. Aberrant cerebral blood flow and functional connectivity in patients with vestibular migraine: a resting-state ASL and fMRI study. J Headache Pain 2024; 25:84. [PMID: 38773396 PMCID: PMC11107056 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-024-01792-5] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior neuroimaging studies on vestibular migraine (VM) have extensively certified the functional and structural alterations in multiple brain regions and networks. However, few studies have assessed the cerebral blood flow (CBF) in VM patients using arterial spin labeling (ASL). The present study aimed to investigate CBF and functional connectivity (FC) alterations in VM patients during interictal periods. METHODS We evaluated 52 VM patients and 46 healthy controls (HC) who received resting-state pseudo-continuous ASL and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning. Comparisons of voxel-based CBF and seed-based FC were performed between the two groups. Brain regions showed significant group differences in CBF analyses were chosen as seeds in FC analyses. Additionally, the associations between abnormal imaging results and clinical features were explored. RESULTS Compared with HC, VM patients showed higher normalized CBF in the right precentral gyrus (PreCG), left postcentral gyrus (PostCG), left superior frontal gyrus and bilateral insular (p < 0.05, FDR corrected). Furthermore, VM patients exhibited increased FC between the right PreCG and areas of the left PostCG, left cuneus and right lingual gyrus (p < 0.05, FDR corrected). In addition, we observed decreased FC between the left insular and regions of the left thalamus and right anterior cingulate cortex, as well as increased FC between the left insular and right fusiform gyrus in VM patients (p < 0.05, FDR corrected). Moreover, these variations in brain perfusion and FC were significantly correlated with multiple clinical features including frequency of migraine symptoms, frequency of vestibular symptoms and disease duration of VM (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with VM during interictal period showed hyperperfusion and abnormal resting-state FC in brain regions potentially contributed to disrupted multi-sensory and autonomic processing, as well as impaired ocular motor control, pain modulation and emotional regulation. Our study provided novel insights into the complex neuropathology of VM from a CBF perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.32, Meijian Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China
| | - Yueji Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.32, Meijian Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China
| | - Cunxin Lin
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.32, Meijian Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China
| | - Zhining Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.32, Meijian Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China
| | - Junjun Shan
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.32, Meijian Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China
| | - Zuowei Duan
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.32, Meijian Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China
| | - Liangqun Rong
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.32, Meijian Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China
| | - Xiue Wei
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.32, Meijian Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China
| | - Lijie Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.32, Meijian Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China.
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, No.32, Meijian Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China.
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9
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Haris EM, Bryant RA, Korgaonkar MS. Structural covariance, topological organization, and volumetric features of amygdala subnuclei in posttraumatic stress disorder. Neuroimage Clin 2024; 42:103619. [PMID: 38744025 PMCID: PMC11108976 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2024.103619] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The amygdala is divided into functional subnuclei which have been challenging to investigate due to functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) limitations in mapping small neural structures. Hence their role in the neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains poorly understood. Examination of covariance of structural MRI measures could be an alternate approach to circumvent this issue. T1-weighted anatomical scans from a 3 T scanner from non-trauma-exposed controls (NEC; n = 71, 75 % female) and PTSD participants (n = 67, 69 % female) were parcellated into 105 brain regions. Pearson's r partial correlations were computed for three and nine bilateral amygdala subnuclei and every other brain region, corrected for age, sex, and total brain volume. Pairwise correlation comparisons were performed to examine subnuclei covariance profiles between-groups. Graph theory was employed to investigate subnuclei network topology. Volumetric measures were compared to investigate structural changes. We found differences between amygdala subnuclei in covariance with the hippocampus for both groups, and additionally with temporal brain regions for the PTSD group. Network topology demonstrated the importance of the right basal nucleus in facilitating network communication only in PTSD. There were no between-group differences for any of the three structural metrics. These findings are in line with previous work that has failed to find structural differences for amygdala subnuclei between PTSD and controls. However, differences between amygdala subnuclei covariance profiles observed in our study highlight the need to investigate amygdala subnuclei functional connectivity in PTSD using higher field strength fMRI for better spatial resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Haris
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia; School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Richard A Bryant
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia; School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mayuresh S Korgaonkar
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Department of Radiology, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
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10
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Wood S, Booth S, Ko JH. Functional connectivity alterations in PTSD patients with suicidal ideation. Brain Res Bull 2024; 209:110905. [PMID: 38382625 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110905] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly prevalent psychological disorder characterized by intense feelings of fear or helplessness after experiencing a traumatic event. PTSD is highly comorbid with mood disorders and patients are at increased risk for suicide. The present study aimed to identify neural connectivity alterations associated with suicidal ideation (SI) in PTSD patients by using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Voxel-to-voxel intrinsic connectivity was compared between PTSD patients with no (N-SI; N = 26) and high (H-SI; N = 7) SI. Region-to-voxel functional connectivity analysis was performed to identify the regions that contributed to intrinsic connectivity changes. H-SI patients had increased connectivity to various brain regions representing the central executive network, salience network, and default mode network in the frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes as well as subcortical structures involved in executive and limbic functioning, and motor systems. These results suggest SI is associated with large network-level alterations in PTSD patients and is not the result of neuronal abnormalities in any one specific area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Wood
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Manitoba, 66 Chancellors Cir, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Samuel Booth
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; PrairieNeuro Research Centre, Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Science Centre, 710 William Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z3, Canada
| | - Ji Hyun Ko
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, 744 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; PrairieNeuro Research Centre, Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Health Science Centre, 710 William Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z3, Canada.
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11
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Zaretsky TG, Jagodnik KM, Barsic R, Antonio JH, Bonanno PA, MacLeod C, Pierce C, Carney H, Morrison MT, Saylor C, Danias G, Lepow L, Yehuda R. The Psychedelic Future of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:636-735. [PMID: 38284341 PMCID: PMC10845102 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231027111147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur following exposure to a traumatic experience. An estimated 12 million U.S. adults are presently affected by this disorder. Current treatments include psychological therapies (e.g., exposure-based interventions) and pharmacological treatments (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)). However, a significant proportion of patients receiving standard-of-care therapies for PTSD remain symptomatic, and new approaches for this and other trauma-related mental health conditions are greatly needed. Psychedelic compounds that alter cognition, perception, and mood are currently being examined for their efficacy in treating PTSD despite their current status as Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)- scheduled substances. Initial clinical trials have demonstrated the potential value of psychedelicassisted therapy to treat PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the state of the science of PTSD clinical care, including current treatments and their shortcomings. We review clinical studies of psychedelic interventions to treat PTSD, trauma-related disorders, and common comorbidities. The classic psychedelics psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and DMT-containing ayahuasca, as well as the entactogen 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and the dissociative anesthetic ketamine, are reviewed. For each drug, we present the history of use, psychological and somatic effects, pharmacology, and safety profile. The rationale and proposed mechanisms for use in treating PTSD and traumarelated disorders are discussed. This review concludes with an in-depth consideration of future directions for the psychiatric applications of psychedelics to maximize therapeutic benefit and minimize risk in individuals and communities impacted by trauma-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Glatman Zaretsky
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Jagodnik
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert Barsic
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Josimar Hernandez Antonio
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Philip A. Bonanno
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolyn MacLeod
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charlotte Pierce
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hunter Carney
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan T. Morrison
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles Saylor
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - George Danias
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Lepow
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- The Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Iqbal J, Huang GD, Xue YX, Yang M, Jia XJ. The neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying fear dysregulation in posttraumatic stress disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1281401. [PMID: 38116070 PMCID: PMC10728304 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1281401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-associated complex and debilitating psychiatric disorder due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters in response to traumatic events or fear. PTSD is characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance behavior, hyperarousal, negative emotions, insomnia, personality changes, and memory problems following exposure to severe trauma. However, the biological mechanisms and symptomatology underlying this disorder are still largely unknown or poorly understood. Considerable evidence shows that PTSD results from a dysfunction in highly conserved brain systems involved in regulating stress, anxiety, fear, and reward circuitry. This review provides a contemporary update about PTSD, including new data from the clinical and preclinical literature on stress, PTSD, and fear memory consolidation and extinction processes. First, we present an overview of well-established laboratory models of PTSD and discuss their clinical translational value for finding various treatments for PTSD. We then highlight the research progress on the neural circuits of fear and extinction-related behavior, including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. We further describe different molecular mechanisms, including GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, and neurotropic signaling, responsible for the structural and functional changes during fear acquisition and fear extinction processes in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Iqbal
- Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Geng-Di Huang
- Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Xue Xue
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Jian Jia
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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13
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Bremner JD, Ortego RA, Campanella C, Nye JA, Davis LL, Fani N, Vaccarino V. Neural correlates of PTSD in women with childhood sexual abuse with and without PTSD and response to paroxetine treatment: A placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2023; 14:100615. [PMID: 38088987 PMCID: PMC10715797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Childhood sexual abuse is the leading cause of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women, and is a prominent cause of morbidity and loss of function for which limited treatments are available. Understanding the neurobiology of treatment response is important for developing new treatments. The purpose of this study was to assess neural correlates of personalized traumatic memories in women with childhood sexual abuse with and without PTSD, and to assess response to treatment. Methods Women with childhood sexual abuse with (N = 28) and without (N = 17) PTSD underwent brain imaging with High-Resolution Positron Emission Tomography scanning with radiolabeled water for brain blood flow measurements during exposure to personalized traumatic scripts and memory encoding tasks. Women with PTSD were randomized to paroxetine or placebo followed by three months of double-blind treatment and repeat imaging with the same protocol. Results Women with PTSD showed decreases in areas involved in the Default Mode Network (DMN), a network of brain areas usually active when the brain is at rest, hippocampus and visual processing areas with exposure to traumatic scripts at baseline while women without PTSD showed increased activation in superior frontal gyrus and other areas (p < 0.005). Treatment of women with PTSD with paroxetine resulted in increased anterior cingulate activation and brain areas involved in the DMN and visual processing with scripts compared to placebo (p < 0.005). Conclusion PTSD related to childhood sexual abuse in women is associated with alterations in brain areas involved in memory and the stress response and treatment with paroxetine results in modulation of these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Douglas Bremner
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA
| | - Rebeca Alvarado Ortego
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Carolina Campanella
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jonathon A. Nye
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lori L. Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
- Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, Tuscaloosa AL
| | - Negar Fani
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Viola Vaccarino
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta GA
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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14
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Deng K, Jin W, Jiang K, Li Z, Im H, Chen S, Du H, Guan S, Ge W, Wei C, Zhang B, Wang P, Zhao G, Chen C, Liu L, Wang Q. Reactivity of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, but not the amygdala, to negative emotion faces predicts greed personality trait. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2023; 19:21. [PMID: 38041182 PMCID: PMC10690991 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-023-00223-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
This study explored whether amygdala reactivity predicted the greed personality trait (GPT) using both task-based and resting-state functional connectivity analyses (ntotal = 452). In Cohort 1 (n = 83), task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (t-fMRI) results from a region-of-interest (ROI) analysis revealed no direct correlation between amygdala reactivity to fearful and angry faces and GPT. Instead, whole-brain analyses revealed GPT to robustly negatively vary with activations in the right ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), supramarginal gyrus, and angular gyrus in the contrast of fearful + angry faces > shapes. Moreover, task-based psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analyses showed that the high GPT group showed weaker functional connectivity of the vmPFC seed with a top-down control network and visual pathways when processing fearful or angry faces compared to their lower GPT counterparts. In Cohort 2, resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) analyses indicated stronger connectivity between the vmPFC seed and the top-down control network and visual pathways in individuals with higher GPT. Comparing the two cohorts, bilateral amygdala seeds showed weaker associations with the top-down control network in the high group via PPI analyses in Cohort 1. Yet, they exhibited distinct rs-FC patterns in Cohort 2 (e.g., positive associations of GPT with the left amygdala-top-down network FC but negative associations with the right amygdala-visual pathway FC). The study underscores the role of the vmPFC and its functional connectivity in understanding GPT, rather than amygdala reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Deng
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Weipeng Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Keying Jiang
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Zixi Li
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Hohjin Im
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-7085, USA
| | - Shuning Chen
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Hanxiao Du
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Shunping Guan
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Chuqiao Wei
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Pinchun Wang
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Guang Zhao
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
- Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China
- Tianjin Social Science Laboratory of Students' Mental Development and Learning, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Chunhui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Liqing Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China.
- Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China.
- Tianjin Social Science Laboratory of Students' Mental Development and Learning, Tianjin, 300387, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Faculty of Psychology, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China.
- Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, China.
- Tianjin Social Science Laboratory of Students' Mental Development and Learning, Tianjin, 300387, China.
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15
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Rowland GE, Roeckner A, Ely TD, Lebois LAM, van Rooij SJH, Bruce SE, Jovanovic T, House SL, Beaudoin FL, An X, Neylan TC, Clifford GD, Linnstaedt SD, Germine LT, Rauch SL, Haran JP, Storrow AB, Lewandowski C, Musey PI, Hendry PL, Sheikh S, Jones CW, Punches BE, Kurz MC, Gentile NT, Hudak LA, Pascual JL, Seamon MJ, Harris E, Pearson C, Merchant RC, Domeier RM, Rathlev NK, Sergot P, Sanchez LD, Miller MW, Pietrzak RH, Joormann J, Pizzagalli DA, Sheridan JF, Smoller JW, Harte SE, Elliott JM, Kessler RC, Koenen KC, McLean SA, Ressler KJ, Stevens JS, Harnett NG. Prior Sexual Trauma Exposure Impacts Posttraumatic Dysfunction and Neural Circuitry Following a Recent Traumatic Event in the AURORA Study. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:705-715. [PMID: 37881578 PMCID: PMC10593890 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prior sexual trauma (ST) is associated with greater risk for posttraumatic stress disorder after a subsequent traumatic event; however, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain opaque. We investigated longitudinal posttraumatic dysfunction and amygdala functional dynamics following admission to an emergency department for new primarily nonsexual trauma in participants with and without previous ST. Methods Participants (N = 2178) were recruited following acute trauma exposure (primarily motor vehicle collision). A subset (n = 242) completed magnetic resonance imaging that included a fearful faces task and a resting-state scan 2 weeks after the trauma. We investigated associations between prior ST and several dimensions of posttraumatic symptoms over 6 months. We further assessed amygdala activation and connectivity differences between groups with or without prior ST. Results Prior ST was associated with greater posttraumatic depression (F1,1120 = 28.35, p = 1.22 × 10-7, ηp2 = 0.06), anxiety (F1,1113 = 17.43, p = 3.21 × 10-5, ηp2 = 0.05), and posttraumatic stress disorder (F1,1027 = 11.34, p = 7.85 × 10-4, ηp2 = 0.04) severity and more maladaptive beliefs about pain (F1,1113 = 8.51, p = .004, ηp2 = 0.02) but was not related to amygdala reactivity to fearful versus neutral faces (all ps > .05). A secondary analysis revealed an interaction between ST and lifetime trauma load on the left amygdala to visual cortex connectivity (peak Z value: -4.41, corrected p < .02). Conclusions Findings suggest that prior ST is associated with heightened posttraumatic dysfunction following a new trauma exposure but not increased amygdala activity. In addition, ST may interact with lifetime trauma load to alter neural circuitry in visual processing regions following acute trauma exposure. Further research should probe the relationship between trauma type and visual circuitry in the acute aftermath of trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Rowland
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Alyssa Roeckner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Timothy D Ely
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lauren A M Lebois
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sanne J H van Rooij
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Steven E Bruce
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri - St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Stacey L House
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Francesca L Beaudoin
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Xinming An
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Gari D Clifford
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sarah D Linnstaedt
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Laura T Germine
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- TheMany Brains Project, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Scott L Rauch
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - John P Haran
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Alan B Storrow
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Paul I Musey
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Phyllis L Hendry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Sophia Sheikh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Christopher W Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey
| | - Brittany E Punches
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
- Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Michael C Kurz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
- Center for Injury Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Nina T Gentile
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lauren A Hudak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jose L Pascual
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark J Seamon
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Division of Traumatology, Department of Surgery, Surgical Critical Care and Emergency Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Erica Harris
- Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Claire Pearson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Wayne State University, Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Roland C Merchant
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert M Domeier
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ypsilanti, Michigan
| | - Niels K Rathlev
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Paulina Sergot
- Department of Emergency Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, Texas
| | - Leon D Sanchez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark W Miller
- National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- National Center for PTSD, Clinical Neurosciences Division, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jutta Joormann
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Diego A Pizzagalli
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - John F Sheridan
- Division of Biosciences, Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, Ohio
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jordan W Smoller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Steven E Harte
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Internal Medicine-Rheumatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - James M Elliott
- Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Northern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Physical Therapy & Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karestan C Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Samuel A McLean
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer S Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nathaniel G Harnett
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Walton NL, Antonoudiou P, Maguire JL. Neurosteroid influence on affective tone. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105327. [PMID: 37499891 PMCID: PMC10528596 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Affective disorders such as depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent psychiatric illnesses and causes of disability worldwide. The recent FDA-approval of a novel antidepressant treatment, ZULRESSO® (Brexanolone), a synthetic neurosteroid has fueled interest into the role of neurosteroids in the pathophysiology of depression as well as the mechanisms mediating the antidepressant effects of these compounds. The majority of studies examining the impact of neurosteroids on affective states have relied on the administration of exogenous neurosteroids; however, neurosteroids can also be synthesized endogenously from cholesterol or steroid hormone precursors. Despite the well-established influence of exogenous neurosteroids on affective states, we still lack an understanding of the role of endogenous neurosteroids in modulating affective tone. This review aims to summarize the current literature supporting the influence of neurosteroids on affective states in clinical and preclinical studies, as well as recent evidence suggesting that endogenous neurosteroids may set a baseline affective tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najah L Walton
- Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pantelis Antonoudiou
- Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jamie L Maguire
- Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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17
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Marchand WR. Potential Mechanisms of Action and Outcomes of Equine-Assisted Services for Veterans with a History of Trauma: A Narrative Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6377. [PMID: 37510609 PMCID: PMC10379349 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Equine-assisted services (EASs) are being increasingly used as complementary interventions for military veterans who have experienced trauma. However, there is limited evidence of benefit for this population and almost no literature describing the desired potential outcomes and possible mechanisms of action. The aim of this article is to address these gaps by reviewing the extant literature of animal-assisted interventions in general, and equine-assisted services in particular, with the goal of providing guidance for future investigations in the field. Currently, the field is in the early stage of scientific development, but published results are promising. Interventions that enhance treatment compliance and/or outcomes could benefit this population. Preliminary results, reviewed herein, indicate that EAS interventions might benefit the military veteran population by enhancing treatment engagement and therapeutic alliance, as well as by contributing to symptom reduction and resulting in various transdiagnostic benefits. It is recommended that future studies include exploration of potential beneficial outcomes discussed herein, as well as investigate suggested mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Marchand
- VISN 19 Whole Health Flagship Site, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, 500 Foothill, Salt Lake City, UT 84148, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Utah, 501 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
- Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, 4815 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA
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18
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De Beukelaer S, Sokolov AA, Müri RM. Case report: "Proust phenomenon" after right posterior cerebral artery occlusion. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1183265. [PMID: 37521297 PMCID: PMC10374343 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1183265] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Odors evoking vivid and intensely felt autobiographical memories are known as the "Proust phenomenon," delineating the particularity of olfaction in being more effective with eliciting emotional memories than other sensory modalities. The phenomenon has been described extensively in healthy participants as well as in patients during pre-epilepsy surgery evaluation after focal stimulation of the amygdalae and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, we provide the inaugural description of aversive odor-evoked autobiographical memories after stroke in the right hippocampal, parahippocampal, and thalamic nuclei. As potential underlying neural signatures of the phenomenon, we discuss the disinhibition of limbic circuits and impaired communication between the major networks, such as saliency, central executive, and default mode network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie De Beukelaer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - A. A. Sokolov
- Service de Neuropsychologie et de Neuroréhabilitation, Département des Neurosciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - R. M. Müri
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, ARTORG Center, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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19
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Chen HJ, Ke J, Qiu J, Xu Q, Zhong Y, Lu GM, Wu Y, Qi R, Chen F. Altered whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity and brain network topology in typhoon-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2023; 13:20451253231175302. [PMID: 37342156 PMCID: PMC10278414 DOI: 10.1177/20451253231175302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Altered resting-state functional connectivity has been found in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the alteration of resting-state functional connectivity at whole-brain level in typhoon-traumatized individuals with PTSD remains largely unknown. Objectives To investigate changes in whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity and brain network topology in typhoon-traumatized subjects with and without PTSD. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Twenty-seven patients with typhoon-related PTSD, 33 trauma-exposed controls (TEC), and 30 healthy controls (HC) underwent resting-state functional MRI scanning. The whole brain resting-state functional connectivity network was constructed based on the automated anatomical labeling atlas. The graph theory method was used to analyze the topological properties of the large-scale resting-state functional connectivity network. Whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity and the topological network property were compared by analyzing the variance. Results There was no significant difference in the area under the curve of γ, λ, σ, global efficiency, and local efficiency among the three groups. The PTSD group showed increased dorsal cingulate cortex (dACC) resting-state functional connectivity with the postcentral gyrus (PoCG) and paracentral lobe and increased nodal betweenness centrality in the precuneus relative to both control groups. Compared with the PTSD and HC groups, the TEC group showed increased resting-state functional connectivity between the hippocampus and PoCG and increased connectivity strength in the putamen. In addition, compared with the HC group, both the PTSD and TEC groups showed increased connectivity strength and nodal efficiency in the insula. Conclusion Aberrant resting-state functional connectivity and topology were found in all trauma-exposed individuals. These findings broaden our knowledge of the neuropathological mechanisms of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Juan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, China
| | - Jun Ke
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Qiu
- Department of Ultrasound, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guang Ming Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanglei Wu
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthineers Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Rongfeng Qi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Radiology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), No. 19, Xiuhua Street, Xiuying District, Haikou 570311, Hainan, China
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20
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Koopowitz SM, Zar HJ, Stein DJ, Ipser JC. PTSD and comorbid MDD is associated with activation of the right frontoparietal network. Psychiatry Res 2023; 331:111630. [PMID: 36947943 PMCID: PMC10172683 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2023.111630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
There is growing evidence of abnormalities in intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, there has been less work on the commonly occurring co-presentation of PTSD and MDD. Characterising intrinsic FC abnormalities in this clinical population is important for understanding how they may contribute towards impairments underpinned by different networks. Participants were mothers enroled in the Drakenstein Child Health Study from Western Cape, South Africa. Mothers between 18 and 50 years of age were recruited and divided into 4 groups: PTSD, MDD, PTSD with MDD, and healthy controls. Participants underwent resting-state fMRI at the 18-month postpartum time point. Functional connectivity within and between higher order cognitive control networks, including the salience, dorsal attention, frontoparietal, and default mode networks were compared across the 4 groups. PTSD with comorbid MDD was associated with greater intrinsic FC within the R FPAR, relative to controls and the mono-diagnostic groups. Intrinsic FC differences were observed within the default mode network for the MDD group. No group differences in connectivity between networks were observed. Differential intrinsic connectivity in participants with comorbidity are consistent with evidence that such individuals have more severe illness and require more robust intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri-Michelle Koopowitz
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.
| | - Heather J Zar
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan C Ipser
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
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21
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Zhou L, Xie Y, Wang R, Fan Y, Wu Y. Dynamic segregation and integration of brain functional networks associated with emotional arousal. iScience 2023; 26:106609. [PMID: 37250309 PMCID: PMC10214403 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The organization of brain functional networks dynamically changes with emotional stimuli, but its relationship to emotional behaviors is still unclear. In the DEAP dataset, we used the nested-spectral partition approach to identify the hierarchical segregation and integration of functional networks and investigated the dynamic transitions between connectivity states under different arousal conditions. The frontal and right posterior parietal regions were dominant for network integration whereas the bilateral temporal, left posterior parietal, and occipital regions were responsible for segregation and functional flexibility. High emotional arousal behavior was associated with stronger network integration and more stable state transitions. Crucially, the connectivity states of frontal, central, and right parietal regions were closely related to arousal ratings in individuals. Besides, we predicted the individual emotional performance based on functional connectivity activities. Our results demonstrate that brain connectivity states are closely associated with emotional behaviors and could be reliable and robust indicators for emotional arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lv Zhou
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Xi’an 710049, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanics Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Yong Xie
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Rong Wang
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- College of Science, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710054, China
| | - Yongchen Fan
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Ying Wu
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, Xi’an 710049, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanics Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
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22
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Chaposhloo M, Nicholson AA, Becker S, McKinnon MC, Lanius R, Shaw SB. Altered Resting-State functional connectivity in the anterior and posterior hippocampus in Post-traumatic stress disorder: The central role of the anterior hippocampus. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 38:103417. [PMID: 37148709 PMCID: PMC10193024 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder can be viewed as a memory disorder, with trauma-related flashbacks being a core symptom. Given the central role of the hippocampus in autobiographical memory, surprisingly, there is mixed evidence concerning altered hippocampal functional connectivity in PTSD. We shed light on this discrepancy by considering the distinct roles of the anterior versus posterior hippocampus and examine how this distinction may map onto whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity patterns among those with and without PTSD. METHODS We first assessed whole-brain between-group differences in the functional connectivity profiles of the anterior and posterior hippocampus within a publicly available data set of resting-state fMRI data from 31 male Vietnam war veterans diagnosed with PTSD (mean age = 67.6 years, sd = 2.3) and 29 age-matched combat-exposed male controls (age = 69.1 years, sd = 3.5). Next, the connectivity patterns of each subject within the PTSD group were correlated with their PTSD symptom scores. Finally, the between-group differences in whole-brain functional connectivity profiles discovered for the anterior and posterior hippocampal seeds were used to prescribe post-hoc ROIs, which were then used to perform ROI-to-ROI functional connectivity and graph-theoretic analyses. RESULTS The PTSD group showed increased functional connectivity of the anterior hippocampus with affective brain regions (anterior/posterior insula, orbitofrontal cortex, temporal pole) and decreased functional connectivity of the anterior/posterior hippocampus with regions involved in processing bodily self-consciousness (supramarginal gyrus). Notably, decreased anterior hippocampus connectivity with the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus was associated with increased PTSD symptom severity. The left anterior hippocampus also emerged as a central locus of abnormal functional connectivity, with graph-theoretic measures suggestive of a more central hub-like role for this region in those with PTSD compared to trauma-exposed controls. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that the anterior hippocampus plays a critical role in the neurocircuitry underlying PTSD and underscore the importance of the differential roles of hippocampal sub-regions in serving as biomarkers of PTSD. Future studies should investigate whether the differential patterns of functional connectivity stemming from hippocampal sub-regions is observed in PTSD populations other than older war veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chaposhloo
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew A Nicholson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families, Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Royal Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Suzanna Becker
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth Lanius
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Saurabh Bhaskar Shaw
- Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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23
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Yan Y, Li M, Jia H, Fu L, Qiu J, Yang W. Amygdala-based functional connectivity mediates the relationship between thought control ability and trait anxiety. Brain Cogn 2023; 168:105976. [PMID: 37086555 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2023.105976] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
Thought control ability (TCA) refers to the ability to exclude unwanted thoughts. There has been consistent evidence on the protective effect of TCA on anxiety, that higher TCA is associated with lower anxiety. However, the underlying neural mechanism remains unclear. In this study, with a large sample (N = 495), we investigated how seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) mediates the relationship between TCA and anxiety. Our behaviour results replicated previous findings that TCA is negatively associated with trait anxiety after controlling for gender, age, and depression. More importantly, the RSFC results revealed that TCA is negatively associated with the left amygdala - left frontal pole (LA-LFP), left amygdala - left inferior temporal gyrus (LA-LITG), and left hippocampus - left inferior frontal gyrus (LH-LIFG) connectivity. In addition, a mediation analysis demonstrated that the LA-LFP and LA-LITG connectivity in particular mediated the influence of TCA on trait anxiety. Overall, our study extends previous research by revealing the neural bases underlying the protective effect of TCA on anxiety and pinpointing specific mediating RSFC pathways. Future studies could explore whether targeted TCA training (behavioural or neural) can help alleviate anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchi Yan
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hui Jia
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, China; Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), Chongqing 400715, China.
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24
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Balters S, Schlichting MR, Foland-Ross L, Brigadoi S, Miller JG, Kochenderfer MJ, Garrett AS, Reiss AL. Towards assessing subcortical "deep brain" biomarkers of PTSD with functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:3969-3984. [PMID: 36066436 PMCID: PMC10068291 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessment of brain function with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is limited to the outer regions of the cortex. Previously, we demonstrated the feasibility of inferring activity in subcortical "deep brain" regions using cortical functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and fNIRS activity in healthy adults. Access to subcortical regions subserving emotion and arousal using affordable and portable fNIRS is likely to be transformative for clinical diagnostic and treatment planning. Here, we validate the feasibility of inferring activity in subcortical regions that are central to the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; i.e. amygdala and hippocampus) using cortical fMRI and simulated fNIRS activity in a sample of adolescents diagnosed with PTSD (N = 20, mean age = 15.3 ± 1.9 years) and age-matched healthy controls (N = 20, mean age = 14.5 ± 2.0 years) as they performed a facial expression task. We tested different prediction models, including linear regression, a multilayer perceptron neural network, and a k-nearest neighbors model. Inference of subcortical fMRI activity with cortical fMRI showed high prediction performance for the amygdala (r > 0.91) and hippocampus (r > 0.95) in both groups. Using fNIRS simulated data, relatively high prediction performance for deep brain regions was maintained in healthy controls (r > 0.79), as well as in youths with PTSD (r > 0.75). The linear regression and neural network models provided the best predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Balters
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 94305 Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Marc R Schlichting
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University, 94305 Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lara Foland-Ross
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 94305 Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sabrina Brigadoi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, 35122 Padova PD, Italy
| | - Jonas G Miller
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, 94305 Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mykel J Kochenderfer
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University, 94305 Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Amy S Garrett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78229 San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Allan L Reiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 94305 Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, 94304 Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, 94304 Palo Alto, CA, USA
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25
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Back SE, Flanagan JC, Killeen T, Saraiya TC, Brown DG, Jarnecke AM, Rothbaum AO, Joseph J, Ana ES, de Arellano A, Shoemaker HL, Dixon RA, Nietert PJ, Brady KT. COPE and oxytocin for the treatment of co-occurring PTSD and alcohol use disorder: Design and methodology of a randomized controlled trial in U.S. military veterans. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 126:107084. [PMID: 36646315 PMCID: PMC9998357 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant proportion of individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) also meet criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Military veterans are at increased risk for developing co-occurring AUD/PTSD, with prevalence rates 2-4 times higher than the general population. Research is needed to develop more effective treatments for this common comorbidity. The current investigation addresses this need by examining the synergistic effects of a novel pharmacotherapy combined with psychotherapy for co-occurring AUD/PTSD among veterans. Accumulating evidence suggests that the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is a promising pharmacotherapy to augment psychotherapy for AUD/PTSD. OT targets neurobiological and behavioral dysregulation common to both AUD and PTSD, in particular, corticolimbic connectivity. Human and animal studies show OT reduces alcohol self-administration, tolerance, and withdrawal; enhances fear extinction; and promotes prosocial behaviors. The current study builds on previous work by examining OT among veterans with AUD/PTSD receiving Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders using Prolonged Exposure (COPE), an evidence-based integrated treatment. METHODS This paper describes the rationale, design, and methodology of a Stage II, 12-week, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of intranasal OT (40 IU) versus placebo combined with COPE among veterans (N = 180) with current AUD/PTSD. In addition, the effects of treatment on corticolimbic connectivity will be examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at pre- and post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS The proposed study will provide new knowledge and mechanistic insights to accelerate research in this understudied area and may lead to improved treatment outcomes for co-occurring AUD/PTSD. CLINICALTRIALS gov: NCT04523922.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudie E Back
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Julianne C Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Therese Killeen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Tanya C Saraiya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Delisa G Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Amber M Jarnecke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Alex O Rothbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jane Joseph
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Santa Ana
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Abigail de Arellano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Hannah L Shoemaker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Reagan Ashley Dixon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Paul J Nietert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kathleen T Brady
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Nashiro K, Min J, Yoo HJ, Cho C, Bachman SL, Dutt S, Thayer JF, Lehrer PM, Feng T, Mercer N, Nasseri P, Wang D, Chang C, Marmarelis VZ, Narayanan S, Nation DA, Mather M. Increasing coordination and responsivity of emotion-related brain regions with a heart rate variability biofeedback randomized trial. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 23:66-83. [PMID: 36109422 PMCID: PMC9931635 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-022-01032-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Heart rate variability is a robust biomarker of emotional well-being, consistent with the shared brain networks regulating emotion regulation and heart rate. While high heart rate oscillatory activity clearly indicates healthy regulatory brain systems, can increasing this oscillatory activity also enhance brain function? To test this possibility, we randomly assigned 106 young adult participants to one of two 5-week interventions involving daily biofeedback that either increased heart rate oscillations (Osc+ condition) or had little effect on heart rate oscillations (Osc- condition) and examined effects on brain activity during rest and during regulating emotion. While there were no significant changes in the right amygdala-medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) functional connectivity (our primary outcome), the Osc+ intervention increased left amygdala-MPFC functional connectivity and functional connectivity in emotion-related resting-state networks during rest. It also increased down-regulation of activity in somatosensory brain regions during an emotion regulation task. The Osc- intervention did not have these effects. In this healthy cohort, the two conditions did not differentially affect anxiety, depression, or mood. These findings indicate that modulating heart rate oscillatory activity changes emotion network coordination in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Nashiro
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Jungwon Min
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Hyun Joo Yoo
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Christine Cho
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Shelby L Bachman
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Shubir Dutt
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | | | | | - Tiantian Feng
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Noah Mercer
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Padideh Nasseri
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Diana Wang
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | | | - Vasilis Z Marmarelis
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Shri Narayanan
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | | | - Mara Mather
- University of Southern California, 3715 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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Stopyra MA, Simon JJ, Rheude C, Nikendei C. Pathophysiological aspects of complex PTSD - a neurobiological account in comparison to classic posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. Rev Neurosci 2023; 34:103-128. [PMID: 35938987 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2022-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite a great diagnostic overlap, complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) has been recognised by the ICD-11 as a new, discrete entity and recent empirical evidence points towards a distinction from simple posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). The development and maintenance of these disorders is sustained by neurobiological alterations and studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may further contribute to a clear differentiation of CPTSD, PTSD and BPD. However, there are no existing fMRI studies directly comparing CPTSD, PTSD and BPD. In addition to a summarization of diagnostic differences and similarities, the current review aims to provide a qualitative comparison of neuroimaging findings on affective, attentional and memory processing in CPTSD, PTSD and BPD. Our narrative review alludes to an imbalance in limbic-frontal brain networks, which may be partially trans-diagnostically linked to the degree of trauma symptoms and their expression. Thus, CPTSD, PTSD and BPD may underlie a continuum where similar brain regions are involved but the direction of activation may constitute its distinct symptom expression. The neuronal alterations across these disorders may conceivably be better understood along a symptom-based continuum underlying CPTSD, PTSD and BPD. Further research is needed to amend for the heterogeneity in experimental paradigms and sample criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion A Stopyra
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joe J Simon
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christiane Rheude
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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28
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Singleton SP, Wang JB, Mithoefer M, Hanlon C, George MS, Mithoefer A, Mithoefer O, Coker AR, Yazar-Klosinski B, Emerson A, Doblin R, Kuceyeski A. Altered brain activity and functional connectivity after MDMA-assisted therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 13:947622. [PMID: 36713926 PMCID: PMC9879604 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.947622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has demonstrated promise in multiple clinical trials. MDMA is hypothesized to facilitate the therapeutic process, in part, by decreasing fear response during fear memory processing while increasing extinction learning. The acute administration of MDMA in healthy controls modifies recruitment of brain regions involved in the hyperactive fear response in PTSD such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and insula. However, to date there have been no neuroimaging studies aimed at directly elucidating the neural impact of MDMA-AT in PTSD patients. Methods We analyzed brain activity and connectivity via functional MRI during both rest and autobiographical memory (trauma and neutral) response before and two-months after MDMA-AT in nine veterans and first-responders with chronic PTSD of 6 months or more. Results We hypothesized that MDMA-AT would increase amygdala-hippocampus resting-state functional connectivity, however we only found evidence of a trend in the left amygdala-left hippocampus (t = -2.91, uncorrected p = 0.0225, corrected p = 0.0901). We also found reduced activation contrast (trauma > neutral) after MDMA-AT in the cuneus. Finally, the amount of recovery from PTSD after MDMA-AT correlated with changes in four functional connections during autobiographical memory recall: the left amygdala-left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), left amygdala-right PCC, left amygdala-left insula, and left isthmus cingulate-left posterior hippocampus. Discussion Amygdala-insular functional connectivity is reliably implicated in PTSD and anxiety, and both regions are impacted by MDMA administration. These findings compliment previous research indicating that amygdala, hippocampus, and insula functional connectivity is a potential target of MDMA-AT, and highlights other regions of interest related to memory processes. More research is necessary to determine if these findings are specific to MDMA-AT compared to other types of treatment for PTSD. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02102802, identifier NCT02102802.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Parker Singleton
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Julie B. Wang
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Michael Mithoefer
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Colleen Hanlon
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Mark S. George
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Annie Mithoefer
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Oliver Mithoefer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Allison R. Coker
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Amy Emerson
- MAPS Public Benefit Corporation, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Rick Doblin
- Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, San Jose, CA, United States
| | - Amy Kuceyeski
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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29
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Kim K, Tsai AC, Lowe S, Stewart R, Jung SJ. Urbanicity, posttraumatic stress disorder, and effect modification by socioeconomic position: A nested case-control study of the Korean National Health Insurance Database. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2023; 147:54-64. [PMID: 36086797 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to estimate the association between urbanicity and the onset of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to investigate heterogeneity therein according to age and socioeconomic position (SEP). METHODS We analyzed administrative data from the Korean National Health Insurance Database for patients with PTSD from 2004 to 2018 (N = 109,230) and for a 1:4 sample of age-, sex-, and enrollment year-matched controls. Information on eligibility, SEP (proxied by insurance premium), place of residence, diagnosis, and medical claims was obtained. Urbanicity of administrative districts was assessed using data from the Korean Statistical Information Service, 2005-2018. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) from baseline and time-dependent models. Subgroup analyses and polynomial splines were used to investigate heterogeneity by age and SEP. RESULTS Urbanicity was associated with an increased risk of PTSD (per 10%p increase, HR = 1.056, 95% CI 1.050-1.061). A positive association was estimated among patients aged 0-29 years (HR = 1.115, CI 1.106-1.124), while negative associations were estimated among patients aged 30-64 years (HR = 0.990, CI 0.987-0.994) and 65 years or older (HR = 0.992, CI 0.979-1.014). The estimated associations with urbanicity were more prominent at the extremes of SEP, but only among younger participants. CONCLUSION Urban residence was associated with an increased risk of PTSD diagnosis. The estimated association was larger among younger individuals (but not among middle-aged and older individuals). Among younger individuals, the estimated association was larger at both extremes of SEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwanghyun Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Sarah Lowe
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Connecticut, USA
| | - Robert Stewart
- King's College London (Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience), London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sun Jae Jung
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.,Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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30
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Edalati H, Afzali MH, Spinney S, Bourque J, Dagher A, Conrod PJ. A longitudinal mediation study of peer victimization and resting-state functional connectivity as predictors of development of adolescent psychopathology. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1099772. [PMID: 37032939 PMCID: PMC10076669 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1099772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Peer victimization (PV) is associated with alterations in neural responses in regions subserving emotional regulatory processes and with increased risk of psychopathology during adolescence. The present study examined the longitudinal mediating effects of resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between adolescent PV and subsequent internalizing (depression and anxiety), and externalizing (conduct and hyperactivity/inattention) symptoms. Methods 151 adolescents (baseline mean age 12-14; 54% males) were assessed and imaged three times during a five-year period. We focused on rsFC of a priori determined Regions-of-Interest (ROIs) guided by the literature (i.e., amygdala, anterior and posterior insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and medial prefrontal cortex). Multilevel mediation (MLM) analyses simultaneously examined the between-person, concurrent within-person, and lagged within-person associations between PV and internalizing/externalizing symptoms through changes in couplings of the amygdala with the other four ROIs. All models controlled for the effects of self-reported childhood maltreatment and sex differences. Results An increased rsFC of the amygdala-posterior insula significantly mediated the lagged within-person association of PV and internalizing symptoms (β = 0.144; 95% CI [0.018, 0.332]). This effect was significant regardless of childhood maltreatment, concurrent externalizing symptoms, and sex differences. The rsFC did not mediate the relationship between PV and externalizing symptoms. Conclusions Results of this study suggest that adolescent PV may lead to long-lasting maladaptive neural communication between emotional response and sensory perception of pain (i.e., bottom-up emotion regulation) and that these neural responses may serve as unique markers for increased internalizing symptoms that appear in later adolescence in peer-victimized youth. These findings have implications for interventions targeting internalizing symptoms in victimized adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanie Edalati
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mohammad H. Afzali
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sean Spinney
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Josiane Bourque
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alain Dagher
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patricia J. Conrod
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Patricia J. Conrod,
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31
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Morris EL, Taylor SF, Kang J. On predictability of individual functional connectivity networks from clinical characteristics. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 43:5250-5265. [PMID: 35811395 PMCID: PMC9812246 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, understanding functional brain connectivity has become increasingly important as a scientific tool with potential clinical implications. Statistical methods, such as graphical models and network analysis, have been adopted to construct functional connectivity networks for single subjects. Here we focus on studying the association between functional connectivity networks and clinical characteristics such as psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses. Utilizing machine learning algorithms, we propose a method to examine predictability of functional connectivity networks from clinical characteristics. Our methods can identify salient clinical characteristics predictive of the whole brain network or specific subnetworks. We illustrate our methods on the analysis of fMRI data in the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort study, demonstrating clinically meaningful results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Morris
- Department of BiostatisticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | | | - Jian Kang
- Department of BiostatisticsUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
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32
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Espil FM, Balters S, Li R, McCurdy BH, Kletter H, Piccirilli A, Cohen JA, Weems CF, Reiss AL, Carrion VG. Cortical activation predicts posttraumatic improvement in youth treated with TF-CBT or CCT. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 156:25-35. [PMID: 36228389 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying neural activation patterns that predict youths' treatment response may aid in the development of imaging-based assessment of emotion dysregulation following trauma and foster tailored intervention. Changes in cortical hemodynamic activity measured with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) may provide a time and cost-effective option for such work. We examined youths' PTSD symptom change following treatment and tested if previously identified activation patterns would predict treatment response. METHODS Youth (N = 73, mean age = 12.97, SD = 3.09 years) were randomly assigned to trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), cue-centered therapy (CCT), or treatment as usual (TAU). Parents and youth reported on youth's PTSD symptoms at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up. Neuroimaging data (N = 31) assessed at pre-intervention were obtained while youth engaged in an emotion expression task. Treatment response slopes were calculated for youth's PTSD symptoms. RESULTS Overall, PTSD symptoms decreased from pre-intervention through follow-up across conditions, with some evidence of relative benefit of TF-CBT and CCT over TAU but significant individual variation in treatment response. Cortical activation patterns were correlated with PTSD symptom improvement slopes (r = 0.53). In particular, cortical responses to fearful and neutral facial stimuli in six fNIRS channels in the bilateral dlPFC were important predictors of PTSD symptom improvement. CONCLUSIONS The use of fNIRS provides a method of monitoring and assessing cortical activation patterns in a relatively inexpensive and portable manner. Associations between functional activation and youths' PTSD symptoms improvement may be a promising avenue for understanding emotion dysregulation in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flint M Espil
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, USA.
| | - Stephanie Balters
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, USA
| | - Rihui Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, USA
| | - Bethany H McCurdy
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, USA
| | - Hilit Kletter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, USA
| | - Aaron Piccirilli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, USA
| | - Judith A Cohen
- Allegheny Health Network, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Carl F Weems
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, USA
| | - Allan L Reiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, USA; Department of Radiology, Stanford University, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, USA
| | - Victor G Carrion
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, USA
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33
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Birch JN, Vanderheyden WM. The Molecular Relationship between Stress and Insomnia. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101203. [PMID: 35822937 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The bi-directional relationship between sleep and stress has been actively researched as sleep disturbances and stress have become increasingly common in society. Interestingly, the brain and underlying neural circuits important for sleep regulation may respond uniquely to stress that leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stress that does not. In stress that does not lead to PTSD, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) pathway is activated normally that results in sympathetic nervous system activation that allows the brain and body to return to baseline functioning. However, exposure to stress that leads to PTSD, causes enhanced negative feedback of this same pathway and results in long-term physiological and psychological changes. In this review, how stress regulates glucocorticoid signaling pathways in brain glial cells called astrocytes, and then mediates stress-induced insomnia are examined. Astrocytes are critical sleep regulatory cells and their connections to sleep and stress due to disturbed glucocorticoid signaling provide a novel mechanism to explain how stress leads to insomnia. This review will examine the interactions of stress neurobiology, astrocytes, sleep, and glucocorticoid signaling pathways and will examine the how stress that leads to PTSD and stress that does not impacts sleep-regulatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine N Birch
- WSU Health Sciences Spokane, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA, 99 202, USA
| | - William M Vanderheyden
- WSU Health Sciences Spokane, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Building, Room 213/Lab 230, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd, (Lab) 509-368-6809, Spokane, WA, 99 202, USA
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34
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Klimova A, Breukelaar IA, Bryant RA, Korgaonkar MS. A comparison of the functional connectome in mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Hum Brain Mapp 2022; 44:813-824. [PMID: 36206284 PMCID: PMC9842915 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) often co-occur in the context of threat to one's life. These conditions also have an overlapping symptomatology and include symptoms of anxiety, poor concentration and memory problems. A major challenge has been articulating the underlying neurobiology of these overlapping conditions. The primary aim of this study was to compare intrinsic functional connectivity between mTBI (without PTSD) and PTSD (without mTBI). The study included functional MRI data from 176 participants: 42 participants with mTBI, 67 with PTSD and a comparison group of 66 age and sex-matched healthy controls. We used network-based statistical analyses for connectome-wide comparisons of intrinsic functional connectivity between mTBI relative to PTSD and controls. Our results showed no connectivity differences between mTBI and PTSD groups. However, we did find that mTBI had significantly reduced connectivity relative to healthy controls within an extensive network of regions including default mode, executive control, visual and auditory networks. The mTBI group also displayed hyperconnectivity between dorsal and ventral attention networks and perceptual regions. The PTSD group also demonstrated abnormal connectivity within these networks relative to controls. Connectivity alterations were not associated with severity of PTSD or post-concussive symptoms in either clinical group. Taken together, the similar profiles of intrinsic connectivity alterations in these two conditions provide neural evidence that can explain, in part, the overlapping symptomatology between mTBI and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Klimova
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchThe University of SydneyWestmeadAustralia
| | - Isabella A. Breukelaar
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchThe University of SydneyWestmeadAustralia,School of PsychologyUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Richard A. Bryant
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchThe University of SydneyWestmeadAustralia,School of PsychologyUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Mayuresh S. Korgaonkar
- Brain Dynamics Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical ResearchThe University of SydneyWestmeadAustralia,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and HealthUniversity of SydneyWestmeadAustralia
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35
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Immature excitatory neurons in the amygdala come of age during puberty. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 56:101133. [PMID: 35841648 PMCID: PMC9289873 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human amygdala is critical for emotional learning, valence coding, and complex social interactions, all of which mature throughout childhood, puberty, and adolescence. Across these ages, the amygdala paralaminar nucleus (PL) undergoes significant structural changes including increased numbers of mature neurons. The PL contains a large population of immature excitatory neurons at birth, some of which may continue to be born from local progenitors. These progenitors disappear rapidly in infancy, but the immature neurons persist throughout childhood and adolescent ages, indicating that they develop on a protracted timeline. Many of these late-maturing neurons settle locally within the PL, though a small subset appear to migrate into neighboring amygdala subnuclei. Despite its prominent growth during postnatal life and possible contributions to multiple amygdala circuits, the function of the PL remains unknown. PL maturation occurs predominately during late childhood and into puberty when sex hormone levels change. Sex hormones can promote developmental processes such as neuron migration, dendritic outgrowth, and synaptic plasticity, which appear to be ongoing in late-maturing PL neurons. Collectively, we describe how the growth of late-maturing neurons occurs in the right time and place to be relevant for amygdala functions and neuropsychiatric conditions.
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36
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Kolobaric A, Karim HT, Banihashemi L, Mizuno A, Aizenstein HJ, Andreescu C. Are All Anxieties Created Equal? Stress-related Networks and Anxiety Phenotypes in Old Age. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:801-812. [PMID: 35000866 PMCID: PMC9177511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The dysregulation of stress-related networks due to chronic symptoms such as severe worry and/or rumination is one of the putative pathways linking anxiety in late-life with cognitive decline and increased cardiovascular burden. Symptoms such as severe worry or rumination respond poorly to standard treatment and drive the morbidity associated with anxiety in older adults. We assessed if any of the neural networks anchored in the stress-related regions of interest (ROIs) are associated with distinct anxiety phenotypes (worry, rumination and global anxiety). METHODS We recruited older participants (over 50 years of age) with varying levels of worry (N = 91) to undergo resting state fMRI. We computed seed-based connectivity for each ROI: the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, habenula, and amygdala. We limited our connectivity analyses to extracted regions for each seeded ROI-based network based on their canonical networks in 1,000 participants (Neurosynth). Using connectivity and clinical factors, we fit cross-validated elastic net models to predict scores on Penn State Worry Questionnaire, Rumination Subscale Questionnaire, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. RESULTS We identified several distinct connectivity patterns that predict anxiety phenotypes' severity. Greater worry was associated with greater paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus -subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, parahippocampal, and olfactory and amygdala-PHC connectivity. Greater global anxiety was associated with lower amygdala-superior temporal gyrus connectivity. Greater perceived stress was associated with lower amygdala-inferior temporal gyrus and amygdala-fusiform gyrus connectivity. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that various late-life anxiety phenotypes (worry, global anxiety, rumination) may be associated with varying functional connectivity related to stress and emotion regulation. This may aid in the development of future targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helmet T Karim
- Department of Psychiatry (HTK, LB, AM, HJA, CA), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA; Department of Bioengineering (HTK, HJA,), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA
| | - Layla Banihashemi
- Department of Psychiatry (HTK, LB, AM, HJA, CA), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA
| | - Akiko Mizuno
- Department of Psychiatry (HTK, LB, AM, HJA, CA), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA
| | - Howard J Aizenstein
- Department of Psychiatry (HTK, LB, AM, HJA, CA), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA; Department of Bioengineering (HTK, HJA,), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA
| | - Carmen Andreescu
- Department of Psychiatry (HTK, LB, AM, HJA, CA), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA.
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Szafoni S, Piegza M. Progress in Personalized Psychiatric Therapy with the Example of Using Intranasal Oxytocin in PTSD Treatment. J Pers Med 2022; 12:1067. [PMID: 35887564 PMCID: PMC9317706 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental disorder that results in the frequent coexistence of other diseases, lowers patients' quality of life, and has a high annual cost of treatment. However, despite the variety of therapeutic approaches that exist, some patients still do not achieve the desired results. In addition, we may soon face an increase in the number of new PTSD cases because of the current global situation-both the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing armed conflicts. Hence, in recent years, many publications have sought a new, more personalized treatment approach. One such approach is the administration of intranasal oxytocin (INOXT), which, due to its pleiotropic effects, seems to be a promising therapeutic option. However, the current findings suggest that it might only be helpful for a limited, strictly selected group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Szafoni
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 42-612 Tarnowskie Góry, Poland;
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Lan C, Liu C, Li K, Zhao Z, Yang J, Ma Y, Scheele D, Yao S, Kendrick KM, Becker B. Oxytocinergic Modulation of Stress-Associated Amygdala-Hippocampus Pathways in Humans Is Mediated by Serotonergic Mechanisms. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:807-817. [PMID: 35723242 PMCID: PMC9593216 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) may exert anxiolytic and stress-reducing actions via modulatory effects on amygdala circuits. Animal models and initial findings in humans suggest that some of these effects are mediated by interactions with other neurotransmitter systems, in particular the serotonin (5-HT) system. Against this background, the present pharmacological resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study aimed to determine whether effects of OXT on stress-associated amygdala intrinsic networks are mediated by 5-HT. METHODS We employed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel-group, pharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging resting-state experiment with 4 treatment groups in n = 112 healthy male participants. Participants underwent a transient decrease in 5-HT signaling via acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) or a corresponding placebo-control protocol before the administration of intranasal OXT (24 IU) or placebo intranasal spray. RESULTS OXT and 5-HT modulation exerted interactive effects on the coupling of the left amygdala with the ipsilateral hippocampus and adjacent midbrain. OXT increased intrinsic coupling in this pathway, whereas this effect of OXT was significantly attenuated during transiently decreased central serotonergic signaling induced via acute tryptophan depletion. In the absence of OXT or 5-HT modulation, this pathway showed a trend for an association with self-reported stress perception in everyday life. No interactive effects were observed for the right amygdala. CONCLUSIONS Together, the findings provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, that the effects of OXT on stress-associated amygdala-hippocampal-midbrain pathways are critically mediated by the 5-HT system in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Keshuang Li
- The Clinical Hospital of the Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China,School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiying Zhao
- The Clinical Hospital of the Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China,Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute of Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Yina Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute of Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Dirk Scheele
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University HospitalBonn, Bonn, Germany,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Shuxia Yao
- The Clinical Hospital of the Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of the Chengdu Brain Science Institute, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- Correspondence: Benjamin Becker, PhD, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Xiyuan Avenue 2006, 611731 Chengdu, China ()
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Grassini S, Segurini GV, Koivisto M. Watching Nature Videos Promotes Physiological Restoration: Evidence From the Modulation of Alpha Waves in Electroencephalography. Front Psychol 2022; 13:871143. [PMID: 35747675 PMCID: PMC9210930 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.871143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Various lines of evidence have shown that nature exposure is beneficial for humans. Despite several empirical findings pointing out to cognitive and emotional positive effects, most of the evidence of these effects are correlational, and it has been challenging to identify a cause-effect relationship between nature exposure and cognitive and emotional benefits. Only few of the published studies use psychophysiological methods to assess the biological correlates of these positive effects. Establishing a connection between human physiology and contact with natural settings is important for identifying cause-effect relationships between exposure to natural environments and the positive effects commonly reported in connection to nature exposure. In the present study, we recorded physiological indexes of brain activity (electroencephalography) and sympathetic nervous system (electrodermal activity), while the participants were presented with a series of videos displaying natural, urban, or neutral (non-environmental, computerized) scenes. Participants rated the scenes for their perceived relaxing value, and after each experimental condition, they performed a cognitive task (digit span backward). Participants rated natural videos as the most relaxing. Spectral analyses of EEG showed that natural scenes promoted alpha waves, especially over the central brain. The results suggest that experiencing natural environments virtually produces measurable and reliable brain activity markers which are known to be related to restorative processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Grassini
- Department of Social Studies, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Mika Koivisto
- Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Henner RL, Keshavan MS, Hill KP. Review of potential psychedelic treatments for PTSD. J Neurol Sci 2022; 439:120302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Raut SB, Marathe PA, van Eijk L, Eri R, Ravindran M, Benedek DM, Ursano RJ, Canales JJ, Johnson LR. Diverse therapeutic developments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) indicate common mechanisms of memory modulation. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108195. [PMID: 35489438 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterized by abnormally persistent and distressing memories, is a chronic debilitating condition in need of new treatment options. Current treatment guidelines recommend psychotherapy as first line management with only two drugs, sertraline and paroxetine, approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of PTSD. These drugs have limited efficacy as they only reduce symptoms related to depression and anxiety without producing permanent remission. PTSD remains a significant public health problem with high morbidity and mortality requiring major advances in therapeutics. Early evidence has emerged for the beneficial effects of psychedelics particularly in combination with psychotherapy for management of PTSD, including psilocybin, MDMA, LSD, cannabinoids, ayahuasca and ketamine. MDMA and psilocybin reduce barrier to therapy by increasing trust between therapist and patient, thus allowing for modification of trauma related memories. Furthermore, research into the memory reconsolidation mechanisms has allowed for identification of various pharmacological targets to disrupt abnormally persistent memories. A number of pre-clinical and clinical studies have investigated novel and re-purposed pharmacological agents to disrupt fear memory in PTSD. Novel therapeutic approaches like neuropeptide Y, oxytocin, cannabinoids and neuroactive steroids have also shown potential for PTSD treatment. Here, we focus on the role of fear memory in the pathophysiology of PTSD and propose that many of these new therapeutic strategies produce benefits through the effect on fear memory. Evaluation of recent research findings suggests that while a number of drugs have shown promising results in preclinical studies and pilot clinical trials, the evidence from large scale clinical trials would be needed for these drugs to be incorporated in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanket B Raut
- Schools of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Padmaja A Marathe
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Seth GS Medical College & KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai 400 012, India
| | - Liza van Eijk
- Department of Psychology, College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia
| | - Rajaraman Eri
- Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Manoj Ravindran
- Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7250, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, North-West Private Hospital, Burnie TAS 7320, Australia
| | - David M Benedek
- Centre for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Robert J Ursano
- Centre for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Juan J Canales
- Schools of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7250, Australia
| | - Luke R Johnson
- Schools of Psychological Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, TAS 7250, Australia; Centre for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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McIntosh R, Lobo JD, Carvalho N, Ironson G. Learning to forget: Hippocampal-amygdala connectivity partially mediates the effect of sexual trauma severity on verbal recall in older women undiagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:631-643. [PMID: 35156236 PMCID: PMC11021133 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Verbal learning deficits are common among sexually traumatized women who have not been formally diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Aberrant resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the amygdala and hippocampus are implicated in PTSD and verbal memory impairment. We tested rsFC between bilateral dentate gyrus (DG) and both centromedial (CM) and basolateral (BL) nuclei of the amygdala as statistical mediators for the effect of sexual trauma-related symptom severity on delayed verbal recall performance in 63 older women (age: 60-85 years) undiagnosed with PTSD. Participant data were drawn from the NKI-Rockland Study. Individuals completed a 10-min resting-state scan, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and the Sexual Abuse Trauma Index (SATI) from the Trauma Symptom Checklist. Z-scores indicating rsFC of DG with BL and CM amygdala seeds were evaluated in two separate mediation models. Higher SATI scores were associated with lower RAVLT after controlling for age, β = -.23, 95% CI [.48, .03], p = .039. This effect was negated upon adding a negative path from SATI to rsFC of left DG and right CM, β = -.29, 95% CI [-.52, -.02], p = .022, and a positive path from that seed pair to RAVLT List A recall, β = .28, 95% CI [.03, 0.48], p = .015. Chi-square fit indices supported partial mediation by this seed pair, p = .762. In the absence of PTSD sexual trauma symptoms partially relate to verbal learning deficits as a function of aberrant rsFC between left hippocampus DG and right amygdala CM nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger McIntosh
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Judith D Lobo
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Nicole Carvalho
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Gail Ironson
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
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Keller M, Mendoza-Quiñones R, Cabrera Muñoz A, Iglesias-Fuster J, Virués AV, Zvyagintsev M, Edgar JC, Zweerings J, Mathiak K. Transdiagnostic alterations in neural emotion regulation circuits - neural substrates of cognitive reappraisal in patients with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:173. [PMID: 35260119 PMCID: PMC8905757 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03780-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired cognitive reappraisal, associated with the social functioning and well-being of patients affected by mood or anxiety disorders, is characterized by distinct neural activation patterns across clinical populations. To date, studies dedicated to identifying common and distinct neural activation profiles need to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate transdiagnostic differences and commonalities in brain activation patterns during reappraisal-mediated downregulation of emotions. METHODS Cognitive reappraisal of negative images was contrasted with maintaining emotions during a control viewing condition. Brain activation in 35 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), 20 patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 34 healthy controls (HC) during cognitive reappraisal was compared. Moreover, the neural circuitry of emotion regulation in these clinical populations was examined using seed-to-voxel and voxel-to-voxel functional connectivity analyses. RESULTS Whole-brain fMRI analyses showed less right-lateralized activation of the inferior, middle, and superior frontal gyrus during cognitive reappraisal compared to viewing of negative images in MDD and PTSD patients compared to HCs. Right IFG activation was negatively correlated with the severity of anxiety and depressive symptomatology. In addition, increased seed-to-voxel connectivity of the right IFG as well as increased voxel-to-voxel connectivity was observed in PTSD patients compared to HCs and MDD patients. CONCLUSIONS FMRI results therefore suggested a common deficit of depression and anxiety symptomatology reflected by reduced activation in right IFG during cognitive reappraisal as well as diagnosis specific effects in patients with PTSD based on seed-to-voxel and voxel-to-voxel connectivity showing an overactive and hyperconnected salience network. Findings highlight the role of transdiagnostic research to identify disorder specific brain patterns as well as patterns common across disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micha Keller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Amaray Cabrera Muñoz
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Cuban Center for Neuroscience, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Anette Valdés Virués
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Cuban Center for Neuroscience, Havana, Cuba
| | - Mikhail Zvyagintsev
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - J Christopher Edgar
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jana Zweerings
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Klaus Mathiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
- JARA-Brain, Research Center Jülich, Jülich, Germany.
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Zhang S, Cui J, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Liu R, Chen X, Feng Y, Zhou J, Zhou Y, Wang G. Functional connectivity of amygdala subregions predicts vulnerability to depression following the COVID-19 pandemic. J Affect Disord 2022; 297:421-429. [PMID: 34606814 PMCID: PMC8558508 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amygdala is vital in processing psychological stress and predicting vulnerability or resilience to stress-related disorders. This study aimed to build the link between functional magnetic resonance imaging data obtained before the stress event and the subsequent stress-related depressive symptoms. METHODS Neuroimaging data obtained before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic from 39 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 61 health controls (HCs) were used in this study. The participants were divided retrospectively into four groups in accordance with the severity of depressive symptoms during the pandemic: remitted patients, non-remitted patients, depressed HCs (HCd) and non-depressed HCs (HCnd). Seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analyses of the amygdala and its subregions, including the centromedial (CM), the basolateral and the superficial (SF), were performed. RESULTS Vulnerability to depression was suggested by decreased rsFC between the left CM amygdala and the bilateral lingual gyrus in the HCd group compared with the HCnd group, and decreased rsFC of the left CM or right SF amygdala with the precuneus and the postcentral gyrus in the HCd group compared with patients with MDD. No evidence supported the rsFC of the amygdala or its subregions as a biomarker for the resilience of patients with MDD to stress under antidepressant treatment. LIMITATIONS Smaller sample size and no longitudinal neuroimaging data. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggested that the rsFC of amygdala subregions may represent a neurobiological marker of vulnerability to depression following stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudong Zhang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Jian Cui
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Zhifang Zhang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Yun Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Rui Liu
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Xiongying Chen
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Gang Wang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China; Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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Terpou BA, Shaw SB, Théberge J, Férat V, Michel CM, McKinnon MC, Lanius RA, Ros T. Spectral decomposition of EEG microstates in post-traumatic stress disorder. NEUROIMAGE: CLINICAL 2022; 35:103135. [PMID: 36002969 PMCID: PMC9421541 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
EEG microstates reveal significant temporal differences in PTSD. Microstate E (with centro-posterior maximum) is temporally underrepresented in PTSD. In PTSD, microstate E has a reduced occurrence and a shorter mean duration. Spectral decomposition of EEG microstates improves microstate-based classification. Alpha band SVM features yield the highest classification accuracy of PTSD (76%).
Microstates offer a promising framework to study fast-scale brain dynamics in the resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG). However, microstate dynamics have yet to be investigated in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), despite research demonstrating resting-state alterations in PTSD. We performed microstate-based segmentation of resting-state EEG in a clinical population of participants with PTSD (N = 61) and a non-traumatized, healthy control group (N = 61). Microstate-based measures (i.e., occurrence, mean duration, time coverage) were compared group-wise using broadband (1–30 Hz) and frequency-specific (i.e., delta, theta, alpha, beta bands) decompositions. In the broadband comparisons, the centro-posterior maximum microstate (map E) occurred significantly less frequently (d = -0.64, pFWE = 0.03) and had a significantly shorter mean duration in participants with PTSD as compared to controls (d = -0.71, pFWE < 0.01). These differences were reflected in the narrow frequency bands as well, with lower frequency bands like delta (d = -0.78, pFWE < 0.01), theta (d = -0.74, pFWE = 0.01), and alpha (d = -0.65, pFWE = 0.02) repeating these group-level trends, only with larger effect sizes. Interestingly, a support vector machine classification analysis comparing broadband and frequency-specific measures revealed that models containing only alpha band features significantly out-perform broadband models. When classifying PTSD, the classification accuracy was 76 % and 65 % for the alpha band and the broadband model, respectively (p = 0.03). Taken together, we provide original evidence supporting the clinical utility of microstates as diagnostic markers of PTSD and demonstrate that filtering EEG into distinct frequency bands significantly improves microstate-based classification of a psychiatric disorder.
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Li L, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Li Z, Kemp GJ, Wu M, Gong Q. Cortical thickness abnormalities in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder: A vertex-based meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104519. [PMID: 34979190 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.104519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuroimaging studies report altered cortical thickness in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the results are inconsistent. Using anisotropic effect-size seed-based d mapping (AES-SDM) software with its recently-developed meta-analytic thickness mask, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies which used whole-brain surface-based morphometry, in order to define consistent cortical thickness alterations in PTSD patients. Eleven studies with 438 patients and 396 controls were included. Compared with all controls, patients with PTSD showed increased cortical thickness in right superior temporal gyrus, and in left and right superior frontal gyrus; the former survived in subgroup analysis of adult patients, and in subgroup comparison with only non-PTSD trauma-exposed controls, the latter in subgroup comparison with only non-trauma-exposed healthy controls. Cortical thickness in right superior frontal gyrus was positively associated with percentage of female patients, and cortical thickness in left superior frontal gyrus was positively associated with symptom severity measured by the clinician-administered PTSD scale. These robust results may help to elucidate the pathophysiology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Youjin Zhao
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Zhenlin Li
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Graham J Kemp
- Liverpool Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre and Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Min Wu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China.
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, PR China; Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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Chellappa SL, Aeschbach D. Sleep and anxiety: From mechanisms to interventions. Sleep Med Rev 2021; 61:101583. [PMID: 34979437 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety is the most common mental health problem worldwide. Epidemiological studies show that sleep disturbances, particularly insomnia, affect ∼50% of individuals with anxiety, and that insufficient sleep can instigate or further exacerbate it. This review outlines brain mechanisms underlying sleep and anxiety, by addressing recent human functional/structural imaging studies on brain networks underlying the anxiogenic impact of sleep loss, and the beneficial effect of sleep on these brain networks. We discuss recent developments from human molecular imaging studies that highlight the role of specific brain neurotransmitter mechanisms, such as the adenosinergic receptor system, on anxiety, arousal, and sleep. This review further discusses frontline sleep interventions aimed at enhancing sleep in individuals experiencing anxiety, such as nonbenzodiazepines/antidepressants, lifestyle and sleep interventions and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Notwithstanding therapeutic success, up to ∼30% of individuals with anxiety can be nonresponsive to frontline treatments. Thus, we address novel non-invasive brain stimulation techniques that can enhance electroencephalographic slow waves, and might help alleviate sleep and anxiety symptoms. Collectively, these findings contribute to an emerging biological framework that elucidates the interrelationship between sleep and anxiety, and highlight the prospect of slow wave sleep as a potential therapeutic target for reducing anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Chellappa
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Germany.
| | - Daniel Aeschbach
- Department of Sleep and Human Factors Research, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany; Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany; Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
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Tang E, Jones C, Smith-MacDonald L, Brown MRG, Vermetten EHGJM, Brémault-Phillips S. Decreased Emotional Dysregulation Following Multi-Modal Motion-Assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation Therapy (3MDR): Identifying Possible Driving Factors in Remediation of Treatment-Resistant PTSD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:12243. [PMID: 34831999 PMCID: PMC8621264 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Multi-modal motion-assisted memory desensitization and reconsolidation therapy (3MDR), an interactive, virtual reality-assisted, exposure-based intervention for PTSD, has shown promising results for treatment-resistant posttraumatic stress disorder (TR-PTSD) among military members (MMs) and veterans in randomized controlled trials (RCT). Previous research has suggested that emotional regulation (ER) and emotional dysregulation (ED) may be factors which are correlated with symptom severity and maintenance of TR-PTSD. This embedded mixed-methods pilot study (n = 9) sought to explore the impact of 3MDR on ER and ED of MMs and veterans. Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS-18) data were collected at baseline, prior to each session, and at one week, one month, and three months postintervention and analyzed. Qualitative data collected from sessions, debriefs, and follow-up interviews were transcribed and descriptively analyzed. Results demonstrated statistically significant decreases in DERS-18 scores from preintervention to postintervention at each timepoint. Qualitatively, participants perceived improvements in ER within specified DERS-18 domains. We describe how 3MDR's unique and novel approach addresses ED through cognitive-motor stimulation, narration, divergent thinking, reappraisal of aversive stimuli, dual-task processing, and reconsolidation of traumatic memories. More studies are needed to better understand the underlying neurobiological mechanisms by which 3MDR addresses ER and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Tang
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada; (E.T.); (L.S.-M.)
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC), Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada; (C.J.); (M.R.G.B.)
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Chelsea Jones
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC), Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada; (C.J.); (M.R.G.B.)
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5E 5R8, Canada
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Lorraine Smith-MacDonald
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada; (E.T.); (L.S.-M.)
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC), Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada; (C.J.); (M.R.G.B.)
| | - Matthew R. G. Brown
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC), Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada; (C.J.); (M.R.G.B.)
- Department of Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E8, Canada
| | - Eric H. G. J. M. Vermetten
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Center, 1112 XE Diemen, The Netherlands
- Military Mental Health, Dutch Ministry of Defense, 3584 EZ Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Suzette Brémault-Phillips
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada; (E.T.); (L.S.-M.)
- Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC), Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G4, Canada; (C.J.); (M.R.G.B.)
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (NMHI), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
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Wang H, van Leeuwen JMC, de Voogd LD, Verkes RJ, Roozendaal B, Fernández G, Hermans EJ. Mild early-life stress exaggerates the impact of acute stress on corticolimbic resting-state functional connectivity. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2122-2141. [PMID: 34812558 PMCID: PMC9299814 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Abundant evidence shows that early‐life stress (ELS) predisposes for the development of stress‐related psychopathology when exposed to stressors later in life, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To study predisposing effects of mild ELS on stress sensitivity, we examined in a healthy human population the impact of a history of ELS on acute stress‐related changes in corticolimbic circuits involved in emotional processing (i.e., amygdala, hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex [vmPFC]). Healthy young male participants (n = 120) underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in two separate sessions (stress induction vs. control). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was administered to index self‐reported ELS, and stress induction was verified using salivary cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate and subjective affect. Our findings show that self‐reported ELS was negatively associated with baseline cortisol, but not with the acute stress‐induced cortisol response. Critically, individuals with more self‐reported ELS exhibited an exaggerated reduction of functional connectivity in corticolimbic circuits under acute stress. A mediation analysis showed that the association between ELS and stress‐induced changes in amygdala–hippocampal connectivity became stronger when controlling for basal cortisol. Our findings show, in a healthy sample, that the effects of mild ELS on functioning of corticolimbic circuits only become apparent when exposed to an acute stressor and may be buffered by adaptations in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function. Overall, our findings might reveal a potential mechanism whereby even mild ELS might confer vulnerability to exposure to stressors later in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith M C van Leeuwen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lycia D de Voogd
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert-Jan Verkes
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Guillén Fernández
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erno J Hermans
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Neural vulnerability and hurricane-related media are associated with post-traumatic stress in youth. Nat Hum Behav 2021; 5:1578-1589. [PMID: 34795422 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01216-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The human toll of disasters extends beyond death, injury and loss. Post-traumatic stress (PTS) can be common among directly exposed individuals, and children are particularly vulnerable. Even children far removed from harm's way report PTS, and media-based exposure may partially account for this phenomenon. In this study, we examine this issue using data from nearly 400 9- to 11-year-old children collected before and after Hurricane Irma, evaluating whether pre-existing neural patterns moderate associations between hurricane experiences and later PTS. The 'dose' of both self-reported objective exposure and media exposure predicted PTS, the latter even among children far from the hurricane. Furthermore, neural responses in brain regions associated with anxiety and stress conferred particular vulnerability. For example, heightened amygdala reactivity to fearful stimuli moderated the association between self-reported media exposure and PTS. Collectively, these findings show that for some youth with measurable vulnerability, consuming extensive disaster-related media may offer an alternative pathway to disaster exposure that transcends geography and objective risk.
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