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Marchionatti LE, Amaral RR, Barcellos C, Duarte S, Campello AC, Virtuoso E, Magalhães PVDS. "I don't wanna die, but my brain insists that I should": a big qualitative data approach to the lived experiences of suicidal thoughts. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1420287. [PMID: 39257404 PMCID: PMC11385620 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1420287] [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: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There remains a dearth of knowledge concerning the phenomenology of suicidal thoughts, with research focusing on reasons for feeling suicidal rather than their mental expression. While clinical interviews remain the standard phenomenological approach, such exploration of lived experiences may prove challenging for this sensitive topic. As a complementary alternative, the use of naturally-occurring online data is opportune for capturing elaborations on tabooed phenomena. Methods In this phenomenological study, we present a thematic analysis on lived experiences of suicidal thoughts as spontaneously reported by non-identified users of a Reddit online board (r/Depression), collecting 668 posts using the search terms "suicidal ideation," "suicidal thoughts," and "suicide." Codes were grouped into descriptive categories summarizing the properties of thoughts, their effects, and their relation to suicide. Then, an interpretative synthesis yielded global themes connecting salient meanings on the experience of suicidal thoughts. Results With a long-term and recurring nature, thoughts of suicide appear in the form of vivid imagery and daydreaming's, initially bringing relief to adverse feelings but eventually becoming conditioned and all-consuming. Rather than a wonderment, they are experienced as intrusive thoughts by people struggling to make meaning of their occurrence. When conciliating the presence of unwanted thoughts, users express intricate relations to wishing or not to die, as well as varying perceptions of control over actions or fear of suicidal behavior. Discussion With an innovative application of big qualitative data into phenomenological analysis, this study contributes to an initial characterization of suicidal thoughts, uncovering findings that are not contemplated into current conceptualizations of suicidality. The analysis is limited by a restricted context of posts and unknown demographics, and further research with clinical interviews is warranted for in-depth exploration of suicidal thoughts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauro Estivalete Marchionatti
- Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael Ramos Amaral
- Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Camila Barcellos
- Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Samanta Duarte
- Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - André Cardoso Campello
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Virtuoso
- Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pedro Vieira da Silva Magalhães
- Faculty of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa Clínica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Sosic-Vasic Z, Schaitz C, Mayer B, Maier A, Connemann B, Kroener J. Treating emotion dysregulation in patients with borderline personality disorder using imagery rescripting: A two-session randomized controlled trial. Behav Res Ther 2024; 173:104454. [PMID: 38194759 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Studies on Emotionally Dysregulated Behavior (EDB) demonstrated that the conduct thereof is associated with emotion dysregulation and preceded by mental imagery of EDB, which can direct future behavior. These findings are specifically important within the context of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), where emotion dysregulation and EDB are at the core of the disorder. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of imagery rescripting (IR) in treating emotion dysregulation associated with EDB in patients diagnosed with BPD. Forty-eight females diagnosed with BPD were randomly allocated to the IR intervention or treatment-as-usual group. Assessment took place one week before the first treatment session, as well as one week, and twelve weeks after the last treatment session evaluating emotion regulation strategies, borderline-symptomatology, EDB, depressiveness, impulsivity, mental imagery, and illness severity. Within-, and between subject, intention-to-treat-, and per-protocol analysis were conducted. Results showed decreased maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and increased adaptive emotion regulation strategies within the intervention group. Borderline-symptomatology improved immediately after treatment for the intervention group. Additionally, BPD patients within the intervention group improved regarding their impulsivity, depressiveness, and EDB symptomatology in comparison to patients in the TAU group. The presented intervention has proven to be effective in improving BPD-related symptomatology, such as emotion regulation, EDB, depressiveness, and impulsivity. Imagery rescripting could be routinely applied when EDB related images are present. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS) ID: DRKS00010620.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zrinka Sosic-Vasic
- Christophsbad Goeppingen, Department of Applied Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Faurndauer Straße 6-28, 73035, Göppingen, Germany; Medical Department, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Caroline Schaitz
- MSB Medical School Berlin, Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Facility, Rüdesheimer Straße 50, 14197, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Schwabstrasse 13, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna Maier
- Medical Department, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bernhard Connemann
- Medical Department, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julia Kroener
- Christophsbad Goeppingen, Department of Applied Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Faurndauer Straße 6-28, 73035, Göppingen, Germany; Medical Department, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Kroener J, Schaitz C, Sosic-Vasic Z. Prospective Mental Images: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Negative Affectivity and Mood Dysregulation among Borderline Personality Disorder and Depression. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:81. [PMID: 38392434 PMCID: PMC10886009 DOI: 10.3390/bs14020081] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There is initial evidence that patients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) experience intrusive prospective mental images about non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). These images, in turn, are associated with the conduct of NSSI. As the negative emotional valence of intrusive images has been established across clinical disorders, negative affectivity might play a key role linking mental imagery and psychopathology. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the possible mediating role of symptoms of depression as a proxy for negative affectivity linking intrusive prospective imagery to psychopathology in patients diagnosed with BPD. A total of 233 participants (84 diagnosed with MDD, 66 diagnosed with BPD, 83 healthy controls) completed questionnaires on negative affectivity (BDI-II) and prospective intrusive imagery (IFES-S). Before controlling for negative affectivity, there was a positive correlation between group and intrusive prospective imagery, indicating that healthy participants displayed lower amounts of intrusive prospective images in comparison to patients diagnosed with MDD or BPD. After entering negative affectivity as a mediator, the variable group was no longer associated with intrusive prospective images; however, negative affectivity showed a strong and positive relationship with the group on one side, and intrusive prospective imagery on the other, indicating that negative affectivity mediates the association between intrusive prospective images and clinical disorders. The presented findings point towards a mediating role of negative affectivity in the manifestation of intrusive prospective imagery, not only within BPD, but also in patients with MDD. The possibility of intrusive images acting as a transdiagnostic feature, where negative affectivity and mood dysregulation are at the core of the clinical disorder, are being discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kroener
- Department of Applied Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Christophsbad Goeppingen, Jahnstraße 30, 73035 Goeppingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Clinic of Ulm, Leimgrubenweg 12-14, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Caroline Schaitz
- Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Facility, Medical School Berlin, Rüdesheimer Straße 50, 14197 Berlin, Germany
| | - Zrinka Sosic-Vasic
- Department of Applied Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Christophsbad Goeppingen, Jahnstraße 30, 73035 Goeppingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Clinic of Ulm, Leimgrubenweg 12-14, 89075 Ulm, Germany
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Nilsson AM, Waern M, Ehnvall A, Skärsäter I. The Meaning of Mental Imagery in Acute Suicidal Episodes: A Qualitative Exploration of Lived Experiences. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231218562. [PMID: 38006244 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231218562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Clinical assessment of suicidal ideation focuses on cognitions in the form of verbal thoughts. However, cognitions also take the shape of mental imagery. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the meaning of mental imagery in acute suicidal episodes (ASEs). Eight persons with severe previous ASEs participated in repeated in-depth interviews and in the semi-structured Suicidal Cognitions Interview. Textual data from both sources underwent content analysis. All participants experienced suicide-related imagery during ASEs. Analysis resulted in two themes. (1) Suicide-approaching imagery: intrusive looming images that contributed to loss of control, flashforwards that clarified the suicidal solution, or desirable but unattainable images. (2) Suicide preventive imagery: death-alienating, life-affirming, or potentially helpful images. The meaning of mental imagery in ASEs is suggested to be understood in relation to the context of the individual ASE. A narrative approach is encouraged, as is an increased clinical focus on mental imagery in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Nilsson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margda Waern
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Västra Götalandsregionen, Psychosis Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Gothenburg Centre for Person-centred Care, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Ehnvall
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic, Varberg, Sweden
| | - Ingela Skärsäter
- School of Health and Welfare, Centre of Research on Welfare, Health and Sport, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
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Kroener J, Hack L, Mayer B, Sosic-Vasic Z. Imagery rescripting as a short intervention for symptoms associated with mental images in clinical disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 166:49-60. [PMID: 37738780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
There is an unmet need for effective short-term therapeutic techniques to reduce clinical symptoms associated with prospective-, as well as retrospective aversive mental images across mental disorders. We investigated the efficacy of imagery rescripting (IR) as a short-term intervention across clinical disorders, as the literature suggests that this technique could be a promising intervention to reduce psychopathology by altering intrusive mental images. A systematic literature review identified 23 trials including 805 adult patients, out of which 15 trials were designed as randomized controlled trials (RCT) including patients with the following diagnoses: Social anxiety disorder (SAD), Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder (PTSD), Bulimia Nervosa, Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, nightmare disorder, test anxiety, health anxiety, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Most studies (14) comprised of one treatment session. Effect size estimates indicate that IR is highly effective in reducing clinical symptoms associated with mental images from pre-, to post-treatment (g = 1.09, 95% CI = [0.64; 1.53]), as well as from pre-treatment to follow-up (g = 1.90, 95% CI = [1.02; 2.77]). Comparing the IR intervention to a passive control group showed large effect sizes at post-treatment (g = -0.99; 95% CI = [-1.79; -0.20]), however, comparing IR to an active control group resulted in a small effect (g = -0.05; 95% CI = [-0.43; 0.33]). Lastly, large effects of IR were found for the SAD and PTSD subgroups, for comorbid symptoms of depression. In summary, our results indicate that IR is a promising short-term therapeutic technique for clinical symptoms associated with aversive prospective-, and retrospective mental images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kroener
- Department of Applied Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Christophsbad Goeppingen, Jahnstraße 30, 73037, Goeppingen, Germany; Medical Department, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Lisa Hack
- Department of Applied Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Christophsbad Goeppingen, Jahnstraße 30, 73037, Goeppingen, Germany; Medical Department, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Schwabstraße 13, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zrinka Sosic-Vasic
- Department of Applied Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Christophsbad Goeppingen, Jahnstraße 30, 73037, Goeppingen, Germany; Medical Department, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
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Raeder R, Clayton NS, Boeckle M. Narrative-based autobiographical memory interventions for PTSD: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1215225. [PMID: 37829075 PMCID: PMC10565228 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1215225] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of narrative-based interventions (NBIs) for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Investigating the efficacy of NBIs should yield insight on autobiographical memory (AM) phenomena implicated in PTSD onset and recovery, leading to improved intervention protocols. Furthermore, by analyzing how NBIs influence maladaptive AM distortions, we hope to shed light on the theorized narrative architecture of AM more generally. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted according to PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and PubMed. Additional studies were then also identified from the reference lists of other relevant literature and considered for inclusion. Studies were then evaluated for adherence to the inclusion/exclusion criteria and assessed for risk of bias. Various meta-analyses were performed on included studies to understand how NBIs may or may not influence the overall effect size of treatment. Results The results of the meta-analysis of 35 studies, involving 2,596 participants, suggest that NBIs are a viable and effective treatment option for PTSD, yielding a statistically significant within-group effect size and decrease in PTSD symptomatology at both post-treatment [g = 1.73, 95% CI (1.23-2.22)] and 3-9 month follow-up assessments [g = 2.33, 95% CI (1.41-3.26)]. Furthermore, the difference in effect sizes between NBIs compared to active and waitlist controls was statistically significant, suggesting that NBIs are superior. Sub-analyses showed that NET provided a stronger effect size than FORNET, which may be due to the nature of the traumatic event itself and not the treatment protocol. While evidence of small study and publication bias was present, a weight-function model and trim-and-fill method suggested it was not influencing the overall results. Discussion This meta-analysis presents strong evidence supporting the use of NBIs in the treatment of PTSD. Clear similarities can be identified between NBIs included in this analysis that make them distinct from non-NBI interventions, which are reviewed in the discussion. Controlled comparisons between NBIs and non-NBIs would help to further understand AM mechanisms of action implicated in recovery and how various interventions facilitate them. Future research should also aim to elucidate the full range of AM impairment in individuals with PTSD to gain insight on how other memory capabilities, such as the ability to mentally simulate the future, are implicated in the pathogenesis of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Raeder
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola S. Clayton
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Boeckle
- Scientific Working Group, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- Department of Transitory Psychiatry, University Hospital Tulln, Tulln, Austria
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Lawrence HR, Balkind EG, Ji JL, Burke TA, Liu RT. Mental imagery of suicide and non-suicidal self-injury: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 103:102302. [PMID: 37329877 PMCID: PMC10330912 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vast majority of research on, and clinical assessment of, cognitions related to suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has focused on verbal thoughts. And yet, mental imagery is more realistic and emotionally arousing than verbal thoughts. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis documenting the prevalence of suicidal and NSSI mental imagery and describing the content and characteristics of suicidal and NSSI mental imagery, links between suicidal and NSSI mental imagery and suicidal and NSSI behavior, and how to intervene on suicidal and NSSI mental imagery. Studies published through December 17, 2022 were identified through a systematic search of MEDLINE and PsycINFO. RESULTS Twenty-three articles were included. Prevalence rates of suicidal (73.56%) and NSSI (84.33%) mental imagery were high among clinical samples. Self-harm mental imagery commonly depicts engagement in self-harm behavior and is experienced as vivid, realistic, and preoccupying. When experimentally induced, self-harm mental imagery reduces physiological and affective arousal. Preliminary evidence suggests that suicidal mental imagery is associated with suicidal behavior. CONCLUSIONS Suicidal and NSSI mental imagery are highly prevalent and may be associated with heightened risk for self-harm behavior. Assessments and interventions for self-harm should consider incorporating and addressing suicidal and NSSI mental imagery to mitigate risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Lawrence
- School of Psychological Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States of America.
| | - Emma G Balkind
- Suffolk University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Julie L Ji
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, WA, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Plymouth, UK
| | - Taylor A Burke
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Richard T Liu
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Lawrence HR, Nesi J, Schwartz-Mette RA. Suicidal Mental Imagery: Investigating a Novel Marker of Suicide Risk. EMERGING ADULTHOOD (PRINT) 2022; 10:1216-1221. [PMID: 36249882 PMCID: PMC9562474 DOI: 10.1177/21676968211001593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rates of suicidal ideation and behavior are high and increasing in emerging adulthood. Research focused on suicidal ideation as a predictor of suicidal behavior has nearly exclusively conceptualized suicidal ideation as verbal thoughts about suicide. Emerging research suggests, however, that mentally imagining suicide may be even more impairing than verbal thoughts about suicide. Thirty-nine emerging adults with a lifetime history of suicidal cognitions completed self-report assessments of characteristics of their suicidal cognitions, histories of suicide plans and behavior, and the degree to which their suicidal cognitions took the form of mental imagery or verbal thought. Suicidal mental imagery predicted more intense and longer duration of suicidal cognitions, a higher likelihood of having made a suicide plan, and a higher likelihood of having made a suicide attempt over and above suicidal verbal thoughts. Thus, suicidal mental imagery could provide a novel target for suicide assessment and intervention for emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R. Lawrence
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Nesi
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Division of Clinical Psychology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Bradley/Hasbro Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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van Bentum JS, Sijbrandij M, Saueressig F, Huibers MJ. The association between childhood maltreatment and suicidal intrusions: A cross-sectional study. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:1273-1281. [PMID: 35285097 PMCID: PMC9542979 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment may play an important role in the transition from suicidal ideation to suicidal behavior. Recently, research has begun evaluating the association between childhood maltreatment and involuntary and distressing intrusions about one's own suicide, also called suicidal intrusions. This cross-sectional, multicenter study aimed to investigate the association between childhood maltreatment and the severity of suicidal intrusions using online questionnaires. Participants were suicidal outpatients currently receiving treatment at a Dutch mental health institution (N = 149). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form and Suicidal Intrusions Attributes Scale were administered online. A simple linear regression was performed followed by a multiple linear regression with backward selection to separate the predictors of childhood maltreatment subscales. Next, significant predictor variables were used to perform an additional regression analysis with gender, age, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis, and depressive symptoms as potential covariates. The results showed that childhood maltreatment was significantly associated with suicidal intrusion scores, B = .22, t(147) = 2.010, p = .046. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the only specific form of childhood maltreatment associated with suicidal intrusions was sexual abuse; the association remained after controlling for age, gender, PTSD diagnosis and depressive symptoms, F(5, 143) = 11.15, p < .001. In summary, the present study confirms the link between childhood maltreatment, particularly childhood sexual abuse, and suicidal intrusions. This finding implies that in the treatment of suicidal intrusions and suicidality, childhood sexual abuse should be identified and targeted with evidence-based treatments for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaël S. van Bentum
- Department of Clinical Neuro and Developmental PsychologyAmsterdam Public Health Research InstituteVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical Neuro and Developmental PsychologyAmsterdam Public Health Research InstituteVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological InterventionsVrije Universiteit AmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Fenna Saueressig
- Department of Clinical Neuro and Developmental PsychologyAmsterdam Public Health Research InstituteVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marcus J.H. Huibers
- Department of Clinical Neuro and Developmental PsychologyAmsterdam Public Health Research InstituteVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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Steil R, Fischer A, Gutermann J, Rosner R. Mental imagery in adolescent PTSD patients after child abuse: a comparison with matched healthy controls. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:64. [PMID: 35086493 PMCID: PMC8793273 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03706-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrusive mental imagery (MI) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Evidence on the characteristics of MI in adolescents suffering from PTSD is sparse. The aim of this study was to thoroughly assess MI in an adolescent sample suffering from PTSD after the experience of childhood sexual abuse and/or childhood physical abuse (CA). METHODS Thirty-two adolescents with a primary diagnosis of PTSD after CA and 32 adolescents without any mental disorder and without a history of CA, matched for age and gender, completed questionnaires assessing the characteristics of negative and positive MI, as well as images of injury and death that lead to positive emotions (ID-images). RESULTS The PTSD group reported significantly more frequent, more vivid, more distressing and more strongly autobiographically linked negative MI compared to the control group. Although positive MI was highly present in both groups (PTSD: 65.6%; controls: 71.9%), no significant differences emerged between the two groups regarding the distinct characteristics of positive MI. The frequency of the ID-images did not significantly differ between the two groups (PTSD: 21.9%; controls: 9.4%), although the ID-images were more vivid in the PTSD group. DISCUSSION Negative MI appears to be crucial in adolescent PTSD, whilst positive MI are unexpectedly common in both the PTSD and the control group. The role of positive MI as well as that of ID-images remain unclear. Specific interventions for changing negative MI that are tailored to the developmental challenges in adolescents with PTSD should be developed. TRIAL REGISTRATION Some of the PTSD patients in this study were also part of a randomized controlled trial on Developmentally adapted Cognitive Processing Therapy (D-CPT). This trial was registered at the German Clinical Trial Registry (GCTR), DRKS00004787 , 18 March 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Steil
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Varrentrappstr. 40-42, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anne Fischer
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Varrentrappstr. 40-42, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jana Gutermann
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Varrentrappstr. 40-42, 60486 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Rita Rosner
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Ostenstr. 25, 85072 Eichstätt, Germany
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Borderline personality disorder – some issues for the general practitioner. PSIHIATRU.RO 2022. [DOI: 10.26416/psih.71.4.2022.7328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Lawrence HR, Nesi J, Burke TA, Liu RT, Spirito A, Hunt J, Wolff JC. Suicidal Mental Imagery in Psychiatrically Hospitalized Adolescents. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:393-399. [PMID: 33403495 PMCID: PMC8087180 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-020-00750-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents and suicide rates in this population have increased in recent years. A critical step in preventing suicide is improving the accuracy of suicide risk assessment. Measurement of suicidal cognitions typically emphasizes assessment of verbal thoughts about suicide. Recent research suggests, however, that suicidal mental imagery, or mentally imagining suicide-related content, may be even more strongly associated with suicidal behavior. No research has evaluated suicidal mental imagery in adolescents, however. The present study evaluated suicidal mental imagery and suicidal verbal thoughts in a sample of adolescents (N = 159) admitted to an adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit. Of those adolescents who reported suicidal cognitions, 63.73% reported suicidal mental imagery. Adolescents who reported suicidal mental imagery had 2.40 greater odds of having made a suicide attempt, after accounting for history of suicidal verbal thoughts and relevant covariates. Findings suggest that suicidal mental imagery should be directly assessed when evaluating suicide risk, and that treatments may be optimized by targeting both suicidal verbal thoughts and suicidal mental imagery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Lawrence
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
| | - Jacqueline Nesi
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Division of Clinical Psychology, Brown University, Providence, USA
- Bradley/Hasbro Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA
| | - Taylor A Burke
- Bradley/Hasbro Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA
| | - Richard T Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Anthony Spirito
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Division of Clinical Psychology, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hunt
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Division of Clinical Psychology, Brown University, Providence, USA
- Bradley/Hasbro Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA
| | - Jennifer C Wolff
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Division of Clinical Psychology, Brown University, Providence, USA
- Bradley/Hasbro Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA
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13
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Schaitz C, Kroener J, Maier A, Connemann BJ, Sosic-Vasic Z. Short Imagery Rescripting Intervention to Treat Emotionally Dysregulated Behavior in Borderline Personality Disorder: An Exploratory Study. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:425. [PMID: 32508686 PMCID: PMC7251139 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current research on borderline personality disorder report an association between emotionally dysregulated behaviors and intrusive mental imagery depicting similar scenes. Imagery rescripting techniques have proven effective in reducing intrusive mental imagery in numerous contexts. We developed a two session-short intervention in which intrusive mental images are identified, analyzed, and modified for daily rehearsal at home. This study aimed to reduce the negative emotions and cognitions associated with self-injurious behaviors by replacing unhealthy imagery with more adaptive content. METHODS Seven females diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who reported intrusive mental imagery of dysregulated behaviors were recruited for participation. Each participant engaged in two individualized treatment sessions and daily homework requiring the rehearsal of modified imagery. Emotion regulation strategies, borderline symptom severity, and depressiveness were assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS Acceptance was positive, as no patient dropped out from treatment. Symptom exacerbation was not observed. Borderline symptom reduction was noted and indicia of emotional dysregulation and negative affect declined. LIMITATIONS The generalizability of results is limited by the small sample size and the absence of a control group. Conclusions: This new two-session short intervention was shown to decrease the emotionally dysregulated behaviors that accompany negative feelings in females with borderline personality disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Schaitz
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julia Kroener
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna Maier
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bernhard J Connemann
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zrinka Sosic-Vasic
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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14
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Cloos M, Di Simplicio M, Hammerle F, Steil R. Mental images, entrapment and affect in young adults meeting criteria of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID) - a daily diary study. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2020; 7:4. [PMID: 32071721 PMCID: PMC7014591 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-019-0117-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incidents of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) are often accompanied by mental images which could be perceived as distressing and/or soothing; yet existing data is derived from participants with a history of NSSI using retrospective methods. This study investigated mental images related to NSSI ("NSSI-images"), and their relationship to the proposed Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder (NSSID). METHODS An e-mail was sent to all female students of the local University providing the link to an online screening and 201 students with a history of repetitive NSSI responded. Nineteen eligible participants meeting criteria of NSSID (mean age = 25; 32% with migrant background) further completed a baseline interview and a ten-day-diary protocol. RESULTS Among the sample of N = 201, 83.6% reported NSSI-images. In the subsample of n = 19 diagnosed with NSSID, the frequencies of NSSI and NSSI-images were correlated; about 80% of the most significant NSSI-images were either of NSSI or of an instrument associated with NSSI (i.e., a razorblade). In the diary, 53% of the sample self-injured. NSSI-images were reported on 94% of NSSI-days, and on days with NSSI and NSSI-images, the images almost always occurred first; the images were overall perceived as twice more distressing than comforting. Images on NSSI-days were characterized by more comfort, intrusiveness and compellingness yet less vividness, and increased subsequent positive and negative affect compared to non-NSSI days. NSSI-days were further marked by increased entrapment beliefs and increased negative yet decreased positive affect at night. These results were non-significant. LIMITATIONS Due to non-significant results among a small sample size and a low rate of NSSI among the NSSID-group, results remain preliminary. CONCLUSIONS The study provides information on feasibility and methodological challenges such as intervention effects of the diary. NSSI-images may be common among individuals who engage in NSSI; they may capture ambivalent (positive and negative) appraisals of NSSI and thus play a role in NSSI and possibly a disorder such as NSSID. The preoccupation with NSSI (Criterion C of NSSID in DSM-5) may as well be imagery-based. REGISTRATION The study was retrospectively registered with the DRKS under the number DRKS00011854.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Cloos
- 1Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt Main, Germany
| | - Martina Di Simplicio
- 2Division of Psychiatry, Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Florian Hammerle
- 3Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Regina Steil
- 1Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Goethe University, Frankfurt Main, Germany
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15
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Kroener J, Schaitz C, Maier A, Connemann B, Sosic-Vasic Z. The German Impact of Future Events Scale (IFES-S): Adaption and Validation for Clinical Samples. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:813. [PMID: 31803078 PMCID: PMC6875826 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prospective intrusive mental images occur frequently among several psychological disorders. Their assessment is an important tool since the imagination of events can drive future behavior, such as suicidal acts. One valid measure evaluating those prospective images is the impact of future events scale (IFES). However, to date, there is no German equivalent to the English IFES. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to adapt and validate the IFES at hand of a clinical sample and a healthy control sample.After translation, item analyzes were conducted, and as a result, four items were excluded from further analysis resulting in the German short version of the IFES, the IFES-S. Construct validity of the German IFES-S was tested through correlational analysis with convergent and divergent measures. Specificity and sensitivity were assessed through ROC analysis. The German IFES-S showed good internal consistency for the overall measurement with a Cronbach's α of .93. Additionally, it displayed good convergent and divergent validity. An optimal cutoff score of 23 was established to discriminate between clinical populations and healthy controls. In summary, the German IFES-S promises to be a valid self-report instrument for the assessment of prospective intrusive imagery within the context of clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kroener
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Caroline Schaitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bernhard Connemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Zrinka Sosic-Vasic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University Clinic of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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