1
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Molho W, Raymond N, Reinhart RMG, Trotti R, Grover S, Keshavan M, Lizano P. Lesion network guided delta frequency neuromodulation improves cognition in patients with psychosis spectrum disorders: A pilot study. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 92:103887. [PMID: 38183737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103887] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcranial electric stimulation (tES) may improve cognition in psychosis spectrum disorders. However, few studies have used novel tES approaches, such as high definition tES (HD-tES) to target specific brain circuits. Recently, the extrastriate visual cortex (V5/MT) has been causally linked to visual hallucinations through lesion network mapping and this may be a promising approach for improving cognition. OBJECTIVE We aim to determine if causal lesion network guided HD-tES to V5/MT improves cognitive performance as measured by the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). METHODS A single-blind pilot study with a within-subjects crossover design was performed to characterize the effect of cathodal HD-transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and 2 Hz HD-transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on cognition. Enrolled patients received 20 mins of HD-tES twice daily for 5 consecutive days applied bilaterally to V5/MT with a washout between conditions. BACS assessments were performed at baseline, day-5, and 1-month. RESULTS 6 participants with psychosis spectrum disorder were enrolled. 6 individuals received cathodal HD-tDCS. 4 individuals received 2 Hz HD-tACS. HD-tACS resulted in significant (p < 0.1 baseline to 1-month improvements for Digit Sequencing, Verbal Fluency, and Tower of London. HD-tDCS did not result in significant improvement on any task. CONCLUSIONS HD-tACS targeting V5/MT may be a promising treatment to improve cognitive abilities in individuals with psychosis. By promoting delta oscillations, tACS may enhance cortico-cortico communications across brain networks to improve verbal working memory, processing speed, and executive function. Large-scale investigations are needed to replicate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willa Molho
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Translational Neuroscience, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Nicolas Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Translational Neuroscience, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Robert M G Reinhart
- Department of Psychological and Brain Science, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebekah Trotti
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Translational Neuroscience, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shrey Grover
- Division of Translational Neuroscience, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matcheri Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paulo Lizano
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Translational Neuroscience, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Fernyhough C, Borghi AM. Inner speech as language process and cognitive tool. Trends Cogn Sci 2023; 27:1180-1193. [PMID: 37770286 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.08.014] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Many people report a form of internal language known as inner speech (IS). This review examines recent growth of research interest in the phenomenon, which has broadly supported a theoretical model in which IS is a functional language process that can confer benefits for cognition in a range of domains. A key insight to have emerged in recent years is that IS is an embodied experience characterized by varied subjective qualities, which can be usefully modeled in artificial systems and whose neural signals have the potential to be decoded through advancing brain-computer interface technologies. Challenges for future research include understanding individual differences in IS and mapping form to function across IS subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Fernyhough
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research into Inner Experience, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
| | - Anna M Borghi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome and Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
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3
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Alderson-Day B, Pearson A. What can neurodiversity tell us about inner speech, and vice versa? A theoretical perspective. Cortex 2023; 168:193-202. [PMID: 37769592 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.08.008] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Inner speech refers to the experience of talking to oneself in one's head. While notoriously challenging to investigate, it has also been central to a range of questions concerning mind, brain, and behaviour. Posited as a key component in executive function and self-regulation, inner speech has been claimed to be crucial in higher cognitive operations, self-knowledge and self-awareness. Such arguments have traditionally been supported with examples of atypical development. But variations in inner speech - and in some cases, significant diversity - in fact pose several key challenges to such claims, and raises many more questions for, language, thought and mental health more generally. In this review, we will summarise evidence on the experience and operation of inner speech in child and adult neurotypical populations, autistic people and other neurodivergent groups, and people with diverse experiences of linguistic and sensory development, including deafness. We will demonstrate that the relationship between inner speech and cognitive operations may be more complex than first assumed when explored through the lens of cognitive and neurological diversity, and the implications of that for understanding the developing brain in all populations. We discuss why and how the experience of inner speech in neurodivergent groups has often been assumed rather than investigated, making it an important opportunity for researchers to develop innovative future work that integrates participatory insights with cognitive methodology. Finally, we will outline why variations in inner speech - in neurotypical and neurodivergent populations alike - nevertheless have a range of important implications for mental health vulnerability and unmet need. In this sense, the example of inner speech offers us both a way of looking back at the logic of developmental psychology and neuropsychology, and a clue to its future in a neurodiverse world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy Pearson
- Department of Psychology, University of Sunderland, UK
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4
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Mahfoud D, Hallit S, Haddad C, Fekih-Romdhane F, Haddad G. The moderating effect of cognitive impairment on the relationship between inner speech and auditory verbal hallucinations among chronic patients with schizophrenia. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:431. [PMID: 37316820 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04940-4] [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: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even though there is an increasing amount of evidence from behavioral and neuroimaging studies to suggest that pathological inner speech plays a role in the emergence of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), studies investigating the mechanisms underlying this relationship are rather scarce. Examining moderators might inform the development of new treatment options for AVH. We sought to extend the existing knowledge by testing the moderating role of cognitive impairment in the association between inner speech and hallucinations in a sample of Lebanese patients with schizophrenia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from May till August 2022, enrolling 189 chronic patients. RESULTS Moderation analysis revealed that, after controlling for delusions, the interaction of experiencing voices of other people in inner speech by cognitive performance was significantly associated with AVH. In people having low (Beta = 0.69; t = 5.048; p < .001) and moderate (Beta = 0.45; t = 4.096; p < .001) cognitive performance, the presence of voices of other people in inner speech was significantly associated with more hallucinations. This association was not significant in patients with high cognitive function (Beta = 0.21; t = 1.417; p = .158). CONCLUSION This preliminarily study suggests that interventions aiming at improving cognitive performance may also have a beneficial effect in reducing hallucinations in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Georges Haddad
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
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Sabag T, Zohar AH, Kreiner H, Lev-Ari L, Rabinowitz D. The psychometric properties of the Varieties of Inner Speech Questionnaire-Revised in Hebrew. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1092223. [PMID: 36733861 PMCID: PMC9887030 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1092223] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Varieties of Inner Speech Questionnaire-Revised (VISQ-R) is a self-report questionnaire designed to measure characteristics of inner speech. In the current study, we adapted and validated a Hebrew version of VISQ-R. Our first hypothesis was that Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) of the Hebrew VISQ-R would confirm the five subscales replicating the factor structure of the original questionnaire. In addition, building on previous findings that inner speech is involved in tasks that require the executive functions we examined the relationship between VISQ-R and self-reported executive functions questionnaire (BRIEF-A). We hypothesized that correlations between subscales of the Hebrew VISQ-R would reveal covariance between BRIEF-A and some but not all inner speech subscales. Methods 406 participants completed the Hebrew VISQ-R and 280 of them also completed the BRIEF-A. Results As hypothesized, CFA confirmed the factor structure revealing the same 5 subscales reported in the original English version, with acceptable internal reliability. Partial support was found for the hypothesized correlations between VISQ-R and BRIEF-A, with covariance of executive functions with some subscales of inner speech (Evaluative, Other-People and Dialogic), and distinct variance with others (Condensed and Positive). Discussion These results indicate that the Hebrew version of the VISQ-R has good psychometric properties and that it can be used in future research. The implications concerning the contribution of inner speech for people with difficulties in executive functions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Sabag
- Ruppin Academic Center, Hadera, Israel,*Correspondence: Tal Sabag, ✉
| | - Ada H. Zohar
- Ruppin Academic Center, Hadera, Israel,Lior Zfaaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Research, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | | | - Lilac Lev-Ari
- Ruppin Academic Center, Hadera, Israel,Lior Zfaaty Center for Suicide and Mental Pain Research, Emek Hefer, Israel
| | - Dean Rabinowitz
- Ruppin Academic Center, Hadera, Israel,Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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A computational model of inner speech supporting flexible goal-directed behaviour in Autism. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14198. [PMID: 35987942 PMCID: PMC9392752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18445-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental and computational studies propose that inner speech boosts categorisation skills and executive functions, making human behaviour more focused and flexible. In addition, many clinical studies highlight a relationship between poor inner-speech and an executive impairment in autism spectrum condition (ASC), but contrasting findings are reported. Here we directly investigate the latter issue through a previously implemented and validated computational model of the Wisconsin Cards Sorting Tests. In particular, the model was applied to explore potential individual differences in cognitive flexibility and inner speech contribution in autistic and neurotypical participants. Our model predicts that the use of inner-speech could increase along the life-span of neurotypical participants but would be reduced in autistic ones. Although we found more attentional failures (i.e., wrong behavioural rule switches) in autistic children/teenagers and more perseverative behaviours in autistic young/older adults, only autistic children and older adults exhibited a lower performance (i.e., fewer consecutive correct rule switches) than matched control groups. Overall, our results corroborate the idea that the reduced use of inner speech could represent a disadvantage for autistic children and autistic older adults. Moreover, the results suggest that cognitive-behavioural therapies should focus on developing inner speech skills in autistic children as this could provide cognitive support throughout their whole life span.
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7
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Nooripour R, Mazloomzadeh M, Shirkhani M, Ghanbari N, Var TSP, Hosseini SR. Can We Predict Dissociative Experiences Based on Inner Speech in Nonclinical Population by Mediating Role of Sleep Disturbance? J Nerv Ment Dis 2022; 210:607-612. [PMID: 35193997 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Dissociative experiences include various experiences and behaviors that can cause people to feel disturbed and disconnected from reality. Individuals with dissociative experiences may exhibit various symptoms, particularly in their inner speech. The present study examined how we can predict dissociative experiences based on inner speech in nonclinical populations by mediating the role of sleep disturbance. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from university students aged 18 to 40 years ( N = 400). They were asked to complete online self-report questionnaires: Varieties of the Inner Speech Questionnaire, Dissociative Experiences Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results showed that there was a relationship between dissociative experiences and sleep disturbance ( r = 0.29, p < 0.001), dialogic inner speech ( r = 0.39, p < 0.001), condensed inner speech ( r = 0.31, p < 0.001), other people's inner speech ( r = 0.46, p < 0.001), evaluative/motivational inner speech ( r = 0.28, p < 0.001), and total inner speech score ( r = 0.48, p < 0.001). Thus, the current study showed a significant relationship among inner speech, dissociative experiences, and sleep disturbances. Inner speech was found to predict dissociative experiences by mediating sleep disturbances in the nonclinical population. Individuals with strong dissociative experiences had high scores for inner speech and sleep disturbance. The present study highlights a new area of research and its relationship to inner speech and dissociation. Future studies could further explore this new area to validate the findings reported here and support the authors' theoretical interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghieh Nooripour
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran
| | - Mohammadreza Mazloomzadeh
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad
| | - Milad Shirkhani
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad
| | - Nikzad Ghanbari
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University Tehran
| | - Tabassom Saeid Par Var
- Addiction Department, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Ruhollah Hosseini
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad
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8
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Zhang Y, Wang J, Lin X, Yang M, Qi S, Wang Y, Liang W, Lu H, Zhang Y, Zhai W, Hao W, Cao Y, Huang P, Guo J, Hu X, Zhu X. Distinct Brain Dynamic Functional Connectivity Patterns in Schizophrenia Patients With and Without Auditory Verbal Hallucinations. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:838181. [PMID: 35463921 PMCID: PMC9023234 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.838181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia patients with auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) are diseased groups of serious psychosis with still unknown etiology. The aim of this research was to identify the neurophysiological correlates of auditory verbal hallucinations. Revealing the neural correlates of auditory hallucination is not merely of great clinical significance, but it is also quite essential to study the pathophysiological correlates of schizophrenia. In this study, 25 Schizophrenia patients with AVHs (AVHs group, 23.2 ± 5.35 years), 52 Schizophrenia patients without AVHs (non-AVHs group, 25.79 ± 5.63 years) and 28 healthy subjects (NC group, 26.14 ± 5.45 years) were enrolled. Dynamic functional connectivity was studied with a sliding-window method and functional connectivity states were then obtained with the k-means clustering algorithm in the three groups. We found that schizophrenia patients with AVHs were characterized by significant decreased static functional connectivity and enhanced variability of dynamic functional connectivity (non-parametric permutation test, Bonferroni correction, p < 0.05). In addition, the AVHs group also demonstrated increased number of brain states, suggesting brain dynamics enhanced in these patients compared with the non-AVHs group. Our findings suggested that there were abnormalities in the connection of brain language regions in auditory verbal hallucinations. It appears that the interruption of connectivity from the language region might be critical to the pathological basis of AVHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Military Medical Center, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jia Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Lin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Yang
- Fundamentals Department, Air Force Engineering University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shun Qi
- Department of Radiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Liang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huijie Lu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wensheng Zhai
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wanting Hao
- Military Medical Center, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianying Guo
- Military Medical Center, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuehui Hu
- Department of Nursing, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xia Zhu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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9
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Jethava V, Kadish J, Kakonge L, Wiseman-Hakes C. Early Attachment and the Development of Social Communication: A Neuropsychological Approach. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:838950. [PMID: 35463524 PMCID: PMC9024310 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.838950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Social communication forms the foundation of human relationships. Social communication, i.e., the appropriate understanding and use of verbal and non-verbal communication within a social context, profoundly impacts mental health across the lifespan and is also highly vulnerable to neurodevelopmental threats and social adversities. There exists a strong interconnection between the development of language and other higher cognitive skills, mediated, in part, through the early attachment relationship. Consideration of how attachment links to brain development can help us understand individuals with social communication difficulties across the lifespan. The early attachment relationship supports the development of the foundational constructs of social communication. In this paper, a neuropsychological perspective was applied to social communication, which integrated evidence from early attachment theory, examining the underpinnings of social communication components identified by the SoCom model, namely socio-cognitive, socio-emotional, and socio-linguistic constructs. A neuropsychological perspective underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. This should also inform approaches to prevention, policy, intervention, and advocacy for individuals with or at risk for social communication impairments, as well as their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibhuti Jethava
- York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families, Richmond Hill, ON, Canada
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jocelyn Kadish
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Kakonge
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Speech Language Pathology Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine Wiseman-Hakes
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Speech Language Pathology Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehab-University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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10
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Wilkinson S, Green H, Hare S, Houlders J, Humpston C, Alderson-Day B. Thinking about hallucinations: why philosophy matters. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2022; 27:219-235. [PMID: 34874242 PMCID: PMC9006978 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2021.2007067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Hallucinations research is increasingly incorporating philosophy or the work of philosophically trained individuals. We present three different ways in which this is successfully implemented to the enhancement of knowledge and understanding of hallucinations and related phenomena.Method: We review contributions from phenomenology, philosophy of cognitive science, and philosophy of science and psychiatry.Results: We demonstrate that these areas of philosophy make significant contributions to hallucinations research. Phenomenology gives us a sophisticated and critical understanding of the lived experience of hallucinations. Philosophy of cognitive science enables big-picture theorising and synthesis of ideas, as well as a critical engagement with new paradigms. Philosophy of science and psychiatry raises valuable and theoretically informed questions about diagnosis and categorisation.Conclusions: These contributions reflect both the methodological variety within philosophy and its relevance to the hallucinations researcher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Wilkinson
- Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK, Sam Wilkinson
| | - Huw Green
- Neuropsychology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stephanie Hare
- Neuroimaging, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Clara Humpston
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham Institute for Mental Health, Birmingham, UK
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade Munroe
- University of Michigan, Department of Philosophy and the Weinberg Institute for Cognitive Science, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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12
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The gut microbiome is associated with brain structure and function in schizophrenia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9743. [PMID: 33963227 PMCID: PMC8105323 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89166-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of the gut microbiome on the central nervous system and its possible role in mental disorders have received increasing attention. However, knowledge about the relationship between the gut microbiome and brain structure and function is still very limited. Here, we used 16S rRNA sequencing with structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and resting-state functional (rs-fMRI) to investigate differences in fecal microbiota between 38 patients with schizophrenia (SZ) and 38 demographically matched normal controls (NCs) and explored whether such differences were associated with brain structure and function. At the genus level, we found that the relative abundance of Ruminococcus and Roseburia was significantly lower, whereas the abundance of Veillonella was significantly higher in SZ patients than in NCs. Additionally, the analysis of MRI data revealed that several brain regions showed significantly lower gray matter volume (GMV) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) but significantly higher amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation in SZ patients than in NCs. Moreover, the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota showed a strong linear relationship with the values of both GMV and ReHo. In SZ patients, the ReHo indexes in the right STC (r = − 0.35, p = 0.031, FDR corrected p = 0.039), the left cuneus (r = − 0.33, p = 0.044, FDR corrected p = 0.053) and the right MTC (r = − 0.34, p = 0.03, FDR corrected p = 0.052) were negatively correlated with the abundance of the genus Roseburia. Our results suggest that the potential role of the gut microbiome in SZ is related to alterations in brain structure and function. This study provides insights into the underlying neuropathology of SZ.
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Panachakel JT, Ramakrishnan AG. Decoding Covert Speech From EEG-A Comprehensive Review. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:642251. [PMID: 33994922 PMCID: PMC8116487 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.642251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, many researchers have come up with different implementations of systems for decoding covert or imagined speech from EEG (electroencephalogram). They differ from each other in several aspects, from data acquisition to machine learning algorithms, due to which, a comparison between different implementations is often difficult. This review article puts together all the relevant works published in the last decade on decoding imagined speech from EEG into a single framework. Every important aspect of designing such a system, such as selection of words to be imagined, number of electrodes to be recorded, temporal and spatial filtering, feature extraction and classifier are reviewed. This helps a researcher to compare the relative merits and demerits of the different approaches and choose the one that is most optimal. Speech being the most natural form of communication which human beings acquire even without formal education, imagined speech is an ideal choice of prompt for evoking brain activity patterns for a BCI (brain-computer interface) system, although the research on developing real-time (online) speech imagery based BCI systems is still in its infancy. Covert speech based BCI can help people with disabilities to improve their quality of life. It can also be used for covert communication in environments that do not support vocal communication. This paper also discusses some future directions, which will aid the deployment of speech imagery based BCI for practical applications, rather than only for laboratory experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerrin Thomas Panachakel
- Medical Intelligence and Language Engineering Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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14
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Borghi AM, Mazzuca C, Da Rold F, Falcinelli I, Fini C, Michalland AH, Tummolini L. Abstract Words as Social Tools: Which Necessary Evidence? Front Psychol 2021; 11:613026. [PMID: 33519634 PMCID: PMC7844197 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.613026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Borghi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Mazzuca
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Federico Da Rold
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Falcinelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Fini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arthur-Henri Michalland
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,University of Montpellier-LIFAM, Montpellier, France
| | - Luca Tummolini
- Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, Italian National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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