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Csibra B, Reicher V, Csepregi M, Kristóf K, Gácsi M. Towards an Objective Measurement Tool for ADHD-like Traits in Family Dogs: A Comprehensive Test Battery. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1841. [PMID: 38997953 PMCID: PMC11240718 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131841] [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: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Family dogs exhibit neuropsychological deficits similar to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in humans. Questionnaire methods have mostly been used to assess ADHD-like behaviours in dogs. In addition to our validated questionnaire (Dog ADHD and Functionality Rating Scale-DAFRS; 2024), we developed a simple behavioural test battery covering the ADHD symptom domains (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity) in dogs. Our main aim was (i) to provide a final external validation step to the DAFRS by examining its associations with the test variables (N = 59); and (ii) to compare owner- and trainer-rated factor scores' associations with the test variables (n = 38). We developed four tests covering the ADHD symptom domains: the attention test (inattention), the plush dog test (impulsivity), the leash test, and the sit test (hyperactivity). All four behavioural variables correlated with their respective questionnaire scores, i.e., the strongest for hyperactivity, and the least strong for inattention. Both owner- and trainer-rated scores (n = 38) correlated with the relevant test variables in an expected direction. Dogs' training status was linked only to the sit test results. Test-retest analyses (n = 34) indicated moderate-to-excellent agreement across all behavioural variables. Our findings support the validity of our novel human-analogue questionnaire for dogs as the behavioural tests strongly correlate with the relevant questionnaire scores, indicating that the two constructs together can effectively assess inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Csibra
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vivien Reicher
- Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Magyar Tudósok Körútja 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Melitta Csepregi
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kíra Kristóf
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márta Gácsi
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- HUN-REN-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/C, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
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Trujillo V, Camilo TA, Valentim-Lima E, Carbalan QSR, Dos-Santos RC, Felintro V, Reis LC, Lustrino D, Rorato R, Mecawi AS. Neonatal treatment with para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) induces adolescent hyperactivity associated with changes in the paraventricular nucleus Crh and Trh expressions. Behav Brain Res 2024; 462:114867. [PMID: 38246394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114867] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Disruption of the brain serotoninergic (5-HT) system during development induces long-lasting changes in molecular profile, cytoarchitecture, and function of neurons, impacting behavioral regulation throughout life. In male and female rats, we investigate the effect of neonatal tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) inhibition by using para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA) on the expression of 5-HTergic system components and neuropeptides related to adolescent social play behavior regulation. We observed sex-dependent 5-HT levels decrease after pCPA-treatment in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) at 17 and 35 days. Neonatal pCPA-treatment increased playing, social and locomotory behaviors assessed in adolescent rats of both sexes. The pCPA-treated rats demonstrated decreased Crh (17 days) and increased Trh (35 days) expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). There was sex dimorphism in Htr2c (17 days) and VGF (35 days) in the prefrontal cortex, with the females expressing higher levels of it than males. Our results indicate that neonatal pCPA-treatment results in a long-lasting and sex-dependent DRN 5-HT synthesis changes, decreased Crh, and increased Trh expression in the PVN, resulting in a hyperactivity-like phenotype during adolescence. The present work demonstrates that the impairment of TPH function leads to neurobehavioral disorders related to hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Trujillo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Physiology, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Tays Araújo Camilo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Evandro Valentim-Lima
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Quézia S R Carbalan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Raoni C Dos-Santos
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Viviane Felintro
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Luís C Reis
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Brazil
| | - Danilo Lustrino
- Laboratory of Basic and Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rorato
- Laboratory of Stress Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André S Mecawi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Corridan CL, Dawson SE, Mullan S. Potential Benefits of a 'Trauma-Informed Care' Approach to Improve the Assessment and Management of Dogs Presented with Anxiety Disorders. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:459. [PMID: 38338102 PMCID: PMC10854685 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030459] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Dog caregiver reporting on the spectrum of fearful-aggressive behaviours often describes 'unpredictable' or 'exaggerated' responses to a situation/animal/person. A possible explanation for these behavioural responses considers that the dog is reacting to triggered memories for which the dog has a negative association. For many dogs undergoing veterinary behavioural treatment or rehabilitation through a canine rescue organisation, the assessing clinician relies on "proxy" reporting of the history/background by a caregiver (dog owner, foster carer, or shelter personnel). Detailed information on the event or circumstances resulting in this negative association may be limited or absent altogether. Consideration of a trauma-informed care (TIC) approach, currently applied in a wide range of human psychology and social care fields, may be helpful in guiding the clinical approach taken. The literature relating to adverse early experience (AEE) and trauma-informed care (TIC) in puppies/dogs compared to children/adults was evaluated to identify common themes and conclusions identified across both species. In the absence of known/identifiable trauma, behavioural assessment and management should consider that a 'problem' dog may behave as it does, as the result of previous trauma. The dog can then be viewed through a lens of empathy and understanding, often lacking for dogs presenting with impulsive, reactive, or aggressive behaviours. Assessment must avoid re-traumatising the animal through exposure to triggering stimuli and, treatment options should include counselling of caregivers on the impact of adverse early experiences, consideration of the window of tolerance, and TIC behavioural modification techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan E. Dawson
- Research Fellow in Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Siobhan Mullan
- Animal Welfare & Ethics, UCD School of Veterinary Science, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;
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Csibra B, Bunford N, Gácsi M. Development of a human-analogue, 3-symptom domain Dog ADHD and Functionality Rating Scale (DAFRS). Sci Rep 2024; 14:1808. [PMID: 38245569 PMCID: PMC10799898 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51924-9] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The family dog, in its natural environment, exhibits neuropsychological deficits redolent of human psychiatric disorders, including behaviours that are similar to human attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Based on standard questionnaire methods in humans, we aimed to develop and validate a detailed, psychometrically improved tool to assess owner views on relevant dog behaviours. We modified available questionnaires by adding items that allow for separate analysis of impulsivity, and items on functional impairment. We collected data from 1168 owners for different validation steps of the new questionnaire and, similarly to assessment of humans where teachers also evaluate as an expert control, we collected data from dog trainers. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis revealed 3 factors: inattention (IA), hyperactivity (H) and impulsivity (I), corresponding to all three human symptom dimensions in dogs. Test-retest analyses showed excellent agreement between measurements for all factors. Similarly to findings with humans, trainer-owner rating comparisons showed fair (IA) to moderate (H, I) agreement. As in humans, greater ADHD scores were associated with greater functional impairment scores. We suggest that in dogs, similarly to humans, parallel examination of (extreme) ADHD and functional impairment scores could help distinguish diagnosable individuals, after further validation of the questionnaire using a relevant behaviour test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Csibra
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
| | - Nóra Bunford
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Magyar tudósok Körútja 2, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Márta Gácsi
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- ELKH-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
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Guthrie OW, Yang L. Oral intake of carboxy alkyl ester improves attention: A randomized double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled study. Hum Psychopharmacol 2023; 38:e2885. [PMID: 37915240 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the null hypothesis that oral intake of the dietary supplement carboxy alkyl ester (CAE) would have no effect on attention as revealed by mean rapid visual information processing (RVIP) scores. METHODS In a randomized double-blind cross-over placebo-controlled trial, healthy participants (age 19-66 years) of both sexes were randomly assigned to consume 700 mg of CAE or 700 mg of placebo. They received baseline attention testing via the RVIP task. Then they consumed CAE or placebo followed by RVIP testing. Participants were then given a washout period where they did not consume CAE or placebo. Afterward, individuals who initially consumed CAE were given the placebo and those who initially consumed the placebo were given CAE. Finally, all participants were tested again via RVIP. RESULTS A priori statistical computation revealed that 30-day oral intake of CAE improved mean RVIP test scores (t = 2.4, p < .05) relative to that at baseline, which resulted in a rejection of the null hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS Daily oral intake of the CAE dietary supplement may boost attention and further research is now needed to confirm this observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- O'neil W Guthrie
- Cell & Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Li Yang
- Cell & Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
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