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Leser B, Dalkner N, Tmava-Berisha A, Fellendorf FT, Unterrainer HF, Stross T, Maget A, Platzer M, Bengesser SA, Häussl A, Zwigl I, Birner A, Queissner R, Stix K, Wels L, Schönthaler EMD, Lenger M, Schwerdtfeger AR, Zelzer S, Herrmann M, Reininghaus EZ. The Influence of Vitamin D Status on Cognitive Ability in Patients with Bipolar Disorder and Healthy Controls. Nutrients 2023; 15:4111. [PMID: 37836395 PMCID: PMC10574501 DOI: 10.3390/nu15194111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence on the association between vitamin D and cognition in mentally healthy individuals is inconsistent. Furthermore, the link between vitamin D and cognitive ability in individuals with bipolar disorder has not been studied yet. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), 24,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D, the vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR) and cognition in a cohort of euthymic patients with bipolar disorder. Vitamin D metabolites were measured simultaneously by liquid-chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry in serum samples from 86 outpatients with bipolar disorder and 93 healthy controls. Neither the inactive precursor 25(OH)D, nor the primary vitamin D catabolite 24,25(OH)2D, or the vitamin D metabolite ratio were significantly associated with the domains "attention", "memory", or "executive function" in individuals with bipolar disorder and healthy controls. Further, no vitamin D deficiency effect or interaction group × vitamin D deficiency was found in the cognitive domain scores. In summary, the present study does not support vitamin D metabolism as a modulating factor of cognitive function in euthymic BD patients. Considering the current study's cross-sectional design, future research should expand these results in a longitudinal setting and include additional aspects of mental health, such as manic or depressive symptoms, long-term illness course and psychopharmacological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Leser
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; (B.L.); (A.R.S.)
| | - Nina Dalkner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Adelina Tmava-Berisha
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Frederike T. Fellendorf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | | | - Tatjana Stross
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Alexander Maget
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Martina Platzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Susanne A. Bengesser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Alfred Häussl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Ina Zwigl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Armin Birner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Robert Queissner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Katharina Stix
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Linda Wels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Elena M. D. Schönthaler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | - Melanie Lenger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
| | | | - Sieglinde Zelzer
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (S.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Markus Herrmann
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (S.Z.); (M.H.)
| | - Eva Z. Reininghaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (A.T.-B.); (F.T.F.); (T.S.); (A.M.); (M.P.); (S.A.B.); (A.H.); (I.Z.); (A.B.); (R.Q.); (K.S.); (E.M.D.S.); (M.L.); (E.Z.R.)
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Schönthaler EMD, Dalkner N, von Lewinski D, Reininghaus EZ, Baranyi A. Machiavellianism and psychopathy affect sleep quality in people with affective disorders and mentally healthy individuals. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1248931. [PMID: 37780148 PMCID: PMC10539687 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1248931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Deteriorated sleep quality is a predisposing factor and symptom of affective disorders (AD). It is important to investigate factors driving the relationship between sleep and AD, such as personality traits. Previous research has shown that personality traits such as the Dark Triad personality traits (DT) narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy are associated with sleep problems and AD. The current study examined the moderating influence of the DT in the relationship between AD [versus healthy controls (HC)] and sleep quality. Methods Data of 657 individuals (267 HC, 390 AD; 483 female, 166 male, eight diverse; Mage = 34.87, SDage = 13.86) were collected in an online survey, which administered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Short Dark Triad questionnaire. Results Moderation analyses controlling for age and gender revealed that Machiavellianism (b = -0.76, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.35) and psychopathy (b = -1.15, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.35), but not narcissism (b = -0.20, p = 0.620, R2 = 0.35), had a negative effect on sleep quality. Specifically, this effect is more pronounced in the HC group, but sleep quality is generally worse in AD. Conclusion Our findings indicate that Machiavellianism and psychopathy should be considered in the prevention and treatment of AD-associated sleep problems. Particularly, monitoring these traits could help to implement timely measures for the prevention of sleep problems, such as psychoeducation and sleep hygiene. The results highlight the role of personality in the aetiopathogenesis of AD and require further differentiation to examine the underlying pathways between the DT, sleep, and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena M. D. Schönthaler
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nina Dalkner
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Dirk von Lewinski
- Clinical Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Z. Reininghaus
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Baranyi
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Brugger F, Schönthaler EMD, Baranyi A, Reininghaus EZ, von Lewinski D, Dalkner N. Metabolic Syndrome in Affective Disorders: Associations with Dark Triad Personality Traits. Metabolites 2023; 13:956. [PMID: 37623899 PMCID: PMC10456228 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13080956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has focused on the relationship between affective disorders (AD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aside from biological and lifestyle factors, personality traits were identified as influencing aspects. In particular, the Dark Triad personality traits (DT; Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) were connected to both AD and worse somatic health, thus possibly resulting in MetS. This observational study aimed to investigate the associations between DT and anthropometric parameters and differences in the DT traits concerning the presence of MetS in individuals with AD. A total of 112 individuals (females = 59, males = 51, diverse = 2, Mage = 47.5, SDage = 11.5) with AD filled out the Short Dark Triad questionnaire. Body Mass Index (BMI) and MetS criteria, including blood pressure, waist circumference, lipid, and glucose levels, were assessed. For Machiavellianism, a positive association with BMI (r = 0.29, p < 0.05) and a negative association with systolic blood pressure (r = -0.23, p < 0.05) were found. No relationship between the overall MetS and DT score (r = 0.08, p = 0.409) was observed. The results were limited by the lack of a control group and the cross-sectional study design, which does not allow for the determination of causality. Machiavellianism was associated with a higher BMI and lower systolic blood pressure, indicating a deteriorating health effect of this trait. Possibly, the higher prevalence of MetS in AD stems from aspects such as lifestyle or medication intake, which might also be influenced by DT. Further research is needed to disentangle underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Brugger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Elena M. D. Schönthaler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Baranyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Z. Reininghaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Dirk von Lewinski
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria;
| | - Nina Dalkner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
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Trojak RM, Lenger M, Birner A, Maget A, Dalkner N, Lang JN, Fellendorf FT, Ratzenhofer M, Schönthaler EMD, Fleischmann E, Bengesser SA, Queissner R, Platzer M, Tmava-Berisha A, Reininghaus EZ. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Productivity of Workers in the Health Sector between Working in a Hospital and from Home. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5129. [PMID: 37568530 PMCID: PMC10420162 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces in the medical field experienced changes. Non-frontline workers in the health sector (WHS) were in many cases allowed to work from home (WFH). Changes in work locations have affected the perception of productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic perception. Studies regarding this research field are rare for WHS. The aim of the present study was to investigate the perception of productivity and its impact on symptoms of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second objective was to assess the implications for post-pandemic work settings such as WFH or work scenarios in hospitals during pandemics. METHODS At three points in time during the COVID-19 pandemic (t1; n = 161: April 2020, t2; n = 1598 winter 2020/2021, t3; n = 1879 winter 2021/2022), an online survey of WHS (e.g., medical doctors, nurses, scientific staff) in Austria concerning their productivity in their current workplace (pre- and post-pandemic) was conducted. The online survey included questions about the perceptions of productivity changes (i.e., perceptions of lower, equal, and higher productivity, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic) in different work settings (e.g., working in a hospital or working from home), as well as standardized questionnaires like the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), assessing symptoms of depression in WHS. RESULTS χ2 tests showed that WHS working in hospitals experienced significantly fewer fluctuations in their perceptions of productivity than WHS working from home. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that WHS with a lower perception of productivity tended to have higher self-assessed depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION The possibility of remaining working in the hospital in stressful scenarios like the COVID-19 pandemic might stabilize the feeling of productivity. Moreover, productivity is associated with self-assessed depressive symptoms. Hence, looking into the reasons behind this discrepancy between WHS in hospitals and those working from home might help to improve the home office modality and to create better structures, which are related to symptoms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melanie Lenger
- Clinical Division of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria; (R.M.T.); (A.B.); (A.M.); (N.D.); (J.N.L.); (F.T.F.); (M.R.); (E.M.D.S.); (E.F.); (S.A.B.); (R.Q.); (M.P.); (A.T.-B.); (E.Z.R.)
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Schönthaler EMD, Hamm C, Reininghaus B, Dalkner N, Reininghaus EZ. Reduction of arterial stiffness in depressive individuals responding to multimodal treatment. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 163:68-73. [PMID: 37207433 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive individuals are at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Thus, cardiovascular parameters such as arterial stiffness, often measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), should be monitored. Recent research indicated that depressive individuals exhibit higher PWV, but there is little data on the changeability of PWV through multimodal treatment. This study investigated PWV in moderately to severe depressive individuals before and after undergoing treatment in dependence on responding or not responding to treatment. METHODS 47 participants (31 females, 16 males) underwent a PWV measurement and filled out a questionnaire surveying depressive symptom severity before and after a six-week psychiatric rehabilitation treatment including multimodal interventions. Subjects were divided in responders and non-responders, depending on their treatment success. RESULTS A mixed ANCOVA analysis indicated no significant main effect of responder status, but a significant main effect of measurement time and a significant interaction between responder status and measurement time. Responders exhibited a significant decrease in PWV across time, while no significant change in PWV across time was found for non-responders. LIMITATIONS Results are limited by the lack of a control group. The influence of medication duration or medication type was not considered in the analyses. Causality of the relationship between PWV and depression cannot be determined. CONCLUSION These findings show that PWV can be positively modified in depressive individuals responding to treatment. This effect cannot solely be attributed to pharmacological interventions but rather the combination of multimodal interventions, thus highlighting the clinical relevance of multimodal treatment in depression and comorbid disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M D Schönthaler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 31, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - C Hamm
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 31, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - B Reininghaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 31, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - N Dalkner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 31, 8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - E Z Reininghaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 31, 8036, Graz, Austria
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Liebing S, Dalkner N, Ischebeck A, Bengesser SA, Birner A, Fellendorf FT, Lenger M, Maget A, Kroisenbrunner H, Häussl A, Platzer M, Queissner R, Schönthaler EMD, Stross T, Tmava-Berisha A, Reininghaus EZ. A one-year view on the association of metabolic syndrome and cognitive function in bipolar disorder - Preliminary data. J Affect Disord 2023; 323:251-256. [PMID: 36435403 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with bipolar disorder have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and an increased risk for cognitive deficits. The aim of this longitudinal study was to investigate the trajectory of cognitive decline in dependence of metabolic syndrome over a one-year interval. METHODS 52 well-diagnosed individuals with bipolar disorder, euthymic at baseline and follow-up (n = 17 with metabolic syndrome vs. n = 35 without metabolic syndrome) were investigated with a comprehensive neurocognitive test battery (Trail Making Test A/B, Digit Symbol Test, California Verbal Leaning Test, or the Verbal Learning and Memory Test respectively) twice within the interval of one year. RESULTS Patients with bipolar disorder and additional metabolic syndrome performed significantly worse in the domain of psychomotor and processing speed/attention than patients without metabolic syndrome at test point one. No deteriorating effects of metabolic syndrome on the cognitive domain scores and overall cognitive performance were found at the one-year follow up. However, no cognitive decline could be reported in both groups. LIMITATIONS Time interval, small sample size and selection of metabolic syndrome affected patients were the major limitations of this study. CONCLUSION There was no association of metabolic syndrome on the one-year trajectory of cognitive function in bipolar disorder. Future studies should expand the observation period and investigate larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Liebing
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Austria
| | - N Dalkner
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria.
| | - A Ischebeck
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Austria
| | - S A Bengesser
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - A Birner
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - F T Fellendorf
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - M Lenger
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - A Maget
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | | | - A Häussl
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - M Platzer
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - R Queissner
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - E M D Schönthaler
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - T Stross
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - A Tmava-Berisha
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
| | - E Z Reininghaus
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Austria
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Schönthaler EMD, Dalkner N, Schwalsberger K, Reininghaus EZ, Reininghaus B. Psychopathic personality traits stress immunity and social potency moderate the relationship between emotional competence and cognitive functions in depression. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1061642. [PMID: 37051168 PMCID: PMC10084668 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psychopathic personality traits (PPT) and depression have both been shown to worsen emotional and cognitive functions. Moreover, PPT and depression share similar underlying neuronal circuits tapping into the emotional and cognitive domains. However, little is known about the influence of PPT on emotion and cognition in individuals with depression. Objectives This study aimed to examine the correlative relationships and moderating role of PPT in the association between emotional competence and cognitive functions in individuals with depression. Methods Data from 373 individuals diagnosed with depression (158 males, 215 females) were examined within a cohort study. Subjects filled out validated questionnaires surveying PPT and emotional competences. Furthermore, a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was administered. Results Correlation analyses revealed a significant positive association between emotional competence and cognitive functions. Further, negative associations between emotional competence and the PPT "Blame Externalisation" and "Careless Nonplanfulness," as well as positive associations with psychopathic "Social Potency" and "Stress Immunity" were found. Moderation analyses indicated a significant positive influence of psychopathic "Stress Immunity" and "Social Influence" on the relationship between emotional competence and cognitive functions. Conclusion The findings highlight the importance of integrating PPT in depression research. Considering PPT in depression treatment could also facilitate the therapeutic process by identifying individual traits as resilience-strengthening or potentially harmful factors for depressive symptomatology. This study represents a stepping stone for further research regarding the role of personality traits in psychiatric disorders and their treatment.
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Dalkner N, Fleischmann E, Fellendorf FT, Wagner-Skacel J, Schönthaler EMD, Bengesser S, Häussl A, Tietz S, Tmava-Berisha A, Lenger M, Reininghaus EZ. COVID-19 vaccination motivation and underlying believing processes: A comparison study between individuals with affective disorder and healthy controls. Front Psychol 2022; 13:935278. [PMID: 36562048 PMCID: PMC9765308 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.935278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Believing processes represent fundamental brain functions between cognition and emotion. Shortly before the introduction of a compulsory vaccination against COVID-19 in Austria, motives and underlying believing processes regarding the vaccination were collected in individuals with affective disorder (AD) and healthy controls (HC). Methods 79 individuals with AD and 173 HC were surveyed online to assess believing processes with the parameters of the credition model (narratives, certainty, emotion, mightiness) about (1) the coronavirus itself and (2) why someone is vaccinated or not. In addition, we calculated congruence scores between content of narrative and type of emotion and divided the narrative content into positive, negative, and indifferent. Results There were no differences in vaccination status between AD and HC. Higher levels of certainty were observed in HC compared to AD in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. The effects were higher when asked about the motivation to vaccinate or not than about the coronavirus itself. In HC, more positive emotions and more congruence between emotions and narratives were reported during believing in their vaccination motives. No group differences were found in mightiness for both items. Independently from diagnosis, unvaccinated people had high levels of certainty and more negative emotions and narratives while believing in their motives for not getting vaccinated. Conclusion When believing about the COVID-19 vaccination, individuals with AD were more uncertain and experienced fewer positive emotions than HC, although both groups did not differ in vaccination status. These effects were not that strong when believing about the coronavirus in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Dalkner
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria,*Correspondence: Nina Dalkner,
| | - Eva Fleischmann
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Frederike T. Fellendorf
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jolana Wagner-Skacel
- Clinical Department of Medical Psychology, Psychosomatic, and Psychotherapy, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Elena M. D. Schönthaler
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Susanne Bengesser
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Alfred Häussl
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sophie Tietz
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Adelina Tmava-Berisha
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Melanie Lenger
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Z. Reininghaus
- Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
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Fellendorf FT, Bonkat N, Dalkner N, Schönthaler EMD, Manchia M, Fuchs D, Reininghaus EZ. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-activity in Severe Psychiatric Disorders: A Systemic Review. Curr Top Med Chem 2022; 22:2107-2118. [PMID: 35850653 DOI: 10.2174/1568026622666220718155616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity is induced by cellular immune activation and therefore associated with inflammatory diseases, among others psychiatric disorders. This review aims to elucidate IDO activity reflected by kynurenine (KYN) to tryptophan (TRP) ratio in severe mental disorders. METHODS A systematic literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted targeting clinical trials in English language measuring KYN/TRP in individuals with a diagnosis of depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. RESULTS Five out of 15 studies found higher levels of KYN/TRP in depression compared to a control group while the same amount found no difference. Moreover, three studies showed lower levels. In bipolar disorder, four out of six, and in psychotic disorders, three out of four trials found higher levels in patients compared to controls. There are only two studies comparing KYN/TRP in major depression and bipolar disorder, showing conflicting results. Eight studies focused on associations between KYN/TRP and clinical parameters, whereas two studies found positive correlations between KYN/TRP and severity of depressive symptoms. In contrast, four studies did not show an association. IDO activity during specific psychiatric treatment was analyzed by eight studies. CONCLUSION In summary, this review demonstrates an inconsistency in the findings of studies investigating KYN/TRP in severe mental disorders. Although there are hints that inflammation associated with TRP catabolism towards the KYN pathway via elevated IDO activity seems likely, no conclusive statements can be drawn. Presumably, the consideration of influencing factors such as inflammatory processes, metabolic activities and psychological/neuropsychiatric symptoms are pivotal for a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederike T Fellendorf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nina Bonkat
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nina Dalkner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Elena M D Schönthaler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eva Z Reininghaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
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Schönthaler EMD, Hofer G, Grinschgl S, Neubauer AC. Super-Men and Wonder-Women: the Relationship Between the Acceptance of Self-enhancement, Personality, and Values. J Cogn Enhanc 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-022-00244-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractDue to ongoing technological innovations, self-enhancement methods are publicly discussed, researched from different perspectives, and part of ethical debates. However, only few studies investigated the acceptance of these methods and its relationship with personality traits and values. The present study investigated to what extent people accept different enhancement methods and whether acceptance can be predicted by Big Five and Dark Triad traits, vulnerable narcissism, and values. In an online survey (N = 450), we measured personality traits and values. Additionally, participants read scenarios about enhancement methods and answered questions about their acceptance of these scenarios. Factor analysis indicated a general factor of acceptance across scenarios. Correlation analyses showed that high agreeableness, agreeableness-compassion, conscientiousness, conscientiousness-industriousness, and conservation- and self-transcendence values are related to less acceptance of self-enhancement. Moreover, individuals high on Dark Triad traits, vulnerable narcissism, and self-enhancement values exhibit more acceptance. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that said values and Big Five traits explained unique variance in the acceptance of self-enhancement. These findings highlight the importance of considering personality and values when investigating self-enhancement—a topic that is receiving increasing attention by the public, politicians, and scientists.
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