Differentiating neural sensitivity and bias during face-emotion processing in youth: A computational approach

BACKGROUND

The ability to interpret face-emotion displays is critical for the development of adaptive social interactions. Using a novel variant of a computational model and fMRI data, we examined behavioral and neural associations between two metrics of face-emotion labeling (sensitivity and bias) and age in youth.

METHODS

Youth and adults (n=44, M age=20.02, SD=7.44, 8-36) completed an explicit face-emotion labeling fMRI task including happy to angry morphed face-emotions. A drift diffusion model was applied to choice and reaction time distributions to examine sensitivity and bias in interpreting face-emotions. Model fit and reliability of parameters were assessed on adult data (n=42). Linear and quadratic slopes modeled brain activity associated with dimensions of face-emotion valence and ambiguity during interpretation.

RESULTS

Behaviorally, age was associated with sensitivity. Age related to more pronounced neural responses to ambiguity in the bilateral anterior insula. Associations between sensitivity and bias metrics and activation patterns indicated that systems encoding face-emotion valence and ambiguity both contribute to the ability to discriminate face-emotions.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study provides evidence for age-related improvement in perceptual sensitivity to facial affect across adolescence and young adulthood.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Computerized Interpretation Bias Training for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: A Fast-Fail Study

OBJECTIVE

To examine targeted, mechanism-based interventions is the next generation of treatment innovation. Biased threat labeling of ambiguous face emotions (interpretation bias) is a potential behavioral treatment target for anger, aggression, and irritability. Changing biases in face-emotion labeling may improve irritability-related outcomes. Here, we report the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled targeted trial of interpretation bias training (IBT) in youths with chronic, severe irritability.

METHOD

Patients with current disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD; N = 44) were randomly assigned to complete 4 sessions of active (n = 22) or sham (n = 22) computerized IBT training within a 1-week period. The first and last trainings were completed onsite, and 2 trainings were completed at home. We examined the effects of active IBT on labeling bias, primary outcome measures of irritability, and secondary outcome measures of anxiety, depression, and functional impairment. Follow-up assessments were completed immediately after the intervention as well as 1 and 2 weeks later.

RESULTS

We found that active IBT engaged the behavioral target in the active relative to the sham condition, as shown by a significant shift toward labeling ambiguous faces as happy. However, there was no consistent clinical improvement in active IBT relative to the sham condition either immediately after or 2 weeks after training in either the primary or secondary outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

Although this randomized controlled trial of IBT in youths with DMDD engaged the proposed behavioral target, there was no statistically significant improvement on clinical outcome. Identifying and changing behavioral targets is a first step in novel treatment development; these results have broader implications for target-based intervention development.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Psychological Treatments for Youth With Severe Irritability; https://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT02531893.