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Garner S, Davies E, Barkus E, Kraeuter AK. Ketogenic diet has a positive association with mental and emotional well-being in the general population. Nutrition 2024; 124:112420. [PMID: 38669832 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112420] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A ketogenic diet reduces pathologic stress and improves mood in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the effects of a ketogenic diet for people from the general population have largely been unexplored. A ketogenic diet is increasingly used for weight loss. Research in healthy individuals primarily focuses on the physical implications of a ketogenic diet. It is important to understand the holistic effects of a ketogenic diet, not only the physiological but also the psychological effects, in non-clinical samples. The aim of this cross-sectional study with multiple cohorts was to investigate the association of a ketogenic diet with different aspects of mental health, including calmness, contentedness, alertness, cognitive and emotional stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness, in a general healthy population. METHODS Two online surveys were distributed: cohort 1 used Bond-Lader visual analog scales and Perceived Stress Scale (n = 147) and cohort 2 the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (n = 276). RESULTS A ketogenic diet was associated with higher self-reported mental and emotional well-being behaviors, including calmness, contentedness, alertness, cognitive and emotional stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness, compared with individuals on a non-specific diet in a general population. CONCLUSION This research found that a ketogenic diet has potential psychological benefits in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Garner
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Evan Davies
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ann-Katrin Kraeuter
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Brain, Performance and Nutrition Research Centre, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; NUTRAN, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Chau AKC, So SHW, Barkus E. The role of loneliness and negative schemas in the moment-to-moment dynamics between social anxiety and paranoia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20775. [PMID: 38008774 PMCID: PMC10679161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47912-0] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Social anxiety and paranoia often co-occur and exacerbate each other. While loneliness and negative schemas contribute to the development of social anxiety and paranoia separately, their role in the development of the two symptoms co-occurring is rarely considered longitudinally. This study examined the moment-to-moment relationship between social anxiety and paranoia, as well as the effects of loneliness and negative schemas on both experiences individually and coincidingly. A total of 134 non-clinical young adults completed experience sampling assessments of momentary social anxiety, paranoia, and loneliness ten times per day for six consecutive days. Participants' negative-self and -other schemas were assessed with the Brief Core Schema Scale. Dynamic structural equation modelling revealed a bidirectional relationship between social anxiety and paranoia across moments. Loneliness preceded increases in both symptoms in the next moment. Higher negative-self schema was associated with a stronger link from paranoia to social anxiety; whereas higher negative-other schema was associated with a stronger link from social anxiety to paranoia. Our findings support the reciprocal relationship between social anxiety and paranoia. While loneliness contributes to the development of social anxiety and paranoia, negative self and other schemas appear to modify the relationships between the two symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anson Kai Chun Chau
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, New Territories, 3/F Wong Foo Yuan Building, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
- Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Suzanne Ho-Wai So
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, New Territories, 3/F Wong Foo Yuan Building, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
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Dyson T, Thomas SJ, Townsend ML, Finch A, South A, Barkus E, Walter E, Mendonca C, Grenyer BFS, Pickard JA. Salivary testosterone and cortisol levels in borderline personality disorder before and after a 12-week group dialectical behavior therapy intervention. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1195187. [PMID: 37529315 PMCID: PMC10389657 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195187] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a chronic, debilitating, and difficult to treat condition. BPD has recently been linked to steroid hormone dysregulation and medical conditions characterized by disturbed androgen metabolism. This study aimed to investigate cortisol and testosterone levels in BPD, and changes in hormones following psychological treatment. Methods Participants with BPD (n = 33) completed a 12-week Dialectical Behavior Therapy group program. Pre and post salivary testosterone and cortisol were analyzed. Baseline hormones in the BPD group were compared to age-and-sex matched controls (n = 33). Non-parametric tests were utilized to investigate group differences, pre-post treatment hormone and symptom changes, and associations between symptoms and hormone levels. Results Participants with BPD had significantly higher testosterone levels than controls. Mean testosterone levels in females with BPD were double that of female controls. Testosterone and cortisol levels were related, and some BPD symptoms were associated with with hormone levels. BPD symptoms reduced significantly with treatment, however pre to post hormone levels did not change. Conclusions This study supports an association between BPD symptoms and neuroendocrine dysfunction at baseline, however we found no reduction in hormone dysfunction post treatment. Further research into relationships between stress signaling and neuroendocrine disturbances in BPD may inform aetiological and treatment models. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000477224. Registered on 3 April 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori Dyson
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan J. Thomas
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Adam Finch
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra South
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Walter
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Carley Mendonca
- School of Psychology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brin F. S. Grenyer
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Judy A. Pickard
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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4
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South AJ, Barkus E, Walter EE, Mendonca C, Thomas SJ. Dark Triad Personality Traits, Second-to-Forth Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Circulating Testosterone and Cortisol Levels. Biol Psychol 2023; 179:108567. [PMID: 37086902 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108567] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dark Triad (DT) personality traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) show sex differences and associations with hormones. Understanding aetiology may assist in mitigating the harm of these potentially adverse characteristics. Low second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is hypothesised to be a marker of high prenatal testosterone exposure and may provide important information about organisational hormones. The aim of the present study was to measure Dark Triad and Big 5 personality traits in relation to digit ratio, salivary testosterone, and cortisol. METHODS A non-clinical sample (N=268; 49.25% Female, age M25.20 ± 8.77yrs) completed the Short Dark Triad and International Personality Inventory Pool - Mini. Afternoon saliva was analysed for testosterone and cortisol, and 2D:4D finger ratios were measured. RESULTS Males scored higher on DT traits than females. Females scored higher on Big 5 agreeableness and neuroticism. Males had higher testosterone and cortisol levels and lower 2D:4D than females. Digit ratio correlated inversely with salivary testosterone, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Testosterone levels correlated positively with cortisol levels and psychopathy and negatively with agreeableness, neuroticism, and Machiavellianism. CONCLUSIONS These results provide indications that Machiavellianism and psychopathy (Dark Triad) traits, but not narcissism or Big 5 traits, are linked to markers of prenatal testosterone exposure. Results also replicate sex differences seen in 2D:4D digit ratios, with males having a shorter second-relative-to-forth finger. Links between circulating testosterone, digit ratios, cortisol and personality traits provide further information about potential biological bases of personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J South
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522.
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Emma E Walter
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Bankstown, NSW, Australia, 2214.
| | - Carley Mendonca
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522
| | - Susan J Thomas
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522.
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Donovan MO, Briscoe-Hough K, Barkus E, Herbert JS, Miller L, Konza G, Pickard JA. Mindfulness and Imagery Enhanced Behavioral Parenting: Effectiveness Pilot of the Confident Carers Cooperative Kids Program. J Child Fam Stud 2022; 32:1504-1518. [PMID: 36530565 PMCID: PMC9748389 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-022-02502-y] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Mindfulness is increasingly offered to parents of children presenting with behavioral problems, either as a stand-alone intervention, or integrated within existing behavioral parenting interventions. There is relatively modest support for mindful parenting, with small to medium effect size improvements demonstrated across child and parent outcome measures. Here we introduce a mindfulness and imagery enhanced behavioral parenting program. We argue blending mindfulness, imagery and behavioral skills could produce improved parenting engagement and perseverance, leading to stronger outcomes. Pilot data is presented from two contrasting real world clinical settings. Parents attending the 8-week Confident Carers Cooperative Kids (CCCK) group program in a university clinic setting were invited to be included in the study (n = 20). Permission was also gained to use archival data from a community organisation offering CCCK groups to parents who were at risk of child welfare involvement (n = 14). Pre- and post-intervention measures were completed across both groups on parent-reported child behavior, parent wellbeing, adaptive parenting, and mindful parenting. Parents from both groups achieved significant pre- to post-intervention improvements in child behavior problems, parent wellbeing, adaptive parenting, and mindful parenting, with large effect sizes. Larger improvements in child behavior problems were reported by parents from the community group compared with the university group. The CCCK intervention appears beneficial across child and parent outcomes, including for families most in need. A larger sample is required to replicate and extend these promising findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark O. Donovan
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, NSW 2522 Australia
| | | | - Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE7 7YT UK
| | - Jane S. Herbert
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Leonie Miller
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, NSW 2522 Australia
| | - Greg Konza
- Private Practice, Figtree, NSW 2525 Australia
| | - Judy A. Pickard
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Keiraville, NSW 2522 Australia
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6
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Barkus E. Invited discussant comments during the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study webinar 'How Do We Trust (Again): Paranoia and Mental Health': part 1 of 2. UCL Open Environ 2022; 4:e002. [PMID: 37228480 PMCID: PMC10208343 DOI: 10.14324/111.444/ucloe.100002] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The article provides commentary on Wong et al.'s investigation of the relationship between schizotypal traits, social mistrust and aggression, mental and physical health outcomes across three waves of data collection commencing in April 2020. The researchers aimed to consider the nature of the relationship between these variables and the stability of these relationships as coronavirus (Covid-19) restrictions fluctuated over time. Their results suggested that loneliness reflects a hub which links the trait variables of schizotypal and social mistrust to aggression and mental and physical health symptoms. Their network did not vary by demographic factors nor wave of data collection, suggesting that stable individual differences were driving results. Their results propose that interventions which increase social connection could provide positive health benefits as well as decreasing aggression (via reductions in social mistrust). Their data contributes to understanding about how schizotypal traits link to outcomes under conditions of social stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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7
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Martin
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Keri Ka-Yee Wong
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, University College London, London, UK
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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8
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Coleman EP, Croft RJ, Barkus E. The profile of unusual beliefs associated with metacognitive thinking and attributional styles. Psych J 2022; 11:296-309. [PMID: 35168296 PMCID: PMC9305741 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.528] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive interpretations of daily events may differ in people from the general population who hold unusual beliefs. It is also important to understand whether different belief profiles exist to appreciate which patterns of beliefs are less psychologically healthy. Cluster analysis was used to form unusual belief profiles in a general population sample (n = 578; Mage = 22 years, SD = 6.98; 80% female) across paranoid, paranormal, and magical ideation beliefs, and we assessed whether they differed in attribution style and metacognitive beliefs about worry. Four clusters were formed: low on all measures (low all); high on all measures (high all); comparably higher on paranormal beliefs (paranormal group); and comparably higher on paranoid beliefs (paranoid group). For total Metacognitions Questionnaire‐30, the high all and high paranoid clusters did not differ, and both clusters scored higher than the high paranormal group, who all scored higher than the low all cluster. For attributional styles (Attributional Styles Questionnaire), lower scores on internal positive attribution were found for the high all and high paranoid clusters compared to the low all and high paranormal clusters. The high paranormal cluster had higher scores than the high paranoid cluster on self‐serving bias. Differences in attributional style appeared to be driven by mental health diagnosis. Our results suggest different profiles of unusual beliefs are detectable in the general population that differ in their metacognitive beliefs and perceived causation of events in their environment. Future studies investigating delusional proneness need to consider multiple unusual beliefs as well as assessing mood state and distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elle P Coleman
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rodney J Croft
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.,Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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9
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Zhang RT, Yang TX, Chen SY, Cheung EFC, Barkus E, Chan RCK. Subclinical psychopathology and affective forecasting: Role of in-the-moment feelings. Psych J 2022; 11:317-326. [PMID: 35037406 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
It is important for positive well-being and social engagement to understand how people predict future emotions, an ability known as affective forecasting. However, mechanisms underpinning the change to affective forecasting are not well understood in people with subclinical psychiatric symptoms. The current study differentiated components that comprise affective forecasting and investigated how non-clinical features relate to these. We recruited 319 participants to complete the social affective forecasting task and respond to questionnaires that captured schizotypal and autistic traits as well as depressive symptoms. Associations between affective forecasting and subclinical features were investigated using correlations, regression, and structure equation modeling. Results showed that interpersonal features of schizotypal traits negatively predicted anticipated emotions in positive social conditions via in-the-moment feelings but not via mental simulation. Findings highlight that in-the-moment feelings may be an intervention target to help people who have difficulties with social interactions to anticipate more pleasure for future social events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Ting Zhang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Tian-Xiao Yang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Barkus E, de Leede-Smith S, Roodenrys S, Horsley L, Matrini S, Mison E. Dyslexia: Links with schizotypy and neurological soft signs. Psych J 2021; 11:163-170. [PMID: 34743416 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.496] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in language processing, psychological distress, and subtle neurodevelopmental features called neurological soft signs (NSS) are expressed by people with dyslexia and those scoring highly on schizotypy. We investigated whether the expression of NSS, distress, and schizotypy predicted dyslexia status. Participants (N = 96, 48 dyslexic) selected to be age and sex matched, completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire, Neurological Evaluation Scale, and the National Adult Reading Test (NART; a measure of verbal intelligence). Dyslexia status was predicted by higher total NSS and disorganized schizotypy scores in the absence of NART. However, even with the inclusion of NART, disorganized schizotypy remained a significant predictor. The findings suggest that disorganized features of schizotypy could be a significant factor for those with dyslexia. Conversely, more attention needs to be given to developmental language disorders in those who score highly on schizotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Saskia de Leede-Smith
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Steven Roodenrys
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lauren Horsley
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shannen Matrini
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erin Mison
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with psychotic disorders often report feelings of loneliness, fewer social contacts and less satisfaction with their social support prior to diagnosis. However, temporal relationships between these variables remain unclear. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether subjective and objective social factors predict, or are predicted by, psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in healthy young adults. METHODS 196 undergraduates completed baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments for PLEs, loneliness, social support size, and satisfaction. Cross-lagged panel models were conducted to investigate the temporal relationships between these variables. RESULTS Higher loneliness scores, fewer social contacts, and being less satisfied with social support at both time points were significantly associated with higher endorsement of PLEs. Furthermore, after controlling for baseline levels, cross-lagged analyses revealed that individuals who reported feeling more lonely and having less social support at baseline, predicted higher PLEs three months later but not vice versa. No cross-lagged effect was found between the satisfaction of social support and PLEs. CONCLUSION The study highlights the significant relationships between loneliness, social support and PLEs. Higher levels of loneliness and smaller social support networks predicted future PLEs. These findings need to be given full consideration in future clinical practice and intervention for young adults with PLEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Tan
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of psychology, Northumbria University, UK
| | - Simone Favelle
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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12
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South A, Thomas S, Walter E, Barkus E. Dark Triad Personality Traits, Second-To-Forth Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Circulating Testosterone Levels. Int J Psychophysiol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2021.07.348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Blanch S, Barkus E. Schizotypy and help-seeking for anxiety. Early Interv Psychiatry 2021; 15:1433-1436. [PMID: 33242926 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13079] [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: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delays in help-seeking for anxiety are common; however, earlier interventions improve long-term outcomes. This holds importance for high schizotypes since anxiety relates to psychotic symptom development. The study investigated whether schizotypal traits and anxiety itself influence help-seeking behaviour. METHODS A non-clinical student sample (N = 800) completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale and General Help-Seeking Questionnaire, vignette version online. RESULTS Recognizing another's help need was associated with lower anxiety scores. A trend was observed between lower schizotypy scores and better recognition of self-need for help. Actual help-seekers (N = 163) had significantly higher schizotypy and anxiety scores than non-help-seekers. CONCLUSION Schizotypal traits independently contribute to delays in help-seeking for anxiety. Approaching informal help sources whom also have anxiety symptoms can delay formal help-seeking, unless they have sought help themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheree Blanch
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Anhedonia is a transdiagnostic symptom comprising reduced subjective reward or pleasure. Anhedonia influences subjective anticipation and in-the-moment experiences. This review draws together affective learning and engagement evidence for anhedonia affecting subjective experiences of social environments.
Recent Findings
While social engagement is diminished consistently, subjective appraisals of social contexts vary across different mental health disorders. Low positive affect during social experiences or stimuli is reported in PTSD, mood, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Diminished neural reward networks underpin the anticipation of social experiences in ADHD, schizophrenia spectrum, and autistic spectrum disorders. Multiple theories exist to explain how anhedonia might interfere with social environments.
Summary
Anhedonia is a barrier to engagement, motivation, and enjoyment of social contexts. While many studies characterize experiences during social contexts, learning theories provide the most promise for developing targeted interventions.
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Walter EE, Fernandez F, Barkus E. Not all stress is created equal: Acute, not ambient stress, impairs learning in high schizotypes. Psych J 2021; 11:179-193. [PMID: 33915603 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.452] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Learning from feedback is essential for daily functioning, with factors that impact learning having implications for healthy and clinical populations. Reinforcement learning appears impaired across the psychosis continuum, with deficits reported in patients with psychotic disorders as well as high schizotypes from the general population. Stress can impair learning, and sensitivity to stress is present along the psychosis continuum. The aim of the present study was to understand if stress impairs reinforcement learning in those at the lower end of the psychosis continuum. We investigated both naturalistic stress in everyday life using daily hassles (Study 1: n = 70; 31% male, M age = 22.67 years) and acute psychosocial stress using the Trier Social Stress Test (Study 2: n = 57; 32% male, M age = 22.43 years). In the presence of naturalistic stress, learning did not differ across schizotypes. However, under acute psychosocial stress, high schizotypes experienced impaired learning. Our results suggest trail-and-error learning is robust to the ebbs and flows of everyday stress for high schizotypes; however, acute stress is associated with decrements in learning. This indicates that the magnitude of stressors should be considered when designing cognitive and functional interventions for those along the psychosis continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Walter
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Francesca Fernandez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
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Roodenrys S, Barkus E, Woolrych TJ, Miller LM, Favelle SK. The intentionality bias in schizotypy: a social matter. Cogn Neuropsychiatry 2021; 26:55-72. [PMID: 33403932 DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2020.1865894] [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] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to investigate the association between schizotypy and intentionality bias, the tendency to interpret ambiguous actions as being intentional, for social and non-social actions separately. This bias contributes to interpersonal difficulties, and has been associated with psychotic symptoms, such as delusions. However, results have been inconsistent for an association between putative psychosis proneness, schizotypy, and intentionality bias. Further, the multidimensional nature of schizotypy has not been considered. Agreeableness was measured to examine the specificity of the relationship, and inhibition to examine its potential role as a mediator. METHODS Two online studies are reported (n = 280 and n = 163) in which participants made intentionality judgements about ambiguous actions described in sentences. They also completed questionnaire measures of schizotypy and agreeableness, and inhibitory efficiency (a sentence completion task). RESULTS Schizotypy was associated with perceiving ambiguous actions as intentional, particularly in social contexts, after controlling for agreeableness. The association with social intentionality was stronger for schizotypy subscales capturing paranoia and unusual beliefs. Inhibitory efficiency as not a significant predictor of intentionality bias. CONCLUSION These finding suggest intentionality biases for social and non-social events are distinguishable. In relation to schizotypy, social situations appear to generate perceptions of intentionality. Intentionality bias represents a phenotypic cognitive risk for psychosis which should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Roodenrys
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Tracey J Woolrych
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Leonie M Miller
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Simone K Favelle
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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17
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de Leede-Smith S, Roodenrys S, Horsley L, Matrini S, Mison E, Barkus E. Role for Positive Schizotypy and Hallucination Proneness in Semantic Processing. Front Psychol 2020; 11:542002. [PMID: 32982899 PMCID: PMC7492677 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.542002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Semantic processing underpins the organization of verbal information for both storage and retrieval. Deficits in semantic processing are associated with both the risk for and symptoms presented in schizophrenia. However, studies are mixed and could reflect the confounding effects of medication and symptom heterogeneity. Therefore, we considered whether two risk phenotypes, positive schizotypy and hallucinatory predisposition, present in the general population were associated with differential responding profiles for a semantic processing task. One hundred and eighty-three participants completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale, National Adult Reading Test, a handedness measure, and a computerized semantic relatedness judgment task. Pairs of words were related through their dominant or subordinate meanings, or unrelated. Participants were divided into four groups using a mean split on cognitive-perceptual (positive) schizotypy and hallucination proneness. Significant differences between groups were found for reaction time on the semantic relatedness task, with the high cognitive-perceptual schizotypy groups responding significantly slower to all word pairs compared to their low scoring counterparts. There was some evidence that high hallucination proneness was associated with significantly faster reaction times which may reflect disinhibitive processes, however additional support is required. The results suggest that these two components of psychosis risk are associated with different patterns of responding to semantic processing. More diffuse activation of semantic information appeared to be associated with positive schizotypy, while those predisposed to hallucinations appeared to respond quicker. These results have significant implications in the re-conceptualization of hallucination proneness as distinct from positive schizotypy. Additional research is required to investigate the association between psychotic-like experiences separate from personality variables such as positive schizotypy and semantic processing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steven Roodenrys
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lauren Horsley
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Shannen Matrini
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Erin Mison
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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18
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Abstract
Complex scenes from standardized stimuli databases such as the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) are organized dimensionally rather than discretely. Further, the potentially unique function of socially relevant scenes is often overlooked. This study sought to identify discrete categories of complex scenes from the IAPS and to explore if there were qualitative features that make the emotional content of some social scenes identifiable with higher levels of agreement. One hundred and three participants (53.4% female, mean age 24.4) judged 118 IAPS scenes as reflecting fear, happy, sad, or neutral. A second judgment study was conducted with a separate group of participants (N = 117; 79.2% female; mean age 30.41) to further characterize valid affective scenes across the full range of basic emotions. Sixty images received agreement on their emotional category from >70% of judges and were considered valid. IAPS identifier codes for these images are available for reference (along with the supplementary material from the second judgment study), organized by emotional and social content. An incidental observation was such that compared to nonsocial scenes, lower agreement rates were observed for social scenes across the board. Qualitative features of social scenes that were classified into emotional categories based on higher levels of agreement are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryann Wei
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven Roodenrys
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Leonie Miller
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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19
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Chan RCK, Barkus E, Sun H. Transdiagnostic study of mental disorders. Psych J 2020; 9:157-159. [DOI: 10.1002/pchj.357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raymond C. K. Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental HealthInstitute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Wollongong Wollongong Australia
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20
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Barkus E. Effects of working memory training on emotion regulation: Transdiagnostic review. Psych J 2020; 9:258-279. [PMID: 32166891 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Working memory training is widely used transdiagnostically to improve cognition. However, more recently, studies using working memory training packages have targeted emotion-regulation outcomes to determine whether far transfer effects can be achieved. A narrative review is conducted of studies that have used standardized computerized working memory training packages across healthy volunteers, affect, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disordered populations with emotion-regulation outcomes. Working memory training has been used in children, adolescents, and adults to improve emotion regulation. Many studies have reported gains in mood as well as emotion-regulation strategies following working memory training, regardless of clinical indication and whether near transfer gains were achieved in cognitive domains. Significant emotion-regulation outcomes include: state and trait anxiety, rumination, brooding, positive appraisal, decreasing maladaptive emotion-regulation strategies, and decreasing intrusive thoughts. It is speculated that these far transfer outcomes from working memory training are possible due to the cognitive and neural overlap between cognitive and affective working memory, and emotion regulation. Working memory training could improve cognitive efficiency, which, in turn, increases the availability of cognitive resources during times when emotion regulation is taxed. Future studies need to consider the role of participant expectancy in predicting outcome measure performance, and including subjective and objective outcomes is paramount to study design. Furthermore, sample sizes require additional attention, given that the current review highlights that individual differences in non-clinical and clinical populations influence the outcomes from working memory training. Working memory training offers a possibility for improving emotion regulation transdiagnostically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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21
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Tan M, Shallis A, Barkus E. Social anhedonia and social functioning: Loneliness as a mediator. Psych J 2020; 9:280-289. [DOI: 10.1002/pchj.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melody Tan
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi)School of Psychology, University of Wollongong Wollongong Australia
| | - Amy Shallis
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi)School of Psychology, University of Wollongong Wollongong Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi)School of Psychology, University of Wollongong Wollongong Australia
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22
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Le TP, Fedechko TL, Cohen AS, Allred S, Pham C, Lewis S, Barkus E. Stress and cognitive biases in schizotypy: A two-site study of bias
against disconfirmatory evidence and jumping to conclusions. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 62:20-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The dysfunctional cognitive and reasoning biases which underpin
psychotic symptoms are likely to present prior to the onset of a diagnosable
disorder and should therefore be detectable along the psychosis continuum in
individuals with schizotypal traits. Two reasoning biases, Bias Against
Disconfirmatory Evidence (BADE) and Jumping to Conclusions (JTC), describe
how information is selected and weighed under conditions of uncertainty
during decision making. It is likely that states such as elevated stress
exacerbates JTC and BADE in individuals with high schizotypal traits
vulnerable to displaying these information gathering styles. Therefore, we
evaluated whether stress and schizotypy interacted to predict these
reasoning biases using separate samples from the US (JTC) and England
(BADE). Generally speaking, schizotypal traits and stress were not
independently associated with dysfunctional reasoning biases. However,
across both studies, the interaction between schizotypy traits and stress
significantly predicted reasoning biases such that increased stress was
associated with increased reasoning biases, but only for individuals low in
schizotypal traits. These patterns were observed for positive schizotypal
traits (in both samples), for negative traits (in the England sample only),
but not for disorganization traits. For both samples, our findings suggest
that the presence of states such as stress is associated with, though not
necessarily dysfunctional, reasoning biases in individuals with low
schizotypy. These reasoning biases seemed, in some ways, relatively
immutable to stress in individuals endorsing high levels of positive
schizotypal traits.
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23
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Le TP, Cowan T, Schwartz EK, Elvevåg B, Holmlund TB, Foltz PW, Barkus E, Cohen AS. The importance of loneliness in psychotic-like symptoms: Data from three studies. Psychiatry Res 2019; 282:112625. [PMID: 31662188 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Poor social connection or loneliness is a prominent feature of schizotypy and may exacerbate psychosis risk. Previous studies have examined the inter-relationships between loneliness and psychosis risk, but critically, they have largely been conducted in non-clinical samples or exclusively used laboratory questionnaires with limited consideration of the heterogeneity within schizotypy (i.e., positive, negative, disorganized factors). The present study examined links between loneliness and psychotic-like symptoms across the dimensions of schizotypy through cross-sectional, laboratory-based questionnaires (Study 1; N = 160), ambulatory assessment (Study 2; N = 118) in undergraduates, and ambulatory assessment in inpatients in a substance abuse treatment program (Study 3; N = 48). Trait positive schizotypy consistently predicted cross-sectional and state psychotic-like symptoms. Loneliness, assessed via cross-sectional and ambulatory means, was largely linked with psychotic-like symptoms. Importantly, psychotic-like symptoms were dynamic: psychotic-like symptoms largely increased with loneliness in individuals with elevated positive and disorganized schizotypal traits, though there were some inconsistency related to disorganized schizotypy and state psychotic-like symptoms. Negative schizotypy and loneliness did not significantly interact to predict psychotic-like symptoms, suggesting specificity to positive schizotypy. Ambulatory approaches provide the opportunity for ecologically valid identification of risk states across psychopathology, thus informing early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh P Le
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, United States.
| | - Tovah Cowan
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, United States
| | - Elana K Schwartz
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, United States
| | - Brita Elvevåg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø - the Arctic University of Norway, Norway; The Norwegian Centre for eHealth Research, University Hospital of North Norway, Norway
| | - Terje B Holmlund
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø - the Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - Peter W Foltz
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado, United States
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, United States
| | - Alex S Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, United States
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24
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Abstract
Humans are highly social beings, yet people with social anhedonia experience reduced interest in or reward from social situations. Social anhedonia is a key facet of schizotypal personality, an important symptom of schizophrenia, and increasingly recognized as an important feature in a range of other psychological disorders. However, to date, there has been little examination of the similarities and differences in social anhedonia across diagnostic borders. Here, our goal was to conduct a selective review of social anhedonia in different psychological and life course contexts, including the psychosis continuum, depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and autism spectrum disorders, along with developmental and neurobiological factors. Current evidence suggests that the nature and expression of social anhedonia vary across psychological disorders with some groups showing deficient learning about, enjoyment from, and anticipation of the pleasurable aspects of social interactions, while for others, some of these components appear to remain intact. However, study designs and methodologies are diverse, the roles of developmental and neurobiological factors are not routinely considered, and direct comparisons between diagnostic groups are rare-which prevents a more nuanced understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. Future studies, parsing the wanting, liking, and learning components of social reward, will help to fill gaps in the current knowledge base. Consistent across disorders is diminished pleasure from social situations, subsequent withdrawal, and poorer social functioning in those who express social anhedonia. Nonetheless, feelings of loneliness often remain, which suggests the need for social connection is not entirely absent. Adolescence is a particularly important period of social and neural development and may provide a valuable window on the developmental origins of social anhedonia. Adaptive social functioning is key to recovery from mental health disorders; therefore, understanding the intricacies of social anhedonia will help to inform treatment and prevention strategies for a range of diagnostic categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barkus
- Cognitive Basis of Atypical Behaviour Initiative (CBABi), School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Johanna C. Badcock
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry (CCRN), Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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25
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Fonseca-Pedrero E, Ortuño J, Debbané M, Chan RCK, Cicero D, Zhang LC, Brenner C, Barkus E, Linscott RJ, Kwapil T, Barrantes-Vidal N, Cohen A, Raine A, Compton MT, Tone EB, Suhr J, Inchausti F, Bobes J, Fumero A, Giakoumaki S, Tsaousis I, Preti A, Chmielewski M, Laloyaux J, Mechri A, Aymen Lahmar M, Wuthrich V, Larøi F, Badcock JC, Jablensky A, Isvoranu AM, Epskamp S, Fried EI. The Network Structure of Schizotypal Personality Traits. Schizophr Bull 2018; 44:S468-S479. [PMID: 29684178 PMCID: PMC6188518 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sby044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Elucidating schizotypal traits is important if we are to understand the various manifestations of psychosis spectrum liability and to reliably identify individuals at high risk for psychosis. The present study examined the network structures of (1) 9 schizotypal personality domains and (2) 74 individual schizotypal items, and (3) explored whether networks differed across gender and culture (North America vs China). The study was conducted in a sample of 27001 participants from 12 countries and 21 sites (M age = 22.12; SD = 6.28; 37.5% males). The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) was used to assess 74 self-report items aggregated in 9 domains. We used network models to estimate conditional dependence relations among variables. In the domain-level network, schizotypal traits were strongly interconnected. Predictability (explained variance of each node) ranged from 31% (odd/magical beliefs) to 55% (constricted affect), with a mean of 43.7%. In the item-level network, variables showed relations both within and across domains, although within-domain associations were generally stronger. The average predictability of SPQ items was 27.8%. The network structures of men and women were similar (r = .74), node centrality was similar across networks (r = .90), as was connectivity (195.59 and 199.70, respectively). North American and Chinese participants networks showed lower similarity in terms of structure (r = 0.44), node centrality (r = 0.56), and connectivity (180.35 and 153.97, respectively). In sum, the present article points to the value of conceptualizing schizotypal personality as a complex system of interacting cognitive, emotional, and affective characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of La Rioja, La Rioja, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Javier Ortuño
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of La Rioja, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Martin Debbané
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - David Cicero
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa
| | - Lisa C Zhang
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colleen Brenner
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, LA
| | - Adrian Raine
- Department of Criminology, University of Pennsylvania
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania
| | | | - Erin B Tone
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Julie Suhr
- Department of Psychology, Ohio University Athens, OH
| | - Felix Inchausti
- Department of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Julio Bobes
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Axit Fumero
- Department of Psychology, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Julien Laloyaux
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- NORMENT—Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anwar Mechri
- Psychiatry Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Viviana Wuthrich
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- NORMENT—Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Johanna C Badcock
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Assen Jablensky
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Adela M Isvoranu
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sacha Epskamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eiko I Fried
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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26
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Fonseca-Pedrero E, Chan RCK, Debbané M, Cicero D, Zhang LC, Brenner C, Barkus E, Linscott RJ, Kwapil T, Barrantes-Vidal N, Cohen A, Raine A, Compton MT, Tone EB, Suhr J, Muñiz J, de Albéniz AP, Fumero A, Giakoumaki S, Tsaousis I, Preti A, Chmielewski M, Laloyaux J, Mechri A, Lahmar MA, Wuthrich V, Larøi F, Badcock JC, Jablensky A, Ortuño-Sierra J. Comparisons of schizotypal traits across 12 countries: Results from the International Consortium for Schizotypy Research. Schizophr Res 2018; 199:128-134. [PMID: 29567403 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizotypal traits are expressions of underlying vulnerability to psychotic disorders which have a potential impact on mental health status, neurocognition, quality of life, and daily functioning. To date, little research has examined epidemiologic landscape of schizotypal traits at the cross-national level. Our aim was to study the expression of schizotypal traits by sex, age, and country in a combined sample gathered from 12 countries. METHODS A total of 27,001 participants completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ). The mean age of participants was 22.12 (SD=6.28); 37.5% (n=10,126) were males. RESULTS Schizotypal traits varied according to sex, age, and country. Females scored higher than males in the positive dimension, whereas males scored higher in the disorganization dimension. By age, a significant decrease in the positive schizotypal traits was observed. Epidemiological expression of schizotypal traits varied by country. Moreover, several interactions by sex, age, and country were found. CONCLUSIONS This pattern is similar to those found in patients with psychosis and psychotic-like experiences. These findings provide new insights and the opportunity to explore the phenotypic expression of schizotypal traits at cross-national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of La Rioja, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijng, China
| | - Martin Debbané
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK
| | - David Cicero
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA
| | - Lisa C Zhang
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colleen Brenner
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, USA
| | - Adrian Raine
- Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Erin B Tone
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, USA
| | - Julie Suhr
- Department of Psychology, Ohio University, USA
| | - José Muñiz
- Centro de Investigación en Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Axit Fumero
- Department of Psychology, University of La Laguna, Spain
| | - Stella Giakoumaki
- Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsaousis
- Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Crete, Greece
| | | | | | - Julien Laloyaux
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; NORMENT - Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Norway; Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anwar Mechri
- Psychiatry Department, University Hospital of Monastir Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Viviana Wuthrich
- Macquarie Centre for Cognitive Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, Cognitive Psychopathology Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Johanna C Badcock
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Assen Jablensky
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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27
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Steiner GZ, Fernandez FM, Coles M, Karamacoska D, Barkus E, Broyd SJ, Solowij N, Watson OT, Chiu CL, Lind JM, Barry RJ. Interrogating the Relationship Between Schizotypy, the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met Polymorphism, and Neuronal Oscillatory Activity. Cereb Cortex 2018; 29:3048-3058. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The COMT Val158Met polymorphism affects the availability of synaptic dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and has been widely studied as a genetic risk factor for psychosis. Schizotypy is associated with an increased risk of psychosis, with some studies implicating similar neurobiological mechanisms to schizophrenia. The present study sought to interrogate the link between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and schizotypy using electroencephalogram (EEG) to identify neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning psychosis risk. Neurotypical (N = 91) adults were genotyped for the COMT Val158Met polymorphism, completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), and had eyes open resting-state EEG recorded for 4 min. SPQ suspiciousness subscale scores were higher for individuals homozygous for Val/Val and Met/Met versus Val/Met genotypes. Delta, theta, alpha-2, beta-1, and beta-2 amplitudes were lower for Val/Val than Met/Met individuals. Lower theta amplitudes were correlated with higher total SPQ scores (P = 0.050), and multiple regression revealed that higher delta, and lower theta and beta-2 amplitudes (but not COMT genotype) best predicted total SPQ scores (P = 0.014). This study demonstrates the importance of COMT genotype in determining trait suspiciousness and EEG oscillatory activity. It also highlights relationships between dopaminergic alterations, EEG and schizotypy that are dissimilar to those observed in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Z Steiner
- NICM Health Research Institute and Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW, Australia
- Brain & Behavior Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
| | - Francesca M Fernandez
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
- School of Science, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane QLD, Australia
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
| | - Madilyn Coles
- NICM Health Research Institute and Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW, Australia
| | - Diana Karamacoska
- NICM Health Research Institute and Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW, Australia
- Brain & Behavior Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha J Broyd
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
| | - Owen T Watson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park NSW, Australia
| | - Christine L Chiu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park NSW, Australia
| | - Joanne M Lind
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine,Western Sydney University, Penrith NSW, Australia
| | - Robert J Barry
- Brain & Behavior Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
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Fonseca-Pedrero E, Ortuño-Sierra J, Lucas-Molina B, Debbané M, Chan RCK, Cicero DC, Zhang LC, Brenner C, Barkus E, Linscott RJ, Kwapil T, Barrantes-Vidal N, Cohen A, Raine A, Compton MT, Tone EB, Suhr J, Bobes J, Fumero A, Giakoumaki S, Tsaousis I, Preti A, Chmielewski M, Laloyaux J, Mechri A, Lahmar MA, Wuthrich V, Larøi F, Badcock JC, Jablensky A, Barron D, Swami V, Tran US, Voracek M. Brief assessment of schizotypal traits: A multinational study. Schizophr Res 2018; 197:182-191. [PMID: 29113776 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [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: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief (SPQ-B) was developed with the aim of examining variations in healthy trait schizotypy, as well as latent vulnerability to psychotic-spectrum disorders. No previous study has studied the cross-cultural validity of the SPQ-B in a large cross-national sample. The main goal of the present study was to analyze the reliability and the internal structure of SPQ-B scores in a multinational sample of 28,426 participants recruited from 14 countries. The mean age was 22.63years (SD=7.08; range 16-68years), 37.7% (n=10,711) were men. The omega coefficients were high, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 for the total sample. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that SPQ-B items were grouped either in a theoretical structure of three first-order factors (Cognitive-Perceptual, Interpersonal, and Disorganized) or in a bifactor model (three first-order factors plus a general factor of schizotypal personality). In addition, the results supported configural but not strong measurement invariance of SPQ-B scores across samples. These findings provide new information about the factor structure of schizotypal personality, and support the validity and utility of the SPQ-B, a brief and easy tool for assessing self-reported schizotypal traits, in cross-national research. Theoretical and clinical implications for diagnostic systems, psychosis models, and cross-national mental health strategies are derived from these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Fonseca-Pedrero
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain.
| | | | - Beatriz Lucas-Molina
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Martin Debbané
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Raymond C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - David C Cicero
- Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Lisa C Zhang
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Colleen Brenner
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alex Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, Louisiana, LA, USA
| | - Adrian Raine
- Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry,and Psychology,University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Erin B Tone
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julie Suhr
- Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Julio Bobes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Axit Fumero
- Department of Psychology, University of La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Julien Laloyaux
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; NORMENT - Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anwar Mechri
- Psychiatry Department, University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | | | - Viviana Wuthrich
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Frank Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; NORMENT - Norwegian Center of Excellence for Mental Disorders Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johanna C Badcock
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Assen Jablensky
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David Barron
- Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Viren Swami
- Centre for Psychological Medicine, Perdana University, Serdang, Malaysia; Department of Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ulrich S Tran
- Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Voracek
- Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, School of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Fonseca-Pedrero E, Debbané M, Ortuño-Sierra J, Chan RCK, Cicero DC, Zhang LC, Brenner C, Barkus E, Linscott RJ, Kwapil T, Barrantes-Vidal N, Cohen A, Raine A, Compton MT, Tone EB, Suhr J, Muñiz J, Fumero A, Giakoumaki S, Tsaousis I, Preti A, Chmielewski M, Laloyaux J, Mechri A, Lahmar MA, Wuthrich V, Larøi F, Badcock JC, Jablensky A. The structure of schizotypal personality traits: a cross-national study. Psychol Med 2018; 48:451-462. [PMID: 28712364 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291717001829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizotypal traits are considered a phenotypic-indicator of schizotypy, a latent personality organization reflecting a putative liability for psychosis. To date, no previous study has examined the comparability of factorial structures across samples originating from different countries and cultures. The main goal was to evaluate the factorial structure and reliability of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) scores by amalgamating data from studies conducted in 12 countries and across 21 sites. METHOD The overall sample consisted of 27 001 participants (37.5% males, n = 4251 drawn from the general population). The mean age was 22.12 years (s.d. = 6.28, range 16-55 years). The SPQ was used. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Multilevel CFA (ML-CFA) were used to evaluate the factor structure underlying the SPQ scores. RESULTS At the SPQ item level, the nine factor and second-order factor models showed adequate goodness-of-fit. At the SPQ subscale level, three- and four-factor models displayed better goodness-of-fit indices than other CFA models. ML-CFA showed that the intraclass correlation coefficients values were lower than 0.106. The three-factor model showed adequate goodness of fit indices in multilevel analysis. The ordinal α coefficients were high, ranging from 0.73 to 0.94 across individual samples, and from 0.84 to 0.91 for the combined sample. CONCLUSIONS The results are consistent with the conceptual notion that schizotypal personality is a multifaceted construct and support the validity and utility of SPQ in cross-cultural research. We discuss theoretical and clinical implications of our results for diagnostic systems, psychosis models and cross-national mental health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fonseca-Pedrero
- Department of Educational Sciences,University of La Rioja,Logroño, Spain
| | - M Debbané
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences,University of Geneva,Geneva, Switzerland
| | - J Ortuño-Sierra
- Department of Educational Sciences,University of La Rioja,Logroño, Spain
| | - R C K Chan
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory,CAS key Laboratory of Mental Health,Beijing,China
| | - D C Cicero
- Department of Psychology,University of Hawaii at Manoa,Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - L C Zhang
- Department of Psychology,University of British Columbia,Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - C Brenner
- Department of Psychology,University of British Columbia,Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - E Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong,Wollongong,Australia
| | - R J Linscott
- Department of Psychology,University of Otago,Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - T Kwapil
- Department of Psychology,University of North Carolina at Greensboro,Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - N Barrantes-Vidal
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Cohen
- Department of Psychology,Louisiana State University,Louisiana, LA, USA
| | - A Raine
- Departments of Criminology,Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania,Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M T Compton
- Department of Psychiatry,Lenox Hill Hospital,New York, NY, USA
| | - E B Tone
- Department of Psychology,Georgia State University,Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Suhr
- Department of Psychology,Ohio University,Athens, OH, USA
| | - J Muñiz
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Mental Health Network (CIBERSAM),Oviedo, Spain
| | - A Fumero
- Department of Psychology,University of La Laguna,Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - S Giakoumaki
- Department of Psychology,University of Crete,Rethymno,Greece
| | - I Tsaousis
- Department of Psychology,University of Crete,Rethymno,Greece
| | - A Preti
- Genneruxi Medical Center,Cagliari,Italy
| | - M Chmielewski
- Department of Psychology,Southern Methodist University,Dallas, TX, USA
| | - J Laloyaux
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology,University of Bergen,Bergen,Norway
| | - A Mechri
- Psychiatry Department,University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir,Tunisia
| | - M A Lahmar
- Psychiatry Department,University Hospital of Monastir, Monastir,Tunisia
| | - V Wuthrich
- Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - F Larøi
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology,University of Bergen,Bergen,Norway
| | - J C Badcock
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - A Jablensky
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia,Perth,Australia
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Carrigan N, Barkus E, Ong A, Wei M. Do complaints of everyday cognitive failures in high schizotypy relate to emotional working memory deficits in the lab? Compr Psychiatry 2017; 78:115-129. [PMID: 28843155 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals high on schizotypy complain of increased cognitive failures in everyday life. However, the neuropsychological performance of this group does not consistently indicate underlying ability deficits. It is possible that current neuropsychological tests lack ecological validity. Given the increased affective reactivity of high schizotypes, they may be more sensitive to emotional content interfering with cognitive ability. This study sought to explore whether an affective n-back working memory task would elicit impaired performance in schizotypy, echoing complaints concerning real world cognition. METHODS 127 healthy participants completed self-report measures of schizotypy and cognitive failures and an affective n-back working memory task. This task was varied across three levels of load (1- to 3-back) and four types of stimulus emotion (neutral, fearful, happy, sad). Differences between high (n=39) and low (n=48) schizotypy groups on performance outcomes of hits and false alarms were examined, with emotion and load as within-groups variables. RESULTS As expected, high schizotypes reported heightened vulnerability to cognitive failures. They also demonstrated a relative working memory impairment for emotional versus neutral stimuli, whereas low schizotypes did not. High schizotypes performed most poorly in response to fearful stimuli. For false alarms, there was an interaction between schizotypy, load, and emotion, such that high schizotypy was associated with deficits in response to fearful stimuli only at higher levels of task difficulty. Inclusion of self-reported cognitive failures did not account for this. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the "gap" between subjective and objective cognition in schizotypy may reflect the heightened emotional demands associated with cognitive functioning in the real world, although other factors also seem to play a role. There is a need to improve the ecological validity of objective assessments, whilst also recognizing that self-reported cognitive failures tap into a range of factors difficult to assess in the lab, including emotion. Cognitive interventions for at-risk individuals will likely be more beneficial if they address emotional processing alongside other aspects of cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Adriel Ong
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia
| | - Maryann Wei
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Australia
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31
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Coles M, Steiner G, Fernandez F, Karamacoska D, Barkus E, Broyd S, Solowij N, Chiu C, Lind J, Barry R. The effects on resting state EEG activity of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met rs4680 polymorphism, and the relationship to schizotypy. Front Hum Neurosci 2017. [DOI: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2017.224.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Al-Dabbas M, Steiner G, Fernandez F, Narula R, Barkus E, Broyd S, Solowij N, Chiu C, Lind J, Barry R. The effect of KIBRA rs17070145 polymorphism on cortical arousal. Front Hum Neurosci 2017. [DOI: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2017.224.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive failures are disruptions in cognitive functioning during everyday life. Vulnerability to these failures is increased in a range of psychological disorders, including schizophrenia. In addition, healthy individuals with personality-based psychosis proneness, or schizotypy, often complain of heightened failures. A factor known to exacerbate cognitive failures is negative affect. Negative affectivity is linked to both schizophrenia and schizotypy. It is therefore possible that affect is responsible for the increased everyday cognitive failures in "high schizotypes". This poses 2 possibilities: are cognitive failures only present in high schizotypes who also have negative affect (moderation)? Or does negative affect account for the relationship between schizotypy and cognitive failures (mediation)? We sought to explore whether negative affect mediates or moderates the relationship between schizotypy and cognitive failures in young adults. SAMPLING AND METHODS Healthy young adults from a student and community sample (n = 863, 71% female) aged 18-25 years (mean = 19.5, SD = 1.87) completed online questionnaires measuring self-report schizotypy, negative affect, and cognitive failures. Moderation and mediation analyses were carried out using the PROCESS macro in SPSS to examine how negative affect exerted its effect on the relationship between schizotypy and cognitive failures. RESULTS All 3 factors were positively correlated. Negative affect was not a moderator for the relationship between schizotypy and cognitive failures; however, it did partially mediate this relationship. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that whilst schizotypy and negative affect do not interact to produce cognitive failures, negative affect contributes to (but does not fully account for) the mechanism by which schizotypy increases failures in young adults. Other, as yet unidentified, facets of schizotypy also appear to contribute to cognitive failures. In attempting to address the cognitive complaints of at-risk individuals, clinicians need to be aware of the role of negative affect and other pertinent aspects of schizotypy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Carrigan
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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de Leede-Smith S, Roodenrys S, Horsley L, Matrini S, Mison E, Barkus E. Neurological soft signs: Effects of trait schizotypy, psychological distress and auditory hallucination predisposition. Schizophr Res Cogn 2016; 7:1-7. [PMID: 28740822 PMCID: PMC5514310 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Schizotypy is regarded as a trait vulnerability for psychotic disorders, yet alone is insufficient for development of a diagnosable disorder. Additional symptoms and psychological distress are necessary for help seeking and transition from an at risk mental state to a clinical diagnosis. The present study investigated the interaction between trait schizotypy, state auditory verbal hallucination (AVH) predisposition, distress and handedness for the expression of neurological soft signs (NSS), a neurodevelopmental vulnerability factor for psychosis. Cluster analysis formed schizotypy groups statistically across the dimensions captured by the SPQ. It was hypothesized that schizotypy and AVH predisposition would interact, resulting in significantly greater NSS. Psychological distress and handedness were hypothesized to be significant covariates, accounting for some variance in the expression of NSS between the groups. A sample of University students (n = 327) completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, Launay-Slade Hallucination Scale, General Health Questionnaire and the Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES). Cluster Analysis revealed four schizotypy groups. Distress was not a significant covariate in any analysis. As expected, those with high overall schizotypy and high AVH predisposition expressed significantly greater Motor-Coordination NSS compared to those with high schizotypy and low AVH predisposition. Within the Mixed Interpersonal and Cognitive-Perceptual Schizotypy cluster, those with low AVH predisposition expressed significantly more Motor-Coordination NSS than those with high AVH predisposition. These findings suggest motor coordination NSS are detectable in schizotypy, and AVH predisposition appears to interact with these traits. This study highlights the importance of considering both trait and subclinical state risk factors when investigating risk for psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia de Leede-Smith
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Steven Roodenrys
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Lauren Horsley
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Shannen Matrini
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Erin Mison
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Abstract
Schizotypal traits are of interest and importance in their own right and also have theoretical and clinical associations with schizophrenia. These traits comprise attenuated psychotic symptoms, social withdrawal, reduced cognitive capacity, and affective dysregulation. The link between schizotypal traits and psychotic disorders has long since been debated. The status of knowledge at this point is such schizotypal traits are a risk for psychotic disorders, but in and of themselves only confer liability, with other risk factors needing to be present before a transition to psychosis occurs. Investigation of schizotypal traits also has the possibility to inform clinical and research pursuits concerning those who do not make a transition to psychotic disorders. A growing body of literature has investigated the genetic underpinnings of schizotypal traits. Here, we review association, family studies and describe genetic disorders where the expression of schizotypal traits has been investigated. We conducted a thorough review of the existing literature, with multiple search engines, references, and linked articles being searched for relevance to the current review. All articles and book chapters in English were sourced and reviewed for inclusion. Family studies demonstrate that schizotypal traits are elevated with increasing genetic proximity to schizophrenia and some chromosomal regions have been associated with schizotypy. Genes associated with schizophrenia have provided the initial start point for the investigation of candidate genes for schizotypal traits; neurobiological pathways of significance have guided selection of genes of interest. Given the chromosomal regions associated with schizophrenia, some genetic disorders have also considered the expression of schizotypal traits. Genetic disorders considered all comprise a profile of cognitive deficits and over representation of psychotic disorders compared to the general population. We conclude that genetic variations associated with schizotypal traits require further investigation, perhaps with targeted phenotypes narrowed to assist in refining the clinical end point of significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Walter
- School of Psychology, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Francesca Fernandez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Mollie Snelling
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
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Barkus E, Morrison P, Di Forti M, Murray RM. Are deficits in cognition associated with psychotic-like experiences after cannabis? Hum Psychopharmacol 2016; 31:402-411. [PMID: 27859664 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Not all individuals who smoke cannabis report psychotic-like experiences. Given that risk factors for psychotic disorders are multifaceted, precipitating factors to psychotic-like experiences after cannabis are likely to be equally complex. Reduced neurocognitive performance is associated with both psychosis risk and cannabis use. Therefore, it is possible cognitive performance may differentiate those who report psychotic-like experiences after cannabis from those who do not. We determined whether those reporting psychotic/dysphoric experiences after cannabis had reduced neurocognitive performance compared to those reporting primarily euphoric experiences. METHODS Participants were recruited on the basis of responses to the cannabis high captured by the Psychosis-Dysphoric and Euphoric experiences subscales from the Cannabis Experiences Questionnaire (CEQ). RESULTS Compared to participants reporting primarily euphoric cannabis experiences (n = 36; 44% male; mean age (SD) = 28 (9) years), those who reported psychotic/dysphoric experiences (n = 40; 45% male; mean age (SD) = 26 (5) years) demonstrated significantly faster responses to a trial and error learning task. In the presence of distracters, those with psychotic/dysphoric experiences after cannabis made more errors on a Continuous Performance Task. CONCLUSIONS Those who report psychotic/dysphoric experiences after cannabis have subtle inefficiencies in their cognitive processes. The multiple factors which predict vulnerability to psychotic-like experiences after cannabis require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Morrison
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Marta Di Forti
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Robin M Murray
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cognitive failures are errors in normal everyday functioning. Individuals with psychological disorders may possess heightened vulnerability. We sought to review the literature on cognitive failures in psychological disorders to determine the nature of this association, and whether failures relate to neuropsychological performance. We also examine the relationship between cognitive failures and substance use since it is relevant to everyday cognition and co-occurs in many psychological disorders. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of self-reported cognitive failures in psychological disorders and substance use, identifying 21 papers in total. RESULTS Papers identified studied trauma, mood, and anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Substance use papers included nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, and ecstasy use. Cognitive failures were increased in some but not all papers; the most consistent findings were for depression, PTSD, and daily smokers of nicotine. Subjective failures did not correlate closely with neuropsychological outcomes in any disorders. We were unable to discern distinct profiles of failures for each disorder; rather they may reflect emotional dysregulation more broadly. CONCLUSIONS The real world cognitive experiences of people with psychological disorders may differ to their performance in the clinic or lab. It is important that self-reports of minor cognitive issues are considered as both a potential risk and a maintaining factor of illness. Substance use also needs to be considered in assessing cognitive failures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Carrigan
- a School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences , University of Wollongong , Wollongong , NSW , Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- a School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences , University of Wollongong , Wollongong , NSW , Australia
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Badcock JC, Barkus E, Cohen AS, Bucks R, Badcock DR. Loneliness and Schizotypy Are Distinct Constructs, Separate from General Psychopathology. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1018. [PMID: 27458412 PMCID: PMC4935680 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Loneliness is common in youth and associated with a significantly increased risk of psychological disorders. Although loneliness is strongly associated with psychosis, its relationship with psychosis proneness is unclear. Our aim in this paper was to test the hypothesis that loneliness and schizotypal traits, conveying risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorders, are similar but separate constructs. Pooling data from two non-clinical student samples (N = 551) we modeled the structure of the relationship between loneliness and trait schizotypy. Loneliness was assessed with the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3), whilst negative (Social Anhedonia) and positive (Perceptual Aberrations) schizotypal traits were assessed with the Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales-Brief (WSS-B). Fit statistics indicated that the best fitting model of UCLA-3 scores comprises three correlated factors (Isolation, Related Connectedness, and Collective Connectedness), consistent with previous reports. Fit statistics for a two factor model of positive and negative schizotypy were excellent. Next, bi-factor analysis was used to model a general psychopatholgy factor (p) across the three loneliness factors and separate negative and positive schizotypy traits. The results showed that all items (except 1) co-loaded on p. However, with the influence of p removed, additional variance remained within separate sub-factors, indicating that loneliness and negative and positive trait schizotypy are distinct and separable constructs. Similarly, once shared variance with p was removed, correlations between sub-factors of loneliness and schizotypal traits were non-significant. These findings have important clinical implications since they suggest that loneliness should not be conflated with the expression of schizotypy. Rather, loneliness needs to be specifically targeted for assessment and treatment in youth at risk for psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna C Badcock
- Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry, School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex S Cohen
- Department of Psychology, Lousiana State University Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Romola Bucks
- School of Psychology, The University of Western Australia Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - David R Badcock
- School of Psychology, The University of Western Australia Crawley, WA, Australia
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Barkus E. High-potency cannabis increases the risk of psychosis. Evid Based Ment Health 2016; 19:54. [PMID: 27036127 PMCID: PMC10699411 DOI: 10.1136/eb-2015-102105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Howard SJ, Burianová H, Ehrich J, Kervin L, Calleia A, Barkus E, Carmody J, Humphry S. Behavioral and fMRI evidence of the differing cognitive load of domain-specific assessments. Neuroscience 2015; 297:38-46. [PMID: 25818553 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Standards-referenced educational reform has increased the prevalence of standardized testing; however, whether these tests accurately measure students' competencies has been questioned. This may be due to domain-specific assessments placing a differing domain-general cognitive load on test-takers. To investigate this possibility, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to identify and quantify the neural correlates of performance on current, international standardized methods of spelling assessment. Out-of-scanner testing was used to further examine differences in assessment results. Results provide converging evidence that: (a) the spelling assessments differed in the cognitive load placed on test-takers; (b) performance decreased with increasing cognitive load of the assessment; and (c) brain regions associated with working memory were more highly activated during performance of assessments that were higher in cognitive load. These findings suggest that assessment design should optimize the cognitive load placed on test-takers, to ensure students' results are an accurate reflection of their true levels of competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Howard
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - H Burianová
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - J Ehrich
- Faculty of Education, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
| | - L Kervin
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - A Calleia
- School of Education, University of Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - E Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, New South Wales 2522, Australia.
| | - J Carmody
- Neurology Department, Wollongong Hospital, New South Wales 2500, Australia.
| | - S Humphry
- Graduate School of Education, University of Western Australia, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
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Ciarrochi J, Parker P, Kashdan TB, Heaven PC, Barkus E. Hope and emotional well-being: A six-year study to distinguish antecedents, correlates, and consequences. The Journal of Positive Psychology 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2015.1015154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Ciarrochi
- Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, Australia
| | - Philip Parker
- Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, Strathfield, Australia
| | | | - Patrick C.L. Heaven
- Institute of Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Auditory hallucinations exist in psychotic disorders as well as the general population. Proneness to hallucinations, as measured by positive schizotypy, predicts false perceptions during an auditory signal detection task (Barkus, Stirling, Hopkins, McKie, & Lewis, 2007). Our aim was to replicate this result and extend it by examining effects of age and sex, both important demographic predictors of psychosis. METHOD A sample of 76 healthy volunteers split into 15-17 years (n=46) and 19 years plus (n=30) underwent a signal detection task designed to detect propensity towards false perceptions under ambiguous auditory conditions. Scores on the Unusual Experiences subscale (UE) of the O-LIFE schizotypy scale, IQ, and a measure of working memory were also assessed. RESULTS We replicated our initial finding (Barkus et al., 2007): High scores on positive schizotypy were associated with false perceptions. Younger participants who scored highly on positive schizotypy reported significantly more false perceptions compared to other groups (p=.04). Older participants who had had an imaginary friend reported more false perceptions during the signal detection task (p<.01). CONCLUSIONS Younger participants seem most vulnerable to the effects of positive schizotypal traits in terms of a signal detection deficit that underlies auditory hallucinations. Schizotypy may have greatest impact closer to the risk period for development of psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Barkus
- a University of Wollongong , New South Wales , Australia
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Smallman RP, Barkus E, Azadbakht H, Embleton KV, Haroon HA, Lewis SW, Morris DM, Parker GJ, Rushe TM. MRI diffusion tractography study in individuals with schizotypal features: a pilot study. Psychiatry Res 2014; 221:49-57. [PMID: 24239094 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have identified changes in white matter tracts in schizophrenia patients and those at high risk of transition. Schizotypal samples represent a group on the schizophrenia continuum that share some aetiological risk factors but without the confounds of illness. The aim of the current study was to compare tract microstructural coherence as measured by fractional anisotropy (FA) between 12 psychometrically defined schizotypes and controls. We investigated bilaterally the uncinate and arcuate fasciculi (UF and AF) via a probabilistic tractography algorithm (PICo), with FA values compared between groups. Partial correlations were also examined between measures of subclinical hallucinatory/delusional experiences and FA values. Participants with schizotypal features were found to have increased FA values in the left hemisphere UF only. In the whole sample there was a positive correlation between FA values and measures of hallucinatory experience in the right AF. These findings suggest subtle changes in microstructural coherence are found in individuals with schizotypal features, but are not similar to changes predominantly observed in clinical samples. Correlations between mild hallucinatory experience and FA values could indicate increasing tract coherence could be associated with symptom formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard P Smallman
- Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Karl V Embleton
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Centre for Imaging Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Hamied A Haroon
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Shôn W Lewis
- Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David M Morris
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Geoffrey J Parker
- Centre for Imaging Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Teresa M Rushe
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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de Leede-Smith S, Barkus E. A comprehensive review of auditory verbal hallucinations: lifetime prevalence, correlates and mechanisms in healthy and clinical individuals. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:367. [PMID: 23882203 PMCID: PMC3712258 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the years, the prevalence of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) have been documented across the lifespan in varied contexts, and with a range of potential long-term outcomes. Initially the emphasis focused on whether AVHs conferred risk for psychosis. However, recent research has identified significant differences in the presentation and outcomes of AVH in patients compared to those in non-clinical populations. For this reason, it has been suggested that auditory hallucinations are an entity by themselves and not necessarily indicative of transition along the psychosis continuum. This review will examine the presentation of auditory hallucinations across the life span, as well as in various clinical groups. The stages described include childhood, adolescence, adult non-clinical populations, hypnagogic/hypnopompic experiences, high schizotypal traits, schizophrenia, substance induced AVH, AVH in epilepsy, and AVH in the elderly. In children, need for care depends upon whether the child associates the voice with negative beliefs, appraisals and other symptoms of psychosis. This theme appears to carry right through to healthy voice hearers in adulthood, in which a negative impact of the voice usually only exists if the individual has negative experiences as a result of their voice(s). This includes features of the voices such as the negative content, frequency, and emotional valence as well as anxiety and depression, independently or caused by voices presence. It seems possible that the mechanisms which maintain AVH in non-clinical populations are different from those which are behind AVH presentations in psychotic illness. For example, the existence of maladaptive coping strategies in patient populations is one significant difference between clinical and non-clinical groups which is associated with a need for care. Whether or not these mechanisms start out the same and have differential trajectories is not yet evidenced. Future research needs to focus on the comparison of underlying factors and mechanisms that lead to the onset of AVH in both patient and non-clinical populations.
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Ainsworth J, Palmier-Claus JE, Machin M, Barrowclough C, Dunn G, Rogers A, Buchan I, Barkus E, Kapur S, Wykes T, Hopkins RS, Lewis S. A comparison of two delivery modalities of a mobile phone-based assessment for serious mental illness: native smartphone application vs text-messaging only implementations. J Med Internet Res 2013; 15:e60. [PMID: 23563184 PMCID: PMC3636800 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.2328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2012] [Revised: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile phone-based assessment may represent a cost-effective and clinically effective method of monitoring psychotic symptoms in real-time. There are several software options, including the use of native smartphone applications and text messages (short message service, SMS). Little is known about the strengths and limitations of these two approaches in monitoring symptoms in individuals with serious mental illness. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to compare two different delivery modalities of the same diagnostic assessment for individuals with non-affective psychosis-a native smartphone application employing a graphical, touch user interface against an SMS text-only implementation. The overall hypothesis of the study was that patient participants with sewrious mental illness would find both delivery modalities feasible and acceptable to use, measured by the quantitative post-assessment feedback questionnaire scores, the number of data points completed, and the time taken to complete the assessment. It was also predicted that a native smartphone application would (1) yield a greater number of data points, (2) take less time, and (3) be more positively appraised by patient participant users than the text-based system. METHODS A randomized repeated measures crossover design was employed. Participants with currently treated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (Fourth Edition) schizophrenia or related disorders (n=24) were randomly allocated to completing 6 days of assessment (four sets of questions per day) with a native smartphone application or the SMS text-only implementation. There was then a 1-week break before completing a further 6 days with the alternative delivery modality. Quantitative feedback questionnaires were administered at the end of each period of sampling. RESULTS A greater proportion of data points were completed with the native smartphone application in comparison to the SMS text-only implementation (β = -.25, SE=.11, P=.02), which also took significantly less time to complete (β =.78, SE= .09, P<.001). Although there were no significant differences in participants' quantitative feedback for the two delivery modalities, most participants reported preferring the native smartphone application (67%; n=16) and found it easier to use (71%; n=16). 33% of participants reported that they would be willing to complete mobile phone assessment for 5 weeks or longer. CONCLUSIONS Native smartphone applications and SMS text are both valuable methods of delivering real-time assessment in individuals with schizophrenia. However, a more streamlined graphical user interface may lead to better compliance and shorter entry times. Further research is needed to test the efficacy of this technology within clinical services, to assess validity over longer periods of time and when delivered on patients' own phones.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Ainsworth
- NIBHI Manchester Health e-Research Centre, Institue of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Palmier-Claus JE, Rogers A, Ainsworth J, Machin M, Barrowclough C, Laverty L, Barkus E, Kapur S, Wykes T, Lewis SW. Integrating mobile-phone based assessment for psychosis into people's everyday lives and clinical care: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2013; 13:34. [PMID: 23343329 PMCID: PMC3562160 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-13-34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decade policy makers have emphasised the importance of healthcare technology in the management of long-term conditions. Mobile-phone based assessment may be one method of facilitating clinically- and cost-effective intervention, and increasing the autonomy and independence of service users. Recently, text-message and smartphone interfaces have been developed for the real-time assessment of symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia. Little is currently understood about patients' perceptions of these systems, and how they might be implemented into their everyday routine and clinical care. METHOD 24 community based individuals with non-affective psychosis completed a randomised repeated-measure cross-over design study, where they filled in self-report questions about their symptoms via text-messages on their own phone, or via a purpose designed software application for Android smartphones, for six days. Qualitative interviews were conducted in order to explore participants' perceptions and experiences of the devices, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Three themes emerged from the data: i) the appeal of usability and familiarity, ii) acceptability, validity and integration into domestic routines, and iii) perceived impact on clinical care. Although participants generally found the technology non-stigmatising and well integrated into their everyday activities, the repetitiveness of the questions was identified as a likely barrier to long-term adoption. Potential benefits to the quality of care received were seen in terms of assisting clinicians, faster and more efficient data exchange, and aiding patient-clinician communication. However, patients often failed to see the relevance of the systems to their personal situations, and emphasised the threat to the person centred element of their care. CONCLUSIONS The feedback presented in this paper suggests that patients are conscious of the benefits that mobile-phone based assessment could bring to clinical care, and that the technology can be successfully integrated into everyday routine. However, it also suggests that it is important to demonstrate to patients the personal, as well as theoretical, benefits of the technology. In the future it will be important to establish whether clinical practitioners are able to use this technology as part of a personalised mental health regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper E Palmier-Claus
- Division of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Anne Rogers
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - John Ainsworth
- Institute of Population Health, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Machin
- Institute of Population Health, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Barrowclough
- Division of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Laverty
- Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Shitij Kapur
- Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Til Wykes
- Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shôn W Lewis
- Institute of Brain, Behaviour and Mental Health, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Palmier-Claus JE, Ainsworth J, Machin M, Dunn G, Barkus E, Barrowclough C, Rogers A, Lewis SW. Affective instability prior to and after thoughts about self-injury in individuals with and at-risk of psychosis: a mobile phone based study. Arch Suicide Res 2013; 17:275-87. [PMID: 23889576 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2013.805647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
It has been proposed that affective instability may be associated with thoughts about self-injury. The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that instability in feelings of depression, but not anxiety, guilt, or hostility, would predict greater concurrent and subsequent thoughts about self-injury. Thirty-six individuals with psychosis completed questions on touch-screen mobile phones at semi-random times each day for one week. The instability of depression predicted greater concurrent and subsequent levels of thoughts about self-injury, even when controlling for depression level. Conversely, self-injurious thoughts predicted more stable depression. The instability of guilt, anxiety, and hostility did not significantly predict levels of thoughts about self-injury. Results indicate that a variable depressive state may trigger the onset of thoughts about self-injury, which increases the risk of its subsequent recurrence. The onset of self-injurious thoughts may, however, have a stabilizing effect on subsequent depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Palmier-Claus
- Division of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
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Heaven PCL, Ciarrochi J, Leeson P, Barkus E. Agreeableness, conscientiousness, and psychoticism: distinctive influences of three personality dimensions in adolescence. Br J Psychol 2012; 104:481-94. [PMID: 24094279 DOI: 10.1111/bjop.12002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have suggested that the psychoticism (P) personality dimension of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire may be largely redundant with the agreeableness (A) and conscientiousness (C) constructs of the five-factor model. Little research has examined the distinctiveness of these constructs. We utilized a multi-wave, multi-method design to examine the ability of C, A, and P to uniquely predict a number of important outcomes amongst high school students. A total of 778 students (391 males, 387 females; mean age 15.41 years.) completed personality measures in Grade 10. Self-reported self-esteem, social support, health-related behaviours, religious values as well as teachers' assessments of students, were collected 1 and 2 years later. A, C, and P were distinctive in their ability to predict these outcomes, after controlling for gender and socio-economic status as well as Grade 10 extraversion, openness, and neuroticism. The individual P items explained unique variance over and above that explained by A and C. It was concluded that P is not merely the opposite of A and C. Implications for interventions are raised.
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Palmier-Claus JE, Ainsworth J, Machin M, Barrowclough C, Dunn G, Barkus E, Rogers A, Wykes T, Kapur S, Buchan I, Salter E, Lewis SW. The feasibility and validity of ambulatory self-report of psychotic symptoms using a smartphone software application. BMC Psychiatry 2012; 12:172. [PMID: 23075387 PMCID: PMC3502449 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-12-172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semi-structured interview scales for psychosis are the gold standard approach to assessing psychotic and other symptoms. However, such assessments have limitations such as recall bias, averaging, insensitivity to change and variable interrater reliability. Ambulant, real-time self-report assessment devices may hold advantages over interview measures, but it needs to be shown that the data thus collected are valid, and the collection method is acceptable, feasible and safe. We report on a monitoring system for the assessment of psychosis using smartphone technology. The primary aims were to: i) assess validity through correlations of item responses with those on widely accepted interview assessments of psychosis, and ii) examine compliance to the procedure in individuals with psychosis of varying severity. METHODS A total of 44 participants (acute or remitted DSM-4 schizophrenia and related disorders, and prodromal) completed 14 branching self-report items concerning key psychotic symptoms on a touch-screen mobile phone when prompted by an alarm at six pseudo-random times, each day, for one week. Face to face PANSS and CDS interviews were conducted before and after the assessment period blind to the ambulant data. RESULTS Compliance as defined by completion of at least 33% of all possible data-points over seven days was 82%. In the 36 compliant participants, 5 items (delusions, hallucinations, suspiciousness, anxiety, hopelessness) showed moderate to strong (rho 0.6-0.8) associations with corresponding items from interview rating scales. Four items showed no significant correlation with rating scales: each was an item based on observable behaviour. Ambulant ratings showed excellent test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change. CONCLUSIONS Ambulatory monitoring of symptoms several times daily using smartphone software applications represents a feasible and valid way of assessing psychotic phenomena for research and clinical management purposes. Further evaluation required over longer assessment periods, in clinical trials and service settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper E Palmier-Claus
- School of Community Based Medicine, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
| | - John Ainsworth
- School of Community Based Medicine, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Machin
- School of Community Based Medicine, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Graham Dunn
- School of Community Based Medicine, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, The University of Wollongong, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Anne Rogers
- School of Community Based Medicine, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Til Wykes
- Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Shitij Kapur
- Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Iain Buchan
- School of Community Based Medicine, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma Salter
- School of Community Based Medicine, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Shôn W Lewis
- School of Community Based Medicine, the University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
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Koychev I, McMullen K, Lees J, Dadhiwala R, Grayson L, Perry C, Schmechtig A, Walters J, Craig KJ, Dawson GR, Dourish CT, Ettinger U, Wilkinson L, Williams S, Deakin JFW, Barkus E. A validation of cognitive biomarkers for the early identification of cognitive enhancing agents in schizotypy: a three-center double-blind placebo-controlled study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2012; 22:469-81. [PMID: 22137565 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Revised: 09/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
A number of compounds aimed at improving cognition in schizophrenia have failed to demonstrate efficacy in Phase 2 clinical trials. Translational studies using biomarkers in surrogate populations, such as schizotypy, could be used to assess the efficacy of novel compounds. In this study, we aimed to validate the sensitivity and inter-site reliability of cognitive biomarkers (working memory (N-back), spatial working memory (SWM) and verbal fluency (VF) tasks) to detect the schizotypy phenotype and its reversal by psychotropic drugs. Healthy volunteers scoring high or average on a schizotypal personality measure (122 in each group) were randomized to receive a single dose of risperidone, amisulpride, nicotine or placebo in a double-blind, between-subject design. We found evidence for a poorer performance on N-back and VF tasks in the high schizotypy group, replicating previous research. This effect was counteracted by amisulpride on N-back: it improved working memory in high schizotypy group but impaired the controls. A similar pattern was seen in SWM and VF. We interpret this finding in the light of the dopamine enhancing action of amisulpride when given in low doses. In contrast, risperidone impaired both groups and nicotine had a beneficial effect for the low baseline performers only. These effects were consistent across sites. These data demonstrates the utility of biomarkers in detecting the effect of schizotypy and its reversal by drugs that enhance dopamine and cholinergic function. Studies using similar design could help the early assessment of potential of compounds designed to improve cognition in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Koychev
- Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit, School of Community Based Medicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
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