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de Jong M, Wynchank DSMR, Michielsen M, Beekman ATF, Kooij JJS. A Female-Specific Treatment Group for ADHD-Description of the Programme and Qualitative Analysis of First Experiences. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2106. [PMID: 38610871 PMCID: PMC11012758 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13072106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The diagnostics and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in women remain insufficient. Fluctuations of reproductive hormones during the premenstrual period, postpartum period, and (peri)menopause are neglected, even though they impact ADHD symptoms and associated mood disorders. Therefore, we created a female-specific treatment group for women with ADHD and premenstrual worsening of ADHD and/or mood symptoms. Methods: We describe the group programme and underlying rationale, offering a qualitative analysis of the participants' evaluation. Results: The seven bi-weekly sessions foreground the menstrual cycle and address several ADHD-specific topics in relation to this cyclical pattern. Concurrently, women track their menstrual cycle and (fluctuating) ADHD and mood symptoms with an adjusted premenstrual calendar. In total, 18 women (25-47 years) participated in three consecutive groups. We analysed the evaluation of the last group. Participants experienced the group as a safe and welcoming space. Recognition was valued by all. The topics discussed were deemed valuable, and the structure suited them well. Completing the premenstrual calendar augmented the awareness and recognition of individual cyclical symptoms. A lifespan approach increased self-understanding. Participants took their menstrual cycle more seriously, prioritising self-acceptance and self-care. Conclusions: Exploring a cyclical approach in a group setting seems to be a positive addition to treatment for female ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M de Jong
- Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, PsyQ, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, AmsterdamUMC/VUmc, 1081 HJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU Medical Centre, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D S M R Wynchank
- Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, PsyQ, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - M Michielsen
- Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, PsyQ, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands
- Antes Older Adults Outpatient Treatment, 3079 DZ Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A T F Beekman
- Department of Psychiatry, AmsterdamUMC/VUmc, 1081 HJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- GGZ inGeest, 1062 NP Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J J S Kooij
- Expertise Centre Adult ADHD, PsyQ, 2593 HR The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, AmsterdamUMC/VUmc, 1081 HJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Nolan LJ, Higgs S. The role of irrational beliefs in the relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and disordered eating in two general student samples. Appetite 2024; 195:107229. [PMID: 38246426 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are associated with disordered eating and negative mood. The purpose of this study was to examine whether irrational beliefs mediate this relationship along with previously reported mediators such as depression and impulsivity. Irrational beliefs trigger negative automatic thoughts which are believed, in cognitive behavior therapies, to be a source of psychopathology. Challenges brought about by symptoms of ADHD may lead to habitual emotion-eliciting thought patterns which, in turn, could lead to negative mood and disordered eating. Undergraduate students (N = 127) completed online questionnaires assessing ADHD symptoms and disordered eating and several potential mediators including irrational beliefs, depression, impulsivity, interoceptive accuracy, and reward responsiveness. The results, which were replicated in a second study (N = 254), indicated that irrational beliefs and depression mediated the relationship between ADHD symptoms and disordered eating. In the second study, impulsivity due to negative urgency was also a mediator. These findings support the theory that the symptoms of ADHD lead to enhancement of irrational beliefs, depression, and negative urgency which are linked to disordered eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence J Nolan
- Department of Psychology, Wagner College, Staten Island, NY, 10301, USA.
| | - Suzanne Higgs
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, UK
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Gajperia C, McBride J, Treasure J, Cardi V, Brewer R. Recognition of others' interoceptive states in those with and without eating disorders. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:169. [PMID: 38418990 PMCID: PMC10900571 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05615-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to recognize one's own emotions is associated with one's ability to recognize others' emotions. Beyond the domain of emotion, however, the relationship between recognition of one's own internal states (interoception) and others' interoceptive states has not been investigated, either in the typical population or clinical groups with interoceptive difficulties (e.g. eating disorders; EDs). METHOD This study investigated recognition of one's own and others' internal states in adults with and without eating disorders, using a high frequency visual noise paradigm. Participants completed self-report measures of interoception, alexithymia (difficulties recognising one's own emotional internal states) and ED symptomatology, and the Heartbeat Counting Task measure of cardiac interoceptive accuracy. RESULTS Alexithymia was significantly negatively correlated with recognition of others' interoceptive states. EDs were not associated with difficulties recognising others' interoceptive states. CONCLUSIONS The ability to recognise one's own emotional internal states is associated with the recognition of others' interoceptive states, which may contribute to social skills and the ability to care for others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandni Gajperia
- Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, London, TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Jennifer McBride
- Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, London, TW20 0EX, UK
| | | | - Valentina Cardi
- King's College London, London, UK
- University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Rebecca Brewer
- Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham Hill, Egham, London, TW20 0EX, UK.
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Huang L, Song M, Wang L, Zhang Q, Liu X, Cai C. The Psychometric Properties of the Chinese version of the Interoceptive Awareness Questionnaire (IAQ) among PATIENTS WITH Cardiovascular Disease. Heart Lung 2024; 63:18-22. [PMID: 37738946 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interoceptive awareness (perception of body conditions and processes) and heart rate variability are connected physiologically in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. At present, there is no specific evaluation model for the perception of the physical state and processes of CVD patients in China. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese Interoceptive Awareness Questionnaire (C-IAQ) for Chinese CVD patients. METHODS 160 CVD patients were recruited from a hospital in Hubei province using a convenient sampling method. A standard "forward-backward" translation method was applied to convert the C-IAQ into Mandarin. Split-half reliability and internal consistency were conducted by using reliability tests. Validity testing was conducted on the content, structure, and criterion-related validity. Criterion-related validity was assessed by using the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-III (ASI-III). RESULTS The research results indicate that the dual factor structure of the original C-IAQ has 19 items, including attention to unpleasant sensations (9 items) and awareness of neutral body sensations (10 items). Moreover, C-IAQ is positively correlated with ASI-III (r = 0.48, P<0.01). The entire scale has a Cronbach's α value of 0.85 and split-half dependability of 0.77. CONCLUSION The C-IAQ has favorable psychometric feature. Hence, it can be used to measure the interoceptive awareness of CVD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Huang
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Mengtao Song
- The First College of Clinical Medicine Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Ling Wang
- The First College of Clinical Medicine Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, 443000, China
| | - Qiran Zhang
- School of Medicine Xiangyang Polytechnic, Xiangyang, 441100, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- School of Medicine Xiangyang Polytechnic, Xiangyang, 441100, China
| | - Chunfeng Cai
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China..
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Rapp L, Mai-Lippold SA, Georgiou E, Pollatos O. Elevated EEG heartbeat-evoked potentials in adolescents with more ADHD symptoms. Biol Psychol 2023; 184:108698. [PMID: 37775030 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with a variety of mental abnormalities, but little is known about the perception and processing of internal signals, i.e., interoception, in individuals with ADHD symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the association between ADHD symptoms and the heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP), known as a neural correlate of automatic interoceptive processing of cardiac signals, in adolescents. METHODS HEPs of 47 healthy adolescent participants (53.2 % female) with a mean age of 14.29 years were measured during an emotional face recognition task. In addition, participants completed a self-report screening for ADHD symptoms. RESULTS ADHD symptoms were positively related to the HEP activity during the task in three of eight EEG sectors in the left hemisphere, as well as in all sectors in the right hemisphere. DISCUSSION This study is the first to demonstrate preliminary a relationship between the strength of HEP activity and ADHD symptoms in awake subjects. This finding of higher HEP amplitudes in subjects with more ADHD symptoms can be interpreted in terms of (i) increased arousal, (ii) altered neural processing of internal processes in an emotion-relevant task, and (iii) a misaligned precision-weighting process of task-irrelevant stimuli according to the predictive coding framework. These different interpretations could be reflected by previous studies showing heterogeneity of psychological deficits in individuals with ADHD symptoms. However, the generalizability to patients with diagnosed ADHD is limited due to the measurement tool for ADHD symptoms and the sample characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Rapp
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Sandra A Mai-Lippold
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Eleana Georgiou
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Olga Pollatos
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89069 Ulm, Germany
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El Ali A, Ney R, van Berlo ZMC, Cesar P. Is that My Heartbeat? Measuring and Understanding Modality-Dependent Cardiac Interoception in Virtual Reality. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON VISUALIZATION AND COMPUTER GRAPHICS 2023; 29:4805-4815. [PMID: 37782606 DOI: 10.1109/tvcg.2023.3320228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Measuring interoception ('perceiving internal bodily states') has diagnostic and wellbeing implications. Since heartbeats are distinct and frequent, various methods aim at measuring cardiac interoceptive accuracy (CIAcc). However, the role of exteroceptive modalities for representing heart rate (HR) across screen-based and Virtual Reality (VR) environments remains unclear. Using a PolarH10 HR monitor, we develop a modality-dependent cardiac recognition task that modifies displayed HR. In a mixed-factorial design (N=50), we investigate how task environment (Screen, VR), modality (Audio, Visual, Audio-Visual), and real-time HR modifications (±15%, ±30%, None) influence CIAcc, interoceptive awareness, mind-body measures, VR presence, and post-experience responses. Findings showed that participants confused their HR with underestimates up to 30%; environment did not affect CIAcc but influenced mind-related measures; modality did not influence CIAcc, however including audio increased interoceptive awareness; and VR presence inversely correlated with CIAcc. We contribute a lightweight and extensible cardiac interoception measurement method, and implications for biofeedback displays.
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Rafi H, Murray R, Delavari F, Perroud N, Vuilleumier P, Debbané M, Piguet C. Neural Basis of Internal Attention in Adults with Pure and Comorbid ADHD. J Atten Disord 2023; 27:423-436. [PMID: 36635890 DOI: 10.1177/10870547221147546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether putatively atypical neuronal activity during internal attention in ADHD yields insights into processes underlying emotion dysregulation. METHODS We used a word processing paradigm to assess neural activations in adults with ADHD (N = 46) compared to controls (N = 43). We measured effects of valence, applied partial-least squares correlation analysis to assess multivariate brainbehavior relationships and ran subgroup analyses to isolate results driven by pure ADHD (N = 18). RESULTS During internal attention, ADHD, compared to controls, have (1) increased activation in the right angular gyrus (rAG), which appears driven by pure, not comorbid, ADHD and (2) diminished activation in the insula and fronto-striatal circuitry. Diminished activations were driven by negatively-valenced internal attention and negatively correlated with increased affective lability within the ADHD group. CONCLUSION Internal attention in ADHD is associated with increased rAG activation, possibly reflecting difficulty converging external and internal information, and diminished activation within emotion regulation circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan Murray
- University of Geneva, Switzerland
- University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Switzerland
| | - Farnaz Delavari
- University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Martin Debbané
- University of Geneva, Switzerland
- University College London, UK
| | - Camille Piguet
- University of Geneva, Switzerland
- University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland
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Leisman G, Melillo R. Front and center: Maturational dysregulation of frontal lobe functional neuroanatomic connections in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:936025. [PMID: 36081853 PMCID: PMC9446472 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.936025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontal lobe function may not universally explain all forms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but the frontal lobe hypothesis described supports an internally consistent model for integrating the numerous behaviors associated with ADHD. The paper examines the developmental trajectories of frontal and prefrontal lobe development, framing ADHD as maturational dysregulation concluding that the cognitive, motor, and behavioral abilities of the presumptive majority of ADHD children may not primarily be disordered or dysfunctional but reflect maturational dysregulation that is inconsistent with the psychomotor and cognitive expectations for the child’s chronological and mental age. ADHD children demonstrate decreased activation of the right and middle prefrontal cortex. Prefrontal and frontal lobe regions have an exuberant network of shared pathways with the diencephalic region, also having a regulatory function in arousal as well as with the ascending reticular formation which has a capacity for response suppression to task-irrelevant stimuli. Prefrontal lesions oftentimes are associated with the regulatory breakdown of goal-directed activity and impulsivity. In conclusion, a presumptive majority of childhood ADHD may result from maturational dysregulation of the frontal lobes with effects on the direct, indirect and/or, hyperdirect pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry Leisman
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Neurology, University of Medical Sciences of Havana, Havana, Cuba
- *Correspondence: Gerry Leisman,
| | - Robert Melillo
- Movement and Cognition Laboratory, Department of Physical Therapy, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Sun W, Ueno D, Narumoto J. Brain Neural Underpinnings of Interoception and Decision-Making in Alzheimer's Disease: A Narrative Review. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:946136. [PMID: 35898412 PMCID: PMC9309692 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.946136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study reviews recent literature on interoception directing decision-making in Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to the somatic marker hypothesis, signals from the internal body direct decision-making and involve the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). After reviewing relevant studies, we summarize the brain areas related to interoception and decision-making (e.g., vmPFC, hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, anterior cingulate cortex, and insular cortex) and their roles in and relationships with AD pathology. Moreover, we outline the relationship among interoception, the autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, and AD pathology. We discuss that impaired interoception leads to decreased decision-making ability in people with AD from the perspective of brain neural underpinning. Additionally, we emphasize that anosognosia or reduced self-awareness and metacognition in AD are remarkably congruent with the malfunction of the autonomic nervous system regulating the interoceptive network. Furthermore, we propose that impaired interoception may contribute to a loss in the decision-making ability of patients with AD. However, there still exist empirical challenges in confirming this proposal. First, there has been no standardization for measuring or improving interoception to enhance decision-making ability in patients with AD. Future studies are required to better understand how AD pathology induces impairments in interoception and decision-making.
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Yang HX, Zhou HY, Li Y, Cui YH, Xiang Y, Yuan RM, Lui SSY, Chan RCK. Decreased interoceptive accuracy in children with autism spectrum disorder and with comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Autism Res 2022; 15:729-739. [PMID: 35088528 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interoception refers to the awareness of internal physiological state. Several previous studies reported that people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have diverse patterns of interoception, but the extent of literature is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the interoceptive accuracy (IA) in children with ASD, children with comorbid ASD and ADHD, and typically developing (TD) children with high and low levels of autistic traits. We administered the eye-tracking interoceptive accuracy task (EIAT) to 30 children with ASD, 20 children with comorbid ASD and ADHD, and 63 TD controls with high and low levels of autistic traits. Parent-report scales concerning ASD and ADHD symptoms were collected. ASD children with and without comorbid ADHD both exhibited lower IA than TD children. Reduced IA was also found in TD children with high-autistic traits relative to those with low-autistic traits. IA was negatively correlated with autistic and ADHD symptoms. Atypical cardiac interoception could be found in children with ASD. Difficulties in sensing and comprehending internal bodily signals in childhood may be related to both ASD and ADHD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Xue 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
| | - Han-Yu Zhou
- 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.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Li
- Psychiatry Department, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Hua Cui
- Psychiatry Department, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Research Center for Mental Health Education, Beijing Institute of Education Shijingshan Branch, Beijing, China
| | - Rong-Man Yuan
- Primary School of Jingyuan, Jingyuan School, Beijing, China
| | - Simon S Y Lui
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - 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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11
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Narapareddy A, Eckland MR, Riordan HR, Cascio CJ, Isaacs DA. Altered Interoceptive Sensibility in Adults With Chronic Tic Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:914897. [PMID: 35800022 PMCID: PMC9253400 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.914897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interoception refers to the sensing, interpretation, integration, and regulation of signals about the body's internal physiological state. Interoceptive sensibility is the subjective evaluation of interoceptive experience, as assessed by self-report measures, and is abnormal in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. Research examining interoceptive sensibility in individuals with chronic tic disorders (CTDs), however, has yielded conflicting results, likely due to methodologic differences between studies and small sample sizes. OBJECTIVE We sought to compare interoceptive sensibility between adults with CTD and healthy controls, adjusting for co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, and to examine the relationship of interoceptive sensibility with other CTD clinical features, in particular, premonitory urge. METHODS We recruited adults with CTDs and sex- and age-matched healthy controls to complete the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Version 2 (MAIA-2), as well as a battery of measures assessing psychiatric symptoms prevalent in CTD populations. CTD participants additionally completed scales quantifying tic severity, premonitory urge severity, and health-related quality of life. We conducted between-group contrasts (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) for each MAIA-2 subscale, analyzed the effect of psychiatric symptoms on identified between-group differences (multivariable linear regression), and examined within-group relationships between MAIA-2 subscales and other clinical measures (Spearman rank correlations, multivariable linear regression). RESULTS Between adults with CTD (n = 48) and healthy controls (n = 48), MAIA-2 Noticing and Not-Worrying subscale scores significantly differed. After adjusting for covariates, lower MAIA-2 Not-Worrying subscale scores were significantly associated with female sex (β = 0.42, p < 0.05) and greater severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (β = -0.028, p < 0.01), but not with CTD diagnosis. After adjusting for severity of tics and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, a composite of MAIA-2 Noticing, Attention Regulation, Emotional Awareness, Self-Regulation, Body Listening, and Trusting subscales (β = 2.52, p < 0.01) was significantly associated with premonitory urge. CONCLUSION Study results revealed three novel findings: adults with CTD experience increased anxiety-associated somatization and increased general body awareness relative to healthy controls; anxiety-associated somatization is more closely associated with sex and obsessive-compulsive symptoms than with CTD diagnosis; and increased general body awareness is associated with greater severity of premonitory urges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle R Eckland
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Heather R Riordan
- Department of Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - David A Isaacs
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN, United States
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12
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Miller D, Rees J, Pearson A. "Masking Is Life": Experiences of Masking in Autistic and Nonautistic Adults. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2021; 3:330-338. [PMID: 36601640 PMCID: PMC8992921 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2020.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Autistic masking is an emerging research area, and so far, research has suggested that masking has a negative effect on autistic people. Masking relates to general social practices (such as identity management) and is often driven by stigma avoidance. Many nonautistic people also experience stigma that might drive them to suppress aspects of their identity. In this study, we investigate similarities and differences in experiences of masking in autistic and nonautistic people. Methods We conducted an online survey about experiences and views of masking in autistic people (n = 144), neurodivergent people without an autism diagnosis (n = 49), and neurotypical people (n = 45) recruited via social media. We used thematic analysis to analyze responses to open-ended items about masking, using an inductive approach, at a semantic level, with a critical realist paradigm. Results Thematic analysis revealed that some aspects of masking are shared across autistic and nonautistic people, such as utilizing mimicry of others as a social strategy or feeling exhausted from masking. All groups reported that masking made them feel disconnected from their true sense of identity and had a negative effect on them. Other aspects of masking seemed more specific to autistic people, such as sensory suppression, and masking leading to suicidal ideation. Conclusions Our findings suggest that many aspects of masking are experienced across different neurotypes and are likely related to outside perceptions of difference and stigma. It is likely that what we call "autistic masking" is similar to other forms of stigma management previously theorized. Some aspects of masking do seem more specific to the autistic neurotype (e.g., suppression of stimming) and should be explored further to provide support for autistic people recovering from the negative impact of masking. Lay summary Why was this study done?: Masking is the process of intentionally, or unintentionally, hiding aspects of yourself to avoid harm. Recent research has suggested that autistic people might mask a lot and that this can lead to long-term problems in mental health. At the moment, we do not know which parts of masking are specific to autistic people, and which parts might be experienced by others, especially other neurodivergent people who are not autistic, for example, people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).What was the purpose of this study?: The purpose of this study was to find out about masking in autistic and nonautistic people, to find out whether some parts of masking are specific to autistic people, or experienced by others.What did the researchers do?: We conducted an online survey about masking with three groups of people: autistic people, nonautistic people who have another neurodevelopmental or mental health diagnosis, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or depression, and nonautistic people who do not have any neurodevelopmental or mental health diagnoses. The survey included an open text box for people to write about their experiences of masking and their opinions about masking. We analyzed these responses using a method called "thematic analysis." This method helps us look for ideas that people commonly talk about in their answers.What were the results of this study?: We found out that autistic and nonautistic people think masking is very complicated and has a negative effect on them. Both autistic and nonautistic people said that masking made them exhausted and really unhappy and that it made them feel like people did not know the "real them." Only autistic people mentioned that masking sometimes makes them feel suicidal and that masking includes things that other groups did not mention (such as trying to hide being upset by sensory things such as loud noise).What do these findings add to what was already known?: Our findings suggest that some aspects of masking do not just affect autistic people (such as feeling like people do not know the real you), but other parts might be more unique to autistic people (such as hiding stims from other people).What are potential weaknesses in this study?: More women than men and nonbinary people took part, which means that we know more about women than other people. We also do not really know whether everyone in the nonautistic groups were really "not autistic." They could be autistic people who do not have a diagnosis, which might affect our results.How will these findings help autistic people now or in the future?: We hope our findings will help people to understand how masking affects autistic and nonautistic people. We also hope that people designing new studies will look at important things such as whether someone is autistic and nonbinary, or autistic and ADHD as these things might affect their experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Miller
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
| | - Jon Rees
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Pearson
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom.,Address correspondence to: Amy Pearson, PhD, Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, School of Psychology, University of Sunderland, Helen McArdle House, City Campus, Sunderland SR1 3SD, United Kingdom
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13
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Brewer R, Murphy J, Bird G. Atypical interoception as a common risk factor for psychopathology: A review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 130:470-508. [PMID: 34358578 PMCID: PMC8522807 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The inadequacy of a categorial approach to mental health diagnosis is now well-recognised, with many authors, diagnostic manuals and funding bodies advocating a dimensional, trans-diagnostic approach to mental health research. Variance in interoception, the ability to perceive one's internal bodily state, is reported across diagnostic boundaries, and is associated with atypical functioning across symptom categories. Drawing on behavioural and neuroscientific evidence, we outline current research on the contribution of interoception to numerous cognitive and affective abilities (in both typical and clinical populations), and describe the interoceptive atypicalities seen in a range of psychiatric conditions. We discuss the role that interoception may play in the development and maintenance of psychopathology, as well as the ways in which interoception may differ across clinical presentations. A number of important areas for further research on the role of interoception in psychopathology are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Brewer
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Murphy
- Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, United Kingdom.
| | - Geoffrey Bird
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, United Kingdom
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14
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Vig L, Ferentzi E, Köteles F. Sustained attention is related to heartbeat counting task performance but not to self-reported aspects of interoception and mindfulness. Conscious Cogn 2021; 95:103209. [PMID: 34534738 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2021.103209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although association between sustained attention and various aspects of interoception (i.e. the perception of the body state) seems plausible, research on this subject is scarce. In the present study, 74 undergraduate students (41 females; age: 22.3 ± 4.04 yrs) filled out the Body Awareness Questionnaire, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and the Somatosensory Amplification Scale and completed the Heartbeat Counting Task (HCT), a sensory-perceptual measure of cardiac interoception and the PEBL Continuous Performance Test (CPT) assessing sustained attention. The HCT score showed a weak to moderate negative correlation with the number of commission errors shown in CPT, indicating a lack of response inhibition (frequentist analysis: rs = -0.313, p = 0.008; Bayesian analysis: τb = -0.216, BF10 = 5.865). Questionnaire measures did not show any connection with CPT-performance. These findings suggest that the subjective representation of attentiveness to bodily processes is unrelated to the objectively measured sustained attention. Response inhibition, however, is moderately related to HCT performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Vig
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Kazinczy utca 23-27., 1075 Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Bogdánfy Ödön utca 10/B, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter Ferentzi
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Bogdánfy Ödön utca 10/B, 1117 Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Ferenc Köteles
- Institute of Health Promotion and Sport Sciences, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Bogdánfy Ödön utca 10/B, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
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15
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Chen WG, Schloesser D, Arensdorf AM, Simmons JM, Cui C, Valentino R, Gnadt JW, Nielsen L, Hillaire-Clarke CS, Spruance V, Horowitz TS, Vallejo YF, Langevin HM. The Emerging Science of Interoception: Sensing, Integrating, Interpreting, and Regulating Signals within the Self. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:3-16. [PMID: 33378655 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interoception refers to the representation of the internal states of an organism, and includes the processes by which it senses, interprets, integrates, and regulates signals from within itself. This review presents a unified research framework and attempts to offer definitions for key terms to describe the processes involved in interoception. We elaborate on these definitions through illustrative research findings, and provide brief overviews of central aspects of interoception, including the anatomy and function of neural and non-neural pathways, diseases and disorders, manipulations and interventions, and predictive modeling. We conclude with discussions about major research gaps and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen G Chen
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Dana Schloesser
- Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Angela M Arensdorf
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Janine M Simmons
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Changhai Cui
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rita Valentino
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James W Gnadt
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lisbeth Nielsen
- National Institute on Aging (NIA), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Victoria Spruance
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Todd S Horowitz
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yolanda F Vallejo
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Helene M Langevin
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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16
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Bonaz B, Lane RD, Oshinsky ML, Kenny PJ, Sinha R, Mayer EA, Critchley HD. Diseases, Disorders, and Comorbidities of Interoception. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:39-51. [PMID: 33378656 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Interoception, the sense of the body's internal physiological state, underpins homeostatic reflexes, motivational states, and sensations contributing to emotional experiences. The continuous nature of interoceptive processing, coupled to behavior, is implicated in the neurobiological construction of the sense of self. Aberrant integration and control of interoceptive signals, originating in the brain and/or the periphery, can perturb the whole system. Interoceptive abnormalities are implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders and in the symptomatic expression of developmental, neurodegenerative, and neurological disorders. Moreover, interoceptive mechanisms appear central to somatic disorders of brain-body interactions, including functional digestive disorders, chronic pain, and comorbid conditions. The present article provides an overview of disorders of interoception and suggests future directions for better understanding, diagnosis, and management of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bonaz
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, Grenoble Institute Neurosciences and Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, CHU Grenoble Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, France.
| | - Richard D Lane
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724-5002, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724-5002, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724-5002, USA
| | - Michael L Oshinsky
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Paul J Kenny
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rajita Sinha
- Yale Stress Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Emeran A Mayer
- G. Oppenheimer Family Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hugo D Critchley
- Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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17
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Individuals with Autistic Traits Exhibit Heightened Alexithymia But Intact Interoceptive-Exteroceptive Sensory Integration. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:3142-3152. [PMID: 34286394 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05199-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Interoceptive accuracy has been widely measured using the Heartbeat Tracking Test (HTT). We devised the novel paradigm of Interoception-Exteroception Synchronicity Judgement (IESJ) task to assess participants' interoceptive accuracy, exteroceptive accuracy, and the balancing score which reflected the ability to allocate attentions between interoceptive and exteroceptive signals. This study administered the behavioural paradigms of the HTT and the IESJ as well as other self-report scales to 119 typically-developing youths. Individuals with lower autistic traits (n = 30) showed comparable interoceptive accuracy, exteroceptive accuracy, and balancing scores as their higher autistic traits counterparts (n = 33). Taken together, the high autistic traits subgroup exhibited higher levels of alexithymia but not empathy or interoception than the low autistic traits subgroup.
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