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de la Torre Laso J. The Reality of Tonic Immobility in Victims of Sexual Violence: "I was Paralyzed, I Couldn't Move". TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:1630-1637. [PMID: 37555259 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231191232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Tonic immobility (TI) is a state of temporary, involuntary motor inhibition that occurs in states of intense fear and has been studied among victims of sexual violence. Studies on TI are scarce and mainly focus on rape victims. The present study is a literature review of research that has examined TI in women victims of sexual violence. A database search was carried out using the Preferred data elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) method. In order to be included in the analysis, the manuscripts had to deal exclusively with research involving samples of subjects and the study analyzed TI in victims of sexual violence. In all, 11 manuscripts met the above criteria and were included in the review. Research describes that TI is characterized by two factors: fear and immobility. Quantitative research was conclusive in affirming the presence of a state of paralysis and fear in TI. The immobility factor is the determining factor in explaining the victim's lack of defense or resistance and causes effects such as trembling, physical and mental paralysis, inability to vocalize, and eye closure. In addition, TI has been correlated with long-term negative clinical manifestations as victims are more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. These findings contribute to an understanding of TI in victims of sexual violence. Therefore, legal and care practitioners must be able to recognize TI to understand the victim's behavior, differentiate it from consent, and to be able to assist in their recovery.
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Xavier M, Volchan E, Machado AV, David IA, Oliveira L, Portugal LCL, Souza GGL, Erthal FS, Alves RDCS, Mocaiber I, Pereira MG. Threat directionality modulates defensive reactions in humans: cardiac and electrodermal responses. Cogn Emot 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38554265 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2024.2335535] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Features of threatening cues and the associated context influence the perceived imminence of threat and the defensive responses evoked. To provide additional knowledge about how the directionality of a threat (i.e. directed-towards or away from the viewer) might impact defensive responses in humans, participants were shown pictures of a man carrying a gun (threat) or nonlethal object (neutral) directed-away from or towards the participant. Cardiac and electrodermal responses were collected. Compared to neutral images, threatening images depicting a gun directed-towards the participant induced sustained bradycardia and an increased electrodermal response, interpreted as immobility under attack. This defensive immobility reaction is evoked by high perceived threat and inescapable situations and indicates intense action preparation. Pictures of guns directed-away from the participant induced shorter bradycardia and no significant modulation of the electrodermal response compared to neutral pictures, which might be consistent with the perception of a less threatening situation. The results show that the directionality of threat stimuli is a key factor that prompts different patterns of defensive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Xavier
- Laboratory of Cognitive Psychophysiology, Department of Natural Sciences, Federal Fluminense University, Rio das Ostras, Brazil
- Programa de pós-graduação em Medicina (Neurologia/Neurociências), Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brasil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Arthur V Machado
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Isabel A David
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Letícia Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Liana C L Portugal
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Physiological Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela G L Souza
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Fátima S Erthal
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Rita de Cássia S Alves
- Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Izabela Mocaiber
- Laboratory of Cognitive Psychophysiology, Department of Natural Sciences, Federal Fluminense University, Rio das Ostras, Brazil
| | - Mirtes G Pereira
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
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Arruda Sanchez T, Ramos LR, Araujo F, Schenberg EE, Yonamine M, Lobo I, de Araujo DB, Luna LE. Emotion regulation effects of Ayahuasca in experienced subjects during implicit aversive stimulation: An fMRI study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 320:117430. [PMID: 37979818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ayahuasca is a beverage used in Amazonian traditional medicine and it has been part of the human experience for millennia as well as other different psychoactive plants. Although Ayahuasca has been proposed as potentially therapeutic as an anxiolytic and antidepressant, whilst no studies have been carried out so far investigating their direct effect on brain emotional processing. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to measure the emotional acute effect of Ayahuasca on brain response to implicit aversive stimulation using a face recognition task in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen male experienced Ayahuasca users participated in this study in two fMRI sessions before and after 50 min of the Ayahuasca ingestion. Subjects were presented with pictures of neutral (A) and aversive (B) (fearful or disgusted) faces from the Pictures of Facial Affect Series. Subjects were instructed to identify the gender of the faces (gender discrimination task) while the emotional content was implicit. Subjective mood states were also evaluated before Ayahuasca intake and after the second fMRI session, using a visual analogue mood scale (VAMS). RESULTS During the aversive stimuli, the activity in the bilateral amygdala was attenuated by Ayahuasca (qFDR<0.05). Furthermore, in an exploratory analysis of the effects after intake, Ayahuasca enhances the activation in the insular cortex bilaterally, as well as in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (qFDR<0.05). In the psychometric VAMS scale, subjects reported attenuation of both anxiety and mental sedation (p < 0.01) during acute effects. CONCLUSIONS Together, all reported results including neuroimaging, behavioral data and psychometric self-report suggest that Ayahuasca can promote an emotion regulation mechanism in response to aversive stimuli with corresponding improved cognition including reduced anxiety and mental sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Arruda Sanchez
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Rego Ramos
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Araujo
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Mauricio Yonamine
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela Lobo
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Draulio Barros de Araujo
- Brain Institute / Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Luis Eduardo Luna
- Research Centre for the study of psychointegrator plants, Visionary Art and Consciousness - Wasiwaska, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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4
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Alpay EH, Aydın A. Effects of peritraumatic reactions on post-traumatic stress among Kahramanmaras earthquake survivors. Nord J Psychiatry 2024; 78:153-161. [PMID: 38165775 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2023.2291548] [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] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Peritraumatic reactions play a crucial role in the development of mental health problems, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, this study sought to examine the influence of the peritraumatic reactions, including peritraumatic dissociation, peritraumatic distress, mental defeat, and tonic immobility, on post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder in earthquake survivors. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 261 adult participants aged between 18 and 65 (Mage=29.20, SD = 28.06, 162 were female, and 99 were male) who were exposed to the Kahramanmaras earthquake in February 2023 were recruited in the study. Data were collected between April 10 and 18 2023, two months after the earthquake. Participants completed questionnaires, including The International Trauma Questionnaire, The International Depression Questionnaire, The Mental Defeat Questionnaire, The Tonic Immobility Scale, and The Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire. RESULTS Two-step multiple linear regression analyses indicated all peritraumatic reactions predicted both post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Dominance analysis results showed that the contribution of peritraumatic dissociation in predicting PTSD and depression was higher among other peritraumatic reactions. CONCLUSION The findings of the study revealed a robust association between peritraumatic reactions and both depression and PTSD, shedding light on the underlying processes in the development of trauma-related disorders. Early assessment of peritraumatic reactions may be useful in identifying individuals at risk of developing PTSD and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre H Alpay
- Department of Psychology, Mersin University, Mersin, Türkiye
| | - Arzu Aydın
- Department of Psychology, Mersin University, Mersin, Türkiye
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Coimbra BM, Hoeboer CM, van Zuiden M, Williamson RE, D'Elia AT, Mello AF, Mello MF, Olff M. The relationship between tonic immobility and the development, severity, and course of posttraumatic stress disorder: Systematic and meta-analytic literature review. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 97:102730. [PMID: 37229971 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tonic immobility (TI) is a reflexive, involuntary response that causes motor inhibition, vocal suppression, and analgesia. TI is elicited by extreme fear and perception of entrapment in a life-threatening situation. Research suggests that TI is a frequent peritraumatic response and may be related to subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, findings are mixed and, as of yet, no systematic or meta-analytic review examining associations between TI and PTSD has been published. OBJECTIVE We systematically and meta-analytically reviewed the literature and investigated whether TI is associated with the development, severity, and course of PTSD. Additionally, we evaluated whether different types of traumatic events are differentially associated with TI, and whether TI severity differs according to sex. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Meta-analyses were performed on the included articles. RESULTS We identified 27 eligible articles. We found a significant association between TI and PTSD symptom severity (r = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.34-0.44; p < .0001). TI was more severe among females (Cohen's d=0.37, 95% CI: 0.25-0.48; p < .0001) and was more often elicited in situations involving interpersonal violence. We found limited longitudinal data to perform a meta-analysis of the association between TI and the development and/or course of PTSD. However, the literature available seems to support the role of TI in both the development and course of PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Peritraumatic TI is associated with PTSD symptom severity, occurs more often during interpersonal violence, and is more severe among females. More longitudinal research is needed to investigate the role of TI in psychopathology development and course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Messina Coimbra
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Program for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Chris Maria Hoeboer
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam van Zuiden
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rachel E Williamson
- Department of Psychology, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Ana Teresa D'Elia
- Program for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea Feijo Mello
- Program for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Feijo Mello
- Program for Research and Care on Violence and PTSD (PROVE), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miranda Olff
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, the Netherlands
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Neuner F. Physical and social trauma: Towards an integrative transdiagnostic perspective on psychological trauma that involves threats to status and belonging. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 99:102219. [PMID: 36395560 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102219] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Current theories of psychological trauma assume that posttraumatic symptoms originate from stress reactions caused by extremely adverse life experiences. Since the diagnosis of PTSD is restricted to events that involve threats to the physical or sexual integrity of a person, such as accidents and physical and sexual violence, these theories are not well suited to explain the psychopathological consequences of severe violations of one's social integrity, such as emotional abuse and bullying. However, it is evident that social threats contribute to a broad range of mental disorders and increase symptom severity in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder. The aim of the Physical and Social Trauma (PAST) framework is to extend current memory theories of psychological trauma to incorporate threats to a person's social integrity. Within this perspective, the harmful effects of events that involve social threats result from violations of core social motives such as the need for status and belonging that bring about intense affective reactions, including despair and defeat. Within associative threat structures, these emotions are tied to the stimulus characteristics of the experiences and can be re-activated in social situations. The resulting psychopathology transcends PTSD criteria and other current classifications and suggests a transdiagnostic perspective of psychological trauma. Implications for treatment and further directions for research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Neuner
- Bielefeld University, Department of Psychology, Postbox 100131, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany.
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Berthail B, Trousselard M, Lecouvey G, Fraisse F, Peschanski D, Eustache F, Gagnepain P, Dayan J. Peritraumatic physical symptoms and the clinical trajectory of PTSD after a terrorist attack: a network model approach. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2225154. [PMID: 37458735 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2225154] [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] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Following a mass casualty event, such as the Paris terrorist attacks of 13 November 2015, first responders need to identify individuals at risk of PTSD. Physical peritraumatic symptoms involving the autonomic nervous system may be useful in this task.Objective: We sought to determine the trajectory of physical response intensity in individuals exposed to the Paris terrorist attacks using repeated measures, and to examine its associations with PTSD. Using network modelling, we examined whether peritraumatic physical symptom associations differed by PTSD status.Methods: Physical reactions were assessed using the Subjective Physical Reactions Scale at three time points: peritraumatic by retrospective recall, then current at one year (8-18 months) and three years (30-42 months) after the attacks. Interaction networks between peritraumatic physical reactions were compared according to PTSD status.Results: On the one hand, the reported intensity of physical reactions was significantly higher in the PTSD group at all time points. On the other hand, using the dynamic approach, more robust positive interactions between peritraumatic physical reactions were found in the PTSD group one and three years after the attacks. Negative interactions were found in the no-PTSD group at one year. Peritraumatic physical numbness was found to be the most central network symptom in the PTSD group, whereas it was least central in the no-PTSD group.Discussion: Network analysis of the interaction between peritraumatic physical subjective responses, particularly physical numbness, may provide insight into the clinical course of PTSD. Our knowledge of the brain regions involved in dissociation supports the hypothesis that the periaqueductal grey may contribute to the process leading to physical numbing.Conclusions: Our findings highlight the role of peritraumatic somatic symptoms in the course of PTSD. Peritraumatic physical numbness appears to be a key marker of PTSD and its identification may help to improve early triage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Berthail
- French Military Health Service Academy, Paris, France
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Caen, France
| | - Marion Trousselard
- French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
- APEMAC, Université de Lorraine, Metz, France
| | - Gregory Lecouvey
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Caen, France
| | - Florence Fraisse
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Caen, France
| | - Denis Peschanski
- EHESS, CNRS, UMR8209, Université Paris I Panthéon Sorbonne, HESAM Université, Paris, France
| | - Francis Eustache
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Caen, France
| | - Pierre Gagnepain
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Caen, France
| | - Jacques Dayan
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, GIP Cyceron, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, Caen, France
- Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université Rennes 1, Rennes, France
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8
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Beyond fear: Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder fail to engage in safety cues. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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9
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Kearney BE, Lanius RA. The brain-body disconnect: A somatic sensory basis for trauma-related disorders. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1015749. [PMID: 36478879 PMCID: PMC9720153 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1015749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the manifestation of trauma in the body is a phenomenon well-endorsed by clinicians and traumatized individuals, the neurobiological underpinnings of this manifestation remain unclear. The notion of somatic sensory processing, which encompasses vestibular and somatosensory processing and relates to the sensory systems concerned with how the physical body exists in and relates to physical space, is introduced as a major contributor to overall regulatory, social-emotional, and self-referential functioning. From a phylogenetically and ontogenetically informed perspective, trauma-related symptomology is conceptualized to be grounded in brainstem-level somatic sensory processing dysfunction and its cascading influences on physiological arousal modulation, affect regulation, and higher-order capacities. Lastly, we introduce a novel hierarchical model bridging somatic sensory processes with limbic and neocortical mechanisms regulating an individual's emotional experience and sense of a relational, agentive self. This model provides a working framework for the neurobiologically informed assessment and treatment of trauma-related conditions from a somatic sensory processing perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne E. Kearney
- Department of Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ruth A. Lanius
- Department of Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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10
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Loeb EL, Gonzalez MZ, Hunt G, Uchino BN, de Grey RGK, Allen JP. Socioeconomic status in early adolescence predicts blunted stress responses in adulthood. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22294. [PMID: 35748628 PMCID: PMC9328275 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Individuals who grow up in families with lower socioeconomic status (SES) tend to experience disproportionate rates of chronic stress. The “freeze” response, characterized by blunted cardiovascular reactivity and reduced engagement with the environment, is associated with chronic stress and may be utilized when an individual is unable to escape or overcome environmental stressors. Using a diverse community sample of 184 adolescents followed from the age of 13 to 29 years, along with their friends and romantic partners, this study examined links between family SES and stress responses in adulthood. Low family SES at the age of 13 years directly predicted blunted heart rate responding and fewer attempts to answer math problems during a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Task at the age of 29 years. Indirect effects were found from low family SES to blunted respiratory sinus arrhythmia responding and the number of words spoken during a speech task. SES at the age of 29 years mediated many of these relations. Findings held after accounting for a number of potential confounds, including adolescent academic and attachment functioning and body mass index. We interpret these findings as evidence that low familial SES may predict freezing‐type responses in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Loeb
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Gabrielle Hunt
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Joseph P Allen
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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11
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Gama CMF, de Souza Junior S, Gonçalves RM, Santos EDC, Machado AV, Portugal LCL, Passos RBF, Erthal FS, Vilete LMP, Mendlowicz MV, Berger W, Volchan E, de Oliveira L, Pereira MG. Tonic immobility is associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms in healthcare professionals exposed to COVID-19-related trauma. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 90:102604. [PMID: 35917747 PMCID: PMC9272678 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed healthcare workers (HCW) to traumatic situations that might lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An important vulnerability factor for PTSD is the peritraumatic tonic immobility (TI) reaction, an involuntary and reflexive defensive response evoked by an intense and inescapable threat. TI is largely understudied in humans and has not been investigated during trauma related to COVID-19. For HCW, the pandemic context might be experienced as an intense and potentially inescapable threat, i.e., an overwhelming situation. Here, we investigated if TI response occurred during traumatic events related to the pandemic and its association with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). An online survey of 1001 HCW investigated COVID-19-related traumatic experiences, TI and PTSS. TI was reported for all types of traumatic events, and multivariate regression models revealed that TI was significantly associated with PTSS severity. HCW who reported high TI scores exhibited an increase of 9.08 times the probability of having a probable diagnosis of PTSD. Thus, TI was evoked by pandemic-related traumatic situations and associated with PTSS severity and higher odds of a PTSD diagnosis. Tonic immobility occurrence should be screened, and psychoeducation about its reflexive biological nature should be introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Monteiro Fabricio Gama
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento (LabNeC), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, São Domingos, 24210-130 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Sérgio de Souza Junior
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento (LabNeC), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, São Domingos, 24210-130 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Raquel Menezes Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento (LabNeC), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, São Domingos, 24210-130 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Emmanuele da Conceição Santos
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento (LabNeC), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, São Domingos, 24210-130 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Arthur Viana Machado
- Laboratório de Psicofisiologia Cognitiva, de Ciencias da NaturezaDepartamento de Ciências da Natureza, Instituto de Humanidades e Saúde, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Recife s/no Jardim Bela Vista, 28890-000 Rio das Ostras, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Liana Catarina Lima Portugal
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento (LabNeC), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, São Domingos, 24210-130 Niterói, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Centro Biomédico, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Professor Manuel de Abreu 444, 5º andar, Vila Isabel, 20550-170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Roberta Benitez Freitas Passos
- Departamento de Medicina Geral, Escola de Medicina e Cirurgia, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Mariz e Barros 775, 7a. enfermaria, Maracanã, 20270-004 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Fátima Smith Erthal
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Bloco G, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão 21949-900, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Liliane Maria Pereira Vilete
- Instituto de Psiquiatria da UFRJ, Departamento de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Venceslau Brás, 71, Fundos, Botafogo, 22290140 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto de Psiquiatria da UFRJ, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Venceslau Brás, 71, Fundos, Botafogo, 22290140 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Mauro Vitor Mendlowicz
- Instituto de Psiquiatria da UFRJ, Departamento de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Venceslau Brás, 71, Fundos, Botafogo, 22290140 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Avenida Marquês de Paraná, 303, prédio anexo, 3º andar, Centro, 24030-215 Niteroi, RJ, Brazil.
| | - William Berger
- Instituto de Psiquiatria da UFRJ, Departamento de Psiquiatria e Saúde Mental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Avenida Venceslau Brás, 71, Fundos, Botafogo, 22290140 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Bloco G, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ilha do Fundão 21949-900, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Leticia de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento (LabNeC), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, São Domingos, 24210-130 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Mirtes Garcia Pereira
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento (LabNeC), Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, São Domingos, 24210-130 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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12
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Lalonde R, Strazielle C. Neurochemical anatomy of dorsal and tonic immobility responses. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 213:173334. [PMID: 35026175 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal immobility response (DIR) and the tonic immobility response (TIR) are cutaneo-motor reflexes typically triggered when a prey is seized. The neurochemical basis of the DIR appears to pass through the basal ganglia via dopaminergic fibers, while the neurochemical basis of the TIR appears to include a circuit comprising the amygdala, the periaqueductal gray (PAG), the dorsal raphe, and the nucleus magnus raphe (NMR) via glutamatergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, GABAergic, and opioid fibers. For the DIR, the basal ganglia also seem to be involved in regard to estradiol, while for the TIR, the HPA axis appears involved at the level of the amygdala and the oral pontine reticular nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lalonde
- Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, Pathogens (EA7300), Medical School, University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France; EA7475, Department of Psychology, University of Rouen-Normandie, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Catherine Strazielle
- Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, Pathogens (EA7300), Medical School, University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France.
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13
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Carli G, Farabollini F. Tonic immobility as a survival, adaptive response and as a recovery mechanism. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2022; 271:305-329. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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14
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Beutler S, Mertens YL, Ladner L, Schellong J, Croy I, Daniels JK. Trauma-related dissociation and the autonomic nervous system: a systematic literature review of psychophysiological correlates of dissociative experiencing in PTSD patients. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2132599. [PMID: 36340007 PMCID: PMC9635467 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2132599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurophysiological models link dissociation (e.g. feeling detached during or after a traumatic event) to hypoarousal. It is currently assumed that the initial passive reaction to a threat may coincide with a blunted autonomic response, which constitutes the dissociative subtype of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective: Within this systematic review we summarize research which evaluates autonomic nervous system activation (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure) and dissociation in PTSD patients to discern the validity of current neurophysiological models of trauma-related hypoarousal. Method: Of 553 screened articles, 28 studies (N = 1300 subjects) investigating the physiological response to stress provocation or trauma-related interventions were included in the final analysis. Results: No clear trend exists across all measured physiological markers in trauma-related dissociation. Extracted results are inconsistent, in part due to high heterogeneity in experimental methodology. Conclusion: The current review is unable to provide robust evidence that peri- and post-traumatic dissociation are associated with hypoarousal, questioning the validity of distinct psychophysiological profiles in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Beutler
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Yoki L Mertens
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Liliana Ladner
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Julia Schellong
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilona Croy
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Medical Faculty, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Judith K Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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15
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Katz C, Tsur N, Nicolet R, Carmel N, Klebanov B. Children's Responses to Maltreatment: Key Conclusions From a Systematic Literature Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2021; 22:1155-1168. [PMID: 32116133 DOI: 10.1177/1524838020908851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment (CM) has received much research attention in recent years, leading to the enormous development of services provided to children worldwide. However, although the literature in the field of trauma studies recognizes that responses to trauma are of central importance, for a variety of reasons, the research on this subject is sparse. The current systematic literature review was therefore designed to characterize and analyze the existing knowledge on children's responses to CM, while putting in focus all possible responses that will appear in the identified manuscripts. Key databases were explored using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, and only six studies were identified as relevant to the focus of the current study. Utilizing thematic analysis, the results addressed four main themes: the studies' methodologies, the terminology and responses that were explored in these studies, the abuse-related factors and contexts that were taken into account, and the consequences for the children (of their responses to the maltreatment). A key conclusion from this review is that concepts in this area, as well as theory, are considerably lacking. Promoting the development of theory regarding children's responses to CM is urgently needed, as it will greatly impact clinical intervention, legal investigation, and the development of prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Noga Tsur
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Racheli Nicolet
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Nir Carmel
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Bella Klebanov
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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16
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Tsur N, Katz C, Talmon A. The shielding effect of not responding: Peritraumatic responses to child abuse and their links to posttraumatic symptomatology. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 121:105224. [PMID: 34392074 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive literature focuses on peritraumatic responses to trauma and their link to subsequent posttraumatic symptomatology. However, although posttraumatic symptomatology following child abuse (CA) has been documented, research on peritraumatic responses to CA is sparse. OBJECTIVE The current study utilizes a new typology of peritraumatic responses to CA and tests whether automatic and behavioral peritraumatic responses to CA differ in their long-term implications for posttraumatic symptomatology, i.e., posttraumatic stress (PTS symptoms), deficiency in self-organization (DSO symptoms; complex posttraumatic symptoms), and dissociation. PARTICIPANTS, SETTINGS AND METHODS One-hundred and eighty adult CA survivors reported on CA, peritraumatic responses, PTS symptoms, DSO symptoms, and dissociation. RESULTS The tendency to freeze and dissociate, and utilize extensive behavioral methods to survive the abuse were implicated in higher posttraumatic symptomatology (F(2,178) > 4.26, p < 0.01). The absence of automatic and behavioral responses were found to be implicated in the lowest levels of posttraumatic symptomatology (p < 0.01) and to buffer the effect of CA severity on PTS and DSO posttraumatic symptoms (0.047 > effect>0.029, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The findings uncovered a novel response pattern, reflected in a tendency to eradicate responses to CA, which was the most protective in regard to its link to later posttraumatic symptomatology. Contrarily, the most scarring peritraumatic responses to CA that arose from the findings were the tendency to freeze and dissociate and utilize various excessive behavioral methods to endure the abuse. These findings imply that CA generates several possible responses, some of which, although allowing for survival in childhood, have adverse effects in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noga Tsur
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Talmon
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, CA, United States of America
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17
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Magalhaes AA, Gama CMF, Gonçalves RM, Portugal LCL, David IA, Serpeloni F, Wernersbach Pinto L, Assis SG, Avanci JQ, Volchan E, Figueira I, Vilete LMP, Luz MP, Berger W, Erthal FS, Mendlowicz MV, Mocaiber I, Pereira MG, de Oliveira L. Tonic Immobility is Associated with PTSD Symptoms in Traumatized Adolescents. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2021; 14:1359-1369. [PMID: 34512046 PMCID: PMC8420784 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s317343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Growing evidence suggests that peritraumatic tonic immobility, an involuntary defensive response that involves extreme physical immobility and the perceived inability to escape, is a significant predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology. However, this issue has not been specifically addressed in adolescents. Here, we investigated whether tonic immobility response experienced during the worst childhood or adolescent trauma is associated with PTSD symptom severity in a non-clinical student sample. Methods The sample was composed of students in 9th grade who were attending public and private schools. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress and tonic immobility were assessed using questionnaires. We performed bivariate and multivariate negative binomial regressions to examine whether tonic immobility was associated with PTSD symptomatology after controlling for confounders (peritraumatic dissociation, peritraumatic panic reactions, gender, age and time since trauma). Results We found an association between tonic immobility and PTSD symptom severity, even after controlling for confounders. Therefore, tonic immobility is associated with PTSD symptoms in trauma-exposed adolescents. Conclusion These findings highlight tonic immobility as a possible risk factor that could be used to provide direction for more targeted trauma interventions for individuals, particularly those at risk for developing PTSD. Therefore, it contributes to preventing and reducing the psychiatric burden in adolescence and later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa A Magalhaes
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Camila M F Gama
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Raquel M Gonçalves
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Liana C L Portugal
- Department of Physiological Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Isabel A David
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Serpeloni
- Department of Violence and Health Studies, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Liana Wernersbach Pinto
- Department of Violence and Health Studies, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Simone G Assis
- Department of Violence and Health Studies, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil.,The Neurology Postgraduate Program, Hospital Gaffrée and Guinle, Unirio, RJ, 20270-901, Brazil
| | - Joviana Q Avanci
- Department of Violence and Health Studies, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Ivan Figueira
- Psychiatry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22290-140, Brazil
| | - Liliane M P Vilete
- Psychiatry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22290-140, Brazil
| | - Mariana P Luz
- Psychiatry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22290-140, Brazil
| | - William Berger
- Psychiatry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22290-140, Brazil
| | - Fatima S Erthal
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Mauro V Mendlowicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24030-215, Brazil
| | - Izabela Mocaiber
- Institute of Humanities and Health, Federal Fluminense University, Rio das Ostras, RJ, 28890-000, Brazil
| | - Mirtes G Pereira
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Leticia de Oliveira
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
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18
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Ford JD, Courtois CA. Complex PTSD and borderline personality disorder. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2021; 8:16. [PMID: 33958001 PMCID: PMC8103648 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-021-00155-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article builds on a previous review (Ford and Courtois, Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 1:9, 2014) which concluded that complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) could not be conceptualized as a sub-type of either PTSD or BPD. Recent research is reviewed that extends and clarifies the still nascent understanding of the relationship between cPTSD and BPD. MAIN BODY The circumscribed formulation of adult cPTSD that has been developed, validated, and included in the 11th Edition of the International Classification of Diseases has spurred research aimed at differentiating cPTSD and BPD both descriptively and empirically. A newly validated Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) syndrome for children and adolescents provides a basis for systematic research on the developmental course and origins of adult cPTSD and BPD. This review summarizes recent empirical findings regarding BPD, PTSD, and cPTSD in terms of: (1) prevalence and comorbidity; (2) clinical phenomenology; (3) traumatic antecedents; (4) psychobiology; (5) emotion dysregulation; (6) dissociation; and (7) empirically supported approaches to clinical assessment and psychotherapeutic treatment. CONCLUSION The evidence suggests that PTSD, cPTSD, and BPD are potentially comorbid but distinct syndromes. A hypothesis is advanced to stimulate scientific research and clinical innovation defining and differentiating the disorders, positing that they may represent a continuum paralleling the classic conceptualization of the stress response, with dissociation potentially involved in each disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian D Ford
- University of Connecticut Health Center MC1410, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-1410, USA.
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19
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Katz C, Tsur N, Talmon A, Nicolet R. Beyond fight, flight, and freeze: Towards a new conceptualization of peritraumatic responses to child sexual abuse based on retrospective accounts of adult survivors. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 112:104905. [PMID: 33418319 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child sexual abuse (CSA) studies have greatly contributed to theory, policy, and practice worldwide. Surprisingly, although trauma studies in particular have highlighted the importance of peritraumatic responses to trauma, this aspect is underdeveloped in the context of child abuse studies. OBJECTIVE The current study profiles the peritraumatic responses of children to abuse, based on adults' retrospective accounts of their childhood experiences. PARTICIPANTS & METHODS 180 adults who retrospectively reported having been sexually abused in childhood completed a questionnaire that included four categories of common peritraumatic responses to CSA: automatic, behavioral, cognitive and affective. RESULTS Latent class analysis revealed a number of classes in each of the questionnaire's four categories. Within each, classes were identified and the relationships within and between them, as well as with abuse characteristics were explored. CONCLUSIONS Existing theory with respect to peritraumatic responses to trauma, and to CSA in particular, should be reconsidered based on the multifaceted model proposed in the current study. The findings point to a previously unrecognized peritraumatic response to trauma: numbness and seeking ways to survive ongoing abuse. Finally, recommendations are provided for incorporating the current model in both prevention and intervention efforts in the CSA field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Noga Tsur
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Anat Talmon
- Psychology Department, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Racheli Nicolet
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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20
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Lobo I, Campagnoli RR, Figueira JS, Andrade I, Figueira I, Gama C, Gonçalves RM, Keil A, Pereira MG, Volchan E, Oliveira L, David IA. Hidden wounds of violence: Abnormal motor oscillatory brain activity is related to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Neuroimage 2020; 224:117404. [PMID: 32971264 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117404] [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: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Victims of urban violence are at risk of developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), one of the most debilitating consequences of violence. Considering that PTSD may be associated with inefficient selection of defensive responses, it is important to understand the relation between motor processing and PTSD. The present study aims to investigate the extent to which the severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) is related to motor preparation against visual threat cues in victims of urban violence. Participants performed a choice reaction time task while ignoring a picture that could be threating or neutral. The EEG indices extracted were the motor-related amplitude asymmetry (MRAA) in the alpha frequency range, and the lateralized readiness potential (LRP). We observed a linear relation between longer LRP latency and a slower reaction time, selectively during threat processing (compared to neutral) in low PTSS, but not in high PTSS participants. Alpha MRAA suppression and the PTSS were also linearly related: the smaller the alpha MRAA suppression in the threat condition relative to neutral, the greater the PTSS. These results provide evidence that threatening cues affect motor processing that is modulated by the severity of PTSS in victims of urban violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Lobo
- Grupo de Psicobiologia, Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia. Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rafaela R Campagnoli
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, Niterói, RJ 24210-130, Brazil; Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jéssica S Figueira
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, Niterói, RJ 24210-130, Brazil; Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Isabela Andrade
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, Niterói, RJ 24210-130, Brazil; Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ivan Figueira
- Laboratório Integrado de Pesquisa do Estresse. Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Camila Gama
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, Niterói, RJ 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Raquel M Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, Niterói, RJ 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Andreas Keil
- Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Mirtes G Pereira
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, Niterói, RJ 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia II. Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leticia Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, Niterói, RJ 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Isabel A David
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia do Comportamento, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Hernani Pires de Mello, 101, Niterói, RJ 24210-130, Brazil; Departamento de Neurobiologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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21
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Lima Portugal LC, Alves RDCS, Junior OF, Sanchez TA, Mocaiber I, Volchan E, Smith Erthal F, David IA, Kim J, Oliveira L, Padmala S, Chen G, Pessoa L, Pereira MG. Interactions between emotion and action in the brain. Neuroimage 2020; 214:116728. [PMID: 32199954 PMCID: PMC7485650 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing literature supports the existence of interactions between emotion and action in the brain, and the central participation of the anterior midcingulate cortex (aMCC) in this regard. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging study, we sought to investigate the role of self-relevance during such interactions by varying the context in which threating pictures were presented (with guns pointed towards or away from the observer). Participants performed a simple visual detection task following exposure to such stimuli. Except for voxelwise tests, we adopted a Bayesian analysis framework which evaluated evidence for the hypotheses of interest, given the data, in a continuous fashion. Behaviorally, our results demonstrated a valence by context interaction such that there was a tendency of speeding up responses to targets after viewing threat pictures directed towards the participant. In the brain, interaction patterns that paralleled those observed behaviorally were observed most notably in the middle temporal gyrus, supplementary motor area, precentral gyrus, and anterior insula. In these regions, activity was overall greater during threat conditions relative to neutral ones, and this effect was enhanced in the directed towards context. A valence by context interaction was observed in the aMCC too, where we also observed a correlation (across participants) of evoked responses and reaction time data. Taken together, our study revealed the context-sensitive engagement of motor-related areas during emotional perception, thus supporting the idea that emotion and action interact in important ways in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Catarina Lima Portugal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Soares Alves
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Orlando Fernandes Junior
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tiago Arruda Sanchez
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Izabela Mocaiber
- Laboratory of Cognitive Psychophysiology, Department of Natural Sciences, Institute of Humanities and Health, Federal Fluminense University, Rio das Ostras, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Laboratory of Neurobiology II, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fátima Smith Erthal
- Laboratory of Neurobiology II, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabel Antunes David
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jongwan Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Leticia Oliveira
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Gang Chen
- Scientific and Statistical Computing Core, National Institute of Mental Health, USA
| | - Luiz Pessoa
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Neuroimaging Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Mirtes Garcia Pereira
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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Hagenaars MA, Hagenaars JAP. Tonic immobility predicts poorer recovery from posttraumatic stress disorder. J Affect Disord 2020; 264:365-369. [PMID: 32056773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tonic immobility (TI; a state of motor arrest during threat) and has been found to be associated with the development of psychopathology. It also hindered recovery from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after pharmacological treatment. The present study investigated the role of TI in recovery from PTSD in a large representative community sample with mixed traumas outside an exclusive treatment context. METHODS Participants with PTSD from the panel for Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences (LISS) completed measures for trauma, PTSD symptoms, and peritraumatic responses (fear, dissociation, and TI) in two subsequent years. Traumatized participants with PTSD were selected for the analyses (N = 262). RESULTS TI was a relevant predictor for increased PTSD symptoms in year 2 after controlling for peritraumatic fear, peritraumatic dissociation, and PTSD symptoms in year 1, especially in abuse victims. Peritraumatic fear and dissociation no longer predicted PTSD in year 2 after entering TI in the model. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that TI may indeed hinder recovery from PTSD. TI may thus be a relevant factor to take into account after trauma and in treatment. The effects of TI may be especially negative for abuse victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel A Hagenaars
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jacques A P Hagenaars
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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Terpou BA, Harricharan S, McKinnon MC, Frewen P, Jetly R, Lanius RA. The effects of trauma on brain and body: A unifying role for the midbrain periaqueductal gray. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:1110-1140. [PMID: 31254294 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a diagnosis that may follow the experience of trauma, has multiple symptomatic phenotypes. Generally, individuals with PTSD display symptoms of hyperarousal and of hyperemotionality in the presence of fearful stimuli. A subset of individuals with PTSD; however, elicit dissociative symptomatology (i.e., depersonalization, derealization) in the wake of a perceived threat. This pattern of response characterizes the dissociative subtype of the disorder, which is often associated with emotional numbing and hypoarousal. Both symptomatic phenotypes exhibit attentional threat biases, where threat stimuli are processed preferentially leading to a hypervigilant state that is thought to promote defensive behaviors during threat processing. Accordingly, PTSD and its dissociative subtype are thought to differ in their proclivity to elicit active (i.e., fight, flight) versus passive (i.e., tonic immobility, emotional shutdown) defensive responses, which are characterized by the increased and the decreased expression of the sympathetic nervous system, respectively. Moreover, active and passive defenses are accompanied by primarily endocannabinoid- and opioid-mediated analgesics, respectively. Through critical review of the literature, we apply the defense cascade model to better understand the pathological presentation of defensive responses in PTSD with a focus on the functioning of lower-level midbrain and extended brainstem systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braeden A Terpou
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Frewen
- Department of Psychology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Canadian Forces, Health Services, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Norte CE, Volchan E, Vila J, Mata JL, Arbol JR, Mendlowicz M, Berger W, Luz MP, Rocha-Rego V, Figueira I, de Souza GGL. Tonic Immobility in PTSD: Exacerbation of Emotional Cardiac Defense Response. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1213. [PMID: 31178810 PMCID: PMC6543833 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Among defensive behaviors, tonic immobility (TI) is considered the last defensive resort when life is at extreme risk. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the main psychiatric consequence resulting from exposure to traumatic events. Increasing evidence indicate an association between peritraumatic tonic immobilility and severity of PTSD. Cardiac defense response, a reactivity to perceived danger or threat, has been studied by recording heart rate changes that follows the presentation of an unpredictable intense auditory aversive stimulus. The aim of this study was to investigate potential distinctiveness in cardiac defense response among PTSD patients who presented – compared to those that did not – TI reaction in the laboratory setting. Patients (N = 17) completed the TI questionnaire for signs of immobility elicited by passive listening to their autobiographical trauma script. After a while, they were exposed to an intense white noise, while electrocardiogram was recorded. The heart rate during the 80 s after the noise, subtracted from baseline, was analyzed. Higher reports of TI to the trauma script were associated with stronger and sustained heart rate accelerations after the noise. The effects on cardiac defense response add to increasing evidence that some PTSD patients are prone to repeated re-experiences of TI, which may implicate in a potentially distinct pathophysiology and even a new PTSD subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Eduardo Norte
- Institute of Psychology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jaime Vila
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Mata
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier R Arbol
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Mauro Mendlowicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - William Berger
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Pires Luz
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Rocha-Rego
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ivan Figueira
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Tonic immobility during re-experiencing the traumatic event in posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2018; 270:1105-1109. [PMID: 30041894 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tonic Immobility (TI) is an evolved defence response, characterized by physical immobility. Peritraumatic TI has been linked to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, samples sizes in clinical studies have been small, and little is known about TI reactions post trauma, for instance during trauma reminders. The prevalence of peritraumatic TI and TI during re-experiencing the traumatic event was examined by self-report in 184 patients with chronic PTSD. Moderate peritraumatic TI was reported by 26.6% of the participants (n = 49) and extreme peritraumatic TI by 52.2% (n = 96). During re-experiencing the traumatic event, 35.3% (n = 65) reported moderate TI, and 37.0% (n = 68) extreme TI. Peritraumatic TI was related to PTSD symptom severity and TI during re-experiencing mediated this relationship. In line with previous findings, reports of peritraumatic TI were high among PTSD patients. In addition, we showed that it often re-occurred during re-experiencing the traumatic event. The prevalence of TI at different stages post trauma warrants future study.
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A review of thanatosis (death feigning) as an anti-predator behaviour. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2018; 72:22. [PMID: 29386702 PMCID: PMC5769822 DOI: 10.1007/s00265-017-2436-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Thanatosis—also known as death-feigning and, we argue more appropriately, tonic immobility (TI)—is an under-reported but fascinating anti-predator strategy adopted by diverse prey late on in the predation sequence, and frequently following physical contact by the predator. TI is thought to inhibit further attack by predators and reduce the perceived need of the predator to subdue prey further. The behaviour is probably present in more taxa than is currently described, but even within well-studied groups the precise taxonomic distribution is unclear for a number of practical and ethical reasons. Here we synthesise the key studies investigating the form, function, evolutionary and ecological costs and benefits of TI. This review also considers the potential evolutionary influence of certain predator types in the development of the strategy in prey, and the other non-defensive contexts in which TI has been suggested to occur. We believe that there is a need for TI to be better appreciated in the scientific literature and outline potentially profitable avenues for investigation. Future use of technology in the wild should yield useful developments for this field of study. Significance statement Anti-predatory defences are crucial to many aspects of behavioural ecology. Thanatosis (often called death-feigning) has long been an under-appreciated defence, despite being taxonomically and ecologically widespread. We begin by providing much-needed clarification on both terminology and definition. We demonstrate how apparently disparate observations in the recent literature can be synthesised through placing the behaviour within a cost-benefit framework in comparison to alternative behavioural choices, and how aspects of the ecology differentially affect costs and benefits. Extending this, we provide novel insights into why the evolution of thanatosis can be understood in terms of coevolution between predators and prey. We offer further novel hypotheses, and discuss how these can be tested, focussing on how emerging technologies can be of great use in developing our understanding of thanatosis in free-living animals.
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Spinieli RL, Leite-Panissi CRA. Similar effect of CRF 1 and CRF 2 receptor in the basolateral or central nuclei of the amygdala on tonic immobility behavior. Brain Res Bull 2017; 137:187-196. [PMID: 29246866 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Studies have used paradigms based on animal models to understand human emotional behavior because they appear to be correlated with fear- and anxiety-related defensive patterns in non-human mammals. In this context, tonic immobility (TI) behavior is an innate response associated with extreme threat situations, such as predator attack. Some reports have demonstrated the involvement of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in regulation of the endocrine system, defensive behaviors and behavioral responses to stress. Particularly, a previous study showed that the activation of CRF receptors in the basolateral (BLA) or central (CeA) nuclei of the amygdala increased TI responses, whereas treatment with a non-selective CRF antagonist, alpha-helical-CRF9-41, decreased this innate fear response. However, while CRF1 receptors have pronounced effects in stress-induced anxiety, CRF2 receptors appear be involved in the expression of both stress-induced anxiety and spontaneous anxiety behavior. In this study, we investigated the effects of specific CRF receptors, CRF1 and CRF2, in the BLA and CeA on the duration of TI in guinea pigs. The results show that blockade of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in the BLA and CeA produces a decrease in fear and/or anxiety, as suggested by a decrease in TI duration in the guinea pigs. Additionally, the specific antagonists for CRF1 and CRF2 receptors were able to prevent the increase in TI duration induced by CRF administration at the same sites. These results suggest that the modulation of fear and anxiety by the CRF system in the BLA and CeA occurs through concomitant effects on CRF1 and CRF2 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Leandro Spinieli
- Psychobiology Graduation Program, School of Philosophy, Science and Literature of Ribeirão Preto of the University of São Paulo, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Christie Ramos Andrade Leite-Panissi
- Psychobiology Graduation Program, School of Philosophy, Science and Literature of Ribeirão Preto of the University of São Paulo, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Department of Morphology, Physiology and Basic Pathology, Ribeirão Preto Dentistry School of the University of São Paulo, 14040-904 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Vázquez-León P, Mendoza-Ruiz LG, Juan ERS, Chamorro-Cevallos GA, Miranda-Páez A. Analgesic and anxiolytic effects of [Leu 31,Pro 34]-neuropeptide Y microinjected into the periaqueductal gray in rats. Neuropeptides 2017; 66:81-89. [PMID: 29042065 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several reports have demonstrated that neuropeptide Y (NPY) is involved in food intake, epilepsy, circadian rhythms, drug seeking, pain and anxiety, and other physiological or pathological conditions. On the other hand, periaqueductal gray (PAG) is a key brain center for modulating pain, anxiety and fear. It is the main structure implicated in integrated defensive behaviors. One such behavior, tonic immobility (TI), resembles fear and is able to induce analgesia. After microinjection of [Leu31,Pro34]-Neuropeptide Y ([Leu31,Pro34]-NPY) into the PAG dorsal (D) or ventrolateral (VL) of adult male Wistar rats, the following parameters were assessed: i) the analgesic effect by means of the tail-flick test (TF), ii) the duration of TI as a passive defensive behavioral response and as an anxiety/fear model (considering both TF and TI as single behaviors), iii) TI-induced analgesia by the combination of TF/TI, and iv) the anxious-like state through the elevated plus maze (EPM), and defensive burying behavior (DBB). The results show that the microinjection of [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY into the PAG produced an analgesic effect (increasing the TF latency); overall decreased the TI duration, which might represent an important anti-fear effect. Moreover, [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY microinjected into the PAG allows for a TI-induced analgesic effect, as well as, a substantial anxiolytic effect (evidenced by the EPM and DBB models). Hence, [Leu31,Pro34]-NPY microinjected into the PAG, especially at 0.47nmol/0.5μL produces both analgesic and anxiolytic effects, in a higher magnitude within ventrolateral area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Vázquez-León
- Departamento de Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Wilfrido Massieu esq. Manuel Stampa s/n Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, CP: 07738 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis G Mendoza-Ruiz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Wilfrido Massieu esq. Manuel Stampa s/n Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, CP: 07738 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Ramírez-San Juan
- Departamento de Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Wilfrido Massieu esq. Manuel Stampa s/n Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, CP: 07738 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - German Alberto Chamorro-Cevallos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Wilfrido Massieu esq. Manuel Stampa s/n Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, CP: 07738 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abraham Miranda-Páez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Wilfrido Massieu esq. Manuel Stampa s/n Col. Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, CP: 07738 Mexico City, Mexico.
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Abbott D, Shirali Y, Haws JK, Lack CW. Biobehavioral assessment of the anxiety disorders: Current progress and future directions. World J Psychiatry 2017; 7:133-147. [PMID: 29043151 PMCID: PMC5632598 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v7.i3.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is difficult to accurately assess and differentially diagnose the anxiety disorders. The current system of assessment relies heavily on the subjective measures of client self-report, clinical observation, and clinical judgment. Fortunately, recent technological advances may enable practitioners to utilize objective, biobehavioral measures of assessment in a clinical setting. The current body of literature on two of these biobehavioral tools (eye-tracking and electrocardiogram devices) is promising, but more validation and standardization research is needed to maximize the utility of these devices. Eye-tracking devices are uniquely capable of providing data that can be used to differentially diagnose anxiety disorders from both other commonly comorbid and misdiagnosed disorders. Both eye-tracking and electrocardiogram devices are able to provide change-sensitive assessment information. This objective, real-time feedback can assist clinicians and researchers in assessing treatment efficacy and symptom fluctuation. Recently developed wearable and highly portable electrocardiogram devices, like the wearable fitness and behavior tracking devices used by many consumers, may be particularly suited for providing this feedback to clinicians. Utilizing these biobehavioral devices would supply an objective, dimensional component to the current categorical diagnostic assessment system. We posit that if adequate funding and attention are directed at this area of research, it could revolutionize diagnostic and on-going assessment practices and, in doing so, bring the field of diagnosis out of the 20th century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deah Abbott
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK 73134, United States
| | - Yasmin Shirali
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK 73134, United States
| | - J Kyle Haws
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK 73134, United States
| | - Caleb W Lack
- Department of Psychology, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK 73134, United States
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Möller A, Söndergaard HP, Helström L. Tonic immobility during sexual assault - a common reaction predicting post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depression. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2017; 96:932-938. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Möller
- Department of Clinical Science and Education; Karolinska Institute; Stockholm Sweden
| | | | - Lotti Helström
- Department of Clinical Science and Education; Karolinska Institute; Stockholm Sweden
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Sexual trauma is more strongly associated with tonic immobility than other types of trauma - A population based study. J Affect Disord 2017; 215:71-76. [PMID: 28319694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tonic immobility is an involuntary motor and vocal inhibition reaction, considered the last-ditch response of the defensive cascade model. It is elicited in context of inescapable threat and perception of entrapment. Our aim was to investigate the association between different traumatic events and peritraumatic tonic immobility (PTI) in a representative sample of the general population. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of general population from Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo with 3231 victims of traumatic events aged 15-75 years who completed the Tonic Immobility Scale (TIS). We calculated the frequency of the different traumatic events and estimated the mean scores with 95% confidence intervals for each traumatic event, controlling for the potential confounders using multiple linear regression models. Finally, we calculated the proportion of individual scoring zero in TIS for the 16 traumatic events. RESULTS PTI scores in child sexual abuse and adult sexual violence were almost twice as high as in other types of traumatic events, even when controlled for gender and educational level. Torture and war also showed high PTI scores, but these were based on very small number of cases and need to be interpreted with caution. Furthermore, victims of sexual trauma had the lowest proportion of individuals with total absence of PTI symptoms. LIMITATIONS This is a cross-sectional study and causal inferences must be drawn with caution. CONCLUSIONS Peritraumatic tonic immobility is more strongly associated with sexual trauma, particularly in childhood, than to other types of trauma in the general population.
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Blanchard DC. Translating dynamic defense patterns from rodents to people. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:22-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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de Heer BA, Jones LC. Investigating the Self-Protective Potential of Immobility in Victims of Rape. VIOLENCE AND VICTIMS 2017; 32:210-229. [PMID: 28130899 DOI: 10.1891/0886-6708.vv-d-15-00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Using a nationwide sample of reported rape cases collected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI; 389 victims; 89% stranger rapes), this study investigates assumptions about self-protective behaviors for rape victims. Past research on victim resistance strategies often specifies active resistance as self-protective, inadvertently underestimating the potential for biologically based reactions, such as tonic immobility, to be self-protective as well. Results confirm that rape victims who were verbally and physically immobile during the attack were less likely to be injured and have force used against them. In addition, victims who were verbally immobile suffered a less severe attack. The results indicate that immobility may protect the victim from increased injury, force, and severity of the attack. Implications for the legal and public definition of consent are discussed.
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Volchan E, Rocha-Rego V, Bastos AF, Oliveira JM, Franklin C, Gleiser S, Berger W, Souza GGL, Oliveira L, David IA, Erthal FS, Pereira MG, Figueira I. Immobility reactions under threat: A contribution to human defensive cascade and PTSD. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:29-38. [PMID: 28131873 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Violence exacts a burden on public health. Gun violence is a major trigger for motor defensive reactions in humans and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is its main psychiatric sequela. However, studies of the human defensive cascade, especially the motor reactions, are at an early stage. This review focuses on studies that employ stabilometry, a methodology that assesses whole body motor reactions, to address defensive behaviors to violence-related threats. Special attention is given to three reactions: "attentive immobility", "immobility under attack" and "tonic immobility", with emphasis on the latter - a peritraumatic reaction which has been strongly associated with the severity of PTSD. These reactions are characterized by reduced body sway and bradycardia, except tonic immobility that presents robust tachycardia. The advances made by investigations into the immobility reactions of the human defensive cascade contribute to helping to bridge the gap between human and non-human species. Furthermore, progresses in basic research to objectively monitor motor defensive reactions under threat can help to develop a dimensional, trans-diagnostic approach to PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Volchan
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - V Rocha-Rego
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - A F Bastos
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - J M Oliveira
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C Franklin
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - S Gleiser
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Berger
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - G G L Souza
- Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - L Oliveira
- Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil
| | - I A David
- Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil
| | - F S Erthal
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - M G Pereira
- Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil
| | - I Figueira
- Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Fragkaki I, Roelofs K, Stins J, Jongedijk RA, Hagenaars MA. Reduced Freezing in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Patients while Watching Affective Pictures. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:39. [PMID: 28352237 PMCID: PMC5348645 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides fight and flight responses, animals and humans may respond to threat with freezing, a response characterized by bradycardia and physical immobility. Risk assessment is proposed to be enhanced during freezing to promote optimal decision making. Indeed, healthy participants showed freezing-like responses to threat cues. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients are characterized by hypervigilance and increased threat responsiveness. We propose that threat responses will be characterized by decreased freezing in PTSD, eliminating possibilities for rejecting cognitive distortions, such as harm expectancy, and thereby contributing to the maintenance of the disorder. However, freezing responses have hardly been investigated in PTSD. Using a stabilometric platform to assess body sway as an indicator of freezing-like behavior, we examined whether veterans with PTSD would show diminished freezing responses to unpleasant versus neutral and pleasant pictures. Fourteen PTSD patients and 14 healthy matched controls watched the pictures, while body sway and heart rate (HR) were continuously assessed. Replicating previous findings, healthy controls showed decreased body sway and HR in response to unpleasant pictures, indicative of freezing-like behavior. In contrast, this response pattern was not observed in PTSD patients. The results may indicate a reduced freezing response in PTSD. As reduced freezing may hinder appropriate risk assessment, it may be an important factor in the maintenance of PTSD. Future research might clarify whether impaired freezing is a PTSD-specific or a transdiagnostic symptom, being present in threat-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iro Fragkaki
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University , Nijmegen , Netherlands
| | - Karin Roelofs
- Behavioural Science Institute and Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University , Nijmegen , Netherlands
| | - John Stins
- Faculty of Behaviour and Movement Sciences, Department of Human Movement Sciences, MOVE Research Institute Amsterdam, VU University , Amsterdam , Netherlands
| | - Ruud A Jongedijk
- Foundation Centrum '45, Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group , Diemen , Netherlands
| | - Muriel A Hagenaars
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University , Utrecht , Netherlands
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Trousselard M, Canini F. Réaction de défense et confrontation péritraumatique : intérêt d’une approche éthologique. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Fragkaki I, Stins J, Roelofs K, Jongedijk RA, Hagenaars MA. Tonic immobility differentiates stress responses in PTSD. Brain Behav 2016; 6:e00546. [PMID: 27843699 PMCID: PMC5102644 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tonic immobility (TI) is a state of physical immobility associated with extreme stress and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is unknown whether TI is associated with a distinct actual stress response, i.e., objective immobility measured by a stabilometric platform. This study made a first step in exploring this as well as differences in body sway responses between PTSD patients and healthy controls. We hypothesized that PTSD would be related to increased body sway under stress, whereas TI would be related to decreased body sway under stress. METHODS Eye closure was selected as a PTSD-relevant stress induction procedure. Body sway and heart rate (HR) were measured in 12 PTSD patients and 12 healthy controls in four conditions: (1) maintaining a stable stance with eyes open, (2) with eyes closed, (3) during a mental arithmetic task with eyes open, and (4) with eyes closed. RESULTS As predicted, PTSD patients showed increased body sway from eyes open to eyes closed compared to controls and this effect was eliminated by executing the arithmetic task. Most importantly, retrospective self-reported TI was associated with lower body sway increases in PTSD and higher body sway decreases in controls from eyes-open to eyes-closed conditions. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that eye closure has a different effect on PTSD patients than controls and that high self-reported TI might indicate a distinct stress response pattern, i.e., a proneness for immobility. It may be relevant to take such individual differences in stress-response into account in PTSD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iro Fragkaki
- Behavioural Science Institute Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - John Stins
- Department of Human Movement Sciences Faculty of Behaviour and Movement Sciences MOVE Research Institute Amsterdam VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Karin Roelofs
- Behavioural Science Institute and Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behavior Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Ruud A Jongedijk
- Foundation Centrum '45, Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group Oegstgeest The Netherlands
| | - Muriel A Hagenaars
- Department of Clinical Psychology Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
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Bastos AF, Vieira AS, Oliveira JM, Oliveira L, Pereira MG, Figueira I, Erthal FS, Volchan E. Stop or move: Defensive strategies in humans. Behav Brain Res 2016; 302:252-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Carr JA. I'll take the low road: the evolutionary underpinnings of visually triggered fear. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:414. [PMID: 26578871 PMCID: PMC4624861 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there is general agreement that the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is critical for triggering the neuroendocrine response to visual threats, there is uncertainty about the role of subcortical visual pathways in this process. Primates in general appear to depend less on subcortical visual pathways than other mammals. Yet, imaging studies continue to indicate a role for the superior colliculus and pulvinar nucleus in fear activation, despite disconnects in how these brain structures communicate not only with each other but with the amygdala. Studies in fish and amphibians suggest that the neuroendocrine response to visual threats has remained relatively unchanged for hundreds of millions of years, yet there are still significant data gaps with respect to how visual information is relayed to telencephalic areas homologous to the CeA, particularly in fish. In fact ray finned fishes may have evolved an entirely different mechanism for relaying visual information to the telencephalon. In part because they lack a pathway homologous to the lateral geniculate-striate cortex pathway of mammals, amphibians continue to be an excellent model for studying how stress hormones in turn modulate fear activating visual pathways. Glucocorticoids, melanocortin peptides, and CRF all appear to play some role in modulating sensorimotor processing in the optic tectum. These observations, coupled with data showing control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis by the superior colliculus, suggest a fear/stress/anxiety neuroendocrine circuit that begins with first order synapses in subcortical visual pathways. Thus, comparative studies shed light not only on how fear triggering visual pathways came to be, but how hormones released as a result of this activation modulate these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Carr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX, USA
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41
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What can inactivity (in its various forms) reveal about affective states in non-human animals? A review. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Kalaf J, Vilete LMP, Volchan E, Fiszman A, Coutinho ESF, Andreoli SB, Quintana MI, de Jesus Mari J, Figueira I. Peritraumatic tonic immobility in a large representative sample of the general population: association with posttraumatic stress disorder and female gender. Compr Psychiatry 2015; 60:68-72. [PMID: 25891640 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tonic immobility is an involuntary response to inescapable life-threatening events. Peritraumatic tonic immobility has been reported in convenience samples of female victims of sexual assault and in mixed-gender victims of different types of trauma. This study evaluated peritraumatic tonic immobility in a representative general population sample and its association with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and gender. METHODS 3231 victims of traumatic events aged 15-75 years responded to the Tonic Immobility Scale. PTSD and traumatic events were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 2.1). We calculated the means and the standard deviations of Tonic Immobility Scale scores stratified by PTSD and gender. The association between tonic immobility scores and gender was explored controlling for potential confounders through a multiple linear regression model. RESULTS Tonic immobility scores were more than double in those who met criteria for PTSD and were almost four points higher in women. Gender differences remained statistically significant even after adjustment for confounding variables. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional and retrospective design may have given rise to recall bias. Results presented here may not apply to small and medium rural areas and the CIDI 2.1 can lead to a certain degree of misclassification. CONCLUSIONS We have expanded the scope of previous investigations on peritraumatic tonic immobility which were based on convenience samples only, showing its occurrence in victims of traumatic events using a large representative sample of the general population. Furthermore, we confirmed in an unbiased sample the association between peritraumatic tonic immobility and PTSD and female gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Kalaf
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IPUB-UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | - Eliane Volchan
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IBCCF-UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Adriana Fiszman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IPUB-UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ivan Figueira
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (IPUB-UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Payne P, Crane-Godreau MA. The preparatory set: a novel approach to understanding stress, trauma, and the bodymind therapies. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:178. [PMID: 25883565 PMCID: PMC4381623 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Basic to all motile life is a differential approach/avoid response to perceived features of environment. The stages of response are initial reflexive noticing and orienting to the stimulus, preparation, and execution of response. Preparation involves a coordination of many aspects of the organism: muscle tone, posture, breathing, autonomic functions, motivational/emotional state, attentional orientation, and expectations. The organism organizes itself in relation to the challenge. We propose to call this the "preparatory set" (PS). We suggest that the concept of the PS can offer a more nuanced and flexible perspective on the stress response than do current theories. We also hypothesize that the mechanisms of body-mind therapeutic and educational systems (BTES) can be understood through the PS framework. We suggest that the BTES, including meditative movement, meditation, somatic education, and the body-oriented psychotherapies, are approaches that use interventions on the PS to remedy stress and trauma. We discuss how the PS can be adaptive or maladaptive, how BTES interventions may restore adaptive PS, and how these concepts offer a broader and more flexible view of the phenomena of stress and trauma. We offer supportive evidence for our hypotheses, and suggest directions for future research. We believe that the PS framework will point to ways of improving the management of stress and trauma, and that it will suggest directions of research into the mechanisms of action of BTES.
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Sanchez TA, Mocaiber I, Erthal FS, Joffily M, Volchan E, Pereira MG, de Araujo DB, Oliveira L. Amygdala responses to unpleasant pictures are influenced by task demands and positive affect trait. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:107. [PMID: 25788883 PMCID: PMC4349185 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of attention in emotional processing is still the subject of debate. Recent studies have found that high positive affect in approach motivation narrows attention. Furthermore, the positive affect trait has been suggested as an important component for determining human variability in threat reactivity. We employed functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate whether different states of attention control would modulate amygdala responses to highly unpleasant pictures relative to neutral and whether this modulation would be influenced by the positive affect trait. Participants (n = 22, 12 male) were scanned while viewing neutral (people) or unpleasant pictures (mutilated bodies) flanked by two peripheral bars. They were instructed to (a) judge the picture content as unpleasant or neutral or (b) to judge the difference in orientation between the bars in an easy condition (0 or 90(∘) orientation difference) or (c) in a hard condition (0 or 6(∘) orientation difference). Whole brain analysis revealed a task main effect of brain areas related to the experimental manipulation of attentional control, including the amygdala, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and posterior parietal cortex. Region of interest analysis showed an inverse correlation (r = -0.51, p < 0.01) between left amygdala activation and positive affect level when participants viewed unpleasant stimuli and judged bar orientation in the easy condition. This result suggests that subjects with high positive affect exhibit lower amygdala reactivity to distracting unpleasant pictures. In conclusion, the current study suggests that positive affect modulates attention effect on unpleasant pictures, therefore attenuating emotional responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago A Sanchez
- Laboratório de Neuroimagem Convencional e Avançada, Departamento de Radiologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Izabela Mocaiber
- Polo Universitário de Rio das Ostras, Universidade Federal Fluminense Rio das Ostras, Brazil
| | - Fatima S Erthal
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mateus Joffily
- Groupe d'Analyse et de Theorie Economique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Lyon, France
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mirtes G Pereira
- Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense Niteroi, Brazil
| | - Draulio B de Araujo
- Instituto do Cérebro/Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Natal, Brazil
| | - Leticia Oliveira
- Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense Niteroi, Brazil
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Payne P, Levine PA, Crane-Godreau MA. Somatic experiencing: using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Front Psychol 2015; 6:93. [PMID: 25699005 PMCID: PMC4316402 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we present a theory of human trauma and chronic stress, based on the practice of Somatic Experiencing(®) (SE), a form of trauma therapy that emphasizes guiding the client's attention to interoceptive, kinesthetic, and proprioceptive experience. SE™ claims that this style of inner attention, in addition to the use of kinesthetic and interoceptive imagery, can lead to the resolution of symptoms resulting from chronic and traumatic stress. This is accomplished through the completion of thwarted, biologically based, self-protective and defensive responses, and the discharge and regulation of excess autonomic arousal. We present this theory through a composite case study of SE treatment; based on this example, we offer a possible neurophysiological rationale for the mechanisms involved, including a theory of trauma and chronic stress as a functional dysregulation of the complex dynamical system formed by the subcortical autonomic, limbic, motor and arousal systems, which we term the core response network (CRN). We demonstrate how the methods of SE help restore functionality to the CRN, and we emphasize the importance of taking into account the instinctive, bodily based protective reactions when dealing with stress and trauma, as well as the effectiveness of using attention to interoceptive, proprioceptive and kinesthetic sensation as a therapeutic tool. Finally, we point out that SE and similar somatic approaches offer a supplement to cognitive and exposure therapies, and that mechanisms similar to those discussed in the paper may also be involved in the benefits of meditation and other somatic practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Payne
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at DartmouthLebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Mardi A. Crane-Godreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at DartmouthLebanon, NH, USA
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46
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Ke J, Zhang L, Qi R, Xu Q, Li W, Hou C, Zhong Y, Zhang Z, He Z, Li L, Lu G. Altered blood oxygen level-dependent signal variability in chronic post-traumatic stress disorder during symptom provocation. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2015; 11:1805-15. [PMID: 26229476 PMCID: PMC4517522 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s87332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research suggests that variability in brain signal provides important information about brain function in health and disease. However, it is unknown whether blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal variability is altered in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We aimed to identify the BOLD signal variability changes of PTSD patients during symptom provocation and compare the brain patterns of BOLD signal variability with those of brain activation. METHODS Twelve PTSD patients and 14 age-matched controls, who all experienced a mining accident, underwent clinical assessment as well as fMRI scanning while viewing trauma-related and neutral pictures. BOLD signal variability and brain activation were respectively examined with standard deviation (SD) and general linear model analysis, and compared between the PTSD and control groups. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore the association between PTSD symptom severity and these two brain measures across all subjects as well as in the PTSD group. RESULTS PTSD patients showed increased activation in the middle occipital gyrus compared with controls, and an inverse correlation was found between PTSD symptom severity and brain activation in the hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex/medial prefrontal cortex. Brain variability analysis revealed increased SD in the insula, anterior cingulate cortex/medial prefrontal cortex, and vermis, and decreased SD in the parahippocapal gyrus, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, somatosensory cortex, and striatum. Importantly, SD alterations in several regions were found in both traumatic and neutral conditions and were stratified by PTSD symptom severity. CONCLUSION BOLD signal variability may be a reliable and sensitive biomarker of PTSD, and combining brain activation and brain variability analysis may provide complementary insight into the neural basis of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ke
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Mental Health Institute, the Second Xiangya Hospital, National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongfeng Qi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Weihui Li
- Mental Health Institute, the Second Xiangya Hospital, National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Cailan Hou
- Guangdong Academy of Medical Science, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong He
- Department of Radiology of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingjiang Li
- Mental Health Institute, the Second Xiangya Hospital, National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China ; Shenzhen Kangning Hospital of Guangdong Province, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangming Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Alves RDCS, Portugal LCL, Fernandes O, Mocaiber I, Souza GGL, David IDPA, Volchan E, de Oliveira L, Pereira MG. Exposure to trauma-relevant pictures is associated with tachycardia in victims who had experienced an intense peritraumatic defensive response: the tonic immobility. Front Psychol 2014; 5:1514. [PMID: 25566169 PMCID: PMC4274794 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tonic immobility is an involuntary, last-ditch defensive reaction characterized by physical inactivity in a context of inescapable threat that has been described in many species, including humans. The occurrence of this defensive response is a predictor of the severity of psychiatric disorders and may be considered as an index of an intense reaction to a traumatic event. Here, we investigated whether the retrospective reports of peritraumatic tonic immobility reaction in participants exposed to a traumatic event would modify their cardiac responses to pictures related to their trauma. Using a questionnaire of life-threating events, we selected students who experienced violent crime as their most intense trauma and students who had never experienced a violent crime trauma, but experienced other traumatic events. All participants completed a questionnaire that estimated the intensity of tonic immobility during their most intense trauma. Electrocardiographic recordings were collected during exposure to pictures. Participants viewed emotional pictures (human attack with guns) and neutral pictures. These emotional stimuli were selected to be trauma-relevant to the violent crime group and non trauma-relevant to the no violent crime trauma group. Violent crime group showed a positive correlation between heart rate changes after viewing trauma-related pictures and tonic immobility scores. We observed that low tonic immobility scores were associated with bradycardia and high scores with tachycardia in response to trauma-relevant pictures. For the no violent crime group, no significant correlation was detected. These results suggest that the relevance of the stimuli and the magnitude of the defensive response during a previous trauma event were important factors triggering more intense defensive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita de Cassia S Alves
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University Niterói, Brazil
| | - Liana C L Portugal
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University Niterói, Brazil
| | - Orlando Fernandes
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University Niterói, Brazil
| | - Izabela Mocaiber
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University Niterói, Brazil
| | - Gabriela G L Souza
- Laboratory of Psychophysiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabel de Paula A David
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University Niterói, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Laboratory of Neurobiology II, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leticia de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University Niterói, Brazil
| | - Mirtes G Pereira
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Behavior, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University Niterói, Brazil
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Maia DB, Nóbrega A, Marques-Portella C, Mendlowicz MV, Volchan E, Coutinho ES, Figueira I. Peritraumatic tonic immobility is associated with PTSD symptom severity in Brazilian police officers: a prospective study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 37:49-54. [PMID: 25466958 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2013-1267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Peritraumatic reactions feature prominently among the main predictors for development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Peritraumatic tonic immobility (PTI), a less investigated but equally important type of peritraumatic response, has been recently attracting the attention of researchers and clinicians for its close association with traumatic reactions and PTSD. Our objective was to investigate the role of PTI, peritraumatic panic, and dissociation as predictors of PTSD symptoms in a cohort of police recruits (n=132). METHODS Participants were asked to complete the following questionnaires during academy training and after the first year of work: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - Civilian Version (PCL-C), Physical Reactions Subscale (PRS), Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire (PDEQ), Tonic Immobility Scale (TIS), and Critical Incident History Questionnaire. RESULTS Employing a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model, we found that each additional point in the TIS was associated with a 9% increment in PCL-C mean scores (RM = 1.09), whereas for PRS, the increment was 7% (RM = 1.07). As the severity of peritraumatic dissociation increased one point in the PDEQ, the chance of having at least one symptom in the PCL-C increased 22% (OR = 1.22). CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the need to expand investigation on the incidence and impact of PTI on the mental health of police officers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah B Maia
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Augusta Nóbrega
- Polícia Militar do Estado de Goiás (PMGO), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Carla Marques-Portella
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mauro V Mendlowicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Universidade Federal Fluminense (MSM-UFF), Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho (IBCCF), UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Evandro S Coutinho
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública (ENSP), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ivan Figueira
- Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Lobo I, David IA, Figueira I, Campagnoli RR, Volchan E, Pereira MG, de Oliveira L. Brain reactivity to unpleasant stimuli is associated with severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms. Biol Psychol 2014; 103:233-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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50
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Papousek I, Aydin N, Lackner HK, Weiss EM, Bühner M, Schulter G, Charlesworth C, Freudenthaler HH. Laughter as a social rejection cue: gelotophobia and transient cardiac responses to other persons' laughter and insult. Psychophysiology 2014; 51:1112-21. [PMID: 24981154 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Other persons' laughter, normally perceived as a signal that persons are friendly and inviting others to approach, can also be perceived as a cue of social rejection. In this study, prerecorded laughter was placed in a realistic and personally relevant context, and participants' responses were related to gelotophobia, a trait predisposing to perceiving laughter as a cue of social rejection. Individuals with gelotophobia showed marked heart rate deceleration in response to the laughter stimulus, possibly indicating a "freezing-like" response. Moreover, cardiac responses to anger provocation by overtly insulting statements indicated heightened aggressive anger in response to cumulated social threat. The study adds to recent research showing specific cardiac responses to social rejection and to the literature on social rejection sensitivity by demonstrating the value of using well interpretable physiological measures in this research context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Papousek
- Department of Psychology, Biological Psychology Unit, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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