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Romagnano V, Sokolov AN, Fallgatter AJ, Pavlova MA. Do subtle cultural differences sculpt face pareidolia? SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 9:28. [PMID: 37142598 PMCID: PMC10160123 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00355-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Face tuning to non-face images such as shadows or grilled toasts is termed face pareidolia. Face-pareidolia images represent a valuable tool for investigation of social cognition in mental disorders. Here we examined (i) whether, and, if so, how face pareidolia is affected by subtle cultural differences; and (ii) whether this impact is modulated by gender. With this purpose in mind, females and males from Northern Italy were administered a set of Face-n-Thing images, photographs of objects such as houses or waves to a varying degree resembling a face. Participants were presented with pareidolia images with canonical upright orientation and display inversion that heavily affects face pareidolia. In a two-alternative forced-choice paradigm, beholders had to indicate whether each image resembled a face. The outcome was compared with the findings obtained in the Southwest of Germany. With upright orientation, neither cultural background nor gender affected face pareidolia. As expected, display inversion generally mired face pareidolia. Yet, while display inversion led to a drastic reduction of face impression in German males as compared to females, in Italians, no gender differences were found. In a nutshell, subtle cultural differences do not sculpt face pareidolia, but instead affect face impression in a gender-specific way under unusual viewing conditions. Clarification of the origins of these effects requires tailored brain imaging work. Implications for transcultural psychiatry, in particular, for schizophrenia research, are highlighted and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Romagnano
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), Medical School and University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alexander N Sokolov
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), Medical School and University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas J Fallgatter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), Medical School and University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marina A Pavlova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen Center for Mental Health (TüCMH), Medical School and University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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van der Merwe NJ, Karayiorgou M, Ehlers R, Roos JL. Family history identifies sporadic schizoaffective disorder as a subtype for genetic studies. S Afr J Psychiatr 2020; 26:1393. [PMID: 32391182 PMCID: PMC7203531 DOI: 10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v26i0.1393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous disorder with strong genetic vulnerability. Family history of schizophrenia has been considered in genetic studies under several models. De novo genetic events seem to play a larger role in sporadic cases. Aim This study used the familial–sporadic distinction with the aim of identifying a more homogeneous phenotype to delineate the genetic and clinical complexity of schizophrenia. Setting The study was conducted at Weskoppies Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa. Methods The study included 384 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder from the Afrikaner founder population in South Africa who are considered comparable to Caucasian patients from the United States. A comprehensive data capturing sheet was completed. Results When schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder diagnoses were considered jointly, we found no significant differences between the sporadic and the familial groups for age at disease onset, season of birth, comorbid diagnoses, clinical symptomatology, history of suicide or marital status. When the diagnoses were examined separately, however, the sporadic schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, was found to have a significantly lower age at onset (mean 20.6 vs. 25.3 years). Conclusion The sporadic schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, forms a more homogeneous subgroup for genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolaas J van der Merwe
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Maria Karayiorgou
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, United States.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, United States
| | - René Ehlers
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Johannes L Roos
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Liebenberg R, van Heerden B, Ehlers R, Du Plessis AME, Roos JL. Advancing paternal age at birth is associated with poorer social functioning earlier and later in life of schizophrenia patients in a founder population. Psychiatry Res 2016; 243:185-90. [PMID: 27416538 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/25/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Consistent associations have been found between advanced paternal age and an increased risk of psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, in their offspring. This increase appears to be linear as paternal age increases. The present study investigates the relationship between early deviant behaviour in the first 10 years of life of patients as well as longer term functional outcome and paternal age in sporadic Afrikaner founder population cases of schizophrenia. This might improve our understanding of Paternal Age-Related Schizophrenia (PARS). Follow-up psychiatric diagnoses were confirmed by the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies (DIGS). An early deviant childhood behaviour semi-structured questionnaire and the Specific Level of Functioning Assessment (SLOF) were completed. From the logistic regression models fitted, a significant negative relationship was found between paternal age at birth and social dysfunction as early deviant behaviour. Additionally, regression analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between paternal age at birth and the SLOF for interpersonal relationships later in life. Early social dysfunction may represent a phenotypic trait for PARS. Further research is required to understand the relationship between early social dysfunction and deficits in interpersonal relationships later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Liebenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Weskoppies Hospital, Private Bag X113, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Brigitte van Heerden
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Weskoppies Hospital, Private Bag X113, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - René Ehlers
- Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anna M E Du Plessis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Weskoppies Hospital, Private Bag X113, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - J Louw Roos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Weskoppies Hospital, Private Bag X113, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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Roche E, Creed L, MacMahon D, Brennan D, Clarke M. The Epidemiology and Associated Phenomenology of Formal Thought Disorder: A Systematic Review. Schizophr Bull 2015; 41:951-62. [PMID: 25180313 PMCID: PMC4466171 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbu129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Authors of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) have recommended to "integrate dimensions into clinical practice." The epidemiology and associated phenomenology of formal thought disorder (FTD) have been described but not reviewed. We aimed to carry out a systematic review of FTD to this end. METHODS A systematic review of FTD literature, from 1978 to 2013, using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS A total of 881 abstracts were reviewed and 120 articles met inclusion criteria; articles describing FTD factor structure (n = 15), prevalence and longitudinal course (n = 41), role in diagnosis (n = 22), associated clinical variables (n = 56), and influence on outcome (n = 35) were included. Prevalence estimates for FTD in psychosis range from 5% to 91%. Dividing FTD into domains, by factor analysis, can accurately identify 91% of psychotic diagnoses. FTD is associated with increased clinical severity. Poorer outcomes are predicted by negative thought disorder, more so than the typical construct of "disorganized speech." CONCLUSION FTD is a common symptom of psychosis and may be considered a marker of illness severity. Detailed dimensional assessment of FTD can clarify diagnosis and may help predict prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Roche
- DETECT Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Lisa Creed
- Cluain Mhuire Community Mental Health Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Mary Clarke
- DETECT Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Dublin, Ireland
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Malherbe PJ, Roos JL, Ehlers R, Karayiorgou M, Roos JL. Phenotypic features of patients with schizophrenia carrying de novo gene mutations: a pilot study. Psychiatry Res 2015; 225:108-114. [PMID: 25467704 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide scans have revealed a significant role for de novo copy number variants (CNVs) and Single Nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the genetic architecture of schizophrenia. The present study attempts to parse schizophrenia based on the presence of such de novo mutations and attempts genotype-phenotype correlation. We examined phenotypic variables across three broad categories: clinical presentation, premorbid function, disease course and functional outcome and compared them in individuals with schizophrenia carrying either a de novo CNV, a de novo SNV, or no de novo mutation. Work skills were worst affected in patients carrying de novo CNVs. More learning disabilities were found in subjects carrying de novo SNVs. Patients with either mutation had older parents at birth and worse functional outcome as measured by SLOF scores. We found no relation between treatment resistance and the presence of de novo mutations. The combined consideration of the functional outcome scores and early deviant behaviours was found to have higher predictive value for underlying genetic vulnerability. Due to the rare nature of the de novo mutations the sample sizes studied here were small. Despite this, valuable phenotypic characteristics were identified in schizophrenia patients carrying de novo mutations and studying larger samples will be of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Malherbe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Weskoppies Hospital, Private Bag X113, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - J L Roos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Weskoppies Hospital, Private Bag X113, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - R Ehlers
- Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - M Karayiorgou
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, USA; Extraordinary Professor, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - J L Roos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Weskoppies Hospital, Private Bag X113, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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Rodriguez-Murillo L, Xu B, Roos JL, Abecasis GR, Gogos JA, Karayiorgou M. Fine mapping on chromosome 13q32-34 and brain expression analysis implicates MYO16 in schizophrenia. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:934-43. [PMID: 24141571 PMCID: PMC3924527 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported linkage of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder to 13q32-34 in the European descent Afrikaner population from South Africa. The nature of genetic variation underlying linkage peaks in psychiatric disorders remains largely unknown and both rare and common variants may be contributing. Here, we examine the contribution of common variants located under the 13q32-34 linkage region. We used densely spaced SNPs to fine map the linkage peak region using both a discovery sample of 415 families and a meta-analysis incorporating two additional replication family samples. In a second phase of the study, we use one family-based data set with 237 families and independent case-control data sets for fine mapping of the common variant association signal using HapMap SNPs. We report a significant association with a genetic variant (rs9583277) within the gene encoding for the myosin heavy-chain Myr 8 (MYO16), which has been implicated in neuronal phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling. Follow-up analysis of HapMap variation within MYO16 in a second set of Afrikaner families and additional case-control data sets of European descent highlighted a region across introns 2-6 as the most likely region to harbor common MYO16 risk variants. Expression analysis revealed a significant increase in the level of MYO16 expression in the brains of schizophrenia patients. Our results suggest that common variation within MYO16 may contribute to the genetic liability to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Physiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Louw Roos
- Department of Psychiatry and Weskoppies Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Gonçalo R Abecasis
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Joseph A Gogos
- Department of Physiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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De novo gene mutations highlight patterns of genetic and neural complexity in schizophrenia. Nat Genet 2012; 44:1365-9. [PMID: 23042115 PMCID: PMC3556813 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate evidence for de novo etiologies in schizophrenia, we sequenced at high coverage the exomes of families recruited from two populations with distinct demographic structure and history. We sequenced a total of 795 exomes from 231 parent-proband trios enriched for sporadic schizophrenia cases, as well as 34 unaffected trios. We observed in cases an excess of non-synonymous single nucleotide variants as well as a higher prevalence of gene-disruptive de novo mutations. We found four genes (LAMA2, DPYD, TRRAP and VPS39) affected by recurrent de novo events within or across the two populations, a finding unlikely to have occurred by chance. We show that de novo mutations affect genes with diverse functions and developmental profiles but we also find a substantial contribution of mutations in genes with higher expression in early fetal life. Our results help define the pattern of genomic and neural architecture of schizophrenia.
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Roos JL, Pretorius HW, Karayiorgou M. Clinical Characteristics of an Afrikaner Founder Population Recruited for a Schizophrenia Genetic Study. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1151:85-101. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03453.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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