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Serra M, Simola N, Pollack AE, Costa G. Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans: an overview of recent findings. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1908-1918. [PMID: 38227515 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that psychostimulants, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit brain dysfunctions and/or neurotoxic effects. Central toxicity induced by psychostimulants may pose serious health risks since the recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young people and adults. The present review provides an overview of recent research, conducted between 2018 and 2023, focusing on brain dysfunctions and neurotoxic effects elicited in experimental models and humans by amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methylphenidate, caffeine, and nicotine. Detailed elucidation of factors and mechanisms that underlie psychostimulant-induced brain dysfunction and neurotoxicity is crucial for understanding the acute and enduring noxious brain effects that may occur in individuals who use psychostimulants for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alexia E Pollack
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Qin Y, Sun Q, Wang L, Hu F, Zhang Q, Wang W, Li W, Wang Y. DRD2 TaqIA polymorphism-related functional connectivity between anterior insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex predicts the retention time in heroin-dependent individuals under methadone maintenance treatment. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:433-443. [PMID: 37400684 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01626-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) TaqIA polymorphism has an influence on addiction treatment response and prognosis by mediating brain dopaminergic system efficacy. Insula is crucial for conscious urges to take drugs and maintain drug use. However, it remains unclear about the contribution of DRD2 TaqIA polymorphism to the regulation of insular on addiction behavioral and its relation with the therapeutic effect of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). METHODS 57 male former heroin dependents receiving stable MMT and 49 matched male healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Salivary genotyping for DRD2 TaqA1 and A2 alleles, brain resting-state functional MRI scan and a 24-month follow-up for collecting illegal-drug-use information was conducted and followed by clustering of functional connectivity (FC) patterns of HC insula, insula subregion parcellation of MMT patients, comparing the whole brain FC maps between the A1 carriers and non-carriers and analyzing the correlation between the genotype-related FC of insula sub-regions with the retention time in MMT patients by Cox regression. RESULTS Two insula subregions were identified: the anterior insula (AI) and the posterior insula (PI) subregion. The A1 carriers had a reduced FC between the left AI and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) relative to no carriers. And this reduced FC was a poor prognostic factor for the retention time in MMT patients. CONCLUSION DRD2 TaqIA polymorphism affects the retention time in heroin-dependent individuals under MMT by mediating the functional connectivity strength between left AI and right dlPFC, and the two brain regions are promising therapeutic targets for individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qin
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, Xi'an Daxing Hospital, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinli Sun
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
- Department of Radiology, Xi'an Daxing Hospital, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Hu
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of Shaannxi Provincial Geology and Mineral Resources Bureau, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuli Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 569 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an, 710038, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yarong Wang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, People's Republic of China.
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Hersey M, Bartole MK, Jones CS, Newman AH, Tanda G. Are There Prevalent Sex Differences in Psychostimulant Use Disorder? A Focus on the Potential Therapeutic Efficacy of Atypical Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors. Molecules 2023; 28:5270. [PMID: 37446929 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychostimulant use disorders (PSUD) affect a growing number of men and women and exert sizable public health and economic burdens on our global society. Notably, there are some sex differences in the onset of dependence, relapse rates, and treatment success with PSUD observed in preclinical and clinical studies. The subtle sex differences observed in the behavioral aspects of PSUD may be associated with differences in the neurochemistry of the dopaminergic system between sexes. Preclinically, psychostimulants have been shown to increase synaptic dopamine (DA) levels and may downregulate the dopamine transporter (DAT). This effect is greatest in females during the high estradiol phase of the estrous cycle. Interestingly, women have been shown to be more likely to begin drug use at younger ages and report higher levels of desire to use cocaine than males. Even though there is currently no FDA-approved medication, modafinil, a DAT inhibitor approved for use in the treatment of narcolepsy and sleep disorders, has shown promise in the treatment of PSUD among specific populations of affected individuals. In this review, we highlight the therapeutic potential of modafinil and other atypical DAT inhibitors focusing on the lack of sex differences in the actions of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Hersey
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | | | - Claire S Jones
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Gianluigi Tanda
- Medication Development Program, NIDA IRP, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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The Effects of Citalopram and Thalamic Dopamine D2/3 Receptor Availability on Decision-Making and Loss Aversion in Alcohol Dependence. PSYCHIATRY JOURNAL 2022; 2022:5663274. [PMID: 36249526 PMCID: PMC9553840 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5663274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for patients who misuse alcohol, especially in the context of comorbid depressive symptoms. Deficits in impulse control and decision-making are linked to routine alcohol consumption and alcohol dependence. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of a single dose of citalopram on measures of impulsivity, decision-making, and/or brain dopamine receptor availability in alcohol-dependent individuals. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject, outpatient study was conducted with active alcohol-dependent (DSM-IV-TR criteria) participants (n = 12) and matched healthy controls (n = 13). Serial doses of both citalopram (40 mg) and saline were administered intravenously before laboratory tests of decision-making (Balloon Analogue Risk Task, delay discounting task, and Loss Aversion Gambling Task) and positron emission tomography with [18F]-fallypride to measure dopamine D2/3 receptor availability, separated by at least one week. Alcohol-dependent participants demonstrated greater loss aversion than healthy controls, but there were no group differences in risk taking on the Balloon Analogue Risk Task. Citalopram increased delay discounting across groups, with no group difference in the effect. There were no effects of citalopram on risk taking on the Balloon Analogue Risk Task. PET showed a negative correlation between thalamic dopamine D2/3 receptor availability and loss aversion across groups. The effect of citalopram to decrease the valuation of monetary reward as a function of delay raises the possibility that SSRIs can influence risky decision-making in clinical populations. In addition, these results suggest that altered thalamic dopamine signaling may play an important role in disproportionately valuing losses in patients with Alcohol Use Disorder. This trial is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT01657760.
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Okita K, Matsumoto T, Funada D, Murakami M, Kato K, Shigemoto Y, Sato N, Matsuda H. Potential Treat-to-Target Approach for Methamphetamine Use Disorder: A Pilot Study of Adenosine 2A Receptor Antagonist With Positron Emission Tomography. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:820447. [PMID: 35645814 PMCID: PMC9130733 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.820447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The misuse of stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine is a global public health issue. One important neurochemical mechanism of methamphetamine use disorder may be altered dopaminergic neurotransmission. For instance, previous studies using positron emission tomography (PET) have consistently shown that striatal dopamine D2-type receptor availability (quantified as binding potential; BPND) is lower in methamphetamine use disorder. Further, methamphetamine use is known to induce chronic neuroinflammation through multiple physiological pathways. Upregulation of D2-type receptor and/or attenuation of neuroinflammation may therefore provide a therapeutic effect for this disorder. In vitro studies have shown that blockage of adenosine 2A (A2A) receptors may prevent D2-receptor downregulation and neuroinflammation-related brain damage. However, no study has examined this hypothesis yet.Methods and Analysis: Using a within-subject design, this trial will assess the effect of the selective A2A receptor antagonist, istradefylline, primarily on D2-type BPND in the striatum, and secondarily on neuroinflammation in the whole brain in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder. The research hypotheses are that istradefylline will increase striatal D2-type BPND and attenuate neuroinflammation. Twenty participants with methamphetamine use disorder, aged 20–65, will be recruited to undergo [11C]raclopride PET (for every participant) and [11C]DAA1106 PET (if applicable) once before and once after administration of 40 mg/day istradefylline for 2 weeks. Neuropsychological measurements will be performed on the same days of the PET scans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoji Okita
- Department of Psychiatry, Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Drug Dependence Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Integrative Brain Imaging Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kyoji Okita,
| | - Toshihiko Matsumoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Drug Dependence Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Funada
- Department of Psychiatry, Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Drug Dependence Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maki Murakami
- Department of Psychiatry, Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Drug Dependence Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Kato
- Integrative Brain Imaging Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Shigemoto
- Department of Radiology, Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Sato
- Department of Radiology, Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsuda
- Department of Radiology, Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
- Drug Discovery and Cyclotron Research Center, Southern TOHOKU Research Institute for Neuroscience, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Huang C, Yuan Q, Shi S, Ge M, Sheng X, Yang M, Zhang L, Wang L, Zhang K, Zhou X. Associations between alexithymia, parental rearing styles, and frequency of drug use in male methamphetamine dependence patients. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:276. [PMID: 35439989 PMCID: PMC9020116 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03897-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia, which is characterized by difficulty identifying and describing feelings, is a stable personality trait and it has been associated with early life experiences. Methamphetamine dependence patients with high level of alexithymia may be particularly vulnerable to engaging in more frequent methamphetamine use. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether alexithymia was associated with frequency of methamphetamine use. Additionally, the current study sought to examine early-life factors associated with the development of alexithymia, i.e., parental rearing styles. METHOD Participants were 108 non-injecting methamphetamine dependent patients from a male compulsory detoxification center. The level of alexithymia was assessed by Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20(TAS-20). In addition, we applied Egna Minneu av. Bardndosnauppforstran (EMBU) to assess the parental rearing styles, including the dimensions of warmth, rejection, punishment/strictness, overinvolvement, overprotection, and favoring. RESULTS The total score of TAS-20 was positively correlated with frequency of methamphetamine use (r = 0.26, p < 0.01). Specifically, except for externally oriented thinking, difficulty identifying feelings (r = 0.23, p < 0.05) and difficulty describing feelings (r = 0.25, p < 0.05) were positively correlated with frequency of methamphetamine use. Multiple linear regression showed that more maternal rejection (B = 0.59, p = 0.002), or less maternal warmth (B = -0.22, p = 0.004) was associated with higher levels of alexithymia. Ordinal logistic regression showed that for every 1 score increase in the total score of TAS-20, there was a 1.06 times risk of a one level increase in the level of methamphetamine use frequency (OR = 1.06, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These results have major implications for understanding the role of alexithymia in craving and addiction, while providing a further and explicit entry point for addiction treatment. Moreover, more attention should be focused on parenting in relation to early experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Huang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Qiuyu Yuan
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Shengya Shi
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Menglin Ge
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Xuanlian Sheng
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Meng Yang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Ling Zhang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Lei Wang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032 Anhui Province China ,grid.459419.4Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000 China ,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000 China
| | - Kai Zhang
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China. .,Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000, China. .,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, China.
| | - Xiaoqin Zhou
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 69 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China. .,Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 North Chaohu Road, Chaohu City, Hefei, 238000, China. .,Anhui Psychiatric Center, 64 North Chaohu Road, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, China.
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Influence of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Gene Polymorphism on the Correlation between Alexithymia and Hypervigilance to Pain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413265. [PMID: 34948872 PMCID: PMC8704340 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The psychological characteristic of having difficulty expressing emotions, known as alexithymia, is associated with hypervigilance to pain and is considered one of the risk factors for chronic pain. The correlation between alexithymia and hypervigilance to pain can be observed even in healthy individuals. However, the factors influencing this correlation remain unknown. We explored the dopamine system, which is known to be involved in emotion and pain. The dopamine-degrading enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) has a genetic polymorphism known to influence dopamine metabolism in the prefrontal cortex. COMT polymorphism reportedly affects various aspects of pain and increases pain sensitivity in Met allele carriers. Therefore, we investigated whether the correlation between alexithymia and hypervigilance to pain is influenced by COMT polymorphism in healthy individuals. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between the "difficulty describing feelings" of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the "attention to changes in pain" of the pain vigilance and awareness questionnaire in COMT Met carriers but not in Val/Val individuals. This finding suggests that the correlation between alexithymia and hypervigilance to pain is influenced by COMT polymorphism.
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Neural and Behavioral Correlates of Impaired Insight and Self-awareness in Substance Use Disorder. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2021; 8:113-123. [DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Terock J, Hannemann A, Weihs A, Janowitz D, Grabe HJ. Alexithymia is associated with reduced vitamin D levels, but not polymorphisms of the vitamin D binding-protein gene. Psychiatr Genet 2021; 31:126-134. [PMID: 34074948 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulties in identifying and describing emotions, which is associated with various psychiatric disorders, including depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Its pathogenesis is incompletely understood but previous studies suggested that genetic as well as metabolic factors, are involved. However, no results on the role of vitamin D and the polymorphisms rs4588 and rs7041 of the vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) have been published so far. METHODS Serum levels of total 25(OH)D were measured in two general-population samples (total n = 5733) of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). The Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) was applied to measure alexithymia. Study participants were genotyped for rs4588 and rs7041. Linear and logistic regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, waist circumference, physical activity, season and study and, when applicable, for the batch of genotyping and the first three genetic principal components, were performed. In sensitivity analyses, the models were additionally adjusted for depressive symptoms. RESULTS 25(OH)D levels were negatively associated with TAS-20 scores (β = -0.002; P < 0.001) and alexithymia according to the common cutoff of TAS-20>60 (β = -0.103; P < 0.001). These results remained stable after adjusting for depressive symptoms. The tested genetic polymorphisms were not significantly associated with alexithymia. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that low vitamin D levels may be involved in the pathophysiology of alexithymia. Given that no associations between alexithymia and rs4588 as well as rs7041 were observed, indicates that behavioral or nutritional features of alexithymic subjects could also explain this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Terock
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, HELIOS Hanseklinikum Stralsund, Rostocker Chaussee, Stralsund
| | - Anke Hannemann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research DZHK, Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald
| | - Antoine Weihs
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, HELIOS Hanseklinikum Stralsund, Rostocker Chaussee, Stralsund
| | - Deborah Janowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, HELIOS Hanseklinikum Stralsund, Rostocker Chaussee, Stralsund
| | - Hans J Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, HELIOS Hanseklinikum Stralsund, Rostocker Chaussee, Stralsund
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases DZNE, Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Morr M, Lieberz J, Dobbelstein M, Philipsen A, Hurlemann R, Scheele D. Insula reactivity mediates subjective isolation stress in alexithymia. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15326. [PMID: 34321519 PMCID: PMC8319294 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94799-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk for developing stress-related disorders is elevated in individuals with high alexithymia, a personality trait characterized by impaired emotional awareness and interpersonal relating. However, it is still unclear how alexithymia alters perceived psychosocial stress and which neurobiological substrates are mechanistically involved. To address this question, we examined freshmen during transition to university, given that this period entails psychosocial stress and frequently initiates psychopathology. Specifically, we used a functional magnetic resonance imaging emotional face matching task to probe emotional processing in 54 participants (39 women) at the beginning of the first year at university and 6 months later. Furthermore, we assessed alexithymia and monitored perceived psychosocial stress and loneliness via questionnaires for six consecutive months. Perceived psychosocial stress significantly increased over time and initial alexithymia predicted subjective stress experiences via enhanced loneliness. On the neural level, alexithymia was associated with lowered amygdala responses to emotional faces, while loneliness correlated with diminished reactivity in the anterior insular and anterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, insula activity mediated the association between alexithymia and loneliness that predicted perceived psychosocial stress. Our findings are consistent with the notion that alexithymia exacerbates subjective stress via blunted insula reactivity and increased perception of social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitjan Morr
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Jana Lieberz
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Dobbelstein
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Philipsen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - René Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Hermann-Ehlers-Str. 7, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Scheele
- Division of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Oldenburg, Hermann-Ehlers-Str. 7, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.
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Guttman ZR, Ghahremani DG, Pochon JB, Dean AC, London ED. Age Influences Loss Aversion Through Effects on Posterior Cingulate Cortical Thickness. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:673106. [PMID: 34321994 PMCID: PMC8311492 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.673106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Decision-making strategies shift during normal aging and can profoundly affect wellbeing. Although overweighing losses compared to gains, termed "loss aversion," plays an important role in choice selection, the age trajectory of this effect and how it may be influenced by associated changes in brain structure remain unclear. We therefore investigated the relationship between age and loss aversion, and tested for its mediation by cortical thinning in brain regions that are susceptible to age-related declines and are implicated in loss aversion - the insular, orbitofrontal, and anterior and posterior cingulate cortices. Healthy participants (n = 106, 17-54 years) performed the Loss Aversion Task. A subgroup (n = 78) provided structural magnetic resonance imaging scans. Loss aversion followed a curvilinear trajectory, declining in young adulthood and increasing in middle-age, and thinning of the posterior cingulate cortex mediated this trajectory. The findings suggest that beyond a threshold in middle adulthood, atrophy of the posterior cingulate cortex influences loss aversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe R. Guttman
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Dara G. Ghahremani
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jean-Baptiste Pochon
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andy C. Dean
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Edythe D. London
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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12
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May AC, Aupperle RL, Stewart JL. Dark Times: The Role of Negative Reinforcement in Methamphetamine Addiction. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:114. [PMID: 32256392 PMCID: PMC7090143 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine use is associated with substantial adverse outcomes including poor mental and physical health, financial difficulties, and societal costs. Despite deleterious long-term consequences associated with methamphetamine, many people use drugs for short-term reduction of unpleasant physical or emotional sensations. By removing these aversive states, drug use behaviors are negatively reinforced. Abstinence from methamphetamine can then result in a return to previous aversive emotional states linked to withdrawal and craving, often contributing to an increased likelihood for relapse. This negative reinforcement cycle is hypothesized to be a motivating and maintaining factor for addiction. Thus, this review highlights the current evidence for negative reinforcement mechanisms in methamphetamine use disorder by integrating studies of subjective experience, behavior, functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and event-related potentials and examining the efficacy of treatments targeting aspects of negative reinforcement. Overall, the literature demonstrates that individuals who use methamphetamine have diminished cognitive control and process emotions, loss of reward, and interoceptive information differently than non-using individuals. These differences are reflected in behavioral and subjective experiments as well as brain-based experiments which report significant differences in various frontal regions, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and striatum. Together, the results suggest methamphetamine users have an altered experience of negative outcomes, difficulties employing effective emotion regulation, and difficulty engaging in adaptive or goal-directed decision-making. Suggestions for future research to improve our understanding of how negative reinforcement contributes to methamphetamine addiction and to develop effective interventions are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- April C. May
- Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Robin L. Aupperle
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Stewart
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, United States
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, United States
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13
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Yang Y, Li X, Zhao J, Xue M, Zhang M, Wang C, Song H, He L, Guo W, Gong P. 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met are not associated with alexithymia: New evidence and meta-analyses. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 92:263-270. [PMID: 30707988 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Alexithymia refers to the difficulties in identifying and describing one's own emotions, lacking of imagination, and an externally oriented thinking style. Studies up to date have examined the associations of 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met polymorphisms with alexithymia. However, the previous findings were mixed. METHODS We replicated the associations by scoring on alexithymia with the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and genotyping the polymorphisms of 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met in a large population of college students (N = 1698). Moreover, we also meta-analyzed the associations with five samples (N = 7517) for the 5-HTTLPR and with five samples (N = 2186) for the COMT Val158Met. RESULTS Neither the replicated study nor the meta-analyses indicated the 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met were associated with alexithymia. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met polymorphisms are not associated with alexithymia. However, genetic-environmental studies with different ethnicity and psychopathology should be carried in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafang Yang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Xiaohan Li
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Mengying Xue
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Chunlan Wang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Hongyu Song
- Institute of Population and Health, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Linlin He
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Wenxuan Guo
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Pingyuan Gong
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Institute of Population and Health, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China.
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14
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Effects of stimulant drug use on the dopaminergic system: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vivo neuroimaging studies. Eur Psychiatry 2019; 59:15-24. [PMID: 30981746 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stimulant drugs can cause persistent changes in the brain. Imaging studies show that these changes are most apparent in dopamine transporter (DAT) or receptor availability within the striatum. METHODS This work focuses on influences of stimulant use on dopaminergic function assessed using nuclear-medicine imaging (PET/SPECT). Included are 39 studies on 655 cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine or nicotine users, as well as 690 healthy controls. Metaanalyses were conducted separately for D2/D3 receptors and dopamine transporters of the entire striatum, its subregions caudate and putamen respectively. RESULTS Meta-analyses results regarding nicotine did not show significant effects between smokers and nonsmokers. In cocaine users there was a significant decrease in dopamine receptor availability in all regions. The striatal DAT availability was significantly increased in cocaine users. Methamphetamine users showed a significantly decreased dopamine receptor and transporter density in all regions. Significant results also indicate a lower transporter availability in all regions. Amphetamine users showed reduced DAT availability in the striatum, as well as in the sub regions. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis provides evidence that there are ongoing changes in the dopaminergic system associated with the use of stimulants. Especially the results of cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine use mainly showed a downregulation. In addition, this meta-analysis is the first to include nicotine. This subset of studies showed evidence for a decreased receptor and DAT availability but no significant results were found in the metaanalyses.
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Zorick T, Okita K, Mandelkern MA, London ED, Brody AL. Effects of Citalopram on Cue-Induced Alcohol Craving and Thalamic D2/3 Dopamine Receptor Availability. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 22:286-291. [PMID: 30753467 PMCID: PMC6441125 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are often used in alcohol use disorders. Clinical trials with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for alcohol use disorders, however, have yielded mixed results. The goal of this project was to assess whether a single i.v. dose of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor reduces craving for alcohol and/or simultaneously increases striatal dopamine concentration in individuals with alcohol dependence. METHODS Alcohol-dependent (DSM-IV-TR criteria) volunteers and matched controls (n = 10/group) underwent a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subjects study. Participants received i.v. citalopram (40 mg) or saline (counter-balanced) followed by a cue-induced craving assessment and [18F]-fallypride positron emission tomography scanning. RESULTS In the alcohol-dependent individuals, the citalopram (compared with saline) resulted in decreased cue-induced craving for alcohol. For the whole study group, cue-induced alcohol craving was inversely correlated with thalamic (but not striatal) dopamine D2/3 receptor availability. CONCLUSIONS Acute serotonin reuptake inhibition reduces cue-induced alcohol craving. Furthermore, thalamic dopamine abnormalities and the striatal hyperdopaminergic hypothesis of alcohol use disorder are supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd Zorick
- Department of Psychiatry, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science, UCLA, Los Angeles, California,Correspondence: Todd Zorick, MD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W. Carson Blvd, Torrance, CA 90509 ()
| | - Kyoji Okita
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mark A Mandelkern
- Department of Psychiatry, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California,Department of Physics, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Edythe D London
- Department of Psychiatry, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science, UCLA, Los Angeles, California,Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Arthur L Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science, UCLA, Los Angeles, California,UCSD/VA San Diego Departments of Psychiatry, San Diego, California
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16
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Tang J, O’Neill J, Alger JR, Shen Z, Johnson MC, London ED. N-Acetyl and Glutamatergic Neurometabolites in Perisylvian Brain Regions of Methamphetamine Users. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 22:1-9. [PMID: 29788422 PMCID: PMC6313110 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Methamphetamine induces neuronal N-acetyl-aspartate synthesis in preclinical studies. In a preliminary human proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging investigation, we also observed that N-acetyl-aspartate+N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate in right inferior frontal cortex correlated with years of heavy methamphetamine abuse. In the same brain region, glutamate+glutamine is lower in methamphetamine users than in controls and is negatively correlated with depression. N-acetyl and glutamatergic neurochemistries therefore merit further investigation in methamphetamine abuse and the associated mood symptoms. Methods Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging was used to measure N-acetyl-aspartate+N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate and glutamate+glutamine in bilateral inferior frontal cortex and insula, a neighboring perisylvian region affected by methamphetamine, of 45 abstinent methamphetamine-dependent and 45 healthy control participants. Regional neurometabolite levels were tested for group differences and associations with duration of heavy methamphetamine use, depressive symptoms, and state anxiety. Results In right inferior frontal cortex, N-acetyl-aspartate+N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate correlated with years of heavy methamphetamine use (r = +0.45); glutamate+glutamine was lower in methamphetamine users than in controls (9.3%) and correlated negatively with depressive symptoms (r = -0.44). In left insula, N-acetyl-aspartate+N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate was 9.1% higher in methamphetamine users than controls. In right insula, glutamate+glutamine was 12.3% lower in methamphetamine users than controls and correlated negatively with depressive symptoms (r = -0.51) and state anxiety (r = -0.47). Conclusions The inferior frontal cortex and insula show methamphetamine-related abnormalities, consistent with prior observations of increased cortical N-acetyl-aspartate in methamphetamine-exposed animal models and associations between cortical glutamate and mood in human methamphetamine users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Tang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroimaging, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Joseph O’Neill
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Zhiwei Shen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Maritza C Johnson
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroimaging, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Edythe D London
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroimaging, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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17
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Guttman Z, Moeller SJ, London ED. Neural underpinnings of maladaptive decision-making in addictions. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 164:84-98. [PMID: 28666893 PMCID: PMC5745312 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Guttman
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Scott J Moeller
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Edythe D London
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States; Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
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18
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Yilmaz O, Şengül Y, Şengül HS, Parlakkaya FB, Öztürk A. Investigation of alexithymia and levels of anxiety and depression among patients with restless legs syndrome. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:2207-2214. [PMID: 30214210 PMCID: PMC6120575 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s174552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine alexithymia among restless legs syndrome (RLS) patients, compare with healthy controls, and argue the clinical inferences of this relationship. We searched for anxiety and depression and their clinical outcomes among patients and searched whether the results are similar to previous studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eighty-seven RLS patients and 88 age, gender, and educationally matched healthy controls were assessed in Bezmialem Foundation University Hospital. RLS patients and healthy controls were assessed with the Sociodemographic Data Form constructed for the present study, 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS). The patient group was also assessed with the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) RLS Severity Scale. RESULTS RLS patients were found to have greater TAS-20, BDI, and BAS scores compared with the control group (P < 0.05). RLS severity score was positively correlated with the scores of anxiety and depression scales. However, no significant relationship was found between scores of IRLSSG RLS scale and TAS-20 total and subscale scores. CONCLUSION RLS patients were found to be more alexithymic than healthy controls, whereas no significant relationship was found between RLS severity and levels of alexithymia. Still, alexithymia might be a predictor for early diagnosis and may be considered in the treatment and follow-up of RLS. RLS patients have higher depression and anxiety scores than healthy individuals. Thus, depression and anxiety should be taken into consideration throughout the RLS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Yilmaz
- Bezmialem Foundation University Medical Faculty, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey,
| | - Yildizhan Şengül
- Bezmialem Foundation University Medical Faculty, Department of Neurology, IIstanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Serdar Şengül
- Gaziosmanpaşa Taksim Research and Training Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma Büşra Parlakkaya
- Bezmialem Foundation University Medical Faculty, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey,
| | - Ahmet Öztürk
- Bezmialem Foundation University Medical Faculty, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey,
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Doñamayor N, Strelchuk D, Baek K, Banca P, Voon V. The involuntary nature of binge drinking: goal directedness and awareness of intention. Addict Biol 2018; 23:515-526. [PMID: 28419776 PMCID: PMC5811896 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Binge drinking represents a public health issue and is a known risk factor in the development of alcohol use disorders. Previous studies have shown behavioural as well as neuroanatomical alterations associated with binge drinking. Here, we address the question of the automaticity or involuntary nature of the behaviour by assessing goal‐directed behaviour and intentionality. In this study, we used a computational two‐step task, designed to discern between model‐based/goal‐directed and model‐free/habitual behaviours, and the classic Libet clock task, to study intention awareness, in a sample of 31 severe binge drinkers (BD) and 35 matched healthy volunteers. We observed that BD had impaired goal‐directed behaviour in the two‐step task compared with healthy volunteers. In the Libet clock task, BD showed delayed intention awareness. Further, we demonstrated that alcohol use severity, as reflected by the alcohol use disorders identification test, correlated with decreased conscious awareness of volitional intention in BD, although it was unrelated to performance on the two‐step task. However, the time elapsed since the last drinking binge influenced the model‐free scores, with BD showing less habitual behaviour after longer abstinence. Our findings suggest that the implementation of goal‐directed strategies and the awareness of volitional intention are affected in current heavy alcohol users. However, the modulation of these impairments by alcohol use severity and abstinence suggests a state effect of alcohol use in these measures and that top‐down volitional control might be ameliorated with alcohol use cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Doñamayor
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
| | | | - Kwangyeol Baek
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
- Department of Biomedical Engineering; Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology; Ulsan Korea
| | - Paula Banca
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
| | - Valerie Voon
- Department of Psychiatry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge UK
- Behavioural and Clinical Neurosciences Institute; Cambridge UK
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust; Cambridge UK
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre; Cambridge UK
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Valdespino A, Antezana L, Ghane M, Richey JA. Alexithymia as a Transdiagnostic Precursor to Empathy Abnormalities: The Functional Role of the Insula. Front Psychol 2017; 8:2234. [PMID: 29312079 PMCID: PMC5742870 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Distorted empathic processing has been observed across multiple psychiatric disorders. Simulation theory provides a theoretical framework that proposes a mechanism through which empathy difficulties may arise. Specifically, introspection-centric simulation theory (IST) predicts that an inability to accurately interpret and describe internal affective states may lead to empathy difficulties. The purpose of this review is to synthesize and summarize an empirical literature suggesting that simulation theory provides insights into a cognitive and neurobiological mechanism (i.e., alexithymia and insula pathology) that negatively impacts empathic processing, in addition to how disruptions in these processes manifest across psychiatric disorders. Specifically, we review an emerging non-clinical literature suggesting that consistent with IST, alexithymia and associated insula pathology leads to empathy deficits. Subsequently, we highlight clinical research suggesting that a large number of disorders characterized by empathy pathology also feature alexithymia. Collectively, these findings motivate the importance for future work to establish the role of alexithymia in contributing to empathy deficits across clinical symptoms and disorders. The current review suggests that simulation theory provides a tractable conceptual platform for identifying a potential common cognitive and neural marker that is associated with empathy deficits across a wide array of diagnostic classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Valdespino
- Social Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Ligia Antezana
- Social Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Merage Ghane
- Social Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - John A Richey
- Social Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Goerlich KS, Votinov M, Lammertz SE, Winkler L, Spreckelmeyer KN, Habel U, Gründer G, Gossen A. Effects of alexithymia and empathy on the neural processing of social and monetary rewards. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:2235-2250. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1339-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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