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Esteban FJ, Guevara R, Poza J, Iglesias-Parro S. Interdisciplinary Approaches in Psychiatric Research: From Neural Dynamics to Clinical Applications in Schizophrenia. ACTAS ESPANOLAS DE PSIQUIATRIA 2025; 53:191-197. [PMID: 39801402 PMCID: PMC11726208 DOI: 10.62641/aep.v53i1.1878] [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: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/27/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025]
Abstract
This editorial explores the dynamic psychiatric research field by focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to understand the complexity of mental disorders by placing particular emphasis on schizophrenia. It highlights the need to integrate findings from diverse scientific disciplines, such as neuroscience, computational modeling and genomics, to unravel the multifaceted nature of these conditions. The potential of interdisciplinary research to transform our knowledge and the treatment of psychiatric disorders is underscored by moving beyond traditional models and developing more nuanced frameworks to more effectively address these complexities. Thus by combining perspectives from different fields, significant advancements are expected in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental disorders like schizophrenia, and will open new research and clinical practice avenues in psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramón Guevara
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Jesús Poza
- Department of Signal Theory and Communications and Telematics Engineering, University of Valladolid, 47011 Valladolid, Spain
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Li X, Xu J, Chen M, Zhuang W, Ouyang H, Xu W, Qin Y, Wu L, Hu C, Gao Q, Shao Y, Jin G, Zhou D. Association of EEG and cognitive impairment in overweight and non-overweight patients with schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 178:243-249. [PMID: 39163663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.08.016] [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: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a globally prevalent, severe chronic mental disorder, with cognitive dysfunction being one of its core symptoms. Notably, overweight is exceedingly common among individuals with SCZ, and overweight can also impact cognitive function. Therefore, the relationship between overweight and cognition in SCZ is a clinical issue that is in need of research attention. METHODS This study enrolled 77 patients with SCZ, including 36 overweight and 41 non-overweight patients. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess symptom severity, while cognitive functions were evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Electroencephalography (EEG) testing was performed, with power spectral analysis conducted across various frequency bands (δ, θ, α, β, low γ, and high γ). RESULTS Compared to non-overweight SCZ patients, those overweight exhibited significantly lower RBANS total and index scores in immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional abilities, and delayed memory. EEG spectral analysis revealed that overweight SCZ patients demonstrated significantly lower oscillation power ratios in the β, low γ, and high γ frequency bands compared to their non-overweight counterparts. Correlation analyses indicated a significant positive relationship between β wave activity and RBANS total scores among overweight SCZ patients, suggesting that reduced β power correlates with more severe cognitive dysfunction. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that overweight SCZ patients experience more severe cognitive impairments in a resting state than those who are not overweight, with significant differences in EEG spectrum observed in the β and γ frequency bands. Additionally, our study establishes a correlation between various EEG spectrum dimensions and cognition. This research highlights the effects of overweight on cognition in individuals with SCZ. Additionally, employing EEG technology to study cognitive function in overweight SCZ patients can offer valuable electrophysiological insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China; Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Key Laboratory for Physical Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Psychological Disorders, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaming Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China; Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Key Laboratory for Physical Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Psychological Disorders, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenhao Zhuang
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China; Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Key Laboratory for Physical Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Psychological Disorders, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China
| | - Houxian Ouyang
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China; Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Key Laboratory for Physical Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Psychological Disorders, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weijie Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Second People's Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, 323050, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuchun Qin
- Department of Psychiatry, Second People's Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, 323050, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Second People's Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, 323050, Zhejiang, China
| | - Changzhou Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China; Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Key Laboratory for Physical Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Psychological Disorders, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, Second People's Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, 323050, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaqing Shao
- Department of Psychiatry, Yu Yao Third People's Hospital, Ningbo, 315599, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guolin Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, Second People's Hospital of Lishui, Lishui, 323050, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China; Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo Key Laboratory for Physical Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Psychological Disorders, Ningbo, 315201, Zhejiang, China.
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Rodolico A, Cutrufelli P, Brondino N, Caponnetto P, Catania G, Concerto C, Fusar-Poli L, Mineo L, Sturiale S, Signorelli MS, Petralia A. Mental Pain Correlates with Mind Wandering, Self-Reflection, and Insight in Individuals with Psychotic Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1557. [PMID: 38002517 PMCID: PMC10670292 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111557] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the cognitive processes that contribute to mental pain in individuals with psychotic disorders is important for refining therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. This study investigated the potential relationship between mental pain, mind wandering, and self-reflection and insight in individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders. We included individuals diagnosed with a 'schizophrenia spectrum disorder' according to DSM-5 criteria. Patients in the study were between 18 and 65 years old, clinically stable, and able to provide informed consent. A total of 34 participants, comprising 25 males and 9 females with an average age of 41.5 years (SD 11.5) were evaluated. The Psychache Scale (PAS), the Mind Wandering Deliberate and Spontaneous Scale (MWDS), and the Self-Reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS) were administered. Statistical analyses involved Spearman's rho correlations, controlled for potential confounders with partial correlations, and mediation and moderation analyses to understand the indirect effects of MWDS and SRIS on PAS and their potential interplay. Key findings revealed direct correlations between PAS and MWDS and inverse correlations between PAS and SRIS. The mediation effects on the relationship between the predictors and PAS ranged from 9.22% to 49.8%. The largest statistically significant mediation effect was observed with the SRIS-I subscale, suggesting that the self-reflection and insight component may play a role in the impact of mind wandering on mental pain. No evidence was found to suggest that any of the variables could function as relationship moderators for PAS. The results underscore the likely benefits of interventions aimed at reducing mind wandering and enhancing self-reflection in psychotic patients (e.g., metacognitive therapy, mindfulness). Further research will be essential to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rodolico
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Pierfelice Cutrufelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Natascia Brondino
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Caponnetto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
- Department of Educational Sciences, Section of Psychology, University of Catania, Via Teatro Greco 84, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Concerto
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Laura Fusar-Poli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Agostino Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Ludovico Mineo
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Serena Sturiale
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Salvina Signorelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonino Petralia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.R.); (P.C.); (P.C.); (L.F.-P.); (L.M.); (M.S.S.); (A.P.)
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Iglesias-Parro S, Soriano MF, Ibáñez-Molina AJ, Pérez-Matres AV, Ruiz de Miras J. Examining Neural Connectivity in Schizophrenia Using Task-Based EEG: A Graph Theory Approach. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:8722. [PMID: 37960422 PMCID: PMC10647645 DOI: 10.3390/s23218722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex disorder characterized by a range of symptoms and behaviors that have significant consequences for individuals, families, and society in general. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a valuable tool for understanding the neural dynamics and functional abnormalities associated with schizophrenia. Research studies utilizing EEG have identified specific patterns of brain activity in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia that may reflect disturbances in neural synchronization and information processing in cortical circuits. Considering the temporal dynamics of functional connectivity provides a more comprehensive understanding of brain networks' organization and how they change during different cognitive states. This temporal perspective would enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of schizophrenia. In the present study, we will use measures based on graph theory to obtain dynamic and static indicators in order to evaluate differences in the functional connectivity of individuals diagnosed with SZ and healthy controls using an ecologically valid task. At the static level, patients showed alterations in their ability to segregate information, particularly in the default mode network (DMN). As for dynamic measures, patients showed reduced values in most metrics (segregation, integration, centrality, and resilience), reflecting a reduced number of dynamic states of brain networks. Our results show the utility of combining static and dynamic indicators of functional connectivity from EEG sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María F. Soriano
- Mental Health Unit, San Agustín Hospital de Linares, 23700 Linares, Spain
| | | | - Ana V. Pérez-Matres
- Department of Software Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Ruiz de Miras
- Department of Software Engineering, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Perrottelli A, Giordano GM, Brando F, Giuliani L, Pezzella P, Mucci A, Galderisi S. Unveiling the Associations between EEG Indices and Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12092193. [PMID: 36140594 PMCID: PMC9498272 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunctions represent a core feature of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders due to their presence throughout different illness stages and their impact on functioning. Abnormalities in electrophysiology (EEG) measures are highly related to these impairments, but the use of EEG indices in clinical practice is still limited. A systematic review of articles using Pubmed, Scopus and PsychINFO was undertaken in November 2021 to provide an overview of the relationships between EEG indices and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Out of 2433 screened records, 135 studies were included in a qualitative review. Although the results were heterogeneous, some significant correlations were identified. In particular, abnormalities in alpha, theta and gamma activity, as well as in MMN and P300, were associated with impairments in cognitive domains such as attention, working memory, visual and verbal learning and executive functioning during at-risk mental states, early and chronic stages of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. The review suggests that machine learning approaches together with a careful selection of validated EEG and cognitive indices and characterization of clinical phenotypes might contribute to increase the use of EEG-based measures in clinical settings.
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