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Ma CF, Chien WT, Luo H, Bressington D, Chen EYH, Chan SKW. Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Coronavirus Disease 2019, and Social Unrest on Adult Psychiatric Admissions in Hong Kong: A Comparative Population-Based Study. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:968-973. [PMID: 38015187 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In Hong Kong, two infectious disease outbreaks occurred in 2003 (SARS) and 2020 (COVID-19), and a large-scale social unrest happened in 2019. These were stressful societal events that influenced the mental well-being of the public. We aimed to explore the impact of these events on psychiatric admissions in Hong Kong. Socioeconomic and population-based psychiatric hospital admission data were retrieved from the government and Hospital Authority. Negative binomial time-series regression analysis was applied and we found overall significant reductions of psychiatric admissions during both the SARS and COVID-19 periods (-7.4% to -16.8%). Particularly, the admissions for unipolar disorders (-16.2% to -39.7%) and neuroses (-20.9% to -31.9%) were greatly reduced during the infection outbreaks. But an increase of admissions for schizophrenia (12.0%) was seen during the social unrest period. These findings support introducing early and targeted community mental health care strategies to the vulnerable people during the stressful societal events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wai Tong Chien
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Daniel Bressington
- College of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Australia
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Parra-Soto S, Duran-Aguero S, Vargas-Silva F, Vázquez-Morales K, Pizarro-Mena R. Social Outbreak in Chile, and Its Association with the Effects Biological, Psychological, Social, and Quality of Life. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:7096. [PMID: 38063526 PMCID: PMC10706229 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20237096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization has defined collective violence as the instrumental use of violence by people who identify themselves as members of a group against other individuals and have political, economic, or social objectives. In Chile, the "Social Outbreak" was used to describe an episode of collective violence, which began on October 18, 2019, triggered by a multitude of socioeconomic and political factors, with protests and mobilizations in the country's large and small cities; in central, commercial, and residential areas, that lasted for several months, affecting a large part of the population. The objective of the present study was to associate the social outbreak in Chile with its biological, psychological, and social effects on people's health and quality of life, as well as its characteristics in terms of exposure, proximity, type, and frequency. This was a cross-sectional study with non-probabilistic national-level sampling, conducted from 28 November 2019, to 3 March 2020. The instrument had four sections. A total of 2651 participants answered the survey; 70.8% were female, and the mean age was 35.2. The main disturbances perceived were protests (70.9%), alarm sounds (68.1%), shooting sounds (59.0%), and tear gas bombs (56.9%). When quantifying the magnitude of these associations, people who had a medium exposure have a higher probability (OR: 1.99, CI: 1.58; 2.50) of suffering three or more biological effects than people that have a low exposure, while people with higher exposition have a 4.09 times higher probability (CI: 3.11; 5.38). A similar pattern was observed regarding psychological effects, although social effects were primarily experienced by those with high exposure. Social networks, TV, and radio were the most used media among people who perceived a greater effect. People who lived, worked, or shopped near the disturbance's areas show a higher proportion negative effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solange Parra-Soto
- Departamento de Nutrición y Salud Pública, Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chillan 3780000, Chile;
- School Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Samuel Duran-Aguero
- Facultad de Ciencias para el Cuidado de la Salud, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Los Leones, Santiago 7500000, Chile;
| | - Francisco Vargas-Silva
- Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Los Leones, Santiago 7500000, Chile; (F.V.-S.); (K.V.-M.)
| | - Katherine Vázquez-Morales
- Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Los Leones, Santiago 7500000, Chile; (F.V.-S.); (K.V.-M.)
| | - Rafael Pizarro-Mena
- Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Los Leones, Santiago 7500000, Chile; (F.V.-S.); (K.V.-M.)
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Wong SM, Chen EY, Suen Y, Wong CS, Chang W, Chan SK, McGorry PD, Morgan C, van Os J, McDaid D, Jones PB, Lam T, Lam LC, Lee EH, Tang EY, Ip CH, Ho WW, McGhee SM, Sham P, Hui CL. Prevalence, time trends, and correlates of major depressive episode and other psychiatric conditions among young people amid major social unrest and COVID-19 in Hong Kong: a representative epidemiological study from 2019 to 2022. Lancet Reg Health West Pac 2023; 40:100881. [PMID: 37654623 PMCID: PMC10465929 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Hong Kong is among the many populations that has experienced the combined impacts of social unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite concerns about further deteriorations in youth mental health globally, few epidemiological studies have been conducted to examine the prevalence and correlates of major depressive episode (MDE) and other major psychiatric disorders across periods of population-level changes using diagnostic interviews. Methods We conducted a territory-wide household-based epidemiological study from 2019 to 2022 targeting young people aged 15-24 years. MDE, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (PD), and bipolar disorder (BD) were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Screening Scales in 3340 young people. Psychotic disorders were assessed by experienced psychiatrists according to the DSM. Help-seeking patterns were also explored. Findings 16.6% had any mental disorder (13.7% 12-month MDE, 2.3% BD, 2.1% GAD, 1.0% PD, 0.6% psychotic disorder). The prevalence of MDE increased from 13.2% during period 1 (May 2019-June 2020) to 18.1% during period 2 (July-December 2020), followed by 14.0% during period 3 (January-June 2021) and 13.2% during period 4 (July 2021-June 2022). Different stressors uniquely contributed to MDE across periods: social unrest-related stressors during period 1, COVID-19 stressors during period 2, and personal stressors during periods 3-4. Lower resilience, loneliness, frequent nightmares, and childhood adversity were consistently associated with MDE. Compared to other conditions, those with MDE showed the lowest service utilisation rate (16.7%). Perceiving services to "cost too much" and "talked to friends or relatives instead" were among the major reasons for not seeking help. MDE was also significantly associated with poorer functioning and health-related quality of life. Interpretation MDE can be sensitive to population-level changes, although its persistently elevated prevalence across the study period is of concern. Efforts to mitigate their impacts on youth mental health alongside personal risk factors are needed. Further work is required to increase the availability and acceptability of youth-targeted mental health services. Funding Food and Health Bureau (HKSAR Government).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M.Y. Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric Y.H. Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Y.N. Suen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Corine S.M. Wong
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W.C. Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sherry K.W. Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patrick D. McGorry
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Craig Morgan
- Health Service & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jim van Os
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - David McDaid
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom
| | - Peter B. Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - T.H. Lam
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Linda C.W. Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Edwin H.M. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric Y.H. Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Charlie H. Ip
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Winky W.K. Ho
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sarah M. McGhee
- School of Public Health, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - P.C. Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Christy L.M. Hui
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Wong SMY, Chen EYH. Significance of timely responses to mental health crises during unprecedented societal and global changes using an agile, empathic and user-centred digital approach: lessons from the Hong Kong experience. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013540. [PMID: 37612035 PMCID: PMC10450124 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ming Yin Wong
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Eric Yu Hai Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Chen EYH, Wong SMY, Tang EYH, Lei LKS, Suen YN, Hui CLM. Spurious Autobiographical Memory of Psychosis: A Mechanistic Hypothesis for the Resolution, Persistence, and Recurrence of Positive Symptoms in Psychotic Disorders. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1069. [PMID: 37509001 PMCID: PMC10376952 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotic disorders are complex disorders with multiple etiologies. While increased dopamine synthesis capacity has been proposed to underlie psychotic episodes, dopamine-independent processes are also involved (less responsive to dopamine receptor-blocking medications). The underlying mechanism(s) of the reduction in antipsychotic responsiveness over time, especially after repeated relapses, remain unclear. Despite the consistent evidence of dopamine overactivity and hippocampal volume loss in schizophrenia, few accounts have been provided based on the interactive effect of dopamine on hippocampal synapse plasticity mediating autobiographical memory processes. The present hypothesis builds upon previous works showing the potential effects of dopamine overactivity on hippocampal-mediated neuroplasticity underlying autobiographical memory, alongside known patterns of autobiographical memory dysfunction in psychosis. We propose that spurious autobiographical memory of psychosis (SAMP) produced during active psychosis may be a key mechanism mediating relapses and treatment non-responsiveness. In a hyperdopaminergic state, SAMP is expected to be generated at an increased rate during active psychosis. Similar to other memories, it will undergo assimilation, accommodation, and extinction processes. However, if SAMP fails to integrate with existing memory, a discontinuity in autobiographical memory may result. Inadequate exposure to normalizing experiences and hyposalience due to overmedication or negative symptoms may also impede the resolution of SAMP. Residual SAMP is hypothesized to increase the propensity for relapse and treatment non-responsiveness. Based on recent findings on the role of dopamine in facilitating hippocampal synapse plasticity and autobiographical memory formation, the SAMP hypothesis is consistent with clinical observations of DUP effects, including the repetition of contents in psychotic relapses as well as the emergence of treatment non-responsiveness after repeated relapses. Clinical implications of the hypothesis highlight the importance of minimizing active psychosis, integrating psychosis memory, avoiding over-medication, and fostering normalizing experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Y H Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stephanie M Y Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eric Y H Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lauren K S Lei
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi-Nam Suen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christy L M Hui
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Wong SMY, Chen EYH, Lee MCY, Suen YN, Hui CLM. Rumination as a Transdiagnostic Phenomenon in the 21st Century: The Flow Model of Rumination. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1041. [PMID: 37508974 PMCID: PMC10377138 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13071041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rumination and its related mental phenomena share associated impairments in cognition, such as executive functions and attentional processes across different clinical conditions (e.g., in psychotic disorders). In recent decades, however, the notion of rumination has been increasingly narrowed to the "self-focused" type in depressive disorders. A closer review of the literature shows that rumination may be construed as a broader process characterized by repetitive thoughts about certain mental contents that interfere with one's daily activities, not only limited to those related to "self". A further examination of the construct of rumination beyond the narrowly focused depressive rumination would help expand intervention opportunities for mental disorders in today's context. We first review the development of the clinical construct of rumination with regard to its historical roots and its roles in psychopathology. This builds the foundation for the introduction of the "Flow Model of Rumination (FMR)", which conceptualizes rumination as a disruption of a smooth flow of mental contents in conscious experience that depends on the coordinated interactions between intention, memory, affect, and external events. The conceptual review concludes with a discussion of the impact of rapid technological advances (such as smartphones) on rumination. Particularly in contemporary societies today, a broader consideration of rumination not only from a cognition viewpoint, but also incorporating a human-device interaction perspective, is necessitated. The implications of the FMR in contemporary mental health practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Y Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Eric Y H Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Michelle C Y Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Y N Suen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Christy L M Hui
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Wong SM, Chen EY, Suen YN, Ho W, Chan SK, Lee EH, Chan KT, Lui SS, Wong MT, Hui CL. Increased psychological distress among young people before and during the fifth wave of COVID-19 after two years of pandemic in Hong Kong: a 6-month longitudinal study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:433. [PMID: 37322448 PMCID: PMC10267546 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04933-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite over two years of COVID-19 worldwide, the outbreak of the Omicron variant has given rise to an unprecedented surge of infection with diverse lockdown measures implemented globally. Whether the emergence of a new wave of COVID-19 could further affect mental health in the population after nearly two years of the pandemic remains to be addressed. Furthermore, whether changes in smartphone overuse behaviours and physical activity - both of which are particularly relevant to young people - would together contribute to changes in distress symptoms during this wave of COVID-19 was also examined. METHODS A total of 248 young people from an ongoing household-based epidemiological study in Hong Kong who completed their baseline assessments prior to the Omicron variant outbreak, i.e., fifth wave of COVID-19 (July-November 2021), were invited for a 6-month follow-up study during this wave of infection (January-April 2022) (mean age = 19.7 years, SD = 2.7; 58.9% females). At both time points, levels of global distress symptoms, perceived stress, smartphone overuse, frequency of engagement in vigorous physical activity, and other potential risk and protective factors were assessed. RESULTS The proportion of young people presenting moderate-to-severe distress (6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale ≥ 5) significantly increased from 45.6 to 54.4% during the fifth wave of COVID-19 (p < 0.010). Significantly increased levels of smartphone overuse and reduced days of vigorous physical activity were also observed during the fifth wave. Notably, increased smartphone overuse and reduced physical activity both additively and interactively contributed to elevated distress at 6 months, even after accounting for demographic characteristics, psychiatric history, childhood adversity, as well as baseline distress symptoms, resilience, and recent personal stressors. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the emergence of a new wave of COVID-19, specifically the Omicron outbreak, can further aggravate mental distress even after a protracted period of the pandemic. Awareness of the dynamic nature of COVID-19 is necessitated to address the pressing mental health needs of populations. Supporting young people in healthier patterns of smartphone use and physical activity can be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie My Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Eric Yh Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
| | - Y N Suen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Winky Ho
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sherry Kw Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Edwin Hm Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - K T Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Simon Sy Lui
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Michael Th Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Christy Lm Hui
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Ceballos-Munuera C, Senín-Calderón C, Fernández-León S, Fuentes-Márquez S, Rodríguez-Testal JF. Aberrant Salience and Disorganized Symptoms as Mediators of Psychosis. Front Psychol 2022; 13:878331. [PMID: 35496226 PMCID: PMC9039361 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.878331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ideas of reference (IR) are frequent in psychopathology, mainly in psychotic disorders. The frequency of IR and preoccupation about them are related to the psychotic dimension, and to a lesser extent, to negative or emotional disorganized dimensions. Aberrant salience (AS), has been proposed as an indicator of the onset of psychosis, particularly of schizophrenia. This study analyzed the mediating role of AS, disorganized symptoms and preoccupation about IR in the relationship between IR and the psychotic dimension. Method The sample consisted of 330 participants (116 university students and 214 clinically active patients), 62.4% of whom were women aged 18-79. The Referential Thinking Scale, the Aberrant Salience Inventory, and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale were administered. Results Evidence of a partial mediation model showed that the relationships between IR and the psychotic dimension were mediated jointly by AS and the disorganized dimension, and preoccupation about IR no longer had a role. This relationship was significantly influenced by participant age. The variables in the model explained 54.16% of the variance. Conclusion The model proposed enabled a set of vulnerabilities (unusual thought content) to be predicted that could lead to a high-risk general pathological state and proneness to psychosis in particular. These findings are discussed with regard to early detection and prevention of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Ceballos-Munuera
- Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment Department, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Juan Fco Rodríguez-Testal
- Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment Department, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Northoff G. Nature or nurture in ideas of reference? Interplay between intrinsic cognition and extrinsic environment in times of crisis. Schizophr Res 2021; 233:1-2. [PMID: 34052585 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Northoff
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Canada
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