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Nonweiler J, Torrecilla P, Kwapil TR, Ballespí S, Barrantes-Vidal N. I don't understand how I feel: mediating role of impaired self-mentalizing in the relationship between childhood adversity and psychosis spectrum experiences. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1268247. [PMID: 38098634 PMCID: PMC10719857 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1268247] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Childhood adversity is associated with the severity of multiple dimensions of psychosis, but the mechanisms underpinning the close link between the two constructs is unclear. Mentalization may underlie this relationship, as impaired mentalizing is found in various stages of the psychosis continuum. Nonetheless, the differential roles of self- and other-mentalizing in psychosis are not well understood. Methods Parallel multiple mediation was conducted for the relationship between a diverse range of childhood adversity types, including intentional and nonintentional harm, and schizotypy (positive, negative, disorganized), psychotic-like experiences (PLE) and paranoia via self-mentalizing (attention to emotions and emotional clarity) and other-mentalizing in n = 1,156 nonclinically ascertained young adults. Results Significant parallel multiple mediation models were found for all psychotic outcomes except negative schizotypy. The associations between intentionally harmful childhood adversity and psychotic outcomes were significantly mediated by increased attention to emotions for most models and decreased emotional clarity for some models. No significant mediation was found for parental loss. Paternal abuse was only mediated by attention to emotions whereas the effects of maternal abuse were mediated by attention to emotions and emotional clarity. Other-mentalizing only showed mediating effects on one of thirty models tested. Conclusion Results highlight the mediating role of impaired self-mentalizing in the association between childhood adversity and psychosis. This is consistent with disturbances of self-concept and self-boundary characterizing, in particular, the positive dimension of psychosis. Maternal versus paternal figures may contribute differentially to the development of mentalizing. These results could inform future preventative interventions, focusing on the development and maintenance of self-mentalizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Nonweiler
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pilar Torrecilla
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas R. Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
| | - Sergi Ballespí
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Velthorst E, Socrates A, Alizadeh BZ, van Amelsvoort T, Bartels-Velthuis AA, Bruggeman R, Cahn W, de Haan L, Schirmbeck F, Simons CJP, van Os J, Fett AK. Age-Related Social Cognitive Performance in Individuals With Psychotic Disorders and Their First-Degree Relatives. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:1460-1469. [PMID: 37210736 PMCID: PMC10686369 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbad069] [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] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social cognitive impairment is a recognized feature of psychotic disorders. However, potential age-related differences in social cognitive impairment have rarely been studied. STUDY DESIGN Data came from 905 individuals with a psychotic disorder, 966 unaffected siblings, and 544 never-psychotic controls aged 18-55 who participated in the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) study. Multilevel linear models were fitted to study group main effects and the interaction between group and age on emotion perception and processing (EPP; degraded facial affect recognition) and theory of mind (ToM; hinting task) performance. Age-related differences in the association between socio-demographic and clinical factors, and EPP and ToM were also explored. STUDY RESULTS Across groups, EPP performance was associated with age (β = -0.02, z = -7.60, 95% CI: -0.02, -0.01, P < .001), with older participants performing worse than younger ones. A significant group-by-age interaction on ToM (X2(2) = 13.15, P = .001) indicated that older patients performed better than younger ones, while no age-related difference in performance was apparent among siblings and controls. In patients, the association between negative symptoms and ToM was stronger for younger than older patients (z = 2.16, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS The findings point to different age-related performance patterns on tests of 2 key social cognitive domains. ToM performance was better in older individuals, although this effect was only observed for patients. EPP was less accurate in older compared with younger individuals. These findings have implications with respect to when social cognitive training should be offered to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Velthorst
- Department of Research, Mental Health Organization “GGZ Noord-Holland-Noord,”Heerhugowaard, The Netherlands
| | - Adam Socrates
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Seaver Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Behrooz Z Alizadeh
- Rob Giel Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Therese van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Agna A Bartels-Velthuis
- Rob Giel Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Bruggeman
- Rob Giel Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center for Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical and Developmental Neuropsychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wiepke Cahn
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Psychiatry, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Altrecht, General Mental Health Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Seaver Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Arkin, Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederike Schirmbeck
- Seaver Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Arkin, Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia J P Simons
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GGzE Institute for Mental Health Care, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jim van Os
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Psychiatry, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, London, UK
| | - Anne-Kathrin Fett
- Department of Psychology, City, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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Cheng C, Nadin S, Bohonis H, Katt M, Dewa CS. NorthBEAT: exploring the service needs of youth experiencing early psychosis in Northern Ontario. Front Health Serv 2023; 3:1163452. [PMID: 38028941 PMCID: PMC10646171 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1163452] [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] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) is critical for best outcomes. Among 369 diseases, psychosis is among those causing the greatest disability. Evidence-based interventions for youth in early stages of psychosis (EPI programs) have prevented chronic disability. Yet, EPI is frequently inaccessible for youth living in rural communities. Moreover, Indigenous youth often face more precipitous situations given inadequate staffing, and culturally unsafe care. The NorthBEAT (Barriers to Early Assessment and Treatment) project sought to understand the service needs of youth with psychosis in Northern Ontario. The goals were: (1) to describe the mental health of a subset of adolescents receiving EPI care; (2) examine Indigenous youth as a significant and vulnerable population; (3) to understand the barriers and facilitators for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth receiving EPI. Methods Mixed methods (structured and narrative interviews) included: psychometric scales interviews with youth, and narrative interviews with youth, their family, and service providers Data validation workshops were held with participants. Results Structured interviews with 26 youth (M = 17 years) found the participants functioning moderately well with duration of untreated psychosis ranging from 1 to 96 months (M = 26 months). No significant differences were found in functioning or duration of psychosis between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. Narrative interviews were conducted with 18 youth, 11 family members, and 14 service providers. Identified barriers were a lack of knowledge about psychosis among service providers, a disconnected system leading to delays in treatment, help not wanted by youth, expansive geographical context. Service needs were: finding the right point of access, support for families, pre-crisis intervention, reduced stigma for youth and their families, and an EPI approach to care. Discussion Rural and northern youth face similar barriers to accessing EPI as urban youth. However, northern youth face additional unique challenges due to expansive geographical context, limited resources and lack of knowledge about services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiachen Cheng
- Addictions and Mental Health, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
- Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
- Clinical Sciences Division, Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Shevaun Nadin
- Addictions and Mental Health, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
- Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Hafsa Bohonis
- Dr. Gilles Arcand Centre for Health Equity, Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Mae Katt
- Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Carolyn S. Dewa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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De Salve F, Rossi C, Oasi O. Mentalizing in individuals with state and trait risk for psychosis: a systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1214385. [PMID: 37915797 PMCID: PMC10616828 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1214385] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mentalization is an umbrella concept defined as the ability to interpret one's and others' mental states. Previous studies have hypothesized that mentalization may be a crucial resilience factor that significantly moderates the likelihood of developing psychotic disorders in individuals with both state and trait risk factors for the illness. Purpose The study reviews the role of mentalizing abilities (e.g., reflective functioning, Theory of Mind (ToM), and metacognition) in young adults with At-Risk Mental States (ARMS) and schizotypal traits. Specifically, the objective is to include articles that (a) evaluate the links between low mentalizing and both state (ARMS/CHR) and trait (schizotypy) risk for psychosis (b) compare the differences in mentalizing abilities between individuals with ARMS, schizotypy, full-blown psychosis, and healthy controls. Method Electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were used to search for articles, while Rayyan was employed to facilitate the screening and selection of studies. Eligible studies are original English-language; peer-reviewed research articles on populations that met validated risk diagnostic criteria for psychosis, ARMS, and healthy controls; empirical studies evaluating the association or differences between psychotic risk and mentalizing abilities. Non-English language studies, the ones not considering state or trait risk for psychosis, and qualitative studies were excluded. After the application of the PRISMA checklist and the inclusion and exclusion criteria previously mentioned, 10 articles were extracted. The systematic review has been registered on Prospero (CRD42023397594). Results Low levels of reflective functioning and metacognition may predict a transition to psychosis. In addition, reflective functioning and metacognitive impairments are associated with attenuated psychotic symptoms in both state risk groups and in non-clinical individuals with schizotypal traits. Concerning ToM tasks, mixed results emerged. Conclusion The results obtained from the review suggest that the application of strategies to attenuate maladaptive metacognitive beliefs and low mentalization may be equally effective in improving psychotic symptoms. The assessment of mentalization and metacognition could potentially provide additional prognostic value over factors predisposing to psychosis. Good mentalization and metacognition functioning should be considered as protective factors able to minimize the transition to psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Salve
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Rossi
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
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Salaminios G, Sprüngli-Toffel E, Michel C, Morosan L, Eliez S, Armando M, Fonseca-Pedrero E, Derome M, Schultze-Lutter F, Debbané M. The role of mentalizing in the relationship between schizotypal personality traits and state signs of psychosis risk captured by cognitive and perceptive basic symptoms. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1267656. [PMID: 37810595 PMCID: PMC10557948 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1267656] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Schizotypal traits and disturbances in mentalizing (the capacity to understand the mental states driving one's own and others' behaviors) have been implicated in increased vulnerability for psychosis. Therefore, we explored the associations linking schizotypal traits, mentalizing difficulties and their interactions to clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P), as captured by the Basic Symptoms (BS) approach, during adolescence and young adulthood. Methods Eighty-seven adolescents and young adults from the general population (46% male, 44% female; age: 14-23 years) were assessed with the Schizophrenia Proneness Interview (SPI-CY/A) for 11 perceptive and cognitive BS, with the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) for schizotypal traits, and with the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ) for self-reported mentalizing abilities. The RFQ evaluates the level of certainty (RFQc scale) and uncertainty (RFQu scale) with which individuals use mental state information to explain their own and others' behaviors. Results Logistic regression models showed significant positive effects of the SPQ disorganization scale on perceptive BS and of the SPQ interpersonal scale on cognitive BS. Post-hoc analyses revealed that schizotypal features pertaining to odd speech and social anxiety, respectively, were associated with perceptive and cognitive BS. Furthermore, higher scores on the RFQu scale and lower scores on the RFQc scale independently explained the presence of cognitive BS. Finally, significant interaction effects between RFQc and SPQ odd speech on perceptive BS, and between RFQc and SPQ social anxiety on cognitive BS were found. Conclusion Our findings suggest that schizotypal traits and mentalizing significantly relate both independently and through their interactions to the presence of cognitive and perceptive BS included in CHR-P criteria. Furthermore, mentalizing dysfunction may contribute in the relation between schizotypal traits and early state signs of CHR-P. Mentalizing may support both detection and early treatment of CHR-P among adolescents and young adults who present with trait risk for psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Salaminios
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Research Department, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Lutterworth, United Kingdom
| | - Elodie Sprüngli-Toffel
- Developmental Clinical Psychology Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Michel
- Developmental Clinical Psychology Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Larisa Morosan
- Developmental Clinical Psychology Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Eliez
- Developmental Clinical Psychology Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marco Armando
- Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Melodie Derome
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Frauke Schultze-Lutter
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Martin Debbané
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Developmental Clinical Psychology Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Lab, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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Dangerfield M, Brotnow Decker L. Mentalization based treatment of youth on the psychotic spectrum: clinical profiles and outcomes for youth in the ECID. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1206511. [PMID: 37469356 PMCID: PMC10352583 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1206511] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early intervention may significantly improve the prognosis associated with psychotic disorders in adulthood. Methods The present study examined the acceptability and effectiveness of a standalone intensive, in-home, mentalization-based treatment (MBT) for extremely high-risk, non-help-seeking youth on the psychotic spectrum [Equipo Clínico de Intervención a Domicilio (ECID), Home Intervention Clinical Team]. Results Despite previously being unable to participate in treatment, more than 90% of youth engaged and those on the psychotic spectrum demonstrated slightly higher engagement than the general high-risk group (95% and 85%, respectively, X1 = 4.218, p = 0.049). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models revealed no main group effect on the likelihood of reengaging with school over the first 12 months of treatment (X1 = 1.015, p = 0.314) when controlling for the duration of school absenteeism at intake. Overall, the percentage of school engagement rose from 12 to 55 over this period, more than 40% of the total sample experienced clinically reliable change and an additional 50% appeared clinically stable. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in the average change in HoNOSCA total severity score (X1 = 0.249, p = 0.618) or the distribution of youth into categories of clinical change during the first year of treatment (X1 = 0.068, p = 0.795). Discussion The present findings suggest that a mentalization based intervention may be able to engage extremely high-risk youth in treatment and have clinically meaningful impact on symptom severity and functioning after 12 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Dangerfield
- Vidal and Barraquer University Institute of Mental Health, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain
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Hutsebaut J, Clarke SL, Chanen AM. The diagnosis that should speak its name: why it is ethically right to diagnose and treat personality disorder during adolescence. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1130417. [PMID: 37229381 PMCID: PMC10203159 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1130417] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although national guidelines explicitly state that personality disorder can be diagnosed and treated in young people aged 12 to 18 years (adolescents), most clinicians remain hesitant. This creates a gap between science and practice, which we argue is largely motivated by moral reasons and, therefore, is best challenged by ethical arguments. We provide seven arguments in support of the notion that it is ethically right to diagnose and treat personality disorder when it occurs in adolescents. Central to these arguments is the scientific evidence that features of personality disorder are among the best predictors of a complex cluster of psychopathology leading to impairments in many areas of current and future mental, social and vocational functioning. We argue that intervention during adolescence and young adulthood is not only humane, but also critical for efforts to avert the longstanding psychosocial and health problems that seem refractory to treatment in adults with personality disorder. Moreover, we argue that regular services are often inadequately equipped to meet the needs of young people with personality disorder and that the common 'stepped-care' approach should be replaced by a 'staged-care' approach. Finally, we argue that early detection and intervention might have anti-stigmatizing effects, similar to other areas of healthcare in which stigmatizing labels have changed meaning when the conditions to which they refer have become more amenable to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Hutsebaut
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
- Viersprong Institute for the Study on Personality Disorders, Halsteren, Netherlands
| | - Sharon L. Clarke
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
- Viersprong Institute for the Study on Personality Disorders, Halsteren, Netherlands
| | - Andrew M. Chanen
- Orygen, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Török E, Kéri S. The Relationship Among Mentalization, Mindfulness, Working Memory, and Schizotypal Personality Traits in the General Population. Front Psychol 2022; 13:682889. [PMID: 35586232 PMCID: PMC9108540 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.682889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with high schizotypal traits are less able to observe, describe, and monitor inner feelings, thoughts, and experiences, commonly referred to as mindfulness and mentalization. High schizotypy is also associated with impaired working memory (WM). However, the relationship among mindfulness, mentalization, WM, and schizotypal traits is unknown. Three hundred individuals from the community (mean age: 38.0 years, SD = 10.5; 49.3% women) completed questionnaires examining schizotypal traits, mindfulness, and mentalization and performed working memory tasks. Results revealed that mentalization was a general predictor of schizotypal traits, including unusual experiences, cognitive disorganization, introverted anhedonia, and impulsive nonconformity, when the effect of mindfulness and working memory was controlled. We also found a positive correlation between mindfulness and mentalization. Low mindfulness and mentalization performances were associated with high schizotypy. However, poor working memory was only weakly linked to cognitive disorganization and introverted anhedonia. These findings suggest that weak mentalization is a core feature of schizotypy independent of mindfulness and working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Török
- Department of Cognitive Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Kéri
- Department of Cognitive Science, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
- Nyírő Gyula National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Szabolcs Kéri, ;
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Boldrini T, Pontillo M, Tanzilli A, Giovanardi G, Di Cicilia G, Salcuni S, Vicari S, Lingiardi V. An attachment perspective on the risk for psychosis: Clinical correlates and the predictive value of attachment patterns and mentalization. Schizophr Res 2020; 222:209-217. [PMID: 32513546 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a longitudinal design, the present study examined: (a) the nature of attachment patterns and reflective functioning (RF) in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR); (b) the association between RF and subclinical psychotic symtoms; and (c) the psychosis-predictive value of attachment patterns, RF, and the interaction between these factors. METHOD The sample comprised 57 UHR subjects and 53 clinical controls (non-UHR). UHR subjects were followed over a mean period of 14 months (SD = 2.7; range 11-19), during which time 11.5% developed psychosis. Attachment patterns and RF were measured. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine the predictive value of variables in the transition to psychosis. RESULTS At baseline, significant differences were found between groups in secure attachment patterns and RF. RF was negatively associated with the attenuated psychotic symptoms described by the Unusual Thought Content/Delusional Ideas, Suspiciousness/Persecutory Ideas, and Disorganized Communication subscales. Moreover, poor mentalization was related to an increased likelihood of developing a psychotic disorder (OR = 0.427, 95% CI [0.188, 0.970]); conversely, no predictive effects of the attachment variables and their interaction with RF on the transition to psychosis were found. Notably, an optimal threshold value of RF = 1.25 was found to distinguish UHR subjects who made the transition to psychosis from those who did not develop this pathology. CONCLUSION The results suggest that aberrant mentalizing patterns can predict the development of psychosis. Clinical implications of these results for the development of preventive treatments are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Boldrini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padua, Italy.
| | - Maria Pontillo
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00100 Rome, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Tanzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Guido Giovanardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Viale Ellittico, 31, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Di Cicilia
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Silvia Salcuni
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8, 35131 Padua, Italy.
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescence Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Children Hospital Bambino Gesù, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00100 Rome, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli, 1, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Boldrini T, Lo Buglio G, Giovanardi G, Lingiardi V, Salcuni S. Defense mechanisms in adolescents at high risk of developing psychosis: an empirical investigation. Res Psychother 2020; 23:456. [PMID: 32913831 PMCID: PMC7451313 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2020.456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Research within psychotherapy and psychopathology frameworks has been inspired by the central concept of defense mechanisms, which play a pivotal role in psychoanalysis. Defense specificities have only recently been studied systematically in the context of several clinical diagnoses. The present study aimed to explore the specificities of defense mechanisms in adolescents at ultra-high risk of developing psychosis and test the relationship between defensive functioning and attenuated psychotic symptoms. Twenty-six adolescent inpatients at ultra-high risk of developing psychosis and a matched clinical control group of inpatients not at risk of psychosis were interviewed. Two observer-rater methods, the Defense Mechanism Rating Scales and the Psychotic-Defense Mechanism Rating Scales were applied to interview transcripts to assess the individual use of defenses. Ultra-high-risk patients demonstrated lower defense mechanisms (i.e., total instances of defense mechanisms observed) and lower overall adaptiveness of the defenses presented. When specific differences between groups were observed, psychotic defenses were the sole defenses that could partially discriminate between ultra-high-risk and not at-risk patients. Regarding the relationship between defense mechanisms and subthreshold psychotic symptoms, psychotic defenses were associated with negative and disorganization symptoms, rather than with positive symptoms. The psychological vulnerability of ultra-high-risk patients is discussed and treatment implications for psychotherapy with such challenging patients are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Boldrini
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Padova
| | - Gabriele Lo Buglio
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Padova
| | - Guido Giovanardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,”Caserta, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
| | - Silvia Salcuni
- Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology, University of Padova, Padova
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Hutsebaut J, Debbané M, Sharp C. Designing a range of mentalizing interventions for young people using a clinical staging approach to borderline pathology. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul 2020; 7:6. [PMID: 32190330 PMCID: PMC7068993 DOI: 10.1186/s40479-020-0121-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) can have a long-lasting impact on social and professional functioning, even when core symptoms of BPD are in remission. Adolescence may be a critical developmental period to change the potential long-term functional outcome of BPD. This paper presents a range of mentalizing interventions to alter the course and outcome of BPD, based upon a model of clinical staging. Mentalizing interventions have in common a focus on strengthening self-regulatory and interpersonal capacities, aiming to improve adaptive social learning. This paper argues that these interventions should be dosed and organized according to the stage of progression of BPD, which is illustrated by discussing different specific formats for mentalization-based interventions, including an early-intervention program for BPD and a standard program for full BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Hutsebaut
- 1Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders, Halsteren, the Netherlands.,Centre of Expertise on Personality Disorders, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Debbané
- 3Developmental Clinical Psychology Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,4Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Carla Sharp
- 5Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas USA.,6University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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