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Bogie BJ, Noël C, Gu F, Nadeau S, Shvetz C, Khan H, Rivard MC, Bouchard S, Lepage M, Guimond S. Using virtual reality to improve verbal episodic memory in schizophrenia: A proof-of-concept trial. Schizophr Res Cogn 2024; 36:100305. [PMID: 38486790 PMCID: PMC10937232 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2024.100305] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia is associated with impairments in verbal episodic memory. Strategy for Semantic Association Memory (SESAME) training represents a promising cognitive remediation program to improve verbal episodic memory. Virtual reality (VR) may be a novel tool to increase the ecological validity and transfer of learned skills of traditional cognitive remediation programs. The present proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a VR-based cognitive remediation module inspired by SESAME principles to improve the use of verbal episodic memory strategies in schizophrenia. Methods Thirty individuals with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder completed this study. Participants were randomized to either a VR-based verbal episodic memory training condition inspired by SESAME principles (intervention group) or an active control condition (control group). In the training condition, a coach taught semantic encoding strategies (active rehearsal and semantic clustering) to help participants remember restaurant orders in VR. In the active control condition, participants completed visuospatial puzzles in VR. Attrition rate, participant experience ratings, and cybersickness questionnaires were used to assess feasibility and acceptability. Trial 1 of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test - Revised was administered pre- and post-intervention to assess preliminary efficacy. Results Feasibility was demonstrated by a low attrition rate (5.88 %), and acceptability was demonstrated by limited cybersickness and high levels of enjoyment. Although the increase in the number of semantic clusters used following the module did not reach conventional levels of statistical significance in the intervention group, it demonstrated a notable trend with a medium effect size (t = 1.48, p = 0.15, d = 0.54), in contrast to the control group where it remained stable (t = 0.36, p = 0.72, d = 0.13). These findings were similar for the semantic clustering ratio in the intervention (t = 1.61, p = 0.12, d = 0.59) and control (t = 0.36, p = 0.72, d = 0.13) groups. There was no significant change in the number of recalled words in either group following VR immersion. Discussion This VR intervention was feasible, acceptable, and may be useful for improving the use of semantic encoding strategies. These findings support the use of more ecological approaches for the treatment of cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, such as VR-based cognitive remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce J.M. Bogie
- MD/PhD Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chelsea Noël
- Department of Psychology, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Feng Gu
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sébastien Nadeau
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Cecelia Shvetz
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hassan Khan
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marie-Christine Rivard
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bouchard
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche, Centre Intégré de Santé et de Services Sociaux de l'Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Martin Lepage
- Douglas Research Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Synthia Guimond
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Shannon H, Bush K, Shvetz C, Paquin V, Morency J, Hellemans KGC, Guimond S. Longitudinal Problematic Social Media Use in Students and Its Association with Negative Mental Health Outcomes. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:1551-1560. [PMID: 38617579 PMCID: PMC11011643 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s450217] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Social media has become increasingly part of our everyday lives and is influential in shaping the habits, sociability, and mental health of individuals, particularly among students. This study aimed to examine the relationship between changes over time in problematic social media use and mental health outcomes in students. We also investigated whether resilience and loneliness moderated the relationship between social media use and mental health. Patients and Methods A total of 103 participants completed a baseline virtual study visit, and 78 participants completed a follow-up visit, 4-weeks later. Participants completed a comprehensive set of questionnaires measuring symptoms of depression and anxiety, perceived stress, loneliness, and resilience. Results Our results showed that problematic social media use at baseline was significantly negatively correlated with resilience and positively correlated with all other mental health outcomes. Furthermore, increases in problematic social media use were significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms and loneliness between visits. Resilience significantly moderated the relationship between increased problematic social media use and heightened perceived stress. Poor mental health at baseline did not predict increased problematic social media use over time. Contrarily to problematic use, frequency of social media use was not significantly correlated with any mental health measures at baseline. Conclusion This study offers a longitudinal perspective, providing valuable insights into the potential protective role of resilience against the detrimental mental health effects seen with increases in problematic social media use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Shannon
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Katie Bush
- The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Cecelia Shvetz
- The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vincent Paquin
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Juliette Morency
- The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation et Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | | | - Synthia Guimond
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Département de Psychoéducation et Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Hamati R, Ahrens J, Shvetz C, Holahan MR, Tuominen L. 65 years of research on dopamine's role in classical fear conditioning and extinction: A systematic review. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1099-1140. [PMID: 37848184 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16157] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine, a catecholamine neurotransmitter, has historically been associated with the encoding of reward, whereas its role in aversion has received less attention. Here, we systematically gathered the vast evidence of the role of dopamine in the simplest forms of aversive learning: classical fear conditioning and extinction. In the past, crude methods were used to augment or inhibit dopamine to study its relationship with fear conditioning and extinction. More advanced techniques such as conditional genetic, chemogenic and optogenetic approaches now provide causal evidence for dopamine's role in these learning processes. Dopamine neurons encode conditioned stimuli during fear conditioning and extinction and convey the signal via activation of D1-4 receptor sites particularly in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and striatum. The coordinated activation of dopamine receptors allows for the continuous formation, consolidation, retrieval and updating of fear and extinction memory in a dynamic and reciprocal manner. Based on the reviewed literature, we conclude that dopamine is crucial for the encoding of classical fear conditioning and extinction and contributes in a way that is comparable to its role in encoding reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Hamati
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Ahrens
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cecelia Shvetz
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew R Holahan
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauri Tuominen
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Tucci AA, Schroeder A, Noël C, Shvetz C, Yee J, Howard AL, Keshavan MS, Guimond S. Social cognition in youth with a first-degree relative with schizophrenia: A systematic scoping review. Psychiatry Res 2023; 323:115173. [PMID: 36989908 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115173] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Social-cognitive deficits are present in individuals at familial high-risk (FHR) for schizophrenia and may play a role in the onset of the illness. No literature review has examined the social-cognitive profiles of youth at FHR who are within the peak window of risk for developing schizophrenia, which could provide insight on the endophenotypic role of social cognition. This systematic scoping review (1) summarizes the evidence on social-cognitive deficits in youth at FHR, (2) explores brain correlates, and (3) describes social-cognitive deficits and prodromal symptom associations. We searched PsycInfo and PubMed for studies investigating social cognition in FHR youth aged 35 or younger and included 19 studies (FHR=639; controls=689). Studies report that youth at FHR have difficulty recognizing negative emotions, particularly fear. Youth at FHR also have difficulty performing complex theory of mind tasks. Abnormality in corticolimbic and temporoparietal regions are observed in youth at FHR during social-cognitive tasks, but results are inconsistent. Finally, there is evidence for negative associations between prodromal symptoms and performance on emotion regulation and theory of mind tasks, but the research is scarce. This review highlights the need for studies on youth at FHR using longitudinal designs and extensive social-cognitive, brain imaging and clinical measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra A Tucci
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandra Schroeder
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Chelsea Noël
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Cecelia Shvetz
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jasmin Yee
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea L Howard
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Matcheri S Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts Mental Health Center Division of Public Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Synthia Guimond
- Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, University of Quebec in Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Shvetz C, Gu F, Drodge J, Torous J, Guimond S. Validation of an ecological momentary assessment to measure processing speed and executive function in schizophrenia. NPJ Schizophr 2021; 7:64. [PMID: 34934063 PMCID: PMC8692600 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-021-00194-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairments are a core feature of schizophrenia that have negative impacts on functional outcomes. However, it remains challenging to assess these impairments in clinical settings. Smartphone apps provide the opportunity to measure cognitive impairments in an accessible way; however, more research is needed to validate these cognitive assessments in schizophrenia. We assessed the initial accessibility, validity, and reliability of a smartphone-based cognitive test to measure cognition in schizophrenia. A total of 29 individuals with schizophrenia and 34 controls were included in the analyses. Participants completed the standard pen-and-paper Trail Making Tests (TMT) A and B, and smartphone-based versions, Jewels Trail Tests (JTT) A and B, at the single in-lab visit. Participants were asked to complete the JTT remotely once per week for three months. We also investigated how subjective sleep quality and mood may affect cognitive performance longitudinally. In-lab and remote JTT scores moderately and positively correlated with in-lab TMT scores. Moderate test-retest reliability was observed across the in-lab, first remote, and last remote completion times of the JTT. Additionally, individuals with schizophrenia had significantly lower performance compared to controls on both the in-lab JTT and TMT. Self-reported mood had a significant effect on JTT A performance over time but no other significant relationships were found remotely. Our results support the initial accessibility, validity and reliability of using the JTT to measure cognition in schizophrenia. Future research to develop additional smartphone-based cognitive tests as well as with larger samples and in other psychiatric populations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecelia Shvetz
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Feng Gu
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Drodge
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John Torous
- Department of Psychiatry and Division of Clinical Informatics, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Synthia Guimond
- The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Département de Psychoéducation et Psychologie, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada.
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