Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review This narrative review summarizes the current evidence regarding functional impairment in MDD and the factors contributing to it. Recent Findings Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability and is associated with substantial economic burden, largely due to the functional impairment common among MDD patients. Despite the prevalence of functional impairment in MDD, it has not typically been investigated as a primary treatment outcome in MDD until recently, as treatment studies have largely focused on symptoms. Notably, studies consistently demonstrate the divergent trajectories of improvement of depression symptoms and functional impairment. Furthermore, the most consistent findings point to MDD symptom severity, cognitive deficits, sleep, fatigue, low energy, and social isolation as key contributors to functional outcomes in MDD. There is currently a paucity of data regarding neurobiological mechanisms of functional impairment. The findings from published literature are organized into a proposed working biopsychosocial model of functional impairment in MDD that highlights the strengths and existing research gaps in the field. The implications of these findings on depression treatment strategies are also discussed. Summary Our proposed biopsychosocial model of functioning in depression may serve to define an individual’s “functional impairment profile,” which can be used to identify targeted and personalized treatments for depression, and lead to improved outcomes. PubDate: 2022-05-17
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review This narrative review aims to summarize the literature on novel pharmacological agents with potential for the treatment of cocaine use disorder. Recent Findings Available data on several agents suggest a broad range of neurobiological targets and mechanisms. While the mechanisms of several of these agents converge on the regulation of dopamine pathways, several other related or independent mechanisms may explain their potential benefits. For example, cholinergic agents may improve cognition, serotonergic agents like 5HT2C agonists may reduce impulsivity and anxiety, alpha-adrenergic antagonists may regulate arousal pathways, and kappa-opioid receptor, corticotropin-releasing factor, and orexin antagonists may influence stress and emotional processes. Cocaine vaccines may decrease the capacity of cocaine to reach the central nervous system and exert its impact. Although there are also several novel glutamatergic agents proposed as treatments for cocaine use disorder, they will not be included as part of this narrative review. Summary For several potentially promising agents, clinical translation has yet to be achieved. Huperzine-A, varenicline, doxazosin, nepicastat, suvorexant, and cocaine vaccines have some preclinical and clinical support. Future work should optimize the specificity of these agents as non-selectivity is often a current limitation. For agents with both preclinical and clinical support, replication and extension studies with larger samples are warranted as clinical evidence is often mixed at best. PubDate: 2022-02-28 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-022-00246-z
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review This review aims to summarize the research on brain activity during affective processing (i.e., reward, negative emotional stimuli, loss) and adolescent substance use (SU). Recent Findings Most research revealed links between altered neural activity in midcingulo-insular, frontoparietal and other network regions and adolescent SU. Increased recruitment of midcingulo-insular regions—particularly the striatum —to positive affective stimuli (e.g., monetary reward) was most often associated with initiation and low-level use of substances, whereas decreased recruitment of these regions was most often associated with SUD and higher-risk SU. In regards to negative affective stimuli, most research demonstrated increased recruitment of midcingulo-insular network regions. There is also evidence that these associations may be sex-specific. Summary Future research should employ longitudinal designs that assess affect-related brain activity prior to and following SU initiation and escalation. Moreover, examining sex as a moderating variable may help clarify if affective neural risk factors are sex-specific. PubDate: 2022-01-20 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00241-w
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review This review aims to summarize current research on the psychological and neural substrates of emotion and memory in aging. Recent Findings Emotional memory remains largely intact with age; however, there are mixed findings regarding what type of information is preserved. Shifts in functional connectivity in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) and frontal cortex may underlie emotional memory alterations in aging and are particularly vulnerable to age-related disorders. However, we may be able to harness the interaction between emotion and memory to alleviate memory dysfunction in late life. Summary The relationship between emotion and memory in aging is complex, as emotional biases exist but may differ depending on factors such as underlying pathology or stress hormones. With the advent of advanced imaging methodology and sensitive cognitive tasks, we are better suited to address these research questions. Understanding how emotion may be harnessed to modulate memory may provide a mechanism to rescue memory deficits in aging and disease. PubDate: 2022-01-13 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00245-6
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Problematic engagement in slot machine gambling has been linked to a state of immersion: heightened attention on the activity (i.e., gambling) at the expense of other mental processing. This review considers the relevance of this state to substance-related addictions, and other behavioural addictions besides disordered gambling. We further evaluate current knowledge on the neural systems and neurochemical substrates implicated in immersion. Recent Findings Prior research has primarily considered immersive experiences from a lens of either dissociation (clinical symptoms indicating detachment from reality) or flow theory (positive psychology and game design). In other forms of addictions, increased dissociative features are observed, often interacting with psychosocial adversity and trauma. Existing work on the neural basis of immersion has been more influenced by the “flow” conceptualization, and implicates attentional/executive, salience/reward, and default mode brain networks, with regulation by dopaminergic and, potentially, noradrenergic pathways. Summary Immersion is operationalized as a cognitive attentional state with relevance to a range of addictive disorders. Data on the neural basis of immersion point to brain networks that can be hypothesized to be dysregulated in groups with substance-related and behavioural addictions. Further refinement is needed in measuring immersion and integrating the dissociation and flow perspectives. PubDate: 2022-01-11 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00242-9
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a prevalent personality disorder that frequently presents in health care settings with other psychiatric comorbidities. However, no OCPD treatment guidelines for a general mental health clinician have been proposed. This review summarizes current, clinically relevant knowledge about OCPD and introduces a pragmatic and accessible treatment model: Good Psychiatric Management (GPM) for OCPD. Recent Findings GPM for OCPD offers clinicians a straightforward framework for understanding and treating OCPD patients, informed by eight principles: (1) diagnostic disclosure with assessment of the effect of perfectionism and rigidity on occupational and social life, (2) psychoeducation regarding the role of over-reliance on overcontrol as a core mechanism of instability, (3) focus on life outside of treatment as a grounds for personal growth, (4) use of corrective experiences to dispel rigidly held beliefs and promote more flexible personality functioning, (5) managing comorbidities, (6) use of multimodal treatments, (7) managing safety using general suicide risk assessment, and (8) conservative pharmacological management. Summary Guided by up-to-date knowledge about OCPD, an accessible OCPD conceptualization, and GPM’s eight principles, the generalist mental health clinician can help their patient to build a meaningful life beyond OCPD symptoms. PubDate: 2021-11-25 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00239-4
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Given increases in the rates of alcohol and cannabis co-use among adolescents and young adults, this review aims to summarize literature on the effects of alcohol and cannabis co-use on neurocognitive functioning, brain structure, and brain function. Recent Findings The limited existing studies examining concurrent, recent, and lifetime alcohol and cannabis co-use suggest effects on the brain are likely multifaceted. The majority of studies report that co-use is associated with negative outcomes such as impaired cognitive function and significant alterations in key structural and functional regions of the brain, while others report null effects of co-use compared to non-substance using control and single-substance use groups. Summary Current studies lack a general consensus on methodology, definitions of concurrent and simultaneous use, and neuroimaging approaches, which makes it challenging to draw strong conclusions about the effects of co-use. More studies are needed to explore the effects of co-use in the context of simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use. PubDate: 2021-11-18 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00243-8
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) is used to non-invasively modulate brain activity in health and disease. Current flow modeling (CFM) provides estimates of where and how much electrical current is delivered to in the brain during tES. It therefore holds promise as a method to reduce commonplace variability in tES delivery and, in turn, the outcomes of stimulation. However, the adoption of CFM has not yet been widespread and its impact on tES outcome variability is unclear. Here, we discuss the potential barriers to effective, practical CFM-informed tES use. Recent Findings CFM has progressed from models based on concentric spheres to gyri-precise head models derived from individual MRI scans. Users can now estimate the intensity of electrical fields (E-fields), their spatial extent, and the direction of current flow in a target brain region during tES. Here. we consider the multi-dimensional challenge of implementing CFM to optimise stimulation dose: this requires informed decisions to prioritise E-field characteristics most likely to result in desired stimulation outcomes, though the physiological consequences of the modelled current flow are often unknown. Second, we address the issue of a disconnect between predictions of E-field characteristics provided by CFMs and predictions of the physiological consequences of stimulation which CFMs are not designed to address. Third, we discuss how ongoing development of CFM in conjunction with other modelling approaches could overcome these challenges while maintaining accessibility for widespread use. Summary The increasing complexity and sophistication of CFM is a mandatory step towards dose control and precise, individualised delivery of tES. However, it also risks counteracting the appeal of tES as a straightforward, cost-effective tool for neuromodulation, particularly in clinical settings. PubDate: 2021-11-16 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00238-5
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review This review examines the neurocognitive effects of cannabis and relevant developmental factors across adolescence (age 13–21), adulthood (21–65), and older adulthood (65 +). Recent Findings Cannabis use is robustly associated with poorer neurocognitive functioning; however, studies that carefully control for confounds have often not found any evidence for impairment. Notably, the endocannabinoid system may underly how cannabis use affects neurocognitive functions, including heightened vulnerability during adolescence. In contrast, the endocannabinoid system may underlie protective neurocognitive effects of cannabis in older adults. Notably, older adults have reported sharp increases in recent cannabis use. Summary As legalization increases the accessibility, variety, and potency of cannabis, strong empirical evidence is needed to understand its neurocognitive effects across the lifespan. In particular, rigorous study designs are needed to investigate the neurocognitive effects of cannabis, including among vulnerable populations (adolescents, older adults) and mediating (e.g., endocannabinoid system) and moderating factors (e.g., alcohol use). PubDate: 2021-11-15 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00244-7
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Clinical insight is an emerging interest in substance use disorder research, but is difficult to study empirically. We reviewed recent research examining the behavioral and neural correlates of several psychological processes tapping into self-awareness that may in turn contribute to insight. Recent Findings Individuals with substance use disorder exhibit deficits in self-monitoring (especially self-report/behavior dissociations), metacognition, alexithymia, readiness for behavior change, and interoception. Behavioral impairments have been further linked to neural abnormalities in a diverse network of brain regions encompassing cortical midline areas, insula, and frontal cortex, among others. Various treatment modalities may target these deficits, though corresponding effects on neural circuitry remain to be determined. Summary Compromised insight in substance use disorder may be relevant to a constellation of behaviors that suggest a lack of behavioral awareness linked to drug use. Future work needs to refine and advance the measurements, continuing to investigate insight problems in addiction that may become important therapeutic targets. PubDate: 2021-11-06 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00240-x
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review This paper reviews the literature examining antipsychotic prescription disparities between white people and black people. Recent Findings Despite literature documenting racial discrepancies in diagnosis, there have been limited studies examining disparities in antipsychotic prescription between white people and black people. Studies have demonstrated that black people are more likely to receive first generation antipsychotics, higher antipsychotic doses, and long acting injectables, but less likely to receive clozapine. Much of this work was done in the early 2000s. Summary Future research directions include investigation into why these disparities exist. Literature examining these disparities has focused on genetic and sociological factors; however, the impact of prescriber bias and structural racism remains underexplored. Until the research proceeds, future clinical directions should include empowering patients, families, and clinicians to question practices that may exacerbate these known disparities. PubDate: 2021-10-14 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00236-7
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review To summarize recent neurobiological evidence for (1) the addictive potential of ultra-processed foods and (2) the utility of food addiction, defined by behavioral criteria, as a clinically meaningful type of disordered eating. Recent Findings Ultra-processed foods appear to be capable of triggering biobehavioral mechanisms associated with addiction (e.g., dopaminergic sensitization, enhanced motivation), whereas naturally occurring foods do not appear to produce addictive-like responses. Neuroimaging studies have elucidated parallel mechanisms in food addiction and substance-use disorders, including dopaminergic dysfunction, emotion dysregulation, and impulsivity. Emerging data has also suggested biological distinctions for individuals with food addiction evident by the brain-gut-microbiome connection, hormones, and genetics. Summary Existing evidence has yielded convincing findings for overlapping features of ultra-processed foods and drugs of abuse. Preliminary findings from neurobiological studies of individuals with food addiction have revealed similar neural pathways triggered by food and related stimuli as observed in prior studies of persons with substance-use disorders. PubDate: 2021-10-06 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00234-9
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review To explore the immunological underpinnings of psychosis in the COVID-19 patients. Recent Findings COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in psychiatric morbidities, including psychosis. Various putative biological and psychosocial changes have been implicated in COVID-19-related psychosis. COVID-19 is a proinflammatory state. Alterations in immunological processes both as a direct consequence of infection or secondary to the hyperimmune response heuristically explain the etiopathogenesis of psychosis in the affected individual. The uses of immunosuppressant and immunomodulatory drugs may be the other moderators of a psychotic presentation in COVID-19 patients. Evidence to substantiate this hypothesis is still lacking however, which further studies should address. Because of its management implications, a better understanding of the involved immunological mechanisms becomes extremely important. Summary Evidence suggests a putative role of immunological alterations in the pathogenesis of COVID-19-related psychosis. The immunological abnormalities are primarily attributed to the pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection, medications used, and stress. PubDate: 2021-10-04 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00235-8
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review Anhedonia is a transdiagnostic symptom comprising reduced subjective reward or pleasure. Anhedonia influences subjective anticipation and in-the-moment experiences. This review draws together affective learning and engagement evidence for anhedonia affecting subjective experiences of social environments. Recent Findings While social engagement is diminished consistently, subjective appraisals of social contexts vary across different mental health disorders. Low positive affect during social experiences or stimuli is reported in PTSD, mood, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Diminished neural reward networks underpin the anticipation of social experiences in ADHD, schizophrenia spectrum, and autistic spectrum disorders. Multiple theories exist to explain how anhedonia might interfere with social environments. Summary Anhedonia is a barrier to engagement, motivation, and enjoyment of social contexts. While many studies characterize experiences during social contexts, learning theories provide the most promise for developing targeted interventions. PubDate: 2021-09-01 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00232-x
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Background/Purpose With the increasing popularity of video games, a subset of players develop addiction-like behaviours, the frequency of severity thereof warranting the DSM-5 to include Internet gaming disorder (IGD) as a condition for further study. This systematic review examines neurocognitive features of individuals meeting IGD criteria while drawing parallels to other addictive behaviours, such as gambling disorder. Methods This paper examines original studies comparing gaming disorder or gaming groups against control groups on neurocognitive paradigms. Articles were retrieved from PubMed and PsycInfo online databases, in accordance with PRISMA standards. Results The literature search showed a high number of studies examining inhibitory control in IGD populations. Participants with IGD demonstrated impaired inhibitory control and impulsivity, indicated by more errors of while performing neurocognitive tasks, particularly when distractors were salient game-related cues. IGD was also associated with higher reward sensitivity and lower loss sensitivity, leading to overall riskier decision-making. Discussion Changes in neurocognitive features in IGD are similar to substance use disorders and gambling disorder, suggesting the pathology may develop by similar mechanisms. Counterintuitively, the improved performance in non-IGD gaming populations in some studies suggests that video game experience itself, distinct from addiction towards games, may improve performance in error processing and reaction times. Future research incorporating IGD comorbidities, longitudinal designs to establish causality, and standard diagnostic cutoffs are needed. PubDate: 2021-09-01 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00230-z
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract Neurofeedback (NF) is a versatile non-invasive neuromodulation technique. In combination with motor imagery (MI), NF has considerable potential for enhancing motor performance or supplementing motor rehabilitation. However, not all users achieve reliable NF control. While research has focused on various brain signal properties and the optimisation of signal processing to solve this issue, the impact of context, i.e. the conditions in which NF motor tasks occur, is comparatively unknown. We review current research on the impact of context on MI NF and related motor domains. We identify long-term factors that act at the level of the individual or of the intervention, and short-term factors, with levels before/after and during a session. The reviewed literature indicates that context plays a significant role. We propose considering context factors as well as within-level and across-level interactions when studying MI NF. PubDate: 2021-09-01 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00233-w
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review The prevalence of affective disorders is on the rise. This upward trajectory leads to a substantial personal and societal cost. There is growing body of literature demonstrating decision-making impairments associated with affective disorders, and more studies are using computational modelling methods to infer underlying mechanisms of these impairments from participant choice behaviour. However, lack of population modelling suggests that data resources may still be underutilised. Recent Findings A number of recent studies associated major depression with abnormal risky decision-making as well as impairments in temporal discounting and social decision-making. These domains capture relevant aspects of real-life decision-making. Consequently, data from these studies can be used to define behavioural phenotypes for major depression. Summary The manuscript describes a detailed proposal for population modelling to capture changes in the prevalence rate of major depression. The population modelling approach can also identify which decision-making domains can account for a larger part of impairments in psychosocial functioning and how behavioural interventions built on computational principles can target these to improve real-life psychosocial functioning in patient groups. PubDate: 2021-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00229-6
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review The goal of the current review was to examine recent (within the past 5 years) evidence of impulsivity, broadly defined to include both (a) self-report and (b) behavioral measures including measures of decision-making, inhibition, and inattention, as a feature of Major Depressive Disorder in terms of (a) differences between MDD groups compared to controls and (b) associations between impulsivity and self-reported depressive symptomatology. Recent Findings Of the 3304 studies screened, 21 met the inclusion criteria. Findings support higher levels of impulsivity in individuals with MDD compared to controls and an association between various facets of impulsivity and MDD. Summary There is consistent evidence for impulsivity as a transdisease process influencing MDD. This evidence may be dependent on the facet of impulsivity being measured. PubDate: 2021-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00231-y
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose of Review This review introduces closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), which has the potential to become an effective and safe treatment modality for psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression. Recent Findings The weak electric fields delivered to the brain by transcranial current stimulation interact in a synergistic manner with endogenous rhythmic brain activity patterns. As a result, the effect of stimulation on neuronal network dynamics is state dependent. Therefore, closed-loop paradigms that measure brain activity and apply targeted stimulation based on these measurements may allow effective modulation by targeted low-amplitude stimulation that is tuned to modulate the measured activity. Few initial studies of such closed-loop tACS have recently documented successful target engagement, mostly for applications that target specific activity patterns during sleep. Summary Given the urgent need of novel therapeutic interventions for psychiatric disorders and the recent promising data from initial tACS clinical trials in psychiatry, we propose that closed-loop tACS deserves attention as a promising personalized medicine strategy in psychiatry. PubDate: 2021-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00227-8
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating. A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Purpose The learned helplessness (LH) paradigm, developed in experimental animals, has had great influence on the development of models of mood and anxiety disorders. However, the insights from this paradigm have not always translated straightforwardly into human experimental work. In particular, instrumental contingency learning experiments yielded the contradictory finding of more accurate contingency knowledge in depressed individuals (“depressive realism”: DR). Recent Findings A growing literature involving the application of computational modelling applied to human learning studies suggest that possible sequelae of LH in humans may be manifest in one or more potential candidate reinforcement learning-based mechanisms. This analysis suggests that the DR effect is theoretically and empirically independent of LH, despite both LH and DR being related to depression. Summary Overall, the review highlights recent developments within the complex literature of learning and choice in depression and proposes a variety of testable predictions which may serve to delineate more precisely the presence, and neural basis, of LH-like sequelae across social and non-social learning and choice paradigms in depressed patients. PubDate: 2021-06-01 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-021-00228-7
Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
