The Affective Neuroscience View of Autism. Association of Oxytocin Receptor Gene

1. J Autism Dev Disord. 2015 Jun 28. [Epub ahead of print] Tracking Social Motivation Systems Deficits: The Affective Neuroscience View of Autism.

Carré A1, Chevallier C, Robel L, Barry C, Maria AS, Pouga L, Philippe A, Pinabel F, Berthoz S.

Author information:

 1Mental Health and Public Health, Inserm, U1178, 75014, Paris, France, [email protected].

Abstract

Abnormal functioning of primary brain systems that express and modulate basic emotional drives are increasingly considered to underlie mental disorders including autism spectrum disorders. We hypothesized that ASD are characterized by disruptions in the primary systems involved in the motivation for social bonding. Twenty adults with ASD were compared to 20 neurotypical participants on the basis of self-reports and clinical assessments, including the Social Anhedonia Scale (SAS) and the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS). ASD diagnosis was related to SAS, as well as to positive (PLAYFULNESS) and negative (FEAR) ANPS-traits. In the overall sample, levels of autistic traits (AQ) were related to SAS and PLAYFULNESS. We argue that PLAYFULNESS could be at the root of social bonding impairments in ASD. PMID: 26123007 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

2. PLoS One. 2015 Jun 29;10(6):e0131820. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131820. eCollection 2015. Association of Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) rs53576 Polymorphism with Sociality: A Meta-Analysis.

Li J1, Zhao Y2, Li R3, Broster LS4, Zhou C5, Yang S5. Author information:

 1College of Education, Dali University, Dali, China.  2College of Sociology and Psychology, Southwest University for Nationalities, Chengdu, China.  3Center for Hormone Advanced Science and Education, Roskamp Institute, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America; Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.  4Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America.  5Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

A common variant in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), rs53576, has been broadly linked to socially related personality traits and behaviors. However, the pattern of published results is inconsistent. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the association. The literature was searched for relevant studies and effect sizes between individuals homozygous for the G allele (GG) and individuals with A allele carriers (AA/AG). Specifically, two indices of sociality were evaluated independently: i) general sociality (24 samples, n = 4955), i.e., how an individual responds to other people in general; and ii) close relationships (15 samples, n = 5262), i.e., how an individual responds to individuals with closed connections (parent-child or romantic relationship). We found positive association between the rs53576 polymorphism and general sociality (Cohen's d = 0.11, p = .02); G allele homozygotes had higher general sociality than the A allele carriers. However, the meta- analyses did not detect significant genetic association between rs53576 and close relationships (Cohen's d = 0.01, p = .64). In conclusion, genetic variation in the rs53576 influences general sociality, which further implies that it is worthy to systematically examine whether the rs53576 is a valid genetic marker for socially related psychiatric disorders. PMID: 26121678 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

3. PLoS One. 2015 Jun 26;10(6):e0126170. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126170. eCollection 2015. The Relationship between Personality Dimensions and Resiliency to Environmental Stress in Orange-Winged Amazon Parrots (Amazona amazonica), as Indicated by the Development of Abnormal Behaviors.

Cussen VA1, Mench JA2.

Author information:

 1Center for Animal Welfare, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America.  2Center for Animal Welfare, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America; Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America.

Abstract

Parrots are popular companion animals, but are frequently relinquished because of behavioral problems, including abnormal repetitive behaviors like feather damaging behavior and stereotypy. In addition to contributing to pet relinquishment, these behaviors are important as potential indicators of diminished psychological well-being. While abnormal behaviors are common in captive animals, their presence and/or severity varies between animals of the same species that are experiencing the same environmental conditions. Personality differences could contribute to this observed individual variation, as they are known risk factors for stress sensitivity and affective disorders in humans. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between personality and the development and severity of abnormal behaviors in captive-bred orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica). We monitored between- individual behavioral differences in enrichment-reared parrots of known personality types before, during, and after enrichment deprivation. We predicted that parrots with higher scores for neurotic-like personality traits would be more susceptible to enrichment deprivation and develop more abnormal behaviors. Our results partially supported this hypothesis, but also showed that distinct personality dimensions were related to different forms of abnormal behavior. While neuroticism-like traits were linked to feather damaging behavior, extraversion-like traits were negatively related to stereotypic behavior. More extraverted birds showed resiliency to environmental stress, developing fewer stereotypies during enrichment deprivation and showing lower levels of these behaviors following re-enrichment. Our data, together with the results of the few studies conducted on other species, suggest that, as in humans, certain personality types render individual animals more susceptible or resilient to environmental stress. Further, this susceptibility/resiliency can have a long-term effect on behavior, as evidenced by behavioral changes that persisted despite re-enrichment. Ours is the first study evaluating the relationship between personality dimensions, environment, and abnormal behaviors in an avian species.

PMCID: PMC4482636 Free Article PMID: 26114423 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

4. J Clin Psychiatry. 2015 Jun 9. [Epub ahead of print] Interactions of borderline personality disorder and anxiety disorders over 10 years.

Keuroghlian AS1, Gunderson JG, Pagano ME, Markowitz JC, Ansell EB, Shea MT, Morey LC, Sanislow C, Grilo CM, Stout RL, Zanarini MC, McGlashan TH, Skodol AE.

Author information:

 1McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St, M/S 312, Belmont, MA, 02478 [email protected].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This report examines the relationship of DSM-IV borderline personality disorder (BPD) to anxiety disorders using data on the reciprocal effects of improvement or worsening of BPD and anxiety disorders over the course of 10 years.

METHOD:

We reliably and prospectively assessed borderline patients (n = 164) with DSM-IV-defined co-occurring generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; n = 42), panic disorder with agoraphobia (n = 39), panic disorder without agoraphobia (n = 36), social phobia (n = 48), obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD; n = 36), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; n = 88) annually over a period of 10 years between 1997 and 2009. We used proportional hazards regression analyses to assess the effects of monthly improvement or worsening of BPD and anxiety disorders on each other's remission and relapse the following month.

RESULTS:

BPD improvement significantly predicted remission of GAD (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.65, P < .05) and PTSD (HR = 0.57, P < .05), whereas BPD worsening significantly predicted social phobia relapse (HR = 1.87, P < .05). The course of anxiety disorders did not predict BPD remission or relapse, except that worsening PTSD significantly predicted BPD relapse (HR = 1.90, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS:

BPD negatively affects the course of GAD, social phobia, and PTSD. In contrast, the anxiety disorders, aside from PTSD, had little effect on BPD course. For GAD and social phobia, whose course BPD unidirectionally influences, we suggest prioritizing treatment for BPD, whereas BPD should be treated concurrently with panic disorders, OCD, or PTSD. We discuss state/trait issues in the context of our findings.

5. J Psychosom Res. 2015 Jun 14. pii: S0022-3999(15)00465-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2015.06.002. [Epub ahead of print] Functional (psychogenic) movement disorders associated with normal scores in psychological questionnaires: A case control study.

van der Hoeven RM1, Broersma M2, Pijnenborg GH3, Koops EA2, van Laar T2, Stone J4, van Beilen M5.

Author information:

 1Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; NeuroImaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands; NeuroImaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.  3Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Psychotic Disorders, GGZ Drenthe, Assen, the Netherlands.  4Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.  5Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands; NeuroImaging Center, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; University Center of Psychiatry, Department of Psychotic Disorders and Voices, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Functional movement disorders (FMDs) fall within the broader category called functional neurological symptom disorder (FNSD). New DSM-5 criteria for FNSD no longer require the presence of a 'psychological conflict' suggesting that some patients with FMD may not have obvious psychological comorbidity. We studied patients with FMD in comparison to patients with a neurological movement disorder (MD) and healthy controls (HC) to identify whether there is a subgroup of patients with FMD who have normal psychological test scores.

METHODS:

We assessed self-rated measures of depression/anxiety (SCL-90), dissociation and personality disorder (PDQ-4) in patients attending neurological clinics and healthy controls. The proportion of patients scoring within normal ranges was determined, and the levels of somatic and psychological symptoms were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS:

Among the FMD group, 39% (20/51) scored within the normal range for all measures compared to 38% (13/34) of MD subjects and 89% (47/53) of healthy controls. There were no differences in overall scores in the SCL-90 and PDQ-4 between FMD and MD patients. FMD patients also did not differ from controls on a self-rated measure of personality pathology.

CONCLUSION:

Our data show that a substantial proportion of patients with FMD score within the normal range in psychological questionnaires, lending some support to the new DSM-5 criteria.

6. J Pers Disord. 2015 Jun 25:1-19. [Epub ahead of print] Emotional Processing, Interaction Process, and Outcome in Clarification-Oriented Psychotherapy for Personality Disorders: A Process-Outcome Analysis.

Kramer U1, Pascual-Leone A2, Rohde KB3, Sachse R4 .

Author information:

 1University of Lausanne, Switzerland.  2University of Windsor, Canada.  3University of Bern, Switzerland.  4Institut für Psychologische Psychotherapie, Bochum, Germany.

Abstract

It is important to understand the change processes involved in psychotherapies for patients with personality disorders (PDs). One patient process that promises to be useful in relation to the outcome of psychotherapy is emotional processing. In the present process-outcome analysis, we examine this question by using a sequential model of emotional processing and by additionally taking into account a therapist's appropriate responsiveness to a patient's presentation in clarification-oriented psychotherapy (COP), a humanistic-experiential form of therapy. The present study involved 39 patients with a range of PDs undergoing COP. Session 25 was assessed as part of the working phase of each therapy by external raters in terms of emotional processing using the Classification of Affective-Meaning States (CAMS) and in terms of the overall quality of therapist-patient interaction using the Process-Content- Relationship Scale (BIBS). Treatment outcome was assessed pre- and post-therapy using the Global Severity Index (GSI) of the SCL-90-R and the BDI. Results indicate that the good outcome cases showed more self-compassion, more rejecting anger, and a higher quality of therapist-patient interaction compared to poorer outcome cases. For good outcome cases, emotional processing predicted 18% of symptom change at the end of treatment, which was not found for poor outcome cases. These results are discussed within the framework of an integrative understanding of emotional processing as an underlying mechanism of change in COP, and perhaps in other effective therapy approaches for PDs. PMID: 26111248 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

7. Psychol Health Med. 2015 Jun 25:1-8. [Epub ahead of print] The relationship between impulsivity and suicide among rural youths aged 15-35 years: a case-control psychological autopsy study.

Lin L1, Zhang J, Zhou L, Jiang C.

Author information:

 1a Academy of Psychology and Behavior , Tianjin Normal University , Tianjin , China.

Abstract

In China, the gender ratio of suicide rates did not match the Western patterns, which was higher for females than males. However, the rural men were at relatively high risk of suicide in Liaoning province. Impulsivity was an important factor of suicide behaviors, but there was a lack of studies in China. This research aimed to study the relationship between impulsive personality traits and suicidal behavior among Chinese rural youths. Suicides were consecutively sampled from six randomly selected counties in Liaoning Province in China. Between 2005 and 2007, a total of 162 suicide victims were enrolled in the study along with 162 community controls matched for age, gender, and location. The psychological autopsy method was used to collect data from informants knowledgeable about the selected suicide victims and controls. The results showed the suicide victims in the study were more likely to demonstrate dysfunctional impulsivity and less likely to demonstrate functional impulsivity compared with the controls. Mental disorders, acute negative life events, and dysfunctional impulsivity contributed to the risk of suicide; educational and functional impulsivity were protective factors. Suicide prevention efforts in rural China may address impulsivity. PMID: 26110614 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

8. Nord J Psychiatry. 2015 Jun 24:1-10. [Epub ahead of print] Assessment of co-morbidity of adult separation anxiety in patients with bipolar disorder. Tasdemir A1, Tamam L, Keskin N, Evlice YE.

Author information:

 1Ali Tasdemir, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine Department of Psychiatry , Adana , Turkey.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to assess the co-morbidity of adult separation anxiety in bipolar patients and evaluate its effects on the course of disorder and functionality.

METHOD:

A total of 70 patients who have been regularly followed in the Bipolar Disorder Unit were included in the study. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV - Axis I and Axis II disorders and demographic form were used. Separation anxiety was investigated by the Structured Clinical Interview for Separation Anxiety Symptoms (SCI-SAS) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) was filled out by an interviewer. In addition, all patients completed the Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire (BDFQ), Separation Anxiety Symptom Inventory (SASI) and Adult Separation Anxiety Questionnaire (ASA).

RESULTS:

The prevalence rate of co-morbid adult separation anxiety disorder (A-SepAD) was 54% (n = 38) in our sample. Age of onset was in adulthood among 36% of patients with a diagnosis of A-SepAD and the others (64%) were childhood-onset. Co-morbidity of personality disorders was more common in bipolar patients with childhood-onset separation anxiety disorder (C- SepAD). The lifetime prevalence of co-morbidity of specific phobias and number of suicide attempts were significantly higher in the group with A-SepAD. Functionality loss due to feeling of stigmatization was higher, and total functionality as measured by the BDFQ was found to be lower in bipolar patients with A-SepAD.

CONCLUSION:

The results of this study have shown that 54% of bipolar patients had a diagnosis of A- SepAD. A-SepAD seems to increase the number of suicide attempts and have negative effects on functionality. A-SepAD should be assessed in regular interviews of patients with bipolar disorder. PMID: 26107408 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

9. Front Psychiatry. 2015 Jun 9;6:87. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00087. eCollection 2015. The Detrimental Impact of Maladaptive Personality on Public Mental Health: A Challenge for Psychiatric Practice.

Hengartner MP1.

Author information:

 1Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) , Zurich , Switzerland.

Abstract

Experts in personality psychology and personality disorders have long emphasized the pervasive and persistent detrimental impact of maladaptive personality traits on mental health and functioning. However, in routine psychiatric practice, maladaptive personality is readily ignored and personality traits are seldom incorporated into clinical guidelines. The aim of this narrative review is to outline how pervasively personality influences public mental health and how personality thereby challenges common psychiatric practice. A comprehensive search and synthesis of the scientific literature demonstrates that maladaptive personality traits and personality disorders, in particular high neuroticism and negative affectivity, first, are risk factors for divorce, unemployment, and disability pensioning; second, relate to the prevalence, incidence, and co-occurrence of common mental disorders; third, impair functioning, symptom remission, and recovery in co-occurring common mental disorders; and fourth, predispose to treatment resistance, non-response and poor treatment outcome. In conclusion, maladaptive personality is not only involved in the development and course of mental disorders but also predisposes to chronicity and re-occurrence of psychopathology and reduces the efficacy of psychiatric treatments. The pernicious impact of maladaptive personality on mental health and functioning demands that careful assessment and thorough consideration of personality should be compulsory in psychiatric practice.

PMCID: PMC4460874 Free PMC Article PMID: 26106335 [PubMed] Similar articles

10. Compr Psychiatry. 2015 Jun 3. pii: S0010-440X(15)00091-7. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.05.016. [Epub ahead of print] Is reflective functioning associated with clinical symptoms and long-term course in patients with personality disorders?

Antonsen BT1, Johansen MS2, Rø FG3, Kvarstein EH4, Wilberg T5.

Author information:

 1Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Personality Psychiatry, Clinic for Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Personality Psychiatry, Clinic for Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: [email protected].  3Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: [email protected].  4Department of Personality Psychiatry, Clinic for Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: [email protected].  5Department of Research and Development, Clinic for Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Mentalization is the capacity to understand behavior as the expression of various mental states and is assumed to be important in a range of psychopathologies, especially personality disorders (PDs). The first aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between mentalization capacity, operationalized as reflective functioning (RF), and clinical manifestations before entering study treatment. The second aim was to investigate the relationship between baseline RF and long-term clinical outcome both independent of treatment (predictor analyses) and dependent on treatment (moderator analyses).

METHODS:

Seventy-nine patients from a randomized clinical trial (Ullevål Personality Project) who had borderline and/or avoidant PD were randomly assigned to either a step-down treatment program, comprising short-term day-hospital treatment followed by outpatient combined group and individual psychotherapy, or to outpatient individual psychotherapy. Patients were evaluated on variables including symptomatic distress, psychosocial functioning, personality functioning, and self-esteem at baseline, 8 and 18months, and 3 and 6years. RESULTS:

RF was significantly associated with a wide range of variables at baseline. In longitudinal analyses RF was not found to be a predictor of long-term clinical outcome. However, when considering treatment type, there were significant moderator effects of RF. Patients with low RF had better outcomes in outpatient individual therapy compared to the step-down program. In contrast, patients in the medium RF group achieved better results in the step-down program.

CONCLUSION:

These findings indicate that RF is associated with core aspects of personality pathology and capture clinically relevant phenomena in adult patients with PDs. Moreover, patients with different capacities for mentalization may need different kinds of therapeutic approaches.

Free Article PMID: 26104432 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

11. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2015 Jun 23. doi: 10.1002/erv.2376. [Epub ahead of print] Eating Disorders in Adolescents with Celiac Disease: Influence of Personality Characteristics and Coping.

Wagner G1, Zeiler M1, Berger G2, Huber WD2, Favaro A3, Santonastaso P3, Karwautz A1.

Author information:

 1Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.  2Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.  3Department of Neurosciences, University of Padova, Italy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Patients suffering from celiac disease (CD) have a higher risk of developing disturbed eating behaviour.

METHOD:

In a multi-centre study, 259 female adolescents with CD and without a chronic condition were analysed regarding their eating disorder (ED) status, depression, personality, coping strategies and quality of life.

RESULTS:

Patients with CD and comorbid EDs were older and more often non-compliant with their diet and had a higher body mass index (BMI) and higher levels of depression. Differences in personality features disappear when controlling for age and depression. Higher ill-being and lower joy in life were reported by patients with CD and ED compared with patients without EDs, even when controlling for age and depression levels. No differences between patients (with CD) with and without EDs in coping strategies were found. BMI and lower self- directedness predicted ED status.

CONCLUSIONS:

12. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Jun 11. pii: S0165-1781(15)00345-5. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.05.057. [Epub ahead of print] Three year stability of Five-Factor Model personality traits in relation to changes in symptom levels in patients with schizophrenia or related disorders.

Boyette LL1, Nederlof J2, Meijer C2, de Boer F2, de Haan L2; for GROUP. Author information:

 1Academic Medical Center University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Academic Medical Center University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Abstract

Five-Factor Model (FFM) personality traits are related to a wide range of clinical outcome in patients with psychotic disorders. However, it is not sufficiently clear whether psychotic illness, particularly fluctuation in negative symptoms and psychotic relapse, affects personality. The current study examined the 3-year temporal stability of FFM traits in 91 patients with non-affective psychotic disorders with a maximum duration of illness of 10 years and 32 control subjects without a (family member with) a diagnosis of psychotic illness. In patients, change in negative symptoms predicted changes in Neuroticism and (inversely) in Extraversion and Openness. However, when correcting for depressive symptoms, negative symptoms no longer predicted change in any FFM trait. Clinical characteristics, such as psychotic relapse, were also not found to be related to change in FFM traits. Patients showed a slight increase in Conscientiousness levels, the other FFM traits showed mean-level stability. Rank-order stability of the FFM traits was moderate to strong, although weaker for Neuroticism in patients. Our findings indicate that psychotic symptoms exert limited effect on the stability of FFM traits in patients with psychotic disorders. Consistent with general population findings, one should guard against state-trait confusion between Neuroticism/Extraversion and depression.

13. Sci Rep. 2015 Jun 23;5:11563. doi: 10.1038/srep11563. Altered baseline brain activity differentiates regional mechanisms subserving biological and psychological alterations in obese men.

Zhang B1, Tian D2, Yu C3, Li M4, Zang Y5, Liu Y6, Walter M4. Author information:

 11] Department of Anatomy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China [2] Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany [3] Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany [4] Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.  2Department of Anatomy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.  3Department of Radiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.  41] Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany [2] Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany [3] Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.  5Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.  61] Key laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China [2] School of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.

Abstract

Obesity as a chronic disease is a major factor for insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, which has become a global health problem. In the present study, we used resting state functional MRI to investigate the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations of spontaneous signal during both hunger and satiety states in 20 lean and 20 obese males. We found that, before food intake, obese men had significantly greater baseline activity in the precuneus and lesser activity in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) relative to lean subjects. Furthermore, after food intake, obese males had significantly lesser activity in dACC than lean males. We further found a significant positive correlation between precuneus activation and hunger ratings before food intake, while dACC activity was negatively correlated with plasma insulin levels before and after food intake. These results indicated that both precuneus and dACC may play an important role in eating behavior. While precuneus rather seemed to mediate subjective satiety, dACC levels rather reflected indirect measures of glucose utilization.

Free Article PMID: 26099208 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

14. Personal Disord. 2015 Jun 22. [Epub ahead of print] Narcissism and Newlywed Marriage: Partner Characteristics and Marital Trajectories.

Lavner JA, Lamkin J, Miller JD, Campbell WK, Karney BR.

Abstract

Despite narcissism's relation with interpersonal dysfunction, surprisingly little empirical research has been devoted to understanding narcissism's effect on intimate relationships in general or marital relationships in particular. The current study addressed this gap using longitudinal data from a community sample of 146 newlywed couples assessed 6 times over the first 4 years of marriage. First, we examined partner characteristics associated with higher levels of narcissism to determine the degree to which couples were matched on narcissism and related traits. Second, we examined how narcissism predicted the trajectory of marital quality over time, testing narcissism's association with initial levels of relationship functioning (the intercept) and changes in relationship functioning (the slope). Results indicated a small degree of homophily but otherwise no clear pattern of partner characteristics for individuals higher in narcissism. Hierarchical linear modeling indicated that wives' total narcissism and entitlement/exploitativeness scores predicted the slope of marital quality over time, including steeper declines in marital satisfaction and steeper increases in marital problems. Husbands' narcissism scores generally had few effects on their own marital quality or that of their wives. These findings are notable in indicating that the effects of personality characteristics on marital functioning may take some time to manifest themselves, even if they were present from early in the marriage. Future research into the mediating psychological and interpersonal processes that link wives' narcissism with poorer marital functioning over time would be valuable. (PsycINFO Database Record

15. Personal Disord. 2015 Jun 22. [Epub ahead of print] Emotional Switching in Borderline Personality Disorder: A Daily Life Study.

Houben M, Vansteelandt K, Claes L, Sienaert P, Berens A, Sleuwaegen E, Kuppens P. Abstract

Despite large efforts to understand emotional instability in borderline personality disorder (BPD), it is still unclear exactly how this is manifested in the daily lives of people suffering from the disorder. Building on theoretical and clinical observations of BPD, we propose that the emotional instability in BPD particularly consists of the occurrence of strong changes between positive and negative emotional states from 1 moment to the next, labeled emotional switching. We tested this proposal by means of an experience sampling study in which 30 BPD patients and 28 healthy controls reported in their daily lives the level of pleasantness/unpleasantness of their emotional states 10 times a day for 8 consecutive days using handheld palmtops. Results showed that although BPD patients did not differ from healthy controls regarding their overall tendency to switch from a positive to a negative emotional state or vice versa, the size of such changes between positive and negative states was found to be significantly larger in BPD patients. In contrast, the magnitude of emotional changes that remained within the negative emotional range or positive emotional range was not particularly larger for BPD patients compared with healthy participants. These findings imply that the emotional instability in BPD is particularly characterized by larger changes from positive to negative states and vice versa, rather than overall larger changes in intensity, providing insight into possible processes underlying emotion dysfunction in BPD. (PsycINFO Database Record

16. Neurologia. 2015 Jun 18. pii: S0213-4853(15)00113-9. doi: 10.1016/j.nrl.2015.05.002. [Epub ahead of print] Clinical and psychopathological factors associated with impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease.

[Article in English, Spanish] Sáez-Francàs N1, Martí Andrés G2, Ramírez N1, de Fàbregues O2, Álvarez-Sabín J2, Casas M3, Hernández-Vara J4.

Author information:

 1Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Sant Rafael, FIDMAG, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, CIBERSAM. Departamento de Psiquiatría, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.  2Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitari Vall d́ Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.  3Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, CIBERSAM. Departamento de Psiquiatría, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.  4Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitari Vall d́ Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Impulse control disorders (ICD) constitute a complication that may arise during the course of Parkinson's disease (PD). Several factors have been linked to the development of these disorders, and their associated severe functional impairment requires specific and multidisciplinary management. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of ICDs and the clinical and psychopathological factors associated with the appearance of these disorders.

METHODS:

Cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study of a sample of 115 PD patients evaluated to determine the presence of an ICD. Clinical scales were administered to assess disease severity, personality traits, and presence of psychiatric symptoms at the time of evaluation.

RESULTS:

Of the 115 patients with PD, 27 (23.48%) displayed some form of ICD; hypersexuality, exhibited by 14 (12.2%), and binge eating, present in 12 (10.1%), were the most common types. Clinical factors associated with ICD were treatment with dopamine agonists (OR: 13.39), earlier age at disease onset (OR: 0.92), and higher score on the UPDRS-I subscale; psychopathological factors with a significant association were trait anxiety (OR: 1.05) and impulsivity (OR: 1.13).

CONCLUSIONS:

ICDs are frequent in PD, and treatment with dopamine agonists is the most important risk factor for these disorders. High impulsivity and anxiety levels at time of evaluation, and younger age at disease onset, were also linked to increased risk. However, presence of these personality traits prior to evaluation did not increase risk of ICD.

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17. Br J Clin Psychol. 2015 Jun 11. doi: 10.1111/bjc.12091. [Epub ahead of print] Seven basic dimensions of personality pathology and their clinical consequences: Are all personalities equally harmful?

Vall G1,2, Gutiérrez F3,4, Peri JM5, Gárriz M6, Ferraz L2, Baillés E7, Obiols JE2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, GSS - Hospital Santa Maria - IRB, Lleida, Spain.  2Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain.  3Personality Disorder Unit, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain.  4IDIBAPS (August Pi Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.  5Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain.  6INAD (Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addiction), MAR Health Park, Barcelona, Spain.  7Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Dimensional pathology models are increasingly being accepted for the assessment of disordered personalities, but their ability to predict negative outcomes is yet to be studied. We examine the relative clinical impact of seven basic dimensions of personality pathology through their associations with a wide range of clinical outcomes.

METHODS:

A sample of 960 outpatients was assessed through a 7-factor model integrating the Cloninger, the Livesley, and the DSM taxonomies. Thirty-six indicators of clinical outcome covering three areas - dissatisfaction, functional difficulties, and clinical severity - were also assessed. The unique contribution of each personality dimension to clinical outcome was estimated through multiple regressions. RESULTS:

Overall, personality dimensions explained 17.6% of the variance of clinical outcome, but varied substantially in terms of their unique contributions. Negative Emotionality had the greatest impact in all areas, contributing 43.9% of the explained variance. The remaining dimensions led to idiosyncratic patterns of clinical outcomes but had a comparatively minor clinical impact. A certain effect was also found for combinations of dimensions such as Negative Emotionality × Impulsive Sensation Seeking, but most interactions were clinically irrelevant.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest that the most relevant dimensions of personality pathology are associated with very different clinical consequences and levels of harmfulness.

PRACTITIONER POINTS:

The relative clinical impact of seven basic dimensions of personality pathology is examined. Negative Emotionality (Neuroticism) is 6-14 times as harmful as other pathological dimensions. The remaining dimensions and their interactions have very specific and comparatively minor clinical consequences.

LIMITATIONS:

We examine only a handful of clinical outcomes. Our results may not be generalizable to other clinical or life outcomes. Our variables are self-reported and hence susceptible to bias. Our design does not allow us to establish causal relationships between personality and clinical outcomes.

18. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2015 Jun 19. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12441. [Epub ahead of print] Research Review: What we have learned about the causes of eating disorders - a synthesis of sociocultural, psychological, and biological research.

Culbert KM1, Racine SE2, Klump KL3. Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA.  2Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA.  3Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Eating disorders are severe psychiatric disorders with a complex etiology involving transactions among sociocultural, psychological, and biological influences. Most research and reviews, however, focus on only one level of analysis. To address this gap, we provide a qualitative review and summary using an integrative biopsychosocial approach.

METHODS:

We selected variables for which there were available data using integrative methodologies (e.g., twin studies, gene-environment interactions) and/or data at the biological and behavioral level (e.g., neuroimaging). Factors that met these inclusion criteria were idealization of thinness, negative emotionality, perfectionism, negative urgency, inhibitory control, cognitive inflexibility, serotonin, dopamine, ovarian hormones. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed. Variables were classified as risk factors or correlates of eating disorder diagnoses and disordered eating symptoms using Kraemer et al.'s (1997) criteria.

FINDINGS:

Sociocultural idealization of thinness variables (media exposure, pressures for thinness, thin- ideal internalization, thinness expectancies) and personality traits (negative emotionality, perfectionism, negative urgency) attained 'risk status' for eating disorders and/or disordered eating symptoms. Other factors were identified as correlates of eating pathology or were not classified given limited data. Effect sizes for risk factors and correlates were generally small- to-moderate in magnitude.

CONCLUSIONS:

Multiple biopsychosocial influences are implicated in eating disorders and/or disordered eating symptoms and several can now be considered established risk factors. Data suggest that psychological and environmental factors interact with and influence the expression of genetic risk to cause eating pathology. Additional studies that examine risk variables across multiple levels of analysis and that consider specific transactional processes amongst variables are needed to further elucidate the intersection of sociocultural, psychological, and biological influences on eating disorders. © 2015 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. PMID: 26095891 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

19. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2015 Jun 11. doi: 10.1002/erv.2375. [Epub ahead of print] Craving for Food in Virtual Reality Scenarios in Non-Clinical Sample: Analysis of its Relationship with Body Mass Index and Eating Disorder Symptoms.

Ferrer-Garcia M1, Gutierrez-Maldonado J1, Treasure J2, Vilalta-Abella F1.

Author information:

 1Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.  2Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Eating Disorders, King's College London, UK.

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) technology has been successfully used to study the influence of specific and contextual food-related cues on emotional, cognitive and behavioural responses in patients with eating disorders (ED) and healthy controls. Following this research line, the present study assesses the effect on reported food craving of the type of food (low calorie versus high calorie) and the presence or absence of other people (private versus social context) in VR environments. Relationships between craving and body mass index (BMI) and ED symptoms are also explored. Eighty-seven female students were exposed to four VR scenarios presented in random order: a low-calorie kitchen, a high-calorie kitchen, a low- calorie restaurant and a high-calorie restaurant. After 2 minutes of exposure to each virtual scenario, food craving was assessed. Repeated measures analyses of covariance were conducted to assess changes in food craving following exposure to the different VR environments. Time elapsed since the last meal was introduced as a covariate to control for responses produced by food deprivation. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were also conducted to assess the relationship between reported food craving and BMI and ED symptoms. Participants experienced higher levels of food craving after exposure to high-calorie foods (in both the kitchen and restaurant environments) than after exposure to low-calorie foods. Being alone in the kitchen or with friends in the restaurant had no effect on reported craving. Overall, neither BMI nor ED symptoms were related with reported food craving; only in the restaurant with low-calorie food was a significant negative correlation found between BMI and food craving. The results suggest that cue exposure in virtual environments is an effective procedure for inducing food craving in healthy controls and may be useful as a research and therapeutic tool in clinical populations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

20. J Affect Disord. 2015 Jun 10;184:193-197. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.05.061. [Epub ahead of print] Effect of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on affective temperament, depression and body mass index in obesity.

Borkowska A1, Bieliński M1, Szczęsny W2, Szwed K 3, Tomaszewska M1, Kałwa A4, Lesiewska N1, Junik R5, Gołębiewski M6, Sikora M6 , Tretyn A6, Akiskal K7, Akiskal H7.

Author information:

 1Chair and Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Poland.  2Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Poland.  3Chair and Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Electronic address: [email protected].  4Department of Forsenic Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw, Poland.  5Department of Biotechnology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland.  6Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Poland.  7International Mood Center, Paris, France; International Mood Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM:

Many studies show high prevalence of affective disorders in obese patients. Affective temperament is a subclinical manifestation of such conditions. The 5-HTT gene encoding the serotonin transporter may be involved in both mood and eating dysregulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene on affective temperament types, depressive symptoms and Body Mass Index (BMI) in obese patients.

METHODS:

This study involved 390 patients (237 females, and 153 males) with obesity. The TEMPS-A questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were used to evaluate affective temperaments and prevalence of depression. DNA was obtained for serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) genotyping.

RESULTS:

In obese patients S/S genotype was associated with depressive and L/L with cyclothymic temperament. Subjects with L/L genotype presented significantly higher BMI and greater intensity of depressive symptoms in BDI and HDRS. Females scored higher in anxious and depressive, while males in hyperthymic, cyclothymic and irritable temperaments. Females scored higher in BDI (subjective depression) while males in HDRS (objective depression).

LIMITATIONS:

TEMPS-A, BDI and HDRS are frequently used in studies on affective disorders. However, these methods do not examine all dimensions of mood and personality.

CONCLUSIONS:

In obese patients S allele of 5-HTTLPR was associated with development of depressive temperament while L allele corresponded with greater obesity and prevalence of depression. Different mechanisms may be involved in manifestation of depression in males and females with obesity.

21. Front Hum Neurosci. 2015 Jun 3;9:325. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00325. eCollection 2015. Commentary: "Personality and Intentional Binding: An Exploratory Study Using the Narcissistic Personality Inventory". Dimaggio G1, Lysaker PH2.

Author information:

 1Centro di Terapia Metacognitiva Interpersonale , Rome , Italy.  2Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center (116H) , Indianapolis, IN , USA ; Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, IN , USA. PMCID: PMC4453717 Free PMC Article PMID: 26089790 [PubMed] Similar articles

22. Curr Pharm Des. 2015 Jun 18. [Epub ahead of print] Current issues in the use of fMRI-based neurofeedback to relieve psychiatric symptoms.

Fovet T1, Jardri R, Linden D.

Author information:

 1Unite d'Hospitalisation Specialement Amenagee (UHSA) Lille-Seclin Chemin du bois de l'hopital 59113 SECLIN FRANCE. [email protected].

Abstract

fMRI-based neurofeedback (fMRI-NF) is a non-invasive technique that allows participants to achieve control of their own brain activity using the real-time feedback of the activity (measured indirectly based on the BOLD signal) of a particular brain region or network. The feasibility of fMRI-NF in healthy subjects has been documented for a variety of brain areas and neural systems, and this technique has also been proposed for the treatment of psychiatric disorders in recent years. Through a systematic review of the scientific literature this paper probes the rationale and expected applications of fMRI-NF in psychiatry, discusses issues that must be addressed in the use of this technique to treat mental disorders. Six relevant references and five ongoing studies were identified according to our inclusion criteria. These studies show that in most psychiatric disorders (major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, addiction), patients are able to learn voluntary control of the neuronal activity of the targeted brain region(s). Interestingly, in some cases, this learning is associated with clinical improvement, showing that fMRI-NF can potentially be developed into a therapeutic tool. However, only low-level evidence is available to support the use of this relatively new technique in clinical practice. Notably, no randomized, controlled trial is currently available in this field of research. Finally, methodological issues and clinical perspectives (especially the potential use of pattern recognition in fMRI-NF protocols) are discussed. PMID: 26088117 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

23. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet. 2015 Jun 18. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32326. [Epub ahead of print] On the role of NOS1 ex1f-VNTR in ADHD- allelic, subgroup, and meta-analysis.

Weber H1,2, Kittel-Schneider S1, Heupel J3, Weißflog L1, Kent L4, Freudenberg F1, Alttoa A1,3, Post A1,3, Herterich S5, Haavik J6,7, Halmøy A6,7, Fasmer OB7,8, Landaas ET6, Johansson S6, Cormand B9,10,11, Ribasés M11,12,13, Sánchez-Mora C11,12,13, Ramos-Quiroga JA11,12, Franke B14, Lesch KP3,15, Reif A1.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.  2Microarray Core Unit, IZKF Würzburg, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany.  3Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Germany.  4School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland, UK.  5Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.  6Department of Biomedicine, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Norway.  7Department of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.  8Department of Clinical Medicine, Section for Psychiatry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.  9Departament of Genetics, Universiy of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.  10Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain.  11Biomedical Network Research Center on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Salud Carlos III, Spain.  12Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.  13Psychiatric Genetics Unit, University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.  14Department of Human Genetics and Psychiatry, Radboud university medical center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.  15 Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. Abstract

Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heritable neurodevelopmental disorder featuring complex genetics with common and rare variants contributing to disease risk. In a high proportion of cases, ADHD does not remit during adolescence but persists into adulthood. Several studies suggest that NOS1, encoding nitric oxide synthase I, producing the gaseous neurotransmitter NO, is a candidate gene for (adult) ADHD. We here extended our analysis by increasing the original sample, adding two further samples from Norway and Spain, and conducted subgroup and co-morbidity analysis. Our previous finding held true in the extended sample, and also meta-analysis demonstrated an association of NOS1 ex1f- VNTR short alleles with adult ADHD (aADHD). Association was restricted to females, as was the case in the discovery sample. Subgroup analysis on the single allele level suggested that the 21-repeat allele caused the association. Regarding subgroups, we found that NOS1 was associated with the hyperactive/impulsive ADHD subtype, but not to pure inattention. In terms of comorbidity, major depression, anxiety disorders, cluster C personality disorders and migraine were associated with short repeats, in particular the 21-repeat allele. Also, short allele carriers had significantly lower IQ. Finally, we again demonstrated an influence of the repeat on gene expression in human post-mortem brain samples. These data validate the role of NOS-I in hyperactive/impulsive phenotypes and call for further studies into the neurobiological underpinnings of this association. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

24. PLoS One. 2015 Jun 17;10(6):e0130319. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130319. eCollection 2015. Modulation of Higher-Order Olfaction Components on Executive Functions in Humans.

Fagundo AB1, Jiménez-Murcia S2, Giner-Bartolomé C1, Islam MA1 , de la Torre R3, Pastor A4, Casanueva FF5, Crujeiras AB5, Granero R6, Baños R7, Botella C8, Fernández-Real JM9, Frühbeck G10, Gómez-Ambrosi J10, Menchón JM11, Tinahones FJ12, Fernández-Aranda F2.

Author information:  1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.  2Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.  3CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.  4CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.  5CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Endocrine Division, Complejo Hospitalario U. de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela University, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.  6CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.  7CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment of the University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.  8CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Basic Psychology, Clinic and Psychobiology of the University Jaume I, Castelló, Spain.  9CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IdlBGi) Hospital Dr Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain.  10CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain.  11Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERsam), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.  12CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de Victoria, Málaga, Spain.

Abstract

The prefrontal (PFC) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) appear to be associated with both executive functions and olfaction. However, there is little data relating olfactory processing and executive functions in humans. The present study aimed at exploring the role of olfaction on executive functioning, making a distinction between primary and more cognitive aspects of olfaction. Three executive tasks of similar difficulty were used. One was used to assess hot executive functions (Iowa Gambling Task-IGT), and two as a measure of cold executive functioning (Stroop Colour and Word Test-SCWT and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test-WCST). Sixty two healthy participants were included: 31 with normosmia and 31 with hyposmia. Olfactory abilities were assessed using the ''Sniffin' Sticks'' test and the olfactory threshold, odour discrimination and odour identification measures were obtained. All participants were female, aged between 18 and 60. Results showed that participants with hyposmia displayed worse performance in decision making (IGT; Cohen's-d = 0.91) and cognitive flexibility (WCST; Cohen's-d between 0.54 and 0.68) compared to those with normosmia. Multiple regression adjusted by the covariates participants' age and education level showed a positive association between odour identification and the cognitive inhibition response (SCWT-interference; Beta = 0.29; p = .034). The odour discrimination capacity was not a predictor of the cognitive executive performance. Our results suggest that both hot and cold executive functions seem to be associated with higher-order olfactory functioning in humans. These results robustly support the hypothesis that olfaction and executive measures have a common neural substrate in PFC and OFC, and suggest that olfaction might be a reliable cognitive marker in psychiatric and neurologic disorders.

PMCID: PMC4471115 Free Article PMID: 26083418 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

25. PLoS One. 2015 Jun 17;10(6):e0130117. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130117. eCollection 2015. Effects of Aesthetic Chills on a Cardiac Signature of Emotionality.

Sumpf M1, Jentschke S1, Koelsch S1.

Author information:

 1Cluster "Languages of Emotion", Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Previous studies have shown that a cardiac signature of emotionality (referred to as EK, which can be computed from the standard 12 lead electrocardiogram, ECG), predicts inter- individual differences in the tendency to experience and express positive emotion. Here, we investigated whether EK values can be transiently modulated during stimulation with participant-selected music pieces and film scenes that elicit strongly positive emotion.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:

The phenomenon of aesthetic chills, as indicated by measurable piloerection on the forearm, was used to accurately locate moments of peak emotional responses during stimulation. From 58 healthy participants, continuous EK values, heart rate, and respiratory frequency were recorded during stimulation with film scenes and music pieces, and were related to the aesthetic chills. EK values, as well as heart rate, increased significantly during moments of peak positive emotion accompanied by piloerection.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:

These results are the first to provide evidence for an influence of momentary psychological state on a cardiac signature of emotional personality (as reflected in EK values). The possibility to modulate ECG amplitude signatures via stimulation with emotionally significant music pieces and film scenes opens up new perspectives for the use of emotional peak experiences in the therapy of disorders characterized by flattened emotionality, such as depression or schizoid personality disorder.

PMCID: PMC4470584 Free Article PMID: 26083383 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

26. PeerJ. 2015 Jun 9;3:e992. doi: 10.7717/peerj.992. eCollection 2015. Personality psychopathology, drug use and psychological symptoms in adolescents with substance use disorders and community controls.

Magallón-Neri E1, Díaz R2, Forns M3, Goti J2, Castro-Fornieles J4.

Author information:

 1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences Hospital Clinic Universitari of Barcelona , Spain ; Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona , Spain ; Institute of Research in Brain, Cognition and Behavior (IR3c) , Spain.  2Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences Hospital Clinic Universitari of Barcelona , Spain.  3Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona , Spain ; Institute of Research in Brain, Cognition and Behavior (IR3c) , Spain.  4Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences Hospital Clinic Universitari of Barcelona , Spain ; IDIBAPS (Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi Sunyer) , Barcelona , Spain ; Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, University of Barcelona , Spain.

Abstract

Substance use is a risk behavior that tends to increase during adolescence, a time when part of the personality is still in development. Traditionally, personality psychopathology has been measured in terms of categories, although dimensional models have demonstrated better consistency. This study aimed to analyze differences in personality profiles between adolescents with substance use disorders (SUD n = 74) and matched community controls (MCC n = 74) using the Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5) dimensional model. Additionally, we compared age at first drug use, level of drug use and internalizing and externalizing symptoms between the groups. In this study, the PSY-5 model has proved to be useful for differentiating specific personality disturbances in adolescents with SUD and community adolescents. The Disconstraint scale was particularly useful for discriminating adolescents with substance use problems and the Delinquent Attitudes facet offered the best differentiation.

PMCID: PMC4465941 Free PMC Article PMID: 26082873 [PubMed] Similar articles

27. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015 Jun 17. doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.106. [Epub ahead of print] Lower Monoamine Oxidase-A Total Distribution Volume in Impulsive and Violent Male Offenders with Antisocial Personality Disorder and High Psychopathic Traits: An [11C] Harmine Positron Emission Tomography Study.

Kolla NJ1, Matthews B2, Wilson AA3, Houle S3, Bagby RM4, Links P5, Simpson AI6, Hussain A2, Meyer JH1.

Author information:

 11] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [3] Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [4] Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  21] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  31] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [3] Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  41] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, CAMH, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [3] Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [4] Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  51] Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada [2] Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  6Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) often presents with highly impulsive, violent behavior, and pathological changes in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and ventral striatum (VS) are implicated. Several compelling reasons support a relationship between low monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A), an enzyme that regulates neurotransmitters, and ASPD. These include MAO-A knockout models in rodents evidencing impulsive aggression and positron emission tomography (PET) studies of healthy subjects reporting associations between low brain MAO-A levels and greater impulsivity or aggression. However, a fundamental gap in the literature is that it is unknown whether brain MAO-A levels are low in more severe, clinical disorders of impulsivity, such as ASPD. To address this issue, we 11 applied [ C] harmine PET to measure MAO-A total distribution volume (MAO-A VT), an index of MAO-A density, in 18 male ASPD participants and 18 age- and sex-matched controls. OFC and VS MAO-A VT were lower in ASPD compared to controls (MANOVA: F2,33=6.8, p=0.003; OFC and VS MAO-A VT each lower by 19%). Similar effects were observed in other brain regions: prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, dorsal putamen, thalamus, hippocampus, and midbrain (MANOVA: F7,28=2.7, p=0.029). In ASPD, VS MAO-A VT was consistently negatively correlated with self-report and behavioral measures of impulsivity (r=-0.50 to -0.52, all p-values<0.05). This study is the first to demonstrate lower brain MAO-A levels in ASPD. Our results support an important extension of preclinical models of impulsive aggression into a human disorder marked by pathological aggression and impulsivity.Neuropsychopharmacology accepted article preview online, 17 June 2015. doi:10.1038/npp.2015.106. PMID: 26081301 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

28. Behav Res Ther. 2015 Jun 9;71:76-89. doi: 10.1016/j.brat.2015.06.002. [Epub ahead of print] Stepped care versus face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for panic disorder and social anxiety disorder: Predictors and moderators of outcome.

Haug T1, Nordgreen T2, Öst LG3, Kvale G2, Tangen T4, Andersson G5, Carlbring P6, Heiervang ER7, Havik OE2.

Author information:

 1Anxiety Disorders Research Network, Haukeland University Hospital, Postboks 1400, 5021 Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Postboks 7800, 5020 Bergen, Norway. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Anxiety Disorders Research Network, Haukeland University Hospital, Postboks 1400, 5021 Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Postboks 7800, 5020 Bergen, Norway.  3Anxiety Disorders Research Network, Haukeland University Hospital, Postboks 1400, 5021 Bergen, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Stockholm, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.  4Anxiety Disorders Research Network, Haukeland University Hospital, Postboks 1400, 5021 Bergen, Norway; Department of Psychiatry, University of Bergen, Postboks 7800, 5020 Bergen, Norway.  5Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.  6Department of Psychology, University of Stockholm, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.  7Anxiety Disorders Research Network, Haukeland University Hospital, Postboks 1400, 5021 Bergen, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1171 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate predictors and moderators of treatment outcome by comparing immediate face-to-face cognitive behavioral therapy (FtF-CBT) to a Stepped Care treatment model comprising three steps: Psychoeducation, Internet-delivered CBT, and FtF-CBT for panic disorder (PD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD).

METHOD:

Patients (N = 173) were recruited from nine public mental health out-patient clinics and randomized to immediate FtF-CBT or Stepped Care treatment. Characteristics related to social functioning, impairment from the anxiety disorder, and comorbidity was investigated as predictors and moderators by treatment format and diagnosis in multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS:

Lower social functioning, higher impairment from the anxiety disorder, and a comorbid cluster C personality disorder were associated with significantly less improvement, particularly among patients with PD. Furthermore, having a comorbid anxiety disorder was associated with a better treatment outcome among patients with PD but not patients with SAD. Patients with a comorbid depression had similar outcomes from the different treatments, but patients without comorbid depression had better outcomes from immediate FtF-CBT compared to guided self-help.

CONCLUSIONS:

In general, the same patient characteristics appear to be associated with the treatment outcome for CBT provided in low- and high-intensity formats when treated in public mental health care clinics. The findings suggest that patients with lower social functioning and higher impairment from their anxiety disorder benefit less from these treatments and may require more adapted and extensive treatment. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: Identifier: NCT00619138.

29. J Addict Med. 2015 Jun 13. [Epub ahead of print] Alcohol-Dependent Subjects Show Different Personality Traits Compared With Subjects With Multiple Substance Dependence: Preliminary Data.

Koller G1, Preuss U, Lü O, Soyka M, Pogarell O.

Author information:

 1From the Department of Psychiatry (GK, OL, MS, OP), Ludwig-Maximilian-University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry (UP), University of Halle, Halle, Germany; and Private Hospital Meiringen (MS), Meiringen, Switzerland.

Abstract

METHODS:

We compared personality traits of 27 persons with multiple substance dependence with personality data of 52 alcohol-dependent persons regarding their personality traits and disorders (obtained by using SCID-II, TCI and NEO FFI). Both patient groups were free of any other mental disorder.

RESULTS:

In SKD-II, we found significant differences in the male group in dependent and scizotypic personality disorder. There were no significant differences in the female group, but sample was very small. We also found significant differences between alcohol-dependent and multiple substance-dependent persons in extraversion and novelty seeking.

CONCLUSIONS:

We detected significant differences in personality disorders evaluated by SCID-II. Temperament and character items-as evaluated by NEO FFI and TCI-showed also significant differences in personality traits. Given the limited number of subjects, the data should be regarded as preliminary until replicated in a larger sample. Nevertheless, the findings may be of clinical relevance with respect to prognosis or individualized treatment. These findings should be treated with caution until replicated. PMID: 26079976 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

30. Neuropathology. 2015 Jun 16. doi: 10.1111/neup.12208. [Epub ahead of print] Medial temporal regional argyrophilic grain as a possible important factor affecting dementia in Parkinson's disease.

Homma T1,2, Mochizuki Y1,3, Takahashi K4,5, Komori T1.

Author information:

 1Department of Pathology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.  2Department of Pathology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.  3Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Kita Medical and Rehabilitation Centre for the Disabled, Tokyo, Japan.  4Department of Neurology, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo Metropolitan Neurological Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.  5Department of Neurology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan.

Abstract

Argyrophilic grain (ArG) is the main pathological feature of argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) and is clinically characterized by cognitive impairment, behavioral abnormalities, personality changes, and emotional imbalances. However, ArG can not only be found in AGD but also in various other neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). The association of ArG with psychosis and/or dementia in various neurological disorders remains unknown; in this study, we have investigated this in PD. The distribution and degree of ArG deposition, spongiform change in the transentorhinal cortex (TER SpC), and phosphorylated alpha-synuclein-positive neurites in CA2/3 were assessed, and we used formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens obtained from the anterior/posterior medial temporal region of 20 autopsy cases diagnosed as PD. These cases were clinically divided into two groups: PD without dementia (PDND) and PD with dementia (PDD). Most PDD cases revealed scattered to numerous ArG or moderate to severe TER SpC, both of which were rarely observed in the PDND group. Furthermore, by the degree of ArG density and TER SpC, the PDD group was further divided into three subtypes: PDD with ArG, with TER SpC and without ArG/TER SpC. Scattered-to-numerous ArG and/or moderate-to-severe TER SpC were observed only in PDD, which suggested that both ArG and TER SpC could be important factors affecting dementia in PD and that their distribution and degree are equally important. © 2015 Japanese Society of Neuropathology. PMID: 26079638 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

31. PLoS One. 2015 Jun 16;10(6):e0129651. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129651. eCollection 2015. Investigating the Relationship between Stable Personality Characteristics and Automatic Imitation.

Butler EE1, Ward R1, Ramsey R1.

Author information:

 1Wales Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Bangor University, Adeilad Brigantia, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales, United Kingdom.

Abstract

Automatic imitation is a cornerstone of nonverbal communication that fosters rapport between interaction partners. Recent research has suggested that stable dimensions of personality are antecedents to automatic imitation, but the empirical evidence linking imitation with personality traits is restricted to a few studies with modest sample sizes. Additionally, atypical imitation has been documented in autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia, but the mechanisms underpinning these behavioural profiles remain unclear. Using a larger sample than prior studies (N=243), the current study tested whether performance on a computer-based automatic imitation task could be predicted by personality traits associated with social behaviour (extraversion and agreeableness) and with disorders of social cognition (autistic-like and schizotypal traits). Further personality traits (narcissism and empathy) were assessed in a subsample of participants (N=57). Multiple regression analyses showed that personality measures did not predict automatic imitation. In addition, using a similar analytical approach to prior studies, no differences in imitation performance emerged when only the highest and lowest 20 participants on each trait variable were compared. These data weaken support for the view that stable personality traits are antecedents to automatic imitation and that neural mechanisms thought to support automatic imitation, such as the mirror neuron system, are dysfunctional in autism spectrum disorders or schizophrenia. In sum, the impact that personality variables have on automatic imitation is less universal than initial reports suggest.

PMCID: PMC4469457 Free PMC Article PMID: 26079137 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

32. J Child Neurol. 2015 Jun 15. pii: 0883073815589762. [Epub ahead of print] Personality Profile of Male Adolescents With Tourette Syndrome: A Controlled Study.

Balottin L1, Selvini C2, Luoni C2, Mannarini S1, Chiappedi M3, Seri S4, Termine C2, Cavanna AE5.

Author information:

 1Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.  2Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.  3Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, "C. Mondino" National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy.  4School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom.  5School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom Department of Neuropsychiatry, BSMHFT and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, UCL and Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom [email protected].

Abstract

Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple tics and commonly associated with behavioral problems, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The presence of specific personality traits has been documented in adult clinical populations with Tourette syndrome but has been underresearched in younger patients. We assessed the personality profiles of 17 male adolescents with Tourette syndrome and 51 age- and gender-matched healthy controls using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent version, along with a standardized psychometric battery. All participants scored within the normal range across all Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-Adolescent version scales. Patients with Tourette syndrome scored significantly higher than healthy controls on the Obsessiveness Content Scale only (P = .046). Our findings indicate that younger male patients with Tourette syndrome do not report abnormal personality traits and have similar personality profiles to healthy peers, with the exception of obsessionality traits, which are likely to be related to the presence of comorbid obsessive compulsive symptoms rather than tics.

33. Int J Group Psychother. 2015 Jul;65(3):477-80. doi: 10.1521/ijgp.2015.65.3.477. Group Analytic Psychotherapy: Working With Affective, Anxiety and Personality Disorders . By Steiner Lorentzen . New York : Routledge , 2014 . 96 pp .

[No authors listed] PMID: 26076209 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

34. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2015 Jun 15. doi: 10.1002/erv.2374. [Epub ahead of print] Non-suicidal Self-injury in Different Eating Disorder Types: Relevance of Personality Traits and Gender.

Islam MA1,2, Steiger H3, Jimenez-Murcia S1,2,4, Israel M3, Granero R2,5, Agüera Z1,2, Castro R1, Sánchez I1, Riesco N1, Menchón JM1,4,6, Fernández-Aranda F1,2,4.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.  2Ciber Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.  3Douglas University Institute in Mental Health & Psychiatry Department, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.  4Clinical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Spain.  5Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.  6Ciber Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract

The study explored lifetime prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in female and male individuals with eating disorders (ED) and compared ED symptoms, general psychopathology and personality traits across individuals with and without a history of NSSI. The incremental discriminative capacity of gender on the manifestation of lifetime NSSI was also studied. A total sample of 1649 consecutively admitted ED patients (1515 women and 134 men) participated in the current study [339 ED + NSSI (ED with NSSI) and 1310 ED - NSSI (ED without NSSI)]. Specific self-report measures were included and other clinical and psychopathological indices. The observed lifetime prevalence of NSSI was 20.6% (20.9% in women and 17.2% in men). NSSI was not associated with ED type or gender. However, ED + NSSI patients exhibited more impulsive behaviour, substance-abuse disorders and additional impulse-control disorders, were younger and had more previous treatments. Age was shown to affect the presentation of NSSI. Additionally, ED + NSSI patients exhibited more severe ED and general psychopathological symptoms and had more dysfunctional personality traits when compared with ED - NSSI. ED + NSSI was found to be positively associated with harm avoidance and self-transcendence but negatively with reward dependence, self-directedness and cooperativeness. Thus, the variables with stronger capacity to identify the presence of ED + NSSI were younger age, harm avoidance, self- directedness and self-transcendence. A lack of association between sex and ED subtype with the presence of NSSI was observed.

35. Schizophr Res. 2015 Jun 10. pii: S0920-9964(15)00314-X. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.05.041. [Epub ahead of print] Experiential pleasure deficits in different stages of schizophrenia.

Li Z1, Lui SS2, Geng FL1, Li Y3, Li WX3, Wang CY4, Tan SP5, Cheung EF6, Kring AM7, Chan RC8.

Author information:  1Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.  2Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong, China.  3Haidian District Mental Health Prevent-Treatment Hospital, Beijing, China.  4Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China.  5Psychiatry Research Center, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China.  6Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong, China.  7Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.  8Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

Prior research has found dampened anticipatory pleasure but relatively intact consummatory pleasure in people with first-episode and more chronic schizophrenia, but no study has examined anticipatory and consummatory pleasure across the schizophrenia spectrum. To confirm the factor structure of the Chinese version of the Temporal Experience Pleasure Scale (TEPS), which measures four components of anhedonia, we recruited 364 people with schizophrenia for confirmatory factor analysis. To examine anhedonia in people across the schizophrenia spectrum, we recruited people with first-episode (n=76) and chronic schizophrenia (n=45), people with schizotypal traits (n=210), first-degree relatives (n=45) of people with schizophrenia and healthy controls. Deficit in abstract anticipatory pleasure appeared to be most severe in people with chronic schizophrenia, while dampened abstract consummatory pleasure was observed in people with schizotypal personality features and in people with chronic schizophrenia. In addition, both abstract anticipatory and abstract consummatory pleasure were negatively correlated with negative schizotypal personality features and schizophrenia symptoms. Our results suggest that deficits in anticipatory pleasure are present across the schizophrenia spectrum, particularly in the abstract domain.

36. Schizophr Res. 2015 Jun 9. pii: S0920-9964(15)00283-2. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.05.026. [Epub ahead of print] Association between processing speed and subclinical psychotic symptoms in the general population: Focusing on sex differences.

Rössler W1, Ajdacic-Gross V2, Müller M2, Rodgers S2, Kawohl W3, Haker H4, Hengartner MP5.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM 27), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services, Zurich, Switzerland. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services, Zurich, Switzerland.  3Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland.  4Translational Neuromodeling Unit, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Switzerland.  5Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), Zurich, Switzerland.

Abstract

Evidence is growing that persons along the schizophrenia spectrum, i.e., those who also display subclinical psychotic symptoms, exhibit deficits across a broad range of neuropsychological domains. Because sex differences in the association between cognitive deficits and psychosis have thus far been mostly neglected, we believe that ours is the first study specifically focused upon those differences when examining the relationship between subclinical psychosis and processing speed. Using a sample of 213 persons from the general population from Zurich, Switzerland, psychotic symptoms were assessed with three different questionnaires including the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, an adaptation of the Structured Interview for Assessing Perceptual Anomalies, and the Paranoia Checklist. Processing speed was assessed with the WAIS digit-symbol coding test. Two higher-order psychosis domains were factor-analytically derived from the various psychosis subscales and then subjected to a series of linear regression analyses. The results demonstrate that in both men and women associations between subclinical psychosis domains and processing speed were weak to moderate (β ranging from -0.18 to -0.27; all p<0.05). However, we found no sex-differences in the interrelation of subclinical psychosis and processing speed (ΔR2<0.005; p>0.30). In conclusion, it appears that sex differences in psychosis manifest themselves only at the high end of the continuum (full-blown schizophrenia) and not across the sub-threshold range. The small magnitude of the effects reported herein conforms to the etiopathology of the disorder. Since schizophrenia and related disorders from the spectrum are assumed to be multifactorial diseases, it follows that many etiological components of small effect are involved.

37. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Jun 10;16(6):13217-13258. Broader Autism Phenotype in Siblings of Children with ASD-A Review.

Pisula E1, Ziegart-Sadowska K2.

Author information:

 1Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Stawki 5/7, 00-183 Warsaw, Poland. [email protected].  2Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Stawki 5/7, 00-183 Warsaw, Poland. [email protected].

Abstract

Although less pronounced, social, cognitive, and personality characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be present in people who do not meet ASD diagnostic criteria, especially in first-degree relatives of individuals with ASD. Research on these characteristics, referred to as broader autism phenotype (BAP), provides valuable data on potential expressions of autism-specific deficits in the context of family relations. This paper offers a review of research on BAP in siblings of individuals with ASD, focusing on reports regarding social, communication, and cognitive deficits, published from 1993 to 2014. The studies are divided into two groups based on participants' age: papers on preschool and older siblings of individuals with ASD; and publications on infants at risk for ASD. On the basis of this review, suggestions are offered for further research and its significance for our understanding of the genetic determinants of autism.

Free Article PMID: 26068453 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

38. J Pers Disord. 2015 Jun 11:1-22. [Epub ahead of print] Developmental Trajectories of Borderline Personality Disorder Symptoms and Psychosocial Functioning in Adolescence.

Wright AG1, Zalewski M2, Hallquist MN1, Hipwell AE1, Stepp SD1.

Author information:

 1University of Pittsburgh.  2University of Oregon.

Abstract

In recent years, major gains toward understanding the emergence of borderline personality disorder (BPD) pathology, which is typically first noted during adolescence, have been made. Simultaneously, a profound shift has occurred in the adult personality pathology literature, in which empirical evidence rebuts the idea that personality disorders (PDs) are intractable disorders that do not develop or otherwise change over time, and therefore cannot be treated. The present study addresses a gap in our understanding of within-person change in BPD symptoms across adolescence and contributes to the limited literature on outcomes associated with adolescent BPD. Using an at-risk community sample of girls (N = 2,450), the authors used bivariate latent growth curve models to analyze the codevelopment of BPD symptoms with eight domains of psychosocial functioning (e.g., academic achievement, social skills, sexual behavior) across ages 14-17. Findings revealed moderate to strong effect sizes for the associations between BPD symptoms and every domain of psychosocial functioning, suggesting that the development of BPD was coupled with poorer outcomes across development. Controlling for depression and conduct disorder features revealed unique associations between BPD and self-perception, social skills, and sexual behavior. These results highlight the increased need for extending advancements in the adult PD literature to research on PDs in adolescence, and for greater recognition of adolescent BPD in clinical settings. PMID: 26067158 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

39. J Pers Disord. 2015 Jun 11:1-18. [Epub ahead of print] Social Anhedonia Is Not Just Extreme Introversion: Empirical Evidence of Distinct Constructs.

Martin EA1, Cicero DC2, Bailey DH3, Karcher NR4, Kerns JG4.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology and Social Behavior, University of California, Irvine.  2Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa.  3Department of Education, University of California, Irvine.  4Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri.

Abstract

Social anhedonia and introversion, two closely related constructs associated with decreased positive emotions and decreased sociability, are common in schizophrenia-spectrum personality disorders. In light of a myriad of mixed findings regarding positive emotionality in anhedonia, there has been a call to reconceptualize "anhedonia." To clarify the nature of social anhedonia, we used confirmatory factor analysis to investigate the relationship between social anhedonia and introversion. Findings were consistent with the conceptualization of social anhedonia as a separate construct from introversion-the best fitting model was one in which social anhedonia and introversion measures loaded separately. Also consistent with the conceptualization of social anhedonia as separate, we found evidence that it was associated with aspects of alexithymia above and beyond any relationship with introversion. Overall, these results have implications for the understanding of social anhedonia and for the use of it as a discriminating factor between personality disorders characterized by introversion. PMID: 26067156 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

40. Nord J Psychiatry. 2015 Jun 11:1-8. [Epub ahead of print] Clinical correlates of difficult-to-treat depression: Exploring an integrated day- care model of treatment.

Camardese G1, Mazza M, Zaninotto L, Leone B, Marano G, Serrani R, Di Nicola M, Bria P, Janiri L.

Author information:

 1Giovanni Camardese, Institute of Psychiatry and Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart , Rome , Italy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

This study aimed to test the effectiveness of an individualized, integrated, day-care treatment programme for the acute phase of "difficult-to-treat depression" (DTD) in a sample of bipolar and unipolar subjects with a complex co-morbidity pattern.

METHODS:

A total of 291 patients meeting criteria for DTD were consecutively recruited. All participants underwent a 12-week day-care intervention including individual psychological support and group psycho-education. Subjects were assessed for depressive symptom severity by the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at the baseline (T0) and after 4 (T1) and 12 (T2) weeks of treatment. A repeated measures general linear model was performed to test for interactive effects among variables.

RESULTS:

An overall significant improvement was detected in the majority of cases (F = 138.6, p < 0.0001). Responders reported lower rates of personality disorders and higher baseline depressive severity. An interaction between bipolarity and co-morbidity was associated with a poorer outcome (F = 5.9, p = 0.0034). Family involvement was the only significant predictor for symptom improvement (F = 7.9, adjusted p = 0.0025).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our intervention proved to be effective in the treatment of complex and severe forms of depression. Our results on the role of family support require further investigation to better define suitable targets for tailored therapeutic approaches. PMID: 26065468 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

41. J Pers Assess. 2015 Jun 10:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] Construct Validity of the DSM-5 Section III Personality Trait Profile for Borderline Personality Disorder.

Anderson JL1, Sellbom M.

Author information:

 1a Department of Psychology, University of Alabama.

Abstract

This study evaluated the nomological network of the borderline personality disorder (BPD) trait profile in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed. [DSM-5]) Section III. BPD symptoms include a variety of maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, and it is important to determine if the Section III trait operationalization for BPD captures these behavioral symptoms, as well as shows similar associations as the traditional Section II version with external criteria. For this purpose, we used a sample of 285 undergraduate students and conducted correlation and regression analyses to delineate the associations between Section III BPD traits and conceptually relevant external criteria. A Section III Total score was meaningfully associated with all criteria. Moreover, externalizing psychopathology tended to be most highly associated with disinhibitory Section III BPD traits, whereas internalizing psychopathology tended to have its strongest unique associations with traits reflective of negative affectivity. These results provide support for the construct validity of the trait profile for BPD in DSM-5 Section III. PMID: 26061018 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

42. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2015 Jun 9. pii: 0091217415589303. [Epub ahead of print] Insecure attachment strategies are associated with cognitive alexithymia in patients with severe somatoform disorder.

Koelen JA1, Eurelings-Bontekoe EH2, Stuke F3, Luyten P4 .

Author information:

 1Altrecht Psychosomatic Medicine, The Netherlands [email protected].  2Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Leiden University, The Netherlands.  3Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Germany.  4Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven, Belgium Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

In light of interpersonal difficulties and their relation to alexithymia in patients with somatoform disorder, the primary aim of this study was to explore the association between two insecure attachment strategies (deactivation and hyperactivation strategies), and affective and cognitive alexithymia in a sample of 128 patients with severe somatoform disorder, over and above the levels of negative affectivity and personality pathology.

METHOD:

In a cross-sectional study among patients with somatoform disorder, self-report data were obtained using measures for alexithymia (Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire), attachment (Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire), personality pathology (Inventory of Personality Organization), and negative affectivity (Dutch Short Form of the MMPI). We used hierarchical regression analyses to test main effects of attachment deactivation and hyperactivation strategies in the prediction of both cognitive and affective alexithymia, while controlling for the levels of negative affectivity and personality pathology.

RESULTS:

Only cognitive alexithymia, i.e., the inability to analyze, identify, and verbalize emotions, was associated with personality dysfunction, in particular insecure attachment strategies. Affective alexithymia, i.e., the inability to fantasize and to experience emotions, was associated (negatively) with negative affectivity but not with the personality variables.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study, therefore, indicates that both types of alexithymia are relevant for the assessment and treatment of severe somatoform disorder, yet each type may tap into different features of somatoform disorder.

43. Australas Psychiatry. 2015 Jun 9. pii: 1039856215588212. [Epub ahead of print] The relationship between bipolar disorders, anxiety, and trauma - implications for clinical practice.

Kuiper S1, McAulay C2, McLean L3, Malhi G4.

Author information:

 1CADE Clinic, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia [email protected].  2CADE Clinic, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.  3Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, and; Westmead Psychotherapy Program for Complex Traumatic Disorders, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.  4CADE Clinic, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, and; Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the relationship between bipolar spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, and personality function.

METHOD: A cohort of 37 diagnostically challenging bipolar spectrum patients, including both bipolar and personality disordered patients, were assessed using the Structured Combined Interview for DSM-IV to establish diagnosis of bipolarity and anxiety. Diagnoses were then quantitatively related to personality function, using the DSM-5 Level of Personality Function Scale, and to attachment, using the Relationship Questionnaire and Relationship Style Questionnaire.

RESULTS:

Number of comorbid anxiety disorders was significantly related to both personality and attachment, but not to bipolar status. Patients with more than one anxiety disorder were significantly more likely to have an underlying disturbance of personality.

CONCLUSIONS:

The presence of multiple anxiety disorders in bipolar spectrum patients may indicate heightened risk of an underlying personality disorder. Replication in a larger and more representative sample is needed.

44. Personal Disord. 2015 Jun 8. [Epub ahead of print] The Impact of Validation and Invalidation on Aggression in Individuals With Emotion Regulation Difficulties.

Herr NR, Jones AC, Cohn DM, Weber DM.

Abstract

For individuals with difficulty regulating their emotions, aggression has been found to be a particularly problematic interpersonal behavior. Invalidation (i.e., rejection of one's emotional experience) is thought to play a role in the etiology of disorders of emotion regulation, and it may be a trigger for aggressive behaviors. The present study experimentally manipulated validation and invalidation after a sad mood induction among individuals with few versus many difficulties regulating their emotions. Subsequent aggression was measured using an in-laboratory behavioral task. Results indicate that, among individuals with many difficulties regulating their emotions, validation led to significantly less aggression than did invalidation. However, among individuals with few difficulties regulating their emotions, aggressive behaviors were generally low and did not differ after validation as compared with invalidation. The findings suggest that validation of emotional experiences may help to prevent aggressive behaviors among individuals with difficulties regulating their emotions. (PsycINFO Database Record

45. J Abnorm Psychol. 2015 Jun 8. [Epub ahead of print] The Latent Structure of Personality Functioning: Investigating Criterion A From the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders in DSM-5.

Zimmermann J, Böhnke JR, Eschstruth R, Mathews A, Wenzel K, Leising D.

Abstract

The alternative model for the classification of personality disorders (PD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) Section III comprises 2 major components: impairments in personality functioning (Criterion A) and maladaptive personality traits (Criterion B). In this study, we investigated the latent structure of Criterion A (a) within subdomains, (b) across subdomains, and (c) in conjunction with the Criterion B trait facets. Data were gathered as part of an online study that collected other-ratings by 515 laypersons and 145 therapists. Laypersons were asked to assess 1 of their personal acquaintances, whereas therapists were asked to assess 1 of their patients, using 135 items that captured features of Criteria A and B. We were able to show that (a) the structure within the Criterion A subdomains can be appropriately modeled using generalized graded unfolding models, with results suggesting that the items are indeed related to common underlying constructs but often deviate from their theoretically expected severity level; (b) the structure across subdomains is broadly in line with a model comprising 2 strongly correlated factors of self- and interpersonal functioning, with some notable deviations from the theoretical model; and (c) the joint structure of the Criterion A subdomains and the Criterion B facets broadly resembles the expected model of 2 plus 5 factors, albeit the loading pattern suggests that the distinction between Criteria A and B is somewhat blurry. Our findings provide support for several major assumptions of the alternative DSM-5 model for PD but also highlight aspects of the model that need to be further refined. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved). PMID: 26052618 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

46. Dev Psychopathol. 2015 Jun 8:1-15. [Epub ahead of print] Neural responses to monetary incentives among self-injuring adolescent girls.

Sauder CL1, Derbidge CM2, Beauchaine TP3.

Author information:

 1Stony Brook University.  2University of Washington.  3Ohio State University.

Abstract

Rates of self-inflicted injury among adolescents have risen in recent years, yet much remains to be learned about the pathophysiology of such conduct. Self-injuring adolescents report high levels of both impulsivity and depression behaviorally. Aberrant neural responding to incentives, particularly in striatal and prefrontal regions, is observed among both impulsive and depressed adolescents, and may mark common vulnerability to symptoms of anhedonia, irritability, and low positive affectivity. To date, however, no studies have examined associations between central nervous system reward responding and self-injury. In the current study, self-injuring (n = 19) and control (n = 19) adolescent females, ages 13-19 years, participated in a monetary incentive delay task in which rewards were obtained on some trials and losses were incurred on others. Consistent with previous findings from impulsive and depressed samples, self-injuring adolescents exhibited less activation in both striatal and orbitofrontal cortex regions during anticipation of reward than did controls. Self- injuring adolescents also exhibited reduced bilateral amygdala activation during reward anticipation. Although few studies to date have examined amygdala activity during reward tasks, such findings are common among adults with mood disorders and borderline personality disorder. Implications for neural models of impulsivity, depression, heterotypic comorbidity, and development of both self-injury and borderline personality traits are discussed. PMID: 26050788 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

47. BMC Health Serv Res. 2015 Jun 6;15:224. doi: 10.1186/s12913-015-0873-5. Women with comorbid substance dependence and psychiatric disorders in Sweden: a longitudinal study of hospital care utilization and costs.

Olsson TM1, Fridell M2.

Author information:

 1Department of Social Work, Lund University, 220 00, Lund, Sweden. [email protected].  2Department of Psychology, Lund University, 220 00, Lund, Sweden. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Substance use disorders are regarded as one of the most prevalent, deadly and costly of health problems. Research has consistently found that the prevalence of other psychiatric disorders among those with substance related disorders is substantial. Combined, these disorders lead to considerable disability and health years lost worldwide as well as extraordinary societal costs. Relatively little of the literature on substance dependence and its impact on healthcare utilization and associated costs has focused specifically on chronic drug users, adolescents or women. In addition, the research that has been conducted relies largely on self-reported data and does not provide long-term estimates of hospital care utilization. The purpose of this study is to describe the long-term (24-32 year) healthcare utilization and it's associated costs for a nationally representative cohort of chronic substance abusing women (adults and adolescents) remanded to compulsory care between 1997-2000 (index episode). As such, this is the first study investigating healthcare costs for women in compulsory treatment in Sweden.

METHODS:

Women (n = 227) remanded to compulsory care for substance abuse were assessed at intake and their hospital care utilization was retrieved 5-years post compulsory care from national records. Unit costs for ICD-10 diagnoses were applied to all hospital care used from 1975- 2006. Attempts are made to estimate productivity losses associated with hospitalization and premature death. RESULTS:

Upon clinical assessment it was found that a majority of these women had a comorbid psychiatric disorder (primarily personality disorder). The women followed in this study were admitted to hospital five to six times that of the general population and had stays six to eight times that of the general population. Total direct healthcare costs per person over the study period averaged approximately $173,000 and was primarily the result of psychiatric department visits (71 %) and inpatient treatment (98.5 %; detoxification and short-term rehabilitation).

CONCLUSIONS:

Women placed in compulsory care use more hospital resources than that of the general Swedish population and when compared to international research of hospital care use and substance abuse. Direct hospital costs vary greatly over the life course. Effective services can have significant economic benefit.

PMCID: PMC4457988 Free PMC Article PMID: 26048811 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

48. PLoS One. 2015 Jun 5;10(6):e0128271. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128271. eCollection 2015. Personality, Attentional Biases towards Emotional Faces and Symptoms of Mental Disorders in an Adolescent Sample.

O'Leary-Barrett M1, Pihl RO1, Artiges E2, Banaschewski T 3, Bokde AL4, Büchel C5, Flor H6, Frouin V7, Garavan H8, Heinz A9, Ittermann B10, Mann K6, Paillère-Martinot ML2, Nees F6, Paus T11, Pausova Z12, Poustka L3, Rietschel M6, Robbins TW13, Smolka MN14, Ströhle A9, Schumann G15, Conrod PJ16; IMAGEN Consortium.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  2Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM CEA Unit 1000 "Imaging & Psychiatry", University Paris Sud, Orsay, Paris, France; AP-HP Department of Adolescent Psychopathology and Medicine, Maison de Solenn, University Paris Descartes, Paris, France.  3Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.  4Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.  5Universitaetsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.  6Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany; Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.  7Neurospin, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Paris, France.  8Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America.  9Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.  10Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Braunschweig und Berlin, Berlin, Germany.  11Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  12The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  13Behavioural and Clinical Neurosciences Institute, Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.  14Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.  15MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.  16Department of Psychological Medicine and Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, United Kingdom; Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montreal, CHU Ste Justine Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the role of personality factors and attentional biases towards emotional faces, in establishing concurrent and prospective risk for mental disorder diagnosis in adolescence.

METHOD:

Data were obtained as part of the IMAGEN study, conducted across 8 European sites, with a community sample of 2257 adolescents. At 14 years, participants completed an emotional variant of the dot-probe task, as well two personality measures, namely the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale and the revised NEO Personality Inventory. At 14 and 16 years, participants and their parents were interviewed to determine symptoms of mental disorders. RESULTS:

Personality traits were general and specific risk indicators for mental disorders at 14 years. Increased specificity was obtained when investigating the likelihood of mental disorders over a 2-year period, with the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale showing incremental validity over the NEO Personality Inventory. Attentional biases to emotional faces did not characterise or predict mental disorders examined in the current sample.

DISCUSSION:

Personality traits can indicate concurrent and prospective risk for mental disorders in a community youth sample, and identify at-risk youth beyond the impact of baseline symptoms. This study does not support the hypothesis that attentional biases mediate the relationship between personality and psychopathology in a community sample. Task and sample characteristics that contribute to differing results among studies are discussed.

PMCID: PMC4457930 Free PMC Article PMID: 26046352 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

49. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2015 Jun 4. doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.153. [Epub ahead of print] Impulsivity and Aggression in Female BPD and ADHD Patients: Association With ACC Glutamate and GABA Concentrations.

Ende G1, Cackowski S2, VanEijk J1, Sack M1, Demirakca T1, Kleindienst N2, Bohus M2, Sobanski E3, Krause-Utz A2, Schmahl C2.

Author information:

 1Department of Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Germany.  2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Germany.  3Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Germany.

Abstract Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are both characterized by high impulsivity and difficulties in controlling anger and aggression. In BPD, comorbid ADHD may further increase impulsivity. For both disorders, altered MR spectroscopy levels of the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA as well as some correlations with impulsivity were previously reported. The objective of this study was to investigate the neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA in relation to impulsivity and aggression as expressed in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in groups of female patients with BPD and ADHD, respectively. Associations of glutamate and GABA levels with further BPD (symptom severity) and ADHD aspects (hyperactivity and inattention) were exploratively evaluated. 1H MRspectra were acquired at 3 T to determine glutamate to total creatine ratios (Glu/tCr) and GABA levels from the ACC in a BPD group (n=26), an ADHD group (n=22), and a healthy control (HC) group (n=30); all participants were females. Both patient groups showed higher scores on self-reported impulsivity, anger, and aggression compared to HCs. ACC GABA levels were significantly lower in ADHD than HC. While measures of impulsivity were positively related to glutamate and negatively to GABA, for aggression only a negative correlation with GABA could be demonstrated. These data provide human in vivo evidence for the role of ACC Glu/tCr and GABA in impulsivity and aggression. If distinct associations of Glu/tCr and GABA for BPD and ADHD can be confirmed in future studies, this might yield implications for more specific pharmacological treatments.Neuropsychopharmacology accepted article preview online, 04 June 2015. doi:10.1038/npp.2015.153. PMID: 26040503 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

50. Psychodyn Psychiatry. 2015 Summer;43(2):243-75. doi: 10.1521/pdps.2015.43.2.243. Further evidence of self-medication: personality factors influencing drug choice in substance use disorders.

McKernan LC1, Nash MR2, Gottdiener WH3, Anderson SE4, Lambert WE5, Carr ER6.

Author information:

 11 Assistant Clinical Professor, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Osher Center of Integrative Medicine at Vanderbilt University.  22 The University of Tennessee.  33 John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  44 Cornerstone of Recovery, Louisville, TN.  55 Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.  66 Yale University School of Medicine. Abstract

According to Khantzian's (2003) self-medication hypothesis (SMH), substance dependence is a compensatory means to modulate affects and self-soothe in response to distressing psychological states. Khantzian asserts: (1) Drugs become addicting because they have the power to alleviate, remove, or change human psychological suffering, and (2) There is a considerable degree of specificity in a person's choice of drugs because of unique psychological and physiological effects. The SMH has received criticism for its variable empirical support, particularly in terms of the drug-specificity aspect of Khantzian's hypothesis. We posit that previous empirical examinations of the SMH have been compromised by methodological limitations. Also, more recent findings supporting the SMH have yet to be replicated. Addressing previous limitations to the research, this project tested this theory in a treatment sample of treatment-seeking individuals with substance dependence (N = 304), using more heterogeneous, personality-driven measures that are theory-congruent. Using an algorithm based on medical records, individuals were reliably classified as being addicted to a depressant, stimulant, or opiate by two independent raters. Theory-based a priori predictions were that the three groups would exhibit differences in personality characteristics and emotional-regulation strategies. Specifically, our hypotheses entailed that when compared against each other: (1) Individuals with a central nervous system (CNS) depressant as drug of choice (DOC) will exhibit defenses of repression, over- controlling anger, and emotional inhibition to avoid acknowledging their depression; (2) Individuals with an opiate as DOC will exhibit higher levels of aggression, hostility, depression, and trauma, greater deficits in ego functioning, and externalizing/antisocial behavior connected to their use; and (3) Individuals with a stimulant as DOC will experience anhedonia, paranoia, have a propensity to mania, and display lower levels of emotional inhibition. MANOVAs were used to test three hypotheses regarding drug group differences on the personality variables that were in keeping with the SMH. The MANOVAs for Hypothesis I (Depressant group) and Hypothesis II (Opiate group) were statistically significant. Findings partially support the SMH, particularly in its characterization of personality functioning in those addicted to depressants and opiates. PMID: 26039231 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

51. Psychodyn Psychiatry. 2015 Summer;43(2):201-21. doi: 10.1521/pdps.2015.43.2.201. Transference-focused psychotherapy training during residency: an aide to learning psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Bernstein J1, Zimmerman M2, Auchincloss EL3. Author information:

 11 Weill Cornell Medical Center.  22 Columbia University Medical Center.  33 Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Abstract

Competency in psychodynamic psychotherapy is a requirement for residency training in psychiatry. However, for a variety of reasons, learning psychodynamic psychotherapy is difficult for residents. In this article, we share our experience in an elective in Transference- Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), a manualized treatment for severe personality disorders. Originally, this elective was conceptualized as an advanced component of training, offering specialized training in treating a subgroup of patients with severe personality disorders with a specific type of psychodynamic psychotherapy. However, contrary to the expectations of the residents and the training director, the elective in TFP strengthened understanding of core components of basic psychodynamic psychotherapy with all patients, not just those with severe personality disorders. We discuss various challenges in learning psychodynamic psychotherapy and how TFP served to address them. Two case vignettes illustrate several key points. PMID: 26039228 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

52. Psychodyn Psychiatry. 2015 Summer;43(2):181-99. doi: 10.1521/pdps.2015.43.2.181. Using transference-focused psychotherapy principles in the pharmacotherapy of patients with severe personality disorders.

Hersh RG1.

Author information:

 1Columbia University Medical Center.

Abstract

Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) is an evidence-based, manualized treatment for severe personality disorders. TFP provides clinicians with a comprehensive diagnostic approach, overarching theoretical orientation, and specific clinical techniques. While TFP was developed as a long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy for patients with personality disorders, the approach, orientation, and techniques used in psychotherapy treatment may be of use in pharmacotherapy with the same patients. Patients with borderline personality disorder, in particular, are high utilizers of all subtypes of psychotropic medication despite limited evidence for their effectiveness, creating multiple challenges for the prescribing clinician. The author suggests specific ways the TFP model can assist prescribers, including those who do not practice TFP psychotherapy. PMID: 26039227 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

53. JAMA Psychiatry. 2015 Jun 3. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.0584. [Epub ahead of print] Epidemiology of DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorder: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III.

Grant BF1, Goldstein RB1, Saha TD1, Chou SP 1, Jung J1, Zhang H1, Pickering RP1, Ruan WJ1, Smith SM1, Huang B1, Hasin DS2.

Author information:

 1Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biometry, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland.  2Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York3New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York.

Abstract

Importance:

National epidemiologic information from recently collected data on the new DSM-5 classification of alcohol use disorder (AUD) using a reliable, valid, and uniform data source is needed.

Objective: To present nationally representative findings on the prevalence, correlates, psychiatric comorbidity, associated disability, and treatment of DSM-5 AUD diagnoses overall and according to severity level (mild, moderate, or severe).

Design, Setting, and Participants:

We conducted face-to-face interviews with a representative US noninstitutionalized civilian adult (≥18 years) sample (N = 36 309) as the 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC-III). Data were collected from April 2012 through June 2013 and analyzed in October 2014.

Main Outcomes and Measures:

Twelve-month and lifetime prevalences of AUD.

Results:

Twelve-month and lifetime prevalences of AUD were 13.9% and 29.1%, respectively. Prevalence was generally highest for men (17.6% and 36.0%, respectively), white (14.0% and 32.6%, respectively) and Native American (19.2% and 43.4%, respectively), respondents, and younger (26.7% and 37.0%, respectively) and previously married (11.4% and 27.1%, respectively) or never married (25.0% and 35.5%, respectively) adults. Prevalence of 12-month and lifetime severe AUD was greatest among respondents with the lowest income level (1.8% and 1.5%, respectively). Significant disability was associated with 12-month and lifetime AUD and increased with the severity of AUD. Only 19.8% of respondents with lifetime AUD were ever treated. Significant associations were found between 12-month and lifetime AUD and other substance use disorders, major depressive and bipolar I disorders, and antisocial and borderline personality disorders across all levels of AUD severity, with odds ratios ranging from 1.2 (95% CI, 1.08-1.36) to 6.4 (95% CI, 5.76-7.22). Associations between AUD and panic disorder, specific phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder were modest (odds ratios ranged from 1.2 (95% CI, 1.01-1.43) to 1.4 (95% CI, 1.13-1.67) across most levels of AUD severity.

Conclusions and Relevance:

Alcohol use disorder defined by DSM-5 criteria is a highly prevalent, highly comorbid, disabling disorder that often goes untreated in the United States. The NESARC-III data indicate an urgent need to educate the public and policy makers about AUD and its treatment alternatives, to destigmatize the disorder, and to encourage those who cannot reduce their alcohol consumption on their own, despite substantial harm to themselves and others, to seek treatment. PMID: 26039070 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

54. Cult Med Psychiatry. 2015 Jun 3. [Epub ahead of print] Bilingualism, Language Disorders and Intercultural Families in Contemporary Italy : Family Relations, Transmission of Language and Representations of Otherness.

Bruno D1, Balottin U, Berlincioni V, Moro MR.

Author information:

 1Section of Psychiatry, Department of Applied Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100, Pavia, Italy, [email protected].

Abstract

This study aims to show how language disorders in children affect language transmission and the mixedness experience in intercultural families. To this end, it adopts a qualitative method of study based on the administration of ad hoc interviews to intercultural couples who consulted our Child Neuropsychiatry Service because of language disorders in their children. One of the main consequences, when the child of an intercultural couple presents a language disorder and a diagnostic process has to be initiated, may be interruption of the transmission of the second language, especially if it is the mother's language. The decision to do this, which may be taken on the advice of teachers and health professionals, but also because the parents themselves often attribute their child's language disorder to his bilingual condition, affects not only the relationship between the mother and her child, but also processes in the construction of parenthood and in the structuring of the child's personality and the plurality of his affiliations. A clear understanding of how the dialectic between the categories of "alien" and "familiar" is managed in these contemporary families, which have to reckon with the condition of otherness, is crucial for psychiatrists and psychotherapists working in settings in which cultural difference is an issue to consider. PMID: 26037259 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

1. PLoS One. 2015 Jul 31;10(7):e0134970. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134970. The Influence of Parental Psychopathology on Offspring Suicidal Behavior across the Lifespan.

Santana GL1, Coelho BM1, Borges G2, Viana MC3, Wang YP1, Andrade LH1.

Author information:

 1Section of Psychiatric Epidemiology - LIM 23, Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil.  2National Institute of Psychiatry and Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico.  3Department of Social Medicine and Post-Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil.

Abstract

Suicide tends to occur in families, and parental psychopathology has been linked to offspring suicidal behaviors. This study explores the influence of parental mental disorders across the lifespan. Data are from the Sao Paulo Megacity Mental Health Survey, a cross-sectional household study with a representative sample of the adult population living in the Sao Paulo Metropolitan Area, Brazil (N=2,942). Survival models examined bivariate and multivariate associations between a range of parental disorders and offspring suicidality. After controlling for comorbidity, number of mental disorders and offspring psychopathology, we found that parental psychopathology influences suicidal behaviors throughout most part of the life cycle, from childhood until young adult years. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and antisocial personality were associated with offspring suicidal ideation (OR 1.8 and 1.9, respectively), panic and GAD predicted suicidal attempts (OR 2.3 and 2.7, respectively), and panic was related to the transition from ideation to attempts (OR 2.7). Although noticed in many different stages of the lifespan, this influence is most evident during adolescence. In this period, depression and antisocial personality increased the odds of suicidal ideation (OR 5.1 and 3.2, respectively), and depression, panic disorder, GAD and substance abuse predicted suicidal attempts (OR varying from 1.7 to 3.8). In short, parental disorders characterized by impulsive-aggression and anxiety-agitation were the main predictors of offspring suicidality across the lifespan. This clinically relevant intergenerational transmission of suicide risk was independent of offspring mental disorders, and this underscores the need for a family approach to psychopathology. PMID: 26230321 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015 Jul 17;11:1767-1779. Individual correlates of self-stigma in patients with anxiety disorders with and without comorbidities.

Ociskova M1, Prasko J2, Kamaradova D2, Grambal A2, Sigmundova Z2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital in Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Olomouc, Czech Republic ; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.  2Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital in Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Olomouc, Czech Republic.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A number of psychiatric patients experience stigma connected to prejudices about mental disorders. It has been shown that stigma is most harmful when it is internalized. Most of the studies were performed on individuals either with psychoses or with mood disorders, and hence, there are almost no studies with other diagnostic categories. The goals of this research were to identify factors that are significantly related to self-stigma in patients with anxiety disorders and to suggest possible models of causality for these relationships.

METHODS:

A total of 109 patients with anxiety disorders and possible comorbid depressive or personality disorders, who were admitted to the psychotherapeutic department participated in this study. All patients completed several psychodiagnostic methods, ie, the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised Version, Adult Dispositional Hope Scale, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition, and Clinical Global Impression (also completed by the senior psychiatrist).

RESULTS:

The overall level of self-stigma was positively associated with a comorbid personality disorder, more severe symptomatology, more intense symptoms of anxiety and depression, and higher levels of dissociation and harm avoidance. Self-stigma was negatively related to hope, reward dependence, persistence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness. Multiple regression analysis showed that the most significant factors connected to self-stigma are harm avoidance, the intensity of depressive symptoms, and self-directedness. Two models of causality were proposed and validated. It seems that the tendency to dissociate in stress increases the probability of development of self-stigma, and this relationship is entirely mediated by avoidance of harm. Conversely, self-directedness lowers the probability of occurrence of self-stigma, and this effect is partly mediated by hope.

CONCLUSION:

Patients with anxiety disorders accompanied with or without comorbid depressive or personality disorders may suffer from self-stigma. Individuals with greater sensitivity to rejection and other socially aversive stimuli are prone to the development of self-stigma. Other personality factors, such as hopeful thinking and self-acceptance serve as factors promoting resilience concerning self-stigma. PMID: 26229471 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

3. BMC Psychiatry. 2015 Jul 31;15(1):183. Understanding recovery in the context of lived experience of personality disorders: a collaborative, qualitative research study.

Gillard S1, Turner K2, Neffgen M3.

Author information:

 1Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK. [email protected].  2Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK. [email protected].  3South West London & St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, Springfield University Hospital, Glenburnie Way, London, SW17 7DJ, UK. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Concepts of recovery increasingly inform the development and delivery of mental health services internationally. In the UK recent policy advocates the application of recovery concepts to the treatment of personality disorders. However diagnosis and understanding of personality disorders remains contested, challenging any assumption that mainstream recovery thinking can be directly translated into personality disorders services.

METHODS:

In a qualitative interview-based study understandings of recovery were explored in extended, in-depth interviews with six people purposively sampled from a specialist personality disorders' service in the UK. An interpretive, collaborative approach to research was adopted in which university-, clinical- and service user (consumer) researchers were jointly involved in carrying out interviews and analysing interview data.

RESULTS:

Findings suggested that recovery cannot be conceptualised separately from an understanding of the lived experience of personality disorders. This experience was characterised by a complexity of ambiguous, interrelating and conflicting feelings, thoughts and actions as individuals tried to cope with tensions between internally and externally experienced worlds. Our analysis was suggestive of a process of recovering or, for some, discovering a sense of self that can safely coexist in both worlds.

CONCLUSIONS:

We conclude that key facilitators of recovery - positive personal relationships and wider social interaction - are also where the core vulnerabilities of individuals with lived experience of personaility disorders can lie. There is a role for personality disorders services in providing a safe space in which to develop positive relationships. Through discursive practice within the research team understandings of recovery were co-produced that responded to the lived experience of personality disorders and were of applied relevance to practitioners. PMID: 26227023 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

4. J Pers Assess. 2015 Jul 30:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] Millon's Contributions to Preadolescent and Adolescent Personality Assessment: Searching Onward and Upward.

Tringone R1, Bockian N.

Author information:

 1a Center for Counseling and Consultation, St. John's University. Abstract

Theodore Millon was one of the most influential personality theorists of the 20th century. His theory was originally rooted in biosocial learning models and later reconceptualized as an evolutionary model. This foundation of Millon's work encompasses the entire life span. He had a genuine concern for humankind, especially children. His theory encompasses a comprehensive understanding of the relationship among childhood experiences, parenting styles, and recurring events throughout the life span in shaping the personality. Notable contributions to child and adolescent assessment are the Millon Adolescent Personality Inventory (Millon, Green, & Meagher, 1982 ), the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (Millon, Millon, & Davis, 1993 ), and the Millon Pre-Adolescent Clinical Inventory (M- PACI; Millon, Tringone, Millon, & Grossman, 2005 ). Given Millon's influence on the personality disorders section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the aforementioned instruments have personality constructs tied to familiar DSM categories, and among them, cover the age range of 9 to 18 years old. His development of the Millon Inventories revolutionized personality assessment in the United States and abroad. Millon's legacies will live on through his works and through the respect and compassion he demonstrated toward others. PMID: 26226175 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

5. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2015 Aug;73(8):722-4. doi: 10.1590/0004-282X20150075. Neurobehavioral disorders locked in Alcatraz: case reports on three famous inmates.

Teive HA1, Paola Ld1.

Author information:

 1Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.

Abstract

The Alcatraz prison, with its picturesque surroundings and fascinating life stories of its inmates, has been the subject of a number of films and publications. The authors take a closer look at the biographies of "Al Capone", Robert "Birdman" Stroud and "Mickey" Cohen. These legendary American mobsters shared not only a history at "The Rock", but also a history of neuropsychiatric diseases, ranging from neurosyphilis to anti-social, borderline and obsessive- compulsive personality disorders.

Free Article PMID: 26222366 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

6. Trials. 2015 Jul 29;16(1):319. doi: 10.1186/s13063-015-0827-6. Short-term intensive psychodynamic group therapy versus cognitive-behavioral group therapy in day treatment of anxiety disorders and comorbid depressive or personality disorders: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Suszek H1, Holas P2, Wyrzykowski T3, Lorentzen S4, Kokoszka A5.

Author information:

 1Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Ul. Stawki 5/7, 00-183, Warsaw, Poland. [email protected].  2Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Ul. Stawki 5/7, 00-183, Warsaw, Poland. [email protected].  3Wola Hospital, ul. Kasprzaka 17, 01-211, Warsaw, Poland. [email protected].  4Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1039, , Blindern, Oslo, 0315, Norway. [email protected].  5II Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Kondratowicza 8, 03-242, Warsaw, Poland. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral group therapies are frequently applied in day hospitals for the treatment of anxiety disorders and comorbid depressive or personality disorders in Poland and other Eastern European countries. Yet there is not enough evidence as to their effectiveness in this environment; this study addresses this gap. The aim of the study is to determine the effectiveness of these two kinds of day treatment care consisting of intensive, short-term group psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapy, for patients with anxiety disorders and/or comorbid depressive or personality disorders. Our objectives are to: 1) show the effectiveness of each treatment in a day-care setting relative to the wait-list control group; 2) demonstrate the relative short- and long-term effectiveness of the two active treatments; 3) carry out a preliminary examination of the predictors and moderators of treatment response; 4) carry out a preliminary examination of the mediators of therapeutic change; and 5) compare the impact of both methods of treatment on the outcome of the measures used in this study.

METHODS/DESIGN:

In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 199 patients with anxiety disorders and comorbid depressive and/or personality disorders will be assigned to one of three conditions: 1) psychodynamic group therapy; 2) cognitive-behavioral group therapy; or 3) wait-list control group. The therapy will last 12 weeks. Both treatments will be manualized (the manuals will address comorbidity). Primary outcome measures will include self-reported symptoms of anxiety, observer-rated symptoms of anxiety, global improvement, and recovery rate. Secondary outcome measures will include the number of pathological personality traits, depression, self-esteem, defense mechanisms, beliefs about self and others, interpersonal problems, object relations, parental bonding, meta-cognition, and quality of life. Measures will be taken at baseline, post-treatment, and at six months following the end of therapy.

DISCUSSION:

The rationale is to investigate how effectively anxiety disorders and/or comorbid depressive or personality disorders can be treated in a day hospital setting, typical of the Polish health care system, during a three-month treatment period.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02126787 , registered on 28 April 2014.

PMCID: PMC4517633 Free PMC Article PMID: 26220089 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

7. Front Psychiatry. 2015 Jul 8;6:101. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00101. eCollection 2015. Psychiatric Stigma in Treatment-Seeking Adults with Personality Problems: Evidence from a Sample of 214 Patients.

Catthoor K1, Schrijvers D2, Hutsebaut J3, Feenstra D3, Sabbe B2.

Author information:

 1Psychiatrisch Ziekenhuis Stuivenberg, Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen , Antwerp , Belgium ; Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Antwerp University , Antwerp , Belgium.  2Psychiatrisch Ziekenhuis Stuivenberg, Ziekenhuis Netwerk Antwerpen , Antwerp , Belgium ; Universitaire Dienst Psychiatrie, Psychiatrisch Ziekenhuis Sint-Norbertushuis , Duffel , Belgium.  3Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders (VISPD) , Halsteren , Netherlands.

Abstract

Stigmatization is a major burden in adult psychiatric patients with Axis-I diagnoses, as shown consistently in most studies. Significantly fewer studies on the emergence of psychiatric stigma in adult patients with personality disorders (PDs) exist, although the resulting evidence is conclusive. Some authors consider patients with PDs at risk for severe stigmatization because of intense difficulties during interpersonal contact, even in a psychotherapeutic relationship. The aim of this study was primarily the assessment of pre-existing stigma in patients referred for intensive treatment for PDs. The study enrolled 214 patients admitted to the adult department of a highly specialized mental health care institute offering psychotherapy for patients with severe and complex personality pathology. All patients underwent a standard assessment with self-report questionnaires and a semi-structured interview to measure Axis II PDs. The stigma consciousness questionnaire and the perceived devaluation-discrimination questionnaire, both validated instruments, were used to measure perceived and actual experiences of stigma. Independent sample t-tests were used to investigate differences in the mean total stigma scores for patients both with and without a PD. One-way ANOVAs were performed to assess the differences between having a borderline PD, another PD, or no PD diagnosis. Multiple regression main effect analyses were conducted in order to explore the impact of the different PD diagnosis on the level of stigma. The mean scores across all patient groups were consistent with rather low stigma. No differences were found for patients with or without a PD diagnosis. Level of stigma in general was not associated with an accumulating number of PDs. Given the remarkable results, we would strongly recommend further investigations in the field to better understand the phenomenon of stigma in all its aspects. PMCID: PMC4495310 Free PMC Article PMID: 26217243 [PubMed] Similar articles

8. BMJ Open. 2015 Jul 27;5(7):e007454. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007454. Euthanasia requests, procedures and outcomes for 100 Belgian patients suffering from psychiatric disorders: a retrospective, descriptive study.

Thienpont L1, Verhofstadt M2, Van Loon T3, Distelmans W3, Audenaert K4, De Deyn PP5.

Author information:

 1University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.  2MSc student at the Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands.  3Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.  4Department of Psychiatry, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.  5University of Antwerp, Institute Born-Bunge, Wilrijk, Belgium University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands Middelheim General Hospital, ZNA, Antwerp, Belgium.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To identify patterns in euthanasia requests and practices relating to psychiatric patients; to generate recommendations for future research.

DESIGN:

Retrospective analysis of data obtained through medical file review.

SETTING:

Outpatient psychiatric clinical setting in the Dutch-speaking region of Belgium, between October 2007 and December 2011; follow-up at the end of December 2012. PARTICIPANTS:

100 consecutive psychiatric patients requesting euthanasia based on psychological suffering associated with psychiatric disorders (77 women, 23 men; mean age 47 years; age range 21-80 years).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Patient sociodemographic characteristics; diagnoses; decisions on euthanasia requests; circumstances of euthanasia procedures; patient outcomes at follow-up.

RESULTS:

Most patients had been referred for psychiatric counselling by their physician (n=55) or by LEIF (Life End Information Forum) (n=36). 90 patients had >1 disorder; the most frequent diagnoses were depression (n=58) and personality disorder (n=50). 38 patients required further testing and/or treatment, including 13 specifically tested for autism spectrum disorder (ASD); 12 received an ASD diagnosis (all Asperger syndrome). In total, 48 of the euthanasia requests were accepted and 35 were carried out. Of the 13 remaining patients whose requests were accepted, 8 postponed or cancelled the procedure, because simply having this option gave them enough peace of mind to continue living. In December 2012, 43 patients had died, including 35 by euthanasia; others died by suicide (6), palliative sedation (1) and anorexia nervosa (1).

CONCLUSIONS:

Depression and personality disorders are the most common diagnoses in psychiatric patients requesting euthanasia, with Asperger syndrome representing a neglected disease burden. Further research is needed, especially prospective quantitative and qualitative studies, to obtain a better understanding of patients with psychiatric disorders who request euthanasia due to unbearable psychological suffering.

Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Free Article PMID: 26216150 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

9. Soc Neurosci. 2015 Jul 27:1-6. [Epub ahead of print] Structural integrity of the limbic-prefrontal connection: Neuropathological correlates of anxiety in Williams syndrome.

Ng R1, Brown TT, Järvinen AM, Erhart M, Korenberg JR, Bellugi U, Halgren E.

Author information:

 1a Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience , Salk Institute for Biological Studies , La Jolla , CA , USA.

Abstract

Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition characterized by a hypersocial personality and desire to form close relationships, juxtaposed with significant anxieties of nonsocial events. The neural underpinnings of anxiety in individuals with WS are currently unknown. Aberrations in the anatomical and microstructural integrity of the uncinate fasciculus (UF) have been recently implicated in social and generalized anxiety disorders. Based on these findings, we tested the hypothesis that the reported anxieties in individuals with WS share similar neuropathological correlates. Toward this end, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) methods were employed to examine the microstructural integrity (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, longitudinal diffusivity) of the UF in 18 WS and 15 typically developing adults (TD). Anxiety and sociability questionnaires were administered to determine associations with DTI indices of UF across groups. Results revealed comparable white matter integrity of the UF across groups, yet elevated subjective experience of anxiety in those with WS. Additionally, sociability and UF microstructural properties were dissociated across both groups. Whereas no relationships were found between DTI indices and anxiety in TD participants, strong negative associations were observed between these constructs in individuals with WS. Findings indicated that increased anxiety manifested by individuals with WS was associated with DTI measures of the UF and may signal structural or possibly physiological aberration involving this tract within the prefrontal-temporal network. PMID: 26214361 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

10. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Jul 17. pii: S0165-1781(15)00509-0. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.052. [Epub ahead of print] The relationship between personality disorder traits and reactive versus proactive motivation for aggression.

Lobbestael J1, Cima M2, Lemmens A3.

Author information:

 1Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Developmental Psychopathology, Nijmegen University, The Netherlands; Department of Research, Forensic Psychiatric Centre de Rooyse Wissel, The Netherlands.  3Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Abstract

There is a strong link between personality disorders (PDs) and aggression. This is reflected in high prevalence rates of PD diagnoses in forensic samples, and in several diagnostic criteria of PDs directly referring to elevated levels of aggression. Aggression can stem from two distinct types of motivation; reactive or impulsive aggression that serves as a defensive reaction to provocation, and proactive or premeditated aggression used to gain extrinsic benefits. Although some clinical conditions like antisocial, borderline, and narcissistic PDs or PD traits, have been empirically linked to reactive and/or proactive aggression, the current study pioneers assessing the relationship between reactive and proactive aggression and traits of all 10 PDs. A mixed sample of patient and non-patient (N=238) participants were administered with the SCID II to assess the level of PD traits; they also completed the Reactive Proactive Questionnaire to determine levels of reactive and proactive aggression. Results showed that paranoid PD traits were positively related to reactive aggression, whereas proactive aggression was uniquely related to antisocial PD traits. This highlights the importance of differentiating between distinct motivations for aggression in PD samples.

11. Clin Genet. 2015 Jul 25. doi: 10.1111/cge.12646. [Epub ahead of print] Neurological and Endocrine Phenotypes of Fragile X Carrier Women.

Hall D1, Todorova-Koteva K2, Pandya S3, Bernard B1, Ouyang B1, Walsh M3, Pounardjian T3, Deburghraeve C4, Zhou L5, Losh M6, Leehey M7, Berry-Kravis E1,5,8.

Author information:

 1Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL.  2Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University, Chicago, IL.  3Rush Medical College, Rush University, Chicago, IL.  4Department of Anesthesia, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL.  5Department of Biochemistry, Rush University, Chicago, IL.  6Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL.  7Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO.  8Department of Pediatrics, Rush University, Chicago, IL.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Women who carry fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1)gene premutation expansions frequently report neurological or endocrine symptoms and prior studies have predominantly focused on questionnaire report of medical issues.

METHODS:

Premutation carrier women (n = 33) and non-carrier controls (n = 13) were recruited and evaluated by a neurologist, neuropsychologist, and endocrinologist. Blood and skin biopsies were collected for molecular measures. Scales for movement disorders, neuropathy, cognitive function, psychiatric symptoms, sleep, and quality of life were completed.

RESULTS:

The average age of the women was 51 years (n = 46) and average CGG repeat size was 91 ± 24.9 in the FMR1 premutation carrier women. Seventy-percent of the premutation carrier women had an abnormal neurological examination. Premutation carrier women had significantly higher scores on the FXTAS Rating Scale, more neuropathy, and difficulty with tandem gait compared to controls. Central sensitivity syndromes, a neuroticism profile on the NEO Personality Profile, and sleep disorders were also prevalent. Discrepancies between subject report and examination findings were also seen.

CONCLUSIONS:

This pilot study suggests that women with the FMR1 premutation may have a phenotype that overlaps with that seen in FXTAS. Additional research with larger sample sizes is warranted to better delineate the clinical features.

12. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2015 Jul 26. [Epub ahead of print] The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) Waves 1 and 2: review and summary of findings.

Hasin DS1, Grant BF.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, 10032, USA.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The NESARC, a "third-generation" psychiatric epidemiologic survey that integrated detailed measures of alcohol and drug use and problems has been the data source for over >850 publications. A comprehensive review of NESARC findings and their implications is lacking.

METHOD:

NESARC was a survey of 43,093 participants that covered alcohol, drug and psychiatric disorders, risk factors, and consequences. Wave 1 of the NESARC was conducted in 2001- 2002. Three years later, Wave 2 follow-up re-interviews were conducted with 34,653 of the original participants. Scopus and Pubmed were used to search for NESARC papers, which were sorted into topic areas and summarized.

RESULT:

The most common disorders were alcohol and posttraumatic stress disorders, and major depression. Females had more internalizing disorders and males had more externalizing disorders, although the preponderance of males with alcohol disorders (the "gender gap") was less pronounced than it was in previous decades. A race/ethnic "paradox" (lower risk among disadvantaged minorities than whites) remains unexplained. Younger participants had higher risk for substance and personality disorders, but not unipolar depressive or anxiety disorders. Psychiatric comorbidity was extensive and often formed latent trans-diagnostic domains. Since 1991-1992, risk for marijuana and prescription drug disorders increased, while smoking decreased, although smoking decreases were less pronounced among those with comorbidity. A nexus of comorbidity, social support, and stress predicted transitions in diagnostic status between Waves 1 and 2. Childhood maltreatment predicted psychopathology. Alcohol and drug use disorders were seldom treated; attitudinal barriers (little perceived need, perceived alcoholism stigma, pessimism about efficacy) were more important in predicting non-treatment than financial barriers.

CONCLUSIONS:

Understanding comorbidity and the effects of early stressors will require research incorporating biologic components, e.g., genetic variants and brain imaging. The lack of treatment for alcohol and drug disorders, predicted by attitudinal rather than financial variables, suggests an urgent need for public and professional education to reduce the stigma associated with these disorders and increase knowledge of treatment options. PMID: 26210739 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

13. Schizophr Res. 2015 Jul 22. pii: S0920-9964(15)00358-8. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.06.028. [Epub ahead of print] Personality domains, duration of untreated psychosis, functioning, and symptom severity in first-episode psychosis.

Compton MT1, Bakeman R2, Alolayan Y3, Balducci PM4, Bernardini F4, Broussard B5, Crisafio A3, Cristofaro S6, Amar P6, Johnson S 6, Wan CR7. Author information:

 1Lenox Hill Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA; Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Department of Psychiatry, Hempstead, NY, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Georgia State University, Department of Psychology, Atlanta, GA, USA.  3The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.  4Lenox Hill Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA; Scuola di Specializzazione in Psichiatria, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy.  5Lenox Hill Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA.  6Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA.  7Tufts University School of Medicine, Physician Assistant Program, Boston, MA, USA.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Early-course psychotic disorders have been extensively studied in terms of phenomenology, but little is known about the influence of personality traits on clinical features of first- episode psychosis. The aim of this study was to explore how the "big five" personality domains (neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) are associated with treatment delay (duration of untreated psychosis, DUP), functioning, and positive and negative symptom severity.

METHODS:

Data for these analyses were obtained from 104 participants enrolled from psychiatric inpatient units in Atlanta, Georgia, between August 2008 and March 2011. The NEO Five- Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) was used to assess personality domains, and all other variables were measured in a standardized and rigorous manner using psychometrically sound instruments. Correlational analyses and multiple linear regressions were carried out to examine the strength of associations between variables of interest.

RESULTS:

Findings indicated that except for openness, all of the other personality variables contributed to some extent to the variance in DUP. Conscientiousness was positively correlated with functioning. Agreeableness was independently negatively associated with positive symptom severity and extraversion was independently negatively correlated with negative symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS:

We report the first evidence suggesting that DUP is in part driven by personality domains. Functioning and symptom severity are also associated with those domains. Personality should be taken into account in order to better understand the phenomenology of early- course psychotic disorders as well as treatment-seeking behaviors.

14. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2015 Jul 24. pii: 0004867415595872. [Epub ahead of print] Personality disorders and the DSM-5: Scientific and extra-scientific factors in the maintenance of the status quo.

Gøtzsche-Astrup O1, Moskowitz A2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK [email protected].  2Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to review and discuss the evidence for dimensional classification of personality disorders and the historical and sociological bases of psychiatric nosology and research.

METHOD:

Categorical and dimensional conceptualisations of personality disorder are reviewed, with a focus on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-system's categorisation and the Five-Factor Model of personality. This frames the events leading up to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, personality disorder debacle, where the implementation of a hybrid model was blocked in a last-minute intervention by the American Psychiatric Association Board of Trustees. Explanations for these events are discussed, including the existence of invisible colleges of researchers and the fear of risking a 'scientific revolution' in psychiatry.

RESULTS:

A failure to recognise extra-scientific factors at work in classification of mental illness can have a profound and long-lasting influence on psychiatric nosology. In the end it was not scientific factors that led to the failure of the hybrid model of personality disorders, but opposing forces within the mental health community in general and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Task Force in particular.

CONCLUSION:

Substantial evidence has accrued over the past decades in support of a dimensional model of personality disorders. The events surrounding the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Personality and Personality Disorders Work Group show the difficulties in reconciling two different worldviews with a hybrid model. They also indicate the future of a psychiatric nosology that will be increasingly concerned with dimensional classification of mental illness. As such, the road is paved for more substantial changes to personality disorder classification in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision, in 2017.

15. Evid Based Ment Health. 2015 Aug;18(3):67-75. doi: 10.1136/eb-2015-102163. Parenting in mothers with borderline personality disorder and impact on child outcomes.

Petfield L1, Startup H2, Droscher H1, Cartwright-Hatton S1.

Author information:

 1School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.  2Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Sussex Education Centre, Hove, UK. Abstract

QUESTION:

This systematic review explores two questions: what parenting difficulties are experienced by mothers with borderline personality disorder (BPD); and what impact do these have on her children?

STUDY SELECTION AND ANALYSIS:

Studies had to include mothers with a diagnosis of BPD, who was the primary caregiver to a child/children under 19 years. PsycINFO and MEDLINE were screened (update: July 2014), yielding 17 relevant studies.

FINDINGS:

Mothers with BPD are often parenting in the context of significant additional risk factors, such as depression, substance use and low support. Interactions between mothers with BPD and their infants are at risk of low sensitivity and high intrusiveness, and mothers have difficulty in correctly identifying their emotional state. Levels of parenting stress are high, and self-reported competence and satisfaction are low. The family environment is often hostile and low in cohesion, and mothers with BPD show low levels of mind-mindedness but high levels of overprotection of older children. Outcomes for children are poor compared with both children of healthy mothers, and mothers with other disorders. Infants of mothers with BPD have poorer interactions with their mother (eg, less positive affect and vocalising, more dazed looks and looks away). Older children exhibit a range of cognitive-behavioural risk factors (eg, harm avoidance, dysfunctional attitudes and attributions), and have poorer relationships with their mothers. Unsurprisingly, given these findings, children of mothers with BPD have poorer mental health in a range of domains.

CONCLUSIONS:

This review highlights the elevated need for support in these mother-child dyads.

Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights- licensing/permissions. PMID: 26205740 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

16. Hum Reprod. 2015 Jul 22. pii: dev172. [Epub ahead of print] Mental disorders in childhood and young adulthood among children born to women with fertility problems.

Svahn MF1, Hargreave M1, Nielsen TS1, Plessen KJ2, Jensen SM3, Kjaer SK4, Jensen A5.

Author information:

 1Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.  2Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.  3Statistics, Bioinformatics and Registry, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.  4Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.  5Virus, Lifestyle and Genes, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark [email protected].

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION:

Is the risk of hospital admission or outpatient contact for mental disorders increased in children born to women with fertility problems compared with children born to women without fertility problems?

SUMMARY ANSWER:

We found an increased risk of hospital admission or outpatient contact for mental disorders in children born to women with fertility problems.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:

Few studies have investigated the risk of mental disorders in children born after fertility treatment and although some studies have pointed to an increased risk, others found no association. The inconsistent results may be due to methodological constraints in many previous studies, including small sample size and short follow-up, resulting in imprecise risk estimates and lack of information on risk patterns of mental disorders in adulthood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION:

This nationwide retrospective register-based cohort study included all 2 412 721 children born in Denmark between 1969 and 2006. All children were followed from date of birth until date of hospital contact for a mental disorder, date of emigration, date of death or 31 December 2009, whichever occurred first.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:

Information concerning maternal fertility status for all children in the cohort was obtained by linkage to the Danish Infertility Cohort, which contains data on nearly all women with fertility problems in Denmark since 1963. A total of 124 269 (5%) children were born to women with fertility problems and 2 288 452 (95%) to women without fertility problems. To identify children hospitalized for a mental disorder, the cohort was linked to the Danish Psychiatric Central Research Registry. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between maternal fertility status and the risk of hospital admission or outpatient contact for various groups of mental disorders, including any mental disorder and all 11 main discharge diagnostic groups, classified according to the International Classification of Diseases, version 10.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:

During a mean follow-up period of 21 years (range, 0-40 years), 168 686 (7%) children were admitted to hospital or had an outpatient contact for a mental disorder. Children born to women with fertility problems had a significantly higher risk of any mental disorder (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.20-1.26) and for most of the 11 main discharge groups, including schizophrenia (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.07-1.27), mood (affective) disorders (HR 1.21; 95% CI 1.15-1.28) and disorders of psychological development (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.09-1.21) as well as the subgroup of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.29-1.45) compared with children born to women without fertility problems. The risk estimates did not change markedly when analyses were performed separately for mental disorders diagnosed during childhood (0-19 years) and in young adulthood (20-40 years).

LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION:

The true risk of mental disorders may be somewhat underestimated, as only severe disorders requiring hospital admission or outpatient contact were considered as events. Furthermore, we could not determine whether the increased risks observed were due to factors related to the underlying infertility or to fertility treatment procedures.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS:

This is the first report on mental disorders in adulthood among children born to women with fertility problems. Furthermore, we have assessed the risk of several severe mental disorders not previously studied (e.g. neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders and disorders of adult personality and behaviour). These important findings should be investigated further in large epidemiological studies designed to differentiate between factors related to fertility treatment and to the underlying infertility.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS:

The study was supported by internal funding from the Unit of Virus, Lifestyle and Genes at the Danish Cancer Society Research Center. All authors report no conflicts of interest.

© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: [email protected]. PMID: 26202913 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

17. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2015 Jul 22. doi: 10.1002/cpp.1971. [Epub ahead of print] Different Perspectives of Clinicians and Patients with Severe Mental Illness on Motivation for Treatment.

Jochems EC1,2, van Dam A3,4, Duivenvoorden HJ5, Scheffer SC6, van der Feltz-Cornelis CM1,2,4, Mulder NL1,7.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Epidemiological and Social Psychiatric Research Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.  2Topclinical Center for Body, Mind and Health, GGz Breburg, Tilburg, The Netherlands.  3Western North Brabant Mental Health Center (GGZ Westelijk Noord Brabant), Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands.  4Department of Tranzo, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.  5Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.  6Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders, Halsteren, The Netherlands.  7Parnassia Bavo Groep, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Abstract

The present study assessed motivation for engaging in treatment as rated by clinicians (n = 57) and patients with severe mental illness (SMI, n = 294) using measures based on three different motivation theories. Questionnaires were derived from self-determination theory, the transtheoretical model and the integral model of treatment motivation. It was investigated to which extent clinicians of patients with SMI were able to estimate their patient's perspective on motivation for engaging in treatment, to which extent they agreed on the patient's motivation and which factors were associated with estimation and agreement on treatment motivation. It was found that clinicians were poorly to moderately capable of estimating their patient's type of motivation and readiness for change. Further, agreement on the level of motivation between patients and clinicians was moderate. These findings were consistent across diagnostic groups (psychotic and personality disorders). A higher quality therapeutic relationship was generally associated with higher clinician-rated motivation. The patient's ethnicity and socially desirable responding were factors that differentiated between scales of different motivation theories. It is concluded that patients with SMI and their clinicians have different perceptions on the patient's motivation for engaging in psychiatric treatment, regardless of the theoretical framework that is used to measure motivation. The findings imply that a negotiated approach is needed where both perceptions of clinicians and patients on motivation for treatment are considered to ensure effective mental health interventions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE:

Clinicians show poor to moderate capability in estimating how patients perceive their motivation for engaging in treatment, especially so when the patient's motives revolve around feelings of shame and guilt. Clinicians generally give higher motivation ratings for patients where they experience a higher quality therapeutic relationships with, whereas- depending on the scale that is used to measure motivation-they give lower ratings to patients who respond in socially desirable ways and to ethnic minority patients. As patients with SMI and their clinicians have different perceptions on the patient's motivation for engaging in psychiatric treatment (regardless of the theoretical framework that is used to assess motivation), this implies that a negotiated approach is needed where both perceptions of clinicians and patients on motivation for treatment are considered to ensure effective mental health interventions.

18. J Pers Disord. 2015 Aug;29(4):526-46. doi: 10.1521/pedi.2015.29.4.526. A Lot Can Happen in a Few Minutes: Examining Dynamic Patterns Within an Interaction to Illuminate the Interpersonal Nature of Personality Disorders.

Sadler P1, Woody E2, McDonald K1, Lizdek I2 , Little J3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.  2Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.  3School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

Although problematic interpersonal tendencies have often been characterized as a traitlike excess of a particular interpersonal style, the interpersonal nature of personality disorders may have more to do with patterns of variability in interpersonal behavior and the relation of this variability to the varying behavior of interaction partners. Indeed, problematic interpersonal tendencies may often be evident as patterns within even one interaction. A useful methodology for examining moment-to-moment patterns within the course of an interaction is the computer joystick technique. To illustrate the potential of this new approach for studying problematic interpersonal patterns, the authors provide joystick-based analyses of the videoed session between Dr. Donald Meichenbaum and the client, Richard (Shostrom, 1986a). The authors show how to examine the association between concurrent levels of dominance and affiliation within a person, patterns of covariation between partners, and the moderation of such entrainment patterns. They also discuss how these indices could illuminate disordered interpersonal patterns. PMID: 26200850 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

19. J Pers Disord. 2015 Aug;29(4):503-25. doi: 10.1521/pedi.2015.29.4.503. Daily Interpersonal and Affective Dynamics in Personality Disorder.

Wright AG1, Hopwood CJ2, Simms LJ3.

Author information:

 1University of Pittsburgh.  2Michigan State University.  3University at Buffalo, The State University of New York.

Abstract

In this naturalistic study, the authors adopt the lens of interpersonal theory to examine between- and within-person differences in dynamic processes of daily affect and interpersonal behaviors among individuals (N = 101) previously diagnosed with personality disorders who completed daily diaries over the course of 100 days. Dispositional ratings of interpersonal problems and measures of daily stress were used as predictors of daily shifts in interpersonal behavior and affect in multilevel models. Results indicate that ∼40%-50% of the variance in interpersonal behavior and affect is due to daily fluctuations, which are modestly related to dispositional measures of interpersonal problems but strongly related to daily stress. The findings support conceptions of personality disorders as a dynamic form of psychopathology involving the individuals interacting with and regulating in response to the contextual features of their environment.

PMCID: PMC4511964 [Available on 2015-08-01] PMID: 26200849 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

20. J Pers Disord. 2015 Aug;29(4):449-67. doi: 10.1521/pedi.2015.29.4.449. The Role of Metaperception in Personality Disorders: Do People with Personality Problems Know How Others Experience Their Personality?

Carlson EN1, Oltmanns TF2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Toronto.  2Department of Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis.

Abstract

Do people with personality problems have insight into how others experience them? In a large community sample of adults (N = 641), the authors examined whether people with personality disorder (PD) symptoms were aware of how a close acquaintance (i.e., a romantic partner, family member, or friend) perceived them by measuring participants' metaperceptions and self-perceptions as well as their acquaintance's impression of them on Five-Factor Model traits. Compared to people with fewer PD symptoms, people with more PD symptoms tended to be less accurate and tended to overestimate the negativity of the impressions they made on their acquaintance, especially for the traits of extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Interestingly, these individuals did not necessarily assume that their acquaintance perceived them as they perceived themselves; instead, poor insight was likely due to their inability to detect or utilize information other than their self- perceptions. Implications for the conceptualization, measurement, and treatment of PDs are discussed. PMID: 26200846 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

21. J Pers Disord. 2015 Aug;29(4):431-48. doi: 10.1521/pedi.2015.29.4.431. Connecting Personality Structure and Dynamics: Towards a More Evidence- Based and Clinically Useful Diagnostic Scheme.

Hopwood CJ1, Zimmermann J2, Pincus AL3, Krueger RF4.

Author information:

 1Michigan State University, East Lansing.  2University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany.  3Pennsylvania State University, State College.  4University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Abstract

The purpose of this special issue of the Journal of Personality Disorders is to promote the integration of personality structure and dynamics towards more evidence-based and clinically useful conceptualizations of personality pathology. In this article, we describe a contemporary model of personality structure that is useful for distinguishing patients from one another and the connections between this structure and within-person dynamics that occur across different levels of an individual personality, across situations, and within situations. In so doing, we connect the personality trait tradition that has tended to emphasize stable individual differences with traditions that have tended to focus on the more dynamic aspects of interpersonal behavior and emotional experience. We then introduce the empirical articles in this special issue within this integrative context, in order to demonstrate the value in connecting personality structure to dynamics for research and practice. PMID: 26200845 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

22. Neuropsychologia. 2015 Jul 18. pii: S0028-3932(15)30102-0. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.07.017. [Epub ahead of print] Assessment of Planning Performance in Clinical Samples: Reliability and Validity of the Tower of London Task (TOL-F).

Köstering L1, Schmidt CS2, Egger K3, Amtage F4, Peter J5, Klöppel S6, Beume LA7, Hoeren M7, Weiller C7, Kaller CP7.

Author information:

 1Dept. of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Brain Imaging, University of Freiburg, Germany; Biological and Personality Psychology, Dept. of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Germany; Dept. of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Dept. of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Brain Imaging, University of Freiburg, Germany; Biological and Personality Psychology, Dept. of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Germany; BrainLinks-BrainTools Cluster of Excellence, University of Freiburg, Germany; Dept. of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany.  3Freiburg Brain Imaging, University of Freiburg, Germany; Dept. of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany.  4Dept. of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Brain Imaging, University of Freiburg, Germany.  5Freiburg Brain Imaging, University of Freiburg, Germany; Dept. of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany.  6Dept. of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Brain Imaging, University of Freiburg, Germany; Dept. of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany.  7Dept. of Neurology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany; Freiburg Brain Imaging, University of Freiburg, Germany; Dept. of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Germany. Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Executive deficits are frequent sequelae of neurological and psychiatric disorders, but their adequate neuropsychological assessment is still a matter of contention, given that executive tasks draw on a multitude of cognitive processes that are often not sufficiently specified. In line with this, results on psychometric properties of the Tower of London, a task measuring planning ability as a prototypical executive function, are equivocal and furthermore lacking completely for adult clinical populations.

METHODS:

We used a structurally balanced item set implemented in the Tower of London (Freiburg version, TOL-F) that accounts for major determinants of problem difficulty beyond the commonly used minimum number of moves to solution. Split-half reliability, internal consistency, and criterion-related concurrent validity of TOL-F accuracy were assessed in patients with stroke (N=60), Parkinson syndrome (N=51), and mild cognitive impairment (N=29), and healthy adults (N=155).

RESULTS:

Across samples, mean split-half and lower-bound indices of reliability of accuracy scores were adequate (r≥.7) or higher. Compared to a subset of healthy controls matched for age, sex, and education levels, deficits in planning accuracy emerged for all three clinical samples.

CONCLUSIONS:

Based on consistently adequate reliability and a good criterion-related validity of accuracy scores, the TOL-F demonstrates its utility for testing planning ability in clinical samples and healthy adults. Using item sets systematically accounting for several determinants of task difficulty can thus significantly enhance the contended reliability of executive tasks and provide an opportunity to resolve the underspecification of cognitive processes contributing to executive functioning in health and disease.

23. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2015 Jul 19. pii: S0149-7634(15)00193-1. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.07.008. [Epub ahead of print] The dopaminergic response to acute stress in health and psychopathology: A systematic review.

Vaessen T1, Hernaus D2, Myin-Germeys I2, van Amelsvoort T2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience MHeNS, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience MHeNS, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.

Abstract

Previous work in animals has shown that dopamine (DA) in cortex and striatum plays an essential role in stress processing. For the first time, we systematically reviewed the in vivo evidence for DAergic stress processing in health and psychopathology in humans. All studies included (n studies=25, n observations=324) utilized DA D2/3 positron emission tomography and measured DAergic activity during an acute stress challenge. The evidence in healthy volunteers (HV) suggests that physiological, but not psychological, stress consistently increases striatal DA release. Instead, increased medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) DAergic activity in HV was observed during psychological stress. Across brain regions, stress-related DAergic activity was correlated with the physiological and psychological intensity of the stressor. The magnitude of stress-induced DA release was dependent on rearing conditions, personality traits and genetic variations in several SNPs. In psychopathology, preliminary evidence was found for stress-related dorsal striatal DAergic hyperactivity in psychosis spectrum and a blunted response in chronic cannabis use and pain- related disorders, but results were inconsistent. Physiological stress-induced DAergic activity in striatum in HV may reflect somatosensory properties of the stressor and readiness for active fight-or-flight behavior. DAergic activity in HV in the ventral striatum and mPFC may be more related to expectations about the stressor and threat evaluation, respectively. Future studies with increased sample size in HV and psychopathology assessing the functional relevance of stress-induced DAergic activity, the association between cortical and subcortical DAergic activity and the direct comparison of different stressors are necessary to conclusively elucidate the role of the DA system in the stress response.

24. PLoS One. 2015 Jul 20;10(7):e0133413. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133413. eCollection 2015. The Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5.

Roskam I1, Galdiolo S1, Hansenne M2, Massoudi K3, Rossier J3, Gicquel L4, Rolland JP5.

Author information:

 1Psychological Sciences Research Institute, University of Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.  2Department of Psychology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.  3Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.  4Unité de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier Spécialisé Henri Laborit, Saint-Benoît, France.  5Université Paris Ouest La Défense, Nanterre, France.

Abstract

In the context of the publication of DSM-5, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) has been proposed as a new dimensional assessment tool for personality disorders. This instrument includes a pool of 220 items organized around 25 facets included in a five-factor second-order domain structure. The examination of the replicability of the trait structure across methods and populations is of primary importance. In view of this need, the main objective of the current study was to validate the French version of the PID-5 among French- speaking adults from a European community sample (N=2,532). In particular, the assumption of unidimensionality of the 25 facet and the five domain scales was tested, as well as the extent to which the five-factor structure of the PID-5 and the DSM-5 personality trait hierarchical structure are replicated in the current sample. The results support the assumption of unidimensionality of both the facets and the domains. Exploratory factor and hierarchical analyses replicated the five-factor structure as initially proposed in the PID-5.

PMCID: PMC4508106 Free PMC Article PMID: 26193699 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

25. J Clin Psychol. 2015 Jul 17. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22206. [Epub ahead of print] Borderline Personality Disorder and Mood Disorders: Mentalizing as a Framework for Integrated Treatment.

Bateman A1, Fonagy P2.

Author information:

 1Anna Freud Centre.  2University College London.

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) frequently co-occurs with mood disorders and each influences the course and response to treatment of the other, potentially reducing beneficial outcome. Mentalizing, the ability to infer one's own and others' mental states, is a key factor in both disorders, being a major component of affect regulation and self-identity as well as a central aspect of interpersonal relationships and social function. In this article, we suggest that using mentalization-based treatment may lead to better outcome by addressing the mentalizing problems arising from the dual pathway that leads from depressed mood and BPD to disruption of mentalizing. Some clinical interventions are described to address the mentalizing problems associated with depression and BPD.

26. Burns. 2015 Jul 15. pii: S0305-4179(15)00128-X. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2015.04.017. [Epub ahead of print] Is sexuality a problem? A follow-up of patients with severe burns 6 months to 7 years after injury. Öster C1, Sveen J2.

Author information:

 1Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.  2Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

PURPOSE AND AIMS:

This is the first study investigating sexuality from 6 months up to 7 years after burn. The aim was to examine sexuality in females and males by using the BSHS-B sexuality subscale and to examine possible contributing factors with regard to sociodemographics, burn characteristics, personality traits, and previous psychiatric disorders.

METHODS:

A cohort of 107 patients consecutively admitted to a Swedish national burn center was followed up at 6, 12, and 24 months after burn, and 67 individuals were followed up at 2-7 years after burn. The present study utilized the BSHS-B sexuality subscale, and multiple regression analyses were used to examine possible contributing factors.

RESULTS:

Women were less satisfied than men, and sexuality mean scores improved over time, even up to 7 years after-burn, in both men and women. The strongest contributing factors for worse outcome regarding sexuality were a history of psychiatric morbidity, neuroticism and burn severity.

CONCLUSIONS:

As some patients experience sexual problems after burns, even many years later, it is important to identify these individuals. The BSHS-B sexuality subscale may be used as a screening tool, but more in-depth assessment might be needed to address all aspects of sexuality.

27. J Affect Disord. 2015 Jul 9;185:180-187. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.07.013. [Epub ahead of print] Predictors of impaired work functioning in employees with major depression in remission.

de Vries G1, Koeter MW2, Nieuwenhuijsen K3, Hees HL4, Schene AH5.

Author information:

 1Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Arkin/Roads, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  3Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  4Program for Mood Disorders, Pro Persona, Arnhem, The Netherlands.  5Program for Mood Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

This study aims to (i) assess work functioning in employees returning to work with a major depression in remission, (ii) study the predictors of impaired work functioning.

METHODS:

Participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), on long term sick leave (mean 27 weeks) and treated in a specialized mental healthcare setting, were selected from an intervention study sample. They were eligible for this study if they were remitted from their depression and had returned to work for at least 50% of their contract hours at 18 month follow-up. Work functioning was assessed with the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) and the Need For Recovery scale (NFR). Potential predictors of impaired work functioning were demographic characteristics (assessed at baseline), health characteristics (assessed at baseline, six and twelve month follow-up), and personality- and work characteristics (assessed at 18 month follow-up).

RESULTS:

After their return to work with MDD in remission, employees were on average still impaired in their work functioning. Personality characteristics were the strongest predictor of this impaired work functioning, followed by health and work characteristics. In the final prediction model, only a passive reaction coping style remained as predictor.

LIMITATIONS:

We used self-report data with respect to work functioning and work characteristics and not an assessment by a supervisor.

CONCLUSIONS:

Personality trait, coping style, and ability to manage the work environment should be addressed in mental health and return-to-work interventions. Subsequent improved work functioning may be beneficial for mental health and may reduce societal costs.

28. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2015 Jul 6. pii: S0376-8716(15)00358-0. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.06.043. [Epub ahead of print] Addiction resistance: Definition, validation and association with mastery.

Kendler KS1, Myers J2.

Author information:

 1Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA. Abstract

BACKGROUND:

For given levels of psychoactive substance use, symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD) can vary widely. The concept of addiction resistance (AR) seeks to capture this variation so we can understand its causes.

METHODS:

In a population-based twin sample, AR was defined as the deviation in the number of reported SUD criteria for a given substance from that predicted from the level of maximal consumption. Therefore, subjects with strong AR demonstrate few symptoms of SUD even at high levels of consumption. Twin modeling was performed by Mx.

RESULTS:

We assessed AR for alcohol, nicotine and cannabis. Heritability was assessed at two occasions thereby correcting for measurement error and ranged from 35 to 52% with no evidence for shared environment. ARs for alcohol, nicotine and cannabis were relatively stable over time and were substantially predicted by parental history of SUD, early adversity, comorbidity with both internalizing and externalizing disorders, personality and especially by the trait of mastery.

CONCLUSIONS:

AR, which assesses individual variation in sensitivity to the development of SUD for a given level of drug exposure, may be a useful concept for addiction research. As applied to common psychoactive substances, AR is moderately heritable, relatively stable and predicted by family history, comorbidity and personality. The relationship with mastery is of particular interest in that it may reflect an ability to resist the progression of the addictive process into key life domains and to avoid loss of control of intake, even when consuming at high levels.

29. BMC Psychiatry. 2015 Jul 18;15:160. doi: 10.1186/s12888-015-0555-1. The situation of former adolescent self- injurers as young adults: a follow-up study. Groschwitz RC1, Plener PL2, Kaess M3, Schumacher T4, Stoehr R5, Boege I6.

Author information:

 1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhoevelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany. [email protected].  2Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhoevelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany. [email protected].  3Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Blumenstr. 8, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany. [email protected].  4 Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhoevelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany. [email protected].  5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Weissenau, Centre for Psychiatry in South-Württemberg, Weingartshofer Straße 2, 88214, Ravensburg-Weissenau, Germany. [email protected].  6Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Weissenau, Centre for Psychiatry in South-Württemberg, Weingartshofer Straße 2, 88214, Ravensburg-Weissenau, Germany. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescence has been described as comorbid condition in affective or anxiety disorders, as well as borderline personality disorder (BPD) and is a risk factor for later suicide attempts. Prevalence rates of NSSI decline steeply from adolescence to young adulthood. Yet, to the best of our knowledge, the longitudinal development of adolescent psychiatric patients with NSSI into their young adulthood has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess current NSSI and psychological impairment of young adults, who had been in treatment for NSSI in their adolescence.

METHODS:

Former patients of the departments of child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy in Ulm and Ravensburg, Germany (N = 52), who presented with NSSI in their adolescence, were recruited (average age: 21.5 years (SD = 2.6)). Data was assessed using questionnaires and structured clinical interviews. Two groups of participants with prevailing NSSI and ceased NSSI were compared concerning their current psychological impairment, history of NSSI, suicide attempts, and BPD diagnosis.

RESULTS:

Around half of all participants had engaged in NSSI within the last year, and around half met diagnostic criteria for BPD. Although there was no significant association between current NSSI and BPD, an earlier age of onset of NSSI and a longer duration of NSSI during adolescence was significantly predictive of adult BPD. Two thirds of participants still met criteria of an axis 1 psychiatric disorder. Suicide attempts were reported by 53.8 % of all participants. Participants with current NSSI were more likely to meet criteria for a current axis 1 disorder, had engaged in NSSI more often in their lifetime, and reported more suicide attempts.

CONCLUSIONS:

Reduction of NSSI from adolescence to young adulthood was lower than described in previous community samples. This may be due to the initial high psychiatric impairment of this sample in adolescence. Early onset of NSSI seemed to be a risk factor for a longer duration of NSSI during adolescence but not for NSSI prevailing into adulthood. However, it was a risk factor for adult BPD. Furthermore, the occurrence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors and prevailing NSSI was highly associated.

PMCID: PMC4506399 Free PMC Article PMID: 26187150 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

30. BMJ Open. 2015 Jul 17;5(7):e008857. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008857. Refractory depression: mechanisms and evaluation of radically open dialectical behaviour therapy (RO-DBT) [REFRAMED]: protocol for randomised trial.

Lynch TR1, Whalley B2, Hempel RJ1, Byford S3 , Clarke P4, Clarke S5, Kingdon D6, O'Mahen H7, Russell IT8, Shearer J9, Stanton M10, Swales M11, Watkins A8, Remington B1.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.  2Department of Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK.  3Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.  4Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex, Colchester, UK.  5University Department of Mental Health, Bournemouth University and Intensive Psychological Therapies Service, Dorset Health Care University NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, UK.  6Department of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.  7Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.  8College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.  9Primary Care and Public Health Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.  10Psychology Services, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Winchester, UK.  11School of Psychology, Bangor University, Bangor, UK.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Only 30-40% of depressed patients treated with medication achieve full remission. Studies that change medication or augment it by psychotherapy achieve only limited benefits, in part because current treatments are not designed for chronic and complex patients. Previous trials have excluded high-risk patients and those with comorbid personality disorder. Radically Open Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (RO-DBT) is a novel, transdiagnostic treatment for disorders of emotional over-control. The REFRAMED trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of RO-DBT for patients with treatment-resistant depression.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS:

REFRAMED is a multicentre randomised controlled trial, comparing 7 months of individual and group RO-DBT treatment with treatment as usual (TAU). Our primary outcome measure is depressive symptoms 12 months after randomisation. We shall estimate the cost- effectiveness of RO-DBT by cost per quality-adjusted life year. Causal analyses will explore the mechanisms by which RO-DBT is effective.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION:

The National Research Ethics Service (NRES) Committee South Central - Southampton A first granted ethical approval on 20 June 2011, reference number 11/SC/0146.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:

ISRCTN85784627.

Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights- licensing/permissions.

PMCID: PMC4513446 Free PMC Article PMID: 26187121 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

31. J Trauma Dissociation. 2015 Jul 15. [Epub ahead of print] Second Generation Holocaust Survivors: Psychological, Theological, and Moral Challenges.

Juni S1.

Author information:

 1a Department of Applied Psychology , New York University , 246 Greene Street, New York , NY 10003.

Abstract

Drawing from trauma theory, psychodynamic conceptualization, developmental psychology, clinical data, and personal experience, this paper portrays a life haunted by tragedy predating its victims. Healthy child development is outlined, with particular attention to socialization, and theological perspectives. Key characteristics of trauma are delineated, highlighting the nuances of trauma which are most harmful. As in the case with general trauma, Holocaust survivors are described as evincing survivor's guilt and paranoia in response to their experiences. Divergent disorders resulting from the Holocaust are described for first generation and second generation survivors, respectively. Primary trauma responses and pervasive attitudes of survivors are shown to have harmful ramifications on their children's personality and worldview, as well as on their interpersonal and theistic object relations. These limitations translate into problems in the adult lives of second generation survivors (footnote 1). PMID: 26178616 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

32. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2015 Jul 14. pii: 0004867415594428. [Epub ahead of print] A review of factors associated with greater likelihood of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in bipolar disorder: Part II of a report of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force on Suicide in Bipolar Disorder.

Schaffer A1, Isometsä ET2, Azorin JM3, Cassidy F4, Goldstein T5, Rihmer Z6, Sinyor M7, Tondo L8, Moreno DH9, Turecki G10, Reis C11, Kessing LV12, Ha K13, Weizman A14, Beautrais A15, Chou YH16, Diazgranados N17, Levitt AJ7, Zarate CA Jr18, Yatham L19.

Author information:

 1Task Force on Suicide, The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD), Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.  3Department of Adult Psychiatry, Sainte Marguerite Hospital, Marseille, France; University of Aix-Marseille II, Marseille, France.  4Division of Brain Stimulation and Neurophysiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.  5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.  6Department of Clinical and Theoretical Mental Health, and Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis Medical University, Budapest, Hungary.  7Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.  8Lucio Bini Center, Cagliari, Italy; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.  9Section of Psychiatric Epidemiology, and Mood Disorders Unit, Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.  10Research and Academic Affairs, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Montréal, QC, Canada; Depressive Disorders Program, Douglas Institute, Montréal, QC, Canada; Departments of Psychiatry, Human Genetics, and Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.  11Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.  12Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.  13Mood Disorders Clinic and Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea; Korea Association for Suicide Prevention, Seoul, Republic of Korea.  14Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Research Unit, Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Department of Psychiatry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.  15Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.  16Section of Psychosomatic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.  17Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA.  18Experimental Therapeutics & Pathophysiology Branch, Division Intramural Research Programs, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.  19Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Many factors influence the likelihood of suicide attempts or deaths in persons with bipolar disorder. One key aim of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force on Suicide was to summarize the available literature on the presence and magnitude of effect of these factors.

METHODS:

A systematic review of studies published from 1 January 1980 to 30 May 2014 identified using keywords 'bipolar disorder' and 'suicide attempts or suicide'. This specific paper examined all reports on factors putatively associated with suicide attempts or suicide deaths in bipolar disorder samples. Factors were subcategorized into: (1) sociodemographics, (2) clinical characteristics of bipolar disorder, (3) comorbidities, and (4) other clinical variables.

RESULTS:

We identified 141 studies that examined how 20 specific factors influenced the likelihood of suicide attempts or deaths. While the level of evidence and degree of confluence varied across factors, there was at least one study that found an effect for each of the following factors: sex, age, race, marital status, religious affiliation, age of illness onset, duration of illness, bipolar disorder subtype, polarity of first episode, polarity of current/recent episode, predominant polarity, mood episode characteristics, psychosis, psychiatric comorbidity, personality characteristics, sexual dysfunction, first-degree family history of suicide or mood disorders, past suicide attempts, early life trauma, and psychosocial precipitants.

CONCLUSION: There is a wealth of data on factors that influence the likelihood of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in people with bipolar disorder. Given the heterogeneity of study samples and designs, further research is needed to replicate and determine the magnitude of effect of most of these factors. This approach can ultimately lead to enhanced risk stratification for patients with bipolar disorder.

33. BMJ Open. 2015 Jul 14;5(7):e007231. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007231. Impact of alprazolam in allostatic load and neurocognition of patients with anxiety disorders and chronic stress (GEMA): observational study protocol.

Soria CA1, Remedi C1, Núñez DA2, D'Alessio L1, Roldán EJ2.

Author information:

 1Department of Córdoba, Institute of Biosciences Henri Laborit, Buenos Aires, Argentina.  2Department of Scientific Direction, Gador SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The allostatic load model explains the additive effects of multiple biological processes that accelerate pathophysiology related to stress, particularly in the central nervous system. Stress-related mental conditions such as anxiety disorders and neuroticism (a well-known stress vulnerability factor), have been linked to disturbances of hypothalamo-pituitary- adrenal with cognitive implications. Nevertheless, there are controversial results in the literature and there is a need to determine the impact of the psychopharmacological treatment on allostatic load parameters and in cognitive functions. Gador study of Estres Modulation by Alprazolam, aims to determine the impact of medication on neurobiochemical variables related to chronic stress, metabolic syndrome, neurocognition and quality of life in patients with anxiety, allostatic load and neuroticism. METHODS/ANALYSIS:

In this observational prospective phase IV study, highly sympthomatic patients with anxiety disorders (six or more points in the Hamilton-A scale), neuroticism (more than 18 points in the Neo five personality factor inventory (NEO-FFI) scale), an allostatic load (three positive clinical or biochemical items at Crimmins and Seeman criteria) will be included. Clinical variables of anxiety, neuroticism, allostatic load, neurobiochemical studies, neurocognition and quality of life will be determined prior and periodically (1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks) after treatment (on demand of alprazolam from 0.75 mg/day to 3.0 mg/day). A sample of n=55/182 patients will be considered enough to detect variables higher than 25% (pretreatment vs post-treatment or significant correlations) with a 1-ß power of 0-80. t Test and/or non-parametric test, and Pearson's test for correlation analysis will be determined.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION:

This study protocol was approved by an Independent Ethics Committee of FEFyM (Foundation for Pharmacological Studies and Drugs, Buenos Aires) and by regulatory authorities of Argentina (ANMAT, Dossier # 61 409-8 of 20 April 2009), following the law of Habeas Data and psychotherapeutic drug control.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:

GEMA 20811.

Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights- licensing/permissions.

PMCID: PMC4513478 Free PMC Article PMID: 26173716 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

34. Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2015 Jul 14;14:20. doi: 10.1186/s12991-015-0058-y. eCollection 2015. Automatic processing of facial affects in patients with borderline personality disorder: associations with symptomatology and comorbid disorders.

Donges US1, Dukalski B1, Kersting A1, Suslow T2. Author information:

 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.  2Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Instability of affects and interpersonal relations are important features of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Interpersonal problems of individuals suffering from BPD might develop based on abnormalities in the processing of facial affects and high sensitivity to negative affective expressions. The aims of the present study were to examine automatic evaluative shifts and latencies as a function of masked facial affects in patients with BPD compared to healthy individuals. As BPD comorbidity rates for mental and personality disorders are high, we investigated also the relationships of affective processing characteristics with specific borderline symptoms and comorbidity.

METHODS:

Twenty-nine women with BPD and 38 healthy women participated in the study. The majority of patients suffered from additional Axis I disorders and/or additional personality disorders. In the priming experiment, angry, happy, neutral, or no facial expression was briefly presented (for 33 ms) and masked by neutral faces that had to be evaluated. Evaluative decisions and response latencies were registered. Borderline-typical symptomatology was assessed with the Borderline Symptom List.

RESULTS:

In the total sample, valence-congruent evaluative shifts and delays of evaluative decision due to facial affect were observed. No between-group differences were obtained for evaluative decisions and latencies. The presence of comorbid anxiety disorders was found to be positively correlated with evaluative shifting owing to masked happy primes, regardless of baseline-neutral or no facial expression condition. The presence of comorbid depressive disorder, paranoid personality disorder, and symptoms of social isolation and self-aggression were significantly correlated with response delay due to masked angry faces, regardless of baseline.

CONCLUSIONS:

In the present affective priming study, no abnormalities in the automatic recognition and processing of facial affects were observed in BPD patients compared to healthy individuals. The presence of comorbid anxiety disorders could make patients more susceptible to the influence of a happy expression on judgment processes at an automatic processing level. Comorbid depressive disorder, paranoid personality disorder, and symptoms of social isolation and self-aggression may enhance automatic attention allocation to threatening facial expressions in BPD. Increased automatic vigilance for social threat stimuli might contribute to affective instability and interpersonal problems in specific patients with BPD.

PMCID: PMC4499878 Free PMC Article PMID: 26170894 [PubMed] Similar articles

35. Health Care Women Int. 2015 Jul 13:0. [Epub ahead of print] Post-Partum Depression, Personality and Cognitive-Emotional Factors: A Longitudinal Study on Spanish Pregnant Women.

Peñacoba-Puente C1, Marín-Morales D, Carmona-Monge FJ, Velasco Furlong L .

Author information:

 1a Department of Psychology , Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos , Alcorcón, Madrid , Spain.

Abstract

In this study, our purpose was to examine whether personality and cognitive factors could be related to postpartum depression, mediated by anxiety, in Spanish women. Women were evaluated for personality and cognitive factors after the first trimester, for anxiety in the third trimester and for post-partum depression four months after childbirth. A structural equation model revealed that personality and cognitive factors were associated with anxiety and postpartum depression as predictors. Neuroticism and extroversion proved to be the most relevant factors. Conscientiousness was associated to pregnancy anxiety. Pregnancy anxiety appeared as an independent predictor of post-partum depression. The model here presented includes personality, cognitive and emotional factors as predictors of post-partum depression. Comprehensive care for pregnant women should contemplate assessment and intervention on all these aspects. Special focus should be on cognitive factors and emotional regulation strategies, so as to minimize the risk of later development of emotional disorders during puerperal phases. PMID: 26170151 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

36. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2015 Jul 11;64:18-26. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.07.002. [Epub ahead of print] Resting state vagal tone in borderline personality disorder: A meta-analysis.

Koenig J1, Kemp AH2, Feeling NR3, Thayer JF3, Kaess M4.

Author information:

 1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA. Electronic address: [email protected] heidelberg.de.  2University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; School of Psychology & Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.  3The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA.  4Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the most common personality disorder in clinical settings. It is characterized by negative affectivity, emotional liability, anxiety, depression, as well as disinhibition (i.e., impulsivity and risk taking), all of which have been linked to lower resting state vagal tone, which may be indexed by vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV). Here, we aimed to quantify the current evidence on alterations in resting state vmHRV in individuals with BPD, relative to healthy controls. A rigorous search of the literature, according to the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses", revealed 5 studies suitable for meta-analysis, reporting vmHRV in individuals with BPD (n=95), relative to healthy controls (n=105). Short-term measures of resting state vmHRV were extracted and subjected to meta-analysis using both random- and fixed effect models in RevMan. BPD displayed lower resting state vmHRV relative to healthy controls in random- (Hedges' g=-0.59, 95% CI [-1.11; -0.06], k=5) and fixed-effect meta-analysis (Hedges' g=-0.56, 95% CI [-0.86; -0.27], k=5). Control for potential publication bias did not change observed findings. Lowered resting state vagal tone may be an important trait characteristic underlying BPD. As prior studies have observed lowered vmHRV in a variety of psychiatric disorders, we propose that lowered vmHRV may reflect a common psychophysiological mechanism underlying difficulties in emotion regulation and impulsivity, in particular.

37. Personal Disord. 2015 Jul 13. [Epub ahead of print] Borderline Personality Traits and Brain Activity During Emotional Perspective Taking.

Haas BW, Miller JD.

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by disturbances in emotional, behavioral, and social functioning. The relation between BPD and empathy, which may affect the functional difficulties associated with this disorder, is complex because there is some evidence of heighted empathic processing and some evidence of reduced empathic processing in BPD. The current study was designed to investigate the association between BPD traits and brain activity during an empathic processing task (emotion perspective taking) in a nonclinical sample (N = 82). Participants completed the Five-Factor Borderline Inventory and underwent functional MRI while conducting an emotional perspective-taking task. Higher BPD trait scores were associated with hypoactivity in two brain regions involved in cognitive empathy (superior temporal sulcus and the temporoparietal junction). These data provide support to existing models describing the heterogeneous nature of BPD and suggest that reduced neural activity may in part affect altered empathic processing in BPD. (PsycINFO Database Record

38. Personal Disord. 2015 Jul 13. [Epub ahead of print] Personality Disorder Models and Their Coverage of Interpersonal Problems.

Williams TF, Simms LJ. Abstract

Interpersonal dysfunction is a defining feature of personality disorders (PDs) and can serve as a criterion for comparing PD models. In this study, the interpersonal coverage of 4 competing PD models was examined using a sample of 628 current or recent psychiatric patients who completed the NEO Personality Inventory-3 First Half (NEO-PI-3FH; McCrae & Costa, 2007), Personality Inventory for the DSM-5 (PID-5; Krueger et al., 2012), Computerized Adaptive Test of Personality Disorder-Static Form (CAT-PD-SF; Simms et al., 2011), and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Personality Questionnaire (SCID-II PQ; First, Spitzer, Gibbon, & Williams, 1995). Participants also completed the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Short Circumplex (IIP-SC; Soldz, Budman, Demby, & Merry, 1995) to assess interpersonal dysfunction. Analyses compared the severity and style of interpersonal problems that characterize PD models. Previous research with DSM-5 Section II and III models was generally replicated. Extraversion and Agreeableness facets related to the most well defined interpersonal problems across normal-range and pathological traits. Pathological trait models provided more coverage of dominance problems, whereas normal- range traits covered nonassertiveness better. These results suggest that more work may be needed to reconcile descriptions of personality pathology at the level of specific constructs. (PsycINFO Database Record

39. J Pers Disord. 2015 Jul 13:1-22. [Epub ahead of print] Optimizing Prediction of Psychosocial and Clinical Outcomes With a Transdiagnostic Model of Personality Disorder.

Conway CC1, Hammen C2, Brennan PA3.

Author information:

 1Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.  2Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.  3Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.

Abstract Transdiagnostic models hold promise for transforming research and treatment practices for personality disorders (PDs), but widespread acceptance and implementation of such approaches will require persuasive evidence of construct validity and clinical utility. Toward that end, the authors examined the criterion-related validity of a transdiagnostic PD model in relation to psychosocial and clinical outcomes in a high-risk community sample of 700 young adults. Participants and their mothers completed semistructured interviews to assess young adults' PD symptomatology, psychosocial functioning, suicidality, and mental health treatment use. Bifactor modeling revealed an overarching dimension of PD severity- capturing symptoms across all PD categories-that strongly predicted all functional and clinical outcomes in multivariate analyses. Effect sizes for lower-order, specific PD processes were comparatively modest for functional outcomes; however, they provided clinically significant information about suicide risk and treatment use. The authors discuss implications of a transdiagnostic perspective for research on PD etiology, classification, and treatment. PMID: 26168327 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

40. J Pers Disord. 2015 Jul 13:1-20. [Epub ahead of print] Relationship Between Affect Consciousness and Personality Functioning in Patients With Personality Disorders: A Prospective Study.

Johansen MS1, Normann-Eide E2, Normann-Eide T2, Klungs Yr O 3, Kvarstein E1, Wilberg T3.

Author information:

 1Oslo University Hospital, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Department of Personality Psychiatry, Oslo, Norway.  2Division of Mental Health & Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, T⊘nsberg, Norway.  3Oslo University Hospital, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Department of Research and Development, Oslo, Norway.

Abstract

Emotional dysfunction is by definition central to personality disorders (PDs). In the alternative model in DSM-5, self and relational dysfunctioning constitutes the core of PD, but little is known about the relation between emotional functioning and such core aspects of personality functioning. This study investigated concurrent and prospective associations between emotional and personality functioning as assessed by affect consciousness (AC) and the Severity Indices of Personality Problems (SIPP-118), respectively. The SIPP-118 comprises five domains of personality functioning, including Identity Integration and Relation Capacities, and was applied repeatedly during 3-year follow-up of 63 PD patients who participated in a treatment study. Statistical analyses were based on linear mixed models. Lower AC levels were significantly associated with (a) lower levels of Identity Integration and Relational Capacities at baseline, and (b) poorer long-term improvement of Identity Integration. The study supports the notion that affect consciousness is related to core aspects of personality functioning. PMID: 26168325 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

41. Psychol Assess. 2015 Jul 13. [Epub ahead of print] Illuminating the Theoretical Components of Alexithymia Using Bifactor Modeling and Network Analysis.

Watters CA, Taylor GJ, Bagby RM.

Abstract

Alexithymia is a multifaceted personality construct that reflects deficits in affect awareness (difficulty identifying feelings, DIF; difficulty describing feelings, DDF) and operative thinking (externally oriented thinking, EOT; restricted imaginal processes, IMP), and is associated with several common psychiatric disorders. Over the years, researchers have debated the components that comprise the construct with some suggesting that IMP and EOT may reflect constructs somewhat distinct from alexithymia. In this investigation, we attempt to clarify the components and their interrelationships using a large heterogeneous multilanguage sample (N = 839), and an interview-based assessment of alexithymia (Toronto Structured Interview for Alexithymia; TSIA). To this end, we used 2 distinctly different but complementary methods, bifactor modeling and network analysis. Results of the confirmatory bifactor model and related reliability estimates supported a strong general factor of alexithymia; however, the majority of reliable variance for IMP was independent of this general factor. In contrast, network analysis results were based on a network comprised of only substantive partial correlations among TSIA items. Modularity analysis revealed 3 communities of items, where DIF and DDF formed 1 community, and EOT and IMP formed separate communities. Network metrics supported that the majority of central items resided in the DIF/DDF community and that IMP items were connected to the network primarily through EOT. Taken together, results suggest that IMP, at least as measured by the TSIA, may not be as salient a component of the alexithymia construct as are the DIF, DDF, and EOT components. (PsycINFO Database Record

42. Mult Scler. 2015 Jul 10. pii: 1352458515594045. [Epub ahead of print] Personality traits predict perceived health- related quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Zarbo IR1, Minacapelli E2, Falautano M2, Demontis S3, Carpentras G3, Pugliatti M4.

Author information:

 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Italy/Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy.  2Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute and University, Milan, Italy.  3Unit of Psychology, Sassari University Hospital (AOUSS), Sassari, Italy.  4Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Personality traits can affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in different disorders. In multiple sclerosis (MS), personality traits can determine patients' willingness to take on more risky treatment options, predispose to neuropsychiatric symptoms and affect coping strategies.

OBJECTIVES:

We investigated the role of personality traits as possible predictors of HRQoL in a large cohort of persons with MS (PwMS).

METHODS:

In total, 253 consecutively recruited PwMS were screened for intellectual deficits with Raven Colour Progressive Matrices (RCPM), state anxiety with STAI-X1 and major depression on a clinical basis. PwMS' self-perceived mental and physical health status was measured with the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the personality profile with the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R). The correlation between HRQoL and personality traits was investigated by means of analysis of variance, adjusting for possible confounders.

RESULTS:

Of the 253 MS patients, 195 (F:M=2.75), aged 41.7±10.2 years were included in the analysis. The variance of SF-36 mental and physical composite score was largely explained by extraversion and neuroticism.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data confirm that PwMS' HRQoL is largely influenced by personality traits, which may therefore act as predictors of perceived quality of life and should be included in clinical and experimental settings focusing on HRQoL.

43. Folia Phoniatr Logop. 2015 Jul 9;67(2):51-56. [Epub ahead of print] Studying the Psychological Profile of Patients with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.

Mesallam TA1, Shoeib RM, Farahat M, Kaddah FA, Malki KH.

Author information:

 1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Psychological factors have been claimed to play a role in the predisposition for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms. The aims of this work were to study the relationship between psychological disorders and LPR and to investigate the effect of potential psychological disorders on patients' self-perception of reflux-related problems. METHODS:

Forty-two patients with symptoms suggestive of LPR were psychologically evaluated using the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised, the Manifest Anxiety Scale of Taylor, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Oropharyngeal 24-hour pH monitoring was used to diagnose LPR. LPR-related symptoms were assessed using the reflux symptom index (RSI) and the voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10). Patients were divided into groups based on psychiatric evaluation and pH results. Correlations between psychological profile characteristics and LPR-related parameters were also investigated.

RESULTS:

No significant difference was found between the positive and negative LPR group for any of the assessed psychological disorders. Also, no significant difference was detected between the positive and negative psychological disorder groups regarding RSI, VHI-10, and pH results. Correlations between psychological profile parameters and LPR-related measures were also nonsignificant.

CONCLUSION:

It appears that there is no association between psychological disorders and LPR. The psychological background of the LPR patients had no influence on patients' self-perception of their reflux-related problems. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel. PMID: 26159693 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

44. Br J Psychiatry. 2015 Jul 9. pii: bjp.bp.114.149583. [Epub ahead of print] Excess cause-specific mortality in inpatient-treated individuals with personality disorder: 25-year nationwide population- based study.

Björkenstam E1, Björkenstam C1, Holm H1, Gerdin B1, Ekselius L2.

Author information:

 1Emma Björkenstam, PhD, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm and the Department of Evaluation, and Analysis, Epidemiology and Methodological Support Unit, National Board of Health and Welfare, Stockholm, Sweden; Charlotte Björkenstam, PhD, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Herman Holm, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden; Bengt Gerdin, MD, PhD, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Lisa Ekselius, MD, PhD, Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.  2Emma Björkenstam, PhD, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm and the Department of Evaluation, and Analysis, Epidemiology and Methodological Support Unit, National Board of Health and Welfare, Stockholm, Sweden; Charlotte Björkenstam, PhD, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Herman Holm, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden; Bengt Gerdin, MD, PhD, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Lisa Ekselius, MD, PhD, Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden [email protected].

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough personality disorders are associated with increased overall mortality, less is known about cause of death and personality type.AimsTo determine causes of mortality in ICD personality disorders.MethodBased on data from Swedish nationwide registers, individuals admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of personality disorder between 1987 and 2011 were followed with respect to mortality until 31 December 2011. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% confidence intervals and underlying causes of death were calculated.ResultsAll-cause SMRs were increased, overall and in all clusters, for natural as well as unnatural causes of death. The overall SMR was 6.1 in women and 5.0 in men, as high as previously reported for anorexia nervosa, with higher rates in cluster B and mixed/other personality disorders. The SMR for suicide was 34.5 in women and 16.0 in men for cluster B disorders. Somatic and psychiatric comorbidity increased SMRs.ConclusionsThe SMR was substantially increased for all personality disorder clusters. Thus, there was an increased premature mortality risk for all personality disorders, irrespective of category.

45. Nurs Stand. 2015 Jul 8;29(45):17. doi: 10.7748/ns.29.45.17.s20. Personality disorders.

[No authors listed]

Abstract Essential facts Individuals with a personality disorder can differ significantly from the average person in how they think, feel and behave. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) are two distinct conditions that have different care pathways. The Royal College of Psychiatrists says that around one in 20 people have some kind of personality disorder. PMID: 26153944 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

46. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Aug;203(8):626-631. Personality Disorders and Mindreading: Specific Impairments in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder Compared to Other PDs.

Semerari A1, Colle L, Pellecchia G, Carcione A, Conti L, Fiore D, Moroni F, Nicolò G, Procacci M, Pedone R.

Author information:

 1*Terzo Centro di Psicoterapia Cognitiva & SPC School of Cognitive Psychotherapy, Rome; †Department of Psychology, Center of Cognitive Science, University of Turin, Turin; and ‡Department of Psychology, Second University of Naples, Salerno, Italy.

Abstract

The capacity of understanding mental states is a complex function which involves several components. Single components can be selectively impaired in specific clinical populations. It has been suggested that impairments in mindreading are central for borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, empirical findings are inconsistent, and it is debatable whether BPD presents a specific profile of mindreading impairments. The aim of this study is to compare BPD and other PDs in mindreading. Seventy-two patients with BPD and 125 patients with other PD diagnoses were assessed using the Metacognition Assessment Interview. BPD showed difficulties in two mindreading functions, differentiation and integration, even when the severity of psychopathology was controlled. These results suggest a specific mindreading impairment in BPD and a strong relationship between these impairments and the severity of psychopathology. PMID: 26153890 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

47. BMC Psychiatry. 2015 Jul 8;15:154. doi: 10.1186/s12888-015-0527-5. Group mindfulness based cognitive therapy vs group support for self-injury among young people: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Rees CS1, Hasking P2, Breen LJ3, Lipp OV4, Mamotte C5.

Author information:

 1School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia. [email protected].  2School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia. [email protected].  3School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia. [email protected].  4School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia. [email protected].  5School of Biomedical Science, Curtin University, Perth, WA, 6845, Australia. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a transdiagnostic behaviour that can be difficult to treat; to date no evidence based treatment for NSSI exists. Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) specifically targets the mechanisms thought to initiate and maintain NSSI, and thus appears a viable treatment option. The aims of the current study are to test the ability of MBCT to reduce the frequency and medical severity of NSSI, and explore the mechanisms by which MBCT exerts its effect.

METHODS/DESIGN:

We will conduct a parallel group randomised controlled trial of Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) versus Supportive Therapy (ST) in young people aged 18-25 years. Computerised block randomisation will be used to allocate participants to groups. All participants will meet the proposed DSM-5 criteria for NSSI (i.e. five episodes in the last twelve months). Participants will be excluded if they: 1) are currently receiving psychological treatment, 2) have attempted suicide in the previous 12 months, 3) exhibit acute psychosis, 4) have a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, or 5) have prior experience of MBCT. Our primary outcome is the frequency and medical severity of NSSI. As secondary outcomes we will assess changes in rumination, mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, stress, and attentional bias, and test these as mechanisms of change.

DISCUSSION:

This is the first randomised controlled trial to test the efficacy of MBCT in reducing NSSI. Evidence of the efficacy of MBCT for self-injury will allow provision of a brief intervention for self-injury that can be implemented as a stand-alone treatment or integrated with existing treatments for psychiatric disorders.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number ACTRN12615000023550 . Registered 16 January 2015.

PMCID: PMC4495689 Free PMC Article PMID: 26152135 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

48. J Pers Assess. 2015 Jul 7:1-10. [Epub ahead of print] Millon's Evolutionary Model of Personality Assessment: A Case for Categorical/Dimensional Prototypes.

Grossman SD1.

Author information:

 1a Herbert M. Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University.

Abstract

Theodore Millon (1928-2014) was arguably one of the most influential figures in conceptualizing and detailing personality styles and disorders in the latter 20th and early 21st centuries. A prominent member of the Axis II Work Group of DSM-III, III-R, and IV, Millon continued refining his evolutionary model long after his active involvement with these committees, and remained focused on the future of personality assessment until his death in 2014. This article is an exploration of his latter works, critiques of recent DSM-5 developments, and commentary on the usefulness of his deductive methodology as it continues to apply to the study, classification, and clinical application of personality assessment. PMID: 26151804 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

49. J Pers Assess. 2015 Jul 7:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] Evolution of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory.

Choca JP1, Grossman SD.

Author information:

 1a Department of Psychology, Roosevelt University.

Abstract

Dr. Theodore Millon (1928-2014) was a primary architect for the personality disorders in the DSM-III, a structure that has endured into the DSM-5. His 1969 book, Modern Psychopathology, created an elegant framework into which the well-known personality prototypes could be fitted and understood. His theoretical work soon led into the creation of several psychological inventories, most notably the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI). The MCMI, now in preparation for its 4th major edition, has been a very popular instrument among clinicians. This article explores the history of the MCMI's development from its origins, through 2 distinct theoretical phases, and to its current status as the MCMI- IV is finalized. PMID: 26151730 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

50. BMJ Open. 2015 Jul 6;5(7):e007575. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007575. A systematic review of the predictors of health service utilisation by adults with mental disorders in the UK.

Twomey CD1, Baldwin DS2, Hopfe M3, Cieza A4. Author information:

 1Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.  2Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.  3Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland Department of Health Sciences & Health Policy, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.  4Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, UK Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology-IBE, Research Unit for Biopsychosocial Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To identify variables that predict health service utilisation (HSU) by adults with mental disorders in the UK, and to determine the evidence level for these predictors.

DESIGN:

A narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed studies published after the year 2000. The search was conducted using four databases (ie, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus with full text, MEDLINE and EMBASE) and completed on 25 March 2014.

SETTING:

The majority of included studies were set in health services across primary, secondary, specialist and inpatient care. Some studies used data from household and postal surveys.

PARTICIPANTS:

Included were UK-based studies that predicted HSU by adults with mental disorders. Participants had a range of mental disorders including psychotic disorders, personality disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and dementia.

PRIMARY OUTCOME:

A wide range of HSU outcomes were examined, including general practitioner (GP) contacts, medication usage, psychiatrist contacts, psychotherapy attendances, inpatient days, accident and emergency admissions and 'total HSU'.

RESULTS:

Taking into account study quality, 28 studies identified a range of variables with good preliminary evidence supporting their ability to predict HSU. Of these variables, comorbidity, personality disorder, age (heterogeneous age ranges), neurotic symptoms, female gender, a marital status of divorced, separated or widowed, non-white ethnicity, high previous HSU and activities of daily living, were associated with increased HSU. Moreover, good preliminary evidence was found for associations of accessing a primary care psychological treatment service and medication use with decreased HSU.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings can inform decisions about which variables might be used to derive mental health clusters in 'payment by results' systems in the UK. The findings also support the need to investigate whether combining broad diagnoses with care pathways is an effective method for mental health clustering, and the need for research to further examine the association between mental health clusters and HSU.

Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights- licensing/permissions.

PMCID: PMC4499684 Free PMC Article PMID: 26150142 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

51. PLoS One. 2015 Jul 6;10(7):e0132442. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132442. eCollection 2015. Data Gathering Bias: Trait Vulnerability to Psychotic Symptoms?

Catalan A1, Simons CJ2, Bustamante S1, Olazabal N1, Ruiz E1, Gonzalez de Artaza M3, Penas A4, Maurottolo C5, González A6, van Os J7, Gonzalez-Torres MA1.

Author information:

 1Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country, Basque Country, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Basurto University Hospital, Bilbao, Spain.  2Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; GGzE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.  3Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country, Basque Country, Spain.  4Department of Psychiatry, Basurto University Hospital, Bilbao, Spain.  5Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country, Basque Country, Spain; Clínica Servicios Médicos AMSA, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain.  6Clínica Servicios Médicos AMSA, Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain.  7Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; King's College London, King's Health Partners, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Jumping to conclusions (JTC) is associated with psychotic disorder and psychotic symptoms. If JTC represents a trait, the rate should be (i) increased in people with elevated levels of psychosis proneness such as individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and (ii) show a degree of stability over time.

METHODS:

The JTC rate was examined in 3 groups: patients with first episode psychosis (FEP), BPD patients and controls, using the Beads Task. PANSS, SIS-R and CAPE scales were used to assess positive psychotic symptoms. Four WAIS III subtests were used to assess IQ.

RESULTS:

A total of 61 FEP, 26 BPD and 150 controls were evaluated. 29 FEP were revaluated after one year. 44% of FEP (OR = 8.4, 95% CI: 3.9-17.9) displayed a JTC reasoning bias versus 19% of BPD (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 0.8-7.8) and 9% of controls. JTC was not associated with level of psychotic symptoms or specifically delusionality across the different groups. Differences between FEP and controls were independent of sex, educational level, cannabis use and IQ. After one year, 47.8% of FEP with JTC at baseline again displayed JTC.

CONCLUSIONS:

JTC in part reflects trait vulnerability to develop disorders with expression of psychotic symptoms.

PMCID: PMC4493127 Free PMC Article PMID: 26147948 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

52. J Abnorm Psychol. 2015 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print] Undifferentiated Negative Affect and Impulsivity in Borderline Personality and Depressive Disorders: A Momentary Perspective.

Tomko RL, Lane SP, Pronove LM, Treloar HR, Brown WC, Solhan MB, Wood PK, Trull TJ.

Abstract

Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often report experiencing several negative emotions simultaneously, an indicator of "undifferentiated" negative affect. The current study examined the relationship between undifferentiated negative affect and impulsivity. Participants with a current BPD (n = 67) or depressive disorder (DD; n = 38) diagnosis carried an electronic diary for 28 days, reporting on emotions and impulsivity when randomly prompted (up to 6 times per day). Undifferentiated negative affect was quantified using momentary intraclass correlation coefficients, which indicated how consistently negative emotion items were rated across fear, hostility, and sadness subscales. Undifferentiated negative affect at the occasion-level, day-level, and across 28 days was used to predict occasion-level impulsivity. Multilevel modeling was used to test the hypothesis that undifferentiated negative emotion would be a significant predictor of momentary impulsivity above and beyond levels of overall negative affect. Undifferentiated negative affect at the occasion and day levels were significant predictors of occasion-level impulsivity, but undifferentiated negative affect across the 28-day study period was only marginally significant. Results did not differ depending on BPD or DD status, though individuals with BPD did report significantly greater momentary impulsivity and undifferentiated negative affect. Undifferentiated negative affect may increase risk for impulsivity among individuals with BPD and depressive disorders, and the current data suggest that this process can be relatively immediate as well as cumulative over the course of a day. This research supports the consideration of undifferentiated negative affect as a transdiagnostic construct, but one that may be particularly relevant for those with BPD. (PsycINFO Database Record

53. Personal Disord. 2015 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print] Parsing the Heterogeneity of Psychopathy and Aggression: Differential Associations Across Dimensions and Gender.

Hecht LK, Berg JM, Lilienfeld SO, Latzman RD.

Abstract

Psychopathy is a multidimensional construct that is broadly associated with both reactive (RA) and proactive (PA) aggression. Nevertheless, a consistent pattern of associations between psychopathy and these 2 aggression subtypes has yet to emerge because of methodological differences across studies. Moreover, research has yet to examine gender differences in the relation between dimensions of psychopathy and RA/PA. Accordingly, we examined the associations between psychopathy dimensions, as operationalized by 2 self- report instruments, and subtypes of aggression within a diverse sample of undergraduates (N = 1,158). Results confirmed that psychopathy is broadly associated with PA, as well as RA, with dimensions of psychopathy evidencing common and distinct associations with both raw and residual RA and PA scores. In both models of psychopathy, PA was significantly and positively associated with all dimensions, whereas RA was significantly negatively associated with interpersonal and affective dimensions, and significantly positively associated with dimensions related to an antisocial and impulsive lifestyle. Gender significantly moderated associations among dimensions of psychopathy and RA/PA, such that the antisocial/behavioral dimension of psychopathy was positively associated with PA for males, whereas the antisocial/behavioral dimension was positively associated with RA for females. Results suggest both generality and specificity of psychopathy dimensions as related to subtypes of aggression, as well as possible differential pathways from psychopathy to different subtypes of aggression in men and women. (PsycINFO Database Record

54. Personal Disord. 2015 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print] Exploring the Association of Deliberate Self-Harm With Emotional Relief Using a Novel Implicit Association Test.

Gratz KL, Chapman AL, Dixon-Gordon KL, Tull MT. Abstract

Despite the growing consensus that negative reinforcement in the form of emotional relief plays a key role in the maintenance of deliberate self-harm (DSH), most of the research in this area has relied exclusively on self-report measures of the perceived motives for and emotional consequences of DSH. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to extend extant research on the role of emotional relief in DSH by examining the strength of the association of DSH with emotional relief using a novel version of the Implicit Association Test (IAT). The strength of the DSH-relief association among both participants with (vs. without) DSH and self-harming participants with (vs. without) BPD, as well as its associations with relevant clinical constructs (including DSH characteristics, self-reported motives for DSH, BPD pathology, and emotion dysregulation and avoidance) were examined in a community sample of young adults (113 with recent recurrent DSH; 135 without DSH). As hypothesized, results revealed stronger associations between DSH and relief among participants with versus without DSH, as well as among DSH participants with versus without BPD. Moreover, the strength of the DSH-relief association was positively associated with DSH frequency and versatility (both lifetime and at 6-month follow-up), BPD pathology, emotion dysregulation, experiential avoidance, and self-reported emotion relief motives for DSH. Findings provide support for theories emphasizing the role of emotional relief in DSH (particularly among individuals with BPD), as well as the construct validity, predictive utility, and incremental validity (relative to self-reported emotion relief motives) of this IAT. (PsycINFO Database Record

55. Personal Disord. 2015 Jul 6. [Epub ahead of print] When Social Inclusion Is Not Enough: Implicit Expectations of Extreme Inclusion in Borderline Personality Disorder.

De Panfilis C, Riva P, Preti E, Cabrino C, Marchesi C.

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests that individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) might feel rejected even when socially included by others. A psychological mechanism accounting for this response bias could be that objective social inclusion violates BPD patients' underlying implicit needs of "extreme" inclusion. Thus, this study investigated whether, during interpersonal exchanges, BPD patients report more rejection-related negative emotions and less feelings of social connection than controls unless they are faced with conditions of extreme social inclusion. Sixty-one BPD patients and 61 healthy controls completed a modified Cyberball paradigm. They were randomly assigned to a condition of ostracism, social inclusion, or overinclusion (a proxy for extreme social inclusion). They then rated their emotional states and feelings of social connection immediately and 20 min after the game. BPD patients reported greater levels of negative emotions than controls in the ostracism and the inclusion conditions, but not when overincluded. Furthermore, only for BPD participants was overinclusion associated with experiencing less negative emotions than the ostracism condition. However, BPD patients reported lower feelings of social connection than controls in any experimental situation. Thus, in BPD, a laboratory condition of "overinclusion" is associated with a reduction of negative emotions to levels comparable to those of control participants, but not with similar degrees of social connection. These results suggest that for BPD patients, even "including contexts" activate feelings of rejection. Their implicit expectations of idealized interpersonal inclusion may nullify the opportunity of experiencing "real" social connection and explain their distorted subjective experiences of rejection. (PsycINFO Database Record

56. PLoS One. 2015 Jul 6;10(7):e0131255. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131255. eCollection 2015. Value of Information Analysis Applied to the Economic Evaluation of Interventions Aimed at Reducing Juvenile Delinquency: An Illustration.

Eeren HV1, Schawo SJ2, Scholte RH3, Busschbach JJ4, Hakkaart L2.

Author information:

 1Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, section Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders (VISPD), Halsteren, the Netherlands.  2Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.  3Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders (VISPD), Halsteren, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.  4Department of Psychiatry, section Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders (VISPD), Halsteren, the Netherlands.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate whether a value of information analysis, commonly applied in health care evaluations, is feasible and meaningful in the field of crime prevention.

METHODS:

Interventions aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency are increasingly being evaluated according to their cost-effectiveness. Results of cost-effectiveness models are subject to uncertainty in their cost and effect estimates. Further research can reduce that parameter uncertainty. The value of such further research can be estimated using a value of information analysis, as illustrated in the current study. We built upon an earlier published cost- effectiveness model that demonstrated the comparison of two interventions aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency. Outcomes were presented as costs per criminal activity free year.

RESULTS:

At a societal willingness-to-pay of €71,700 per criminal activity free year, further research to eliminate parameter uncertainty was valued at €176 million. Therefore, in this illustrative analysis, the value of information analysis determined that society should be willing to spend a maximum of €176 million in reducing decision uncertainty in the cost-effectiveness of the two interventions. Moreover, the results suggest that reducing uncertainty in some specific model parameters might be more valuable than in others.

CONCLUSIONS:

Using a value of information framework to assess the value of conducting further research in the field of crime prevention proved to be feasible. The results were meaningful and can be interpreted according to health care evaluation studies. This analysis can be helpful in justifying additional research funds to further inform the reimbursement decision in regard to interventions for juvenile delinquents.

PMCID: PMC4493049 Free PMC Article PMID: 26146831 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

57. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2015 Jul 4. [Epub ahead of print] Continuity of care from child and adolescent to adult mental health services: evidence from a regional survey in Northern Italy.

Stagi P1, Galeotti S, Mimmi S, Starace F, Castagnini AC.

Author information:

 1Mental Health Department, AUSL Modena, Modena, Italy, [email protected].

Abstract

To examine clinical and demographic factors associated with continuity of care from child- adolescent (CAMHS) to adult mental health services (AMHS), we undertook a record- linkage study to the Adult Mental Health Information System including all those 16 years old and over who were listed between 2010 and 2013 in the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Information System in Emilia-Romagna, an Italian region of nearly 4.5 million residents. From a cohort of 8239 adolescents attending CAMHS (population at risk about 144,000), 821 (19.4 %) moved to AMHS, excluding cases with specific developmental disorders, whose conditions were not managed by adult psychiatrists, and those with mental retardation who attended usually social services. Young people referred for treatment to AMHS were more likely to receive a discharge diagnosis of schizophrenia and related disorders (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.92; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 2.17-7.08), personality disorders (OR 2.69; 95 % CI 1.89-3.83), and pervasive developmental disorders (OR 2.13; 95 % CI 1.51-2.99). Further factors predicting transfer to AMHS were not living with parents, inpatient psychiatric admission, and being on medication in the previous 24 months. These findings suggest that a relatively small number of adolescents moved to AMHS and are likely to reflect the configuration of local mental health services and alternative care available, mainly for those with less-severe mental disorders. PMID: 26141538 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

58. Australas Psychiatry. 2015 Aug;23(4):343-6. doi: 10.1177/1039856215592319. Epub 2015 Jun 30. Social anxiety disorders in clinical practice: differentiating social phobia from avoidant personality disorder.

Lampe L1.

Author information:

 1Senior Lecturer Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, and CADE Clinic, Department of Academic Psychiatry, Level 3, Acute Services Building, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia [email protected].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To outline the problems around overlap between social phobia (SAD) and avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) and provide guidelines that may assist clinicians to differentiate these conditions.

CONCLUSIONS:

A constellation of symptoms can be identified that may distinguish AVPD from SAD, with key features being a strong and pervasively negative self-concept, a view of rejection as equating to a global evaluation of the individual as being of little worth and a sense of not fitting in socially that dates from early childhood. It is important to identify the presence of AVPD in order to anticipate potential problems with engagement and retention in therapy, to target treatment interventions and optimise outcome.

1. Front Psychiatry. 2015 Aug 13;6:113. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00113. eCollection 2015. Differentiating Burnout from Depression: Personality Matters! Melchers MC1, Plieger T1, Meermann R2, Reuter M3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Bonn , Bonn , Germany.  2AHG Psychosomatic Hospital , Bad Pyrmont , Germany.  3Department of Psychology, University of Bonn , Bonn , Germany ; Center for Economics and Neuroscience (CENs), University of Bonn , Bonn , Germany.

Abstract

Stress-related affective disorders have been identified as a core health problem of the twenty- first century. In the endeavor to identify vulnerability factors, personality has been discussed as a major factor explaining and predicting disorders like depression or burnout. An unsolved question is whether there are specific personality factors allowing differentiation of burnout from depression. The present study tested the relation between one of the most prominent, biological personality theories, Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory, and common measures of burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory General) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory 2) in a sample of German employees (N = 944) and a sample of inpatients (N = 425). Although the same personality traits (harm avoidance and self- directedness) were predominantly associated with burnout and depression, there was a much stronger association to depression than to burnout in both samples. Besides, we observed specific associations between personality traits and subcomponents of burnout. Our results underline differences in the association of burnout vs. depression to personality, which may mirror differences in scope. While symptoms of depression affect all aspects of life, burnout is supposed to be specifically related to the workplace and its requirements. The much stronger association of personality to depression can be important to select appropriate therapy methods and to develop a more specified treatment for burnout in comparison to depression. PMID: 26321963 [PubMed]

2. Front Hum Neurosci. 2015 Aug 10;9:439. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00439. eCollection 2015. XRIndex: a brief screening tool for individual differences in security threat detection in x-ray images.

Rusconi E1, Ferri F2, Viding E3, Mitchener-Nissen T4.

Author information:  1Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London London, UK ; Department of Neurosciences, University of Parma Parma, Italy ; Division of Psychology, Abertay University Dundee, UK.  2Department of Neurosciences, University of Parma Parma, Italy ; Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa Ottawa, ON, Canada.  3Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London London, UK.  4Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London London, UK.

Abstract

X-ray imaging is a cost-effective technique at security checkpoints that typically require the presence of human operators. We have previously shown that self-reported attention to detail can predict threat detection performance with small-vehicle x-ray images (Rusconi et al., 2012). Here, we provide evidence for the generality of such a link by having a large sample of naïve participants screen more typical dual-energy x-ray images of hand luggage. The results show that the Attention to Detail score from the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ) questionnaire (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001) is a linear predictor of threat detection accuracy. We then develop and fine-tune a novel self-report scale for security screening: the XRIndex, which improves on the Attention to Detail scale for predictive power and opacity to interpretation. The XRIndex is not redundant with any of the Big Five personality traits. We validate the XRIndex against security x-ray images with an independent sample of untrained participants and suggest that the XRIndex may be a useful aid for the identification of suitable candidates for professional security training with a focus on x-ray threat detection. Further studies are needed to determine whether this can also apply to trained professionals. PMID: 26321935 [PubMed]

3. Actas Esp Psiquiatr. 2015 Sep;43(5):177-86. Epub 2015 Sep 1. The hybrid model for the classification of personality disorders in DSM-5: a critical analysis.

Esbec E1, Echeburúa E2.

Author information:

 1Physician and Doctor in Psychology. Universidad Complutense de Madrid.  2CIBERSAM. School of Psychology. Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU).

Abstract A personality disorder can be considered to be a generalized pattern of behaviors, cognitions, and emotions that is enduring, begins in adolescence or early adulthood, remains stable over time, and generates stress or psychological damage. The current focus on personality disorders (PDs) is found in Section II of DSM-5 and is unchanged compared to DSMIV, except that the PDs were removed from the former Axis II of the DSM-IV and included in the central classification of disorders. However, an alternative model for further study is presented in Section III that aims to address the deficiencies in the current categorical model of PDs. The underlying idea is that PDs are an extreme version of the personality traits that everyone has. According to this approach, PDs are characterized by impaired personality functioning (areas of identity, self-direction, empathy, and intimacy) and pathological personality factors (negative affectivity, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism). The diagnostic categories derived from this model include only antisocial, avoidant, borderline, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, and schizotypal PDs. This hybrid approach to the diagnosis of PDs is complex and requires more empirical evidence before it can be incorporated into clinical practice. The proposals of the draft ICD-11 for PDs, which are based primarily on severity and dominant personality traits, are also included. PMID: 26320896 [PubMed - in process]

4. Exp Brain Res. 2015 Aug 30. [Epub ahead of print] Pathological personality traits modulate neural interactions.

James LM1, Engdahl BE, Leuthold AC, Krueger RF, Georgopoulos AP.

Author information:

 1Brain Sciences Center, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA, [email protected].

Abstract

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), includes an empirically supported dimensional model of personality pathology that is assessed via the Personality Inventory for the DSM-5 (PID-5). Here we used magnetoencephalography (MEG; 248 sensors) to evaluate resting-state neural network properties associated with the five primary DSM-5 maladaptive personality domains (negative affect, detachment, antagonism, disinhibition, and psychoticism) in 150 healthy veterans ("control" group) and 179 veterans with various psychiatric disorders ("psychopathology" group). Since a fundamental network property is the strength of functional connectivity among network elements, we used the absolute value of the pairwise correlation coefficient (aCC) between prewhitened MEG sensor time series as a measure of neural functional connectivity and assessed its relations to the quantitative PID-5 scores in a linear regression model, where the log-transformed aCC was the dependent variable and individual PID scores, age, and gender were the independent variables. The partial regression coefficient (pRC) for a specific PID-5 score in that model provided information concerning the direction (positive, negative) and size (absolute value) of the PID effect on the strength of neural correlations. We found that, overall, PID domains had a negative effect (i.e., negative pRC; decorrelation) on aCC in the control group, but a positive one (i.e., positive pRC; hyper-correlation) in the psychopathology group. This dissociation of PID effects on aCC was especially pronounced for disinhibition, psychoticism, and negative affect. These results document for the first time a fundamental difference in neural-PID relations between control and psychopathology groups. PMID: 26319544 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

5. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Aug 6. pii: S0165-1781(15)00505-3. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.048. [Epub ahead of print] Parents' personality clusters and eating disordered daughters' personality and psychopathology.

Amianto F1, Ercole R1, Marzola E1, Abbate Daga G 1, Fassino S1.

Author information:

 1Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry Section, Regional Expert Centre for Eating Disorders, University of Turin, Italy.

Abstract

The present study explores how parents' personality clusters relate to their eating disordered daughters' personality and psychopathology. Mothers and fathers were tested with the Temperament Character Inventory. Their daughters were assessed with the following: Temperament and Character Inventory, Eating Disorder Inventory-2, Symptom Checklist-90, Parental Bonding Instrument, Attachment Style Questionnaire, and Family Assessment Device. Daughters' personality traits and psychopathology scores were compared between clusters. Daughters' features were related to those of their parents. Explosive/adventurous mothers were found to relate to their daughters' borderline personality profile and more severe interoceptive awareness. Mothers' immaturity was correlated to their daughters' higher character immaturity, inadequacy, and depressive feelings. Fathers who were explosive/methodic correlated with their daughters' character immaturity, severe eating, and general psychopathology. Fathers' character immaturity only marginally related to their daughters' specific features. Both parents' temperament clusters and mothers' character clusters related to patients' personality and eating psychopathology. The cluster approach to personality-related dynamics of families with an individual affected by an eating disorder expands the knowledge on the relationship between parents' characteristics and daughters' illness, suggesting complex and unique relationships correlating parents' personality traits to their daughters' disorder.

6. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2015 Aug 27. doi: 10.1002/erv.2401. [Epub ahead of print] Depression and Personality Traits Associated With Emotion Dysregulation: Correlates of Suicide Attempts in Women with Bulimia Nervosa.

Pisetsky EM1, Wonderlich SA2,3, Crosby RD2,3, Peterson CB1, Mitchell JE2,3, Engel SG2,3, Joiner TE4, Bardone-Cone A5, Le Grange D 6, Klein MH7, Crow SJ1,8.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.  2Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo, ND, USA.  3Department of Clinical Research, Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, ND, USA.  4Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.  5Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.  6Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.  7Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.  8The Emily Program, St. Paul, MN, USA.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to identify personality traits and psychiatric comorbidities associated with a lifetime history of a suicide attempt in women with bulimia nervosa (BN).

METHOD: Data from two samples of women with BN (n = 204 and n = 133) were examined. Participants in both samples completed the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire and reported whether they had ever had a lifetime suicide attempt. Comorbid psychopathology was based on self-reported questionnaire and interview data. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were run, predicting a lifetime suicide attempt.

RESULTS:

Based on the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire, identity problems were associated with a lifetime suicide attempt in both samples; cognitive dysregulation, anxiousness and insecure attachment were associated with a lifetime suicide attempt in one but not both samples. Lifetime anxiety disorder was associated with a lifetime suicide attempt in one sample, and depression was associated with a lifetime suicide attempt in both samples. Multivariate analyses revealed that only depression was uniquely associated with a lifetime suicide attempt in both samples.

DISCUSSION:

Although personality traits associated with aspects of emotion dysregulation were associated with a lifetime suicide attempt, depression was found to have the strongest association with a lifetime suicide attempt in two samples of women with BN. These findings suggest that depression severity may be the most important target of treatment and suicide prevention efforts in women with BN. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

7. Personal Ment Health. 2015 Aug 27. doi: 10.1002/pmh.1307. [Epub ahead of print] Validation of the standardised assessment of personality - abbreviated scale in a general population sample.

Fok ML1, Seegobin S2, Frissa S3, Hatch SL3, Hotopf M3, Hayes RD3, Moran P1.

Author information:

 1Department of Health Service and Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.  2MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.  3Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Personality disorder (PD) is associated with important health outcomes in the general population. However, the length of diagnostic interviews poses a significant barrier to obtaining large scale, population-based data on PD. A brief screen for the identification of people at high risk of PD in the general population could be extremely valuable for both clinicians and researchers.

AIM:

We set out to validate the Standardised Assessment of Personality - Abbreviated Scale (SAPAS), in a general population sample, using the Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM- IV Personality Disorders (SCID-II) as a gold standard.

METHOD:

One hundred and ten randomly selected, community-dwelling adults were administered the SAPAS screening interview. The SCID-II was subsequently administered by a clinical interviewer blind to the initial SAPAS score. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to assess the discriminatory performance of the SAPAS, relative to the SCID-II.

RESULTS:

Area under the curve for the SAPAS was 0.70 (95% CI = 0.60 to 0.80; p < 0.001), indicating moderate overall discriminatory accuracy. A cut point score of 4 on the SAPAS correctly classified 58% of participants. At this cut point, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.69 and 0.53 respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The SAPAS operates less efficiently as a screen in general population samples and is probably most usefully applied in clinical populations. © 2015 The Authors Personality and Mental Health published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

8. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Sep;203(9):735-8. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000356. Psychotherapy for Personality Disorders in a Natural Setting: A Pilot Study over Two Years of Treatment.

Kolly S1, Kramer U, Maillard P, Charbon P, Droz J, Frésard E, Berney S, Despland JN.

Author information:

 1*General Psychiatry Service and †Institute of Psychotherapy, Department of Psychiatry- CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; and ‡Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract

Long-term assessment of the effects of psychotherapy for personality disorders (PDs) in a natural environment is an important task. Such research contributes to enlarge the practice- based evidence, embedded in broad collaborations between clinicians and researchers in psychotherapy for PDs. The present pilot study used rigorous assessment procedures and incorporated feedback loops of outcome information to the therapists in demonstrating the effects of psychotherapy for PD in a natural setting. The number of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), criteria for any PD was the primary outcome (along with psychological distress, depression, impulsiveness, and quality of life as secondary measures), assessed at intake, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of psychotherapy for N = 13 patients with PD. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling. Results demonstrated a large pre-post effect (d = 2.22) for the observer-rated measure (primary outcome), and small to medium effects for the secondary outcomes; these results were corroborated by a steady decrease of symptoms over all five time points, which was significant for several outcomes. These results add a piece to the literature by demonstrating the effects of long-term psychotherapy for PDs in increasingly diverse contexts and suggest that practice-oriented research can be carried out in a collaborative and systematic manner. PMID: 26313040 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

9. J Voice. 2015 Aug 23. pii: S0892-1997(15)00144-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2015.06.012. [Epub ahead of print] Do Talkativeness and Vocal Loudness Correlate With Laryngeal Pathology? A Study of the Vocal Overdoer/Underdoer Continuum.

Bastian RW1, Thomas JP2.

Author information:

 1Department of Laryngology, Private Practice, Downers Grove, Illinois.  2Department of Laryngology, Private Practice, Portland, Oregon. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Assess the correlation between self-rating scales of talkativeness and loudness with various types of voice disorders.

DESIGN:

This is a retrospective study.

METHODS:

A total of 974 patients were analyzed. The cohort study included 430 consecutive patients presenting to the senior author with voice complaints from December 1995 to December 1998. The case-control study added 544 consecutive patients referred to the same examiner from January 1988 to December 1998 for vocal fold examination before thyroid, parathyroid, and carotid surgery. Patient responses on seven-point Likert self-rating scales of talkativeness and loudness were compared with laryngeal disease.

RESULTS:

Mucosal lesions clearly associated with vibratory trauma are strongly associated with a high self-rating of talkativeness. Laryngeal deconditioning disorders were associated with a low self-rating of talkativeness.

CONCLUSIONS: Use of a simple self-rating scale of vocal loudness and talkativeness during history taking can reliably orient the examiner to the types of voice disorders likely to be diagnosed subsequently during vocal capability testing and visual laryngeal examination. The high degree of talkativeness and loudness seen in vocal overdoers correlates well with mucosal disorders such as nodules, polyps, capillary ectasia, epidermoid inclusion cysts, and hemorrhage. A lower degree of talkativeness correlates with muscle deconditioning disorders such as vocal fold bowing, atrophy, presbyphonia, and vocal fatigue syndrome.

10. J Pers Disord. 2015 Aug 25:1-19. [Epub ahead of print] Cost-Effectiveness of Short-Term Inpatient Psychotherapy Based on Transactional Analysis in Patients With Personality Disorder.

Horn EK, Verheul R, Thunnissen M, Delimon J1, Goorden M2, Hakkaart-van Roijen L2, Soons M3, Meerman AM4, Ziegler UM5, Rossum BV6, Stijnen T7, Emmelkamp PM, Busschbach JJ.

Author information:

 1Viersprong Institute for Studies on Personality Disorders (VISPD), Bergen op Zoom, The Netherlands.  2Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA), Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.  3PuntP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  4Centre of Psychotherapy Pro Persona, Lunteren, The Netherlands.  5Zaans Medical Centre, Zaandam, The Netherlands.  6Altrecht, Zeist, The Netherlands.  7Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Abstract

Short-term inpatient psychotherapy based on transactional analysis (STIP-TA) in patients with personality disorders (PD) has shown to be more effective than comparable other specialized psychotherapies (OP). The aim of this study was to assess whether the higher effectiveness of STIP-TA also results in a better cost-effectiveness. Patients treated with STIP-TA were matched with patients treated with OP by the propensity score. Healthcare costs and lost productivity costs were measured over 3 years and from the societal perspective. Cost-effectiveness was represented by costs per quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Uncertainty was assessed using bootstrapping. Mean 3-year costs were €59,834 for STIP-TA and €69,337 for OP, a difference of -€9,503, 95% CI [-32,561, 15,726]. QALYs were 2.29 for STIP-TA and 2.05 for OP, a difference of .24, 95% CI [.05, .44]. STIP-TA is a dominant treatment compared to OP: less costly and more effective. We conclude that STIP-TA is a cost-effective treatment in PD patients. PMID: 26305396 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

11. J Pers Disord. 2015 Aug 25:1-18. [Epub ahead of print] Effects of Personality Disorders on Self- Other Agreement and Favorableness in Personality Descriptions.

Tandler N, Mosch A, Wolf A, Borkenau P1.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, Martin-Luther Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.

Abstract

The authors studied effects of self-reported personality disorder (PD) symptoms on interpersonal perception, particularly self-other agreement and favorableness. Using a round- robin design, 52 groups of four well-acquainted students described themselves and each other on a measure of the Five-Factor model of personality and were administered a self- report screening instrument for DSM-IV (Axis 2). Using the Social Accuracy Model, the peer reports were predicted, across items, from either (a) the target person's self-reports plus the self-report item means, or (b) the items' social desirability. This resulted in separate coefficients for each peer-target dyad, indicating either self-other agreement or favorableness. These coefficients were then predicted from the PD scores of the target and the peer, using multilevel modeling. Main findings were that persons scoring high on PD measures agreed less with their peers on their unique personality characteristics, and that such persons were described by, and described their peers, less favorably. PMID: 26305393 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

12. J Pers Disord. 2015 Aug 25:1-28. [Epub ahead of print] How Do DSM-5 Personality Traits Align With Schema Therapy Constructs?

Bach B, Lee C1, Mortensen EL2, Simonsen E.

Author information:

 1Murdoch University, Australia.  2University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Abstract

DSM-5 offers an alternative model of personality pathology that includes 25 traits. Although personality disorders are mostly treated with psychotherapy, the correspondence between DSM-5 traits and concepts in evidence-based psychotherapy has not yet been evaluated adequately. Suitably, schema therapy was developed for treating personality disorders, and it has achieved promising evidence. The authors examined associations between DSM-5 traits and schema therapy constructs in a mixed sample of 662 adults, including 312 clinical participants. Associations were investigated in terms of factor loadings and regression coefficients in relation to five domains, followed by specific correlations among all constructs. The results indicated conceptually coherent associations, and 15 of 25 traits were strongly related to relevant schema therapy constructs. Conclusively, DSM-5 traits may be considered expressions of schema therapy constructs, which psychotherapists might take advantage of in terms of case formulation and targets of treatment. In turn, schema therapy constructs add theoretical understanding to DSM-5 traits. PMID: 26305392 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

13. Behav Cogn Psychother. 2015 Aug 25:1-13. [Epub ahead of print] An experimental Investigation of the Impact of Personality Disorder Diagnosis on Clinicians: Can We See Past the Borderline?

Lam DC1, Poplavskaya EV2, Salkovskis PM3, Hogg LI3, Panting H3.

Author information:

 1Kingston University,and St. George's Hospital Medical School,London,UK.  2South West London and St Georges NHS Trust,London,UK.  3University of Bath,UK.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

There is concern that diagnostic labels for psychiatric disorders may invoke damaging stigma, stereotypes and misunderstanding.

AIMS:

This study investigated clinicians' reactions to diagnostic labelling by examining their positive and negative reactions to the label borderline personality disorder (BPD).

METHOD:

Mental health professionals (n = 265) viewed a videotape of a patient suffering from panic disorder and agoraphobia undergoing assessment. Prior to viewing the videotape, participants were randomly allocated to one of three conditions and were given the following information about the patient: (a) general background information; (b) additional descriptive information about behaviour corresponding to BPD; and (c) additional descriptive information about behaviour corresponding to BPD, but explicitly adding BPD as a possible comorbid diagnostic label. All participants were then asked to note things they had seen in the videotape that made them feel optimistic or pessimistic about treatment outcome.

RESULTS:

Participants in the group that were explicitly informed that the patient had a BPD diagnostic label reported significantly fewer reasons to be optimistic than the other two groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Diagnostic labels may negatively impact on clinicians' judgments and perceptions of individuals and therefore clinicians should think carefully about whether, and how, they use diagnoses and efforts should be made to destigmatize diagnostic terms. PMID: 26305114 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

14. Mol Psychiatry. 2015 Aug 25. doi: 10.1038/mp.2015.126. [Epub ahead of print] Phenome-wide analysis of genome-wide polygenic scores.

Krapohl E1, Euesden J1, Zabaneh D1, Pingault JB1,2, Rimfeld K1, von Stumm S3, Dale PS4, Breen G1, O'Reilly PF1, Plomin R1.

Author information:

 1MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.  2Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK.  3Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths University of London, New Cross, London, UK.  4Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.

Abstract

Genome-wide polygenic scores (GPS), which aggregate the effects of thousands of DNA variants from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have the potential to make genetic predictions for individuals. We conducted a systematic investigation of associations between GPS and many behavioral traits, the behavioral phenome. For 3152 unrelated 16-year-old individuals representative of the United Kingdom, we created 13 GPS from the largest GWAS for psychiatric disorders (for example, schizophrenia, depression and dementia) and cognitive traits (for example, intelligence, educational attainment and intracranial volume). The behavioral phenome included 50 traits from the domains of psychopathology, personality, cognitive abilities and educational achievement. We examined phenome-wide profiles of associations for the entire distribution of each GPS and for the extremes of the GPS distributions. The cognitive GPS yielded stronger predictive power than the psychiatric GPS in our UK-representative sample of adolescents. For example, education GPS explained variation in adolescents' behavior problems (~0.6%) and in educational achievement (~2%) but psychiatric GPS were associated with neither. Despite the modest effect sizes of current GPS, quantile analyses illustrate the ability to stratify individuals by GPS and opportunities for research. For example, the highest and lowest septiles for the education GPS yielded a 0.5 s.d. difference in mean math grade and a 0.25 s.d. difference in mean behavior problems. We discuss the usefulness and limitations of GPS based on adult GWAS to predict genetic propensities earlier in development.Molecular Psychiatry advance online publication, 25 August 2015; doi:10.1038/mp.2015.126. PMID: 26303664 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

15. J Clin Psychiatry. 2015 Aug 18. [Epub ahead of print] Reductions in quality of life associated with common mental disorders: results from a nationally representative sample.

Penner-Goeke K1, Henriksen CA, Chateau D, Latimer E, Sareen J, Katz LY.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Traditional burden-of-disease estimates often exclude personality disorders, which are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to estimate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and annual population-level quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) losses associated with different mental and physical health conditions. In particular, it sought to quantify the impact of personality disorders on quality of life, at an individual and population level.

METHOD:

This was a secondary analysis of data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a nationally representative survey of the US general population collected from 2001 to 2005 (N = 34,653). Health-related quality of life (measured using the Short-Form Health Survey-6D) was the main outcome of interest. Regression analysis assessed the impact of various mental (based on DSM-IV criteria) and physical health conditions on HRQoL scores, and this impact was combined with the prevalence of disorders to estimate the population-level burden of disease.

RESULTS: Mood disorders were associated with the highest decrease in HRQoL scores, followed by strokes, psychotic illness, and arthritis (P < .01). The greatest annual population QALY losses were caused by arthritis, mood disorders, and personality disorders.

CONCLUSIONS:

Quality-adjusted life year losses associated with personality disorders ranked behind only mood disorders and arthritis. Personality disorders were associated with significant reductions in quality of life, despite the fact that they are often excluded from traditional burden of disease estimates.

16. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2015 Sep;38(3):405-18. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2015.05.012. Epub 2015 Jul 2. Psychotherapy and Psychosocial Treatment: Recent Advances and Future Directions.

Plakun EM1.

Author information:

 1Austen Riggs Center, 25 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA 01262-0962, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

Psychotherapy and psychosocial treatment have been shown to be effective forms of treatment of a range of individual and complex comorbid disorders. The future role of psychotherapy and psychosocial treatment depends on several factors, including full implementation of mental health parity, correction of underlying false assumptions that shape treatment, payment priorities and research, identification and teaching of common factors or elements shared by effective psychosocial therapies, and adequate teaching of psychotherapy and psychosocial treatment.

17. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2015 Sep;37(7):776-84. doi: 10.1080/13803395.2015.1053843. Internalizing disorders in adults with a history of childhood traumatic brain injury.

Albicini M1, McKinlay A.

Author information:

 1a Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Psychology and Psychiatry , Monash University , Clayton , VIC , Australia.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

While the presence of externalizing behavioral problems following traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been well established in the literature, less is known regarding internalizing disorders, and more specifically anxiety disorders, in such a population. This study explored the presence, rate, and incidence of internalizing behavior problems, including anxiety, depression, somatic complaints, avoidant personality symptomatology, and overall internalizing behavior problems in university students aged 18-25 years.

METHOD:

A convenience sample of 247 university students (197 non-TBI, 47 mild TBI, 2 moderate TBI, 1 severe TBI) aged 18-25 years was utilized. Participants completed a self-report measure on behavioral functioning, the Adult Self Report (ASR), to identify internalizing behaviors, and a questionnaire to identify TBI history.

RESULTS:

Raw scores of behavior indicated that participants with a history of childhood TBI reported significantly higher levels of withdrawal, somatic complaints, and internalizing behavioral problems than the non-TBI participants. When analyzing standardized T-scores for borderline and clinically elevated ASR syndromes and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-oriented scales, individuals in the TBI group were significantly more likely to have higher rates of borderline anxiety, somatic complaints, avoidant personality problems, and overall internalizing disorders, and clinically elevated somatic complaints. Adults with a history of childhood TBI were also significantly more likely to report at least 1 or more DSM disorders.

CONCLUSION:

These results clearly suggest that individuals with a childhood history of TBI are at a heightened risk for a range of internalizing disorders in early adulthood, which is particularly troubling in a university sample pursuing tertiary education. PMID: 26299189 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

18. Int J Psychoanal. 2015 Aug 23. doi: 10.1111/1745-8315.12312. [Epub ahead of print] 'Void existence' as against 'annihilation existence': Differentiating two qualities in primitive mental states.

Hameiri Valdarsky I1.

Author information:

 1Arbel 1st, Hod hasharon, Israel 45345. [email protected].

Abstract

This paper attempts to distil out a particular quality of psychic (non)existence, which I call here 'void existence', from the quality predominantly explored in the psychoanalytic discourse on primitive mental states, which I call 'annihilation existence'. Achieving this phenomenological differentiation may make it easier to identify and work through extreme states in the analytic situation, when the patient is under the dominance of 'void existence'. I suggest that it is, as it were, a one-dimensional existence, in an infinite contour-less void, lacking any substantial internal object, lacking any substantial sense of psychic and/or somatic occurrences, and lacking any live representation of this very state of being. Hence, it lacks distress and anxiety, as well as calmness and peace. One might say that it is the inorganic within the organic; a quality of non-alive-ness within life. 'Annihilation existence' is existence in a two- or three-dimensional hollowed world, with flat and/or partial representations of self and object, which attracts acute distress and annihilation anxiety. It is a sort of existence on the brink of non-life, on the brink of the void; where a sense of catastrophic danger is brought on by the never-ending potentiality of the annihilation's realization. Both these psychic qualities can be encapsulated within neurotic and personality disorders, and the dominance of each can serve as defence against the dominance of the other. The theoretical discussion is supported by excerpts from an analysis.

19. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Aug 12:PSYD1500597. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.08.022. [Epub ahead of print] Gender differences in the clinical characteristics and psychiatric comorbidity in patients with antisocial personality disorder.

Sher L1, Siever LJ2, Goodman M2, McNamara M 3, Hazlett EA2, Koenigsberg HW2, New AS2.

Author information:

 1James J. Peters Veterans' Administration Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  2James J. Peters Veterans' Administration Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.  3Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.

Abstract

Gender is an important variable in the study of mental health because of the actual and perceived differences between men and women. Relatively little is known how males and females differ in their manifestations of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Demographic and clinical features of 323 participants with ASPD were assessed and recorded. Women had fewer episodes of antisocial behavior involving or not involving police, higher scores on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and on Emotional Abuse and Sexual Abuse subscales of the CTQ compared to men. CTQ scores positively correlated with the number of episodes of antisocial behavior involving police in men but not in women. The percentage of patients with comorbid borderline and histrionic personality disorders was higher and the percentage of participants with cocaine use disorder was lower among women compared to men. Comorbid alcohol use disorder was frequent in both groups, while a higher percentage of women had comorbid mood disorders compared to men. Logistic regression analysis demonstrates that CTQ scores, histrionic personality disorder, and antisocial behavior involving the police drive the difference between the groups. Our findings indicate that treatment of individuals with ASPD should focus on the management of comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. PMID: 26296756 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

20. J Forensic Sci. 2015 Aug 21. doi: 10.1111/1556-4029.12908. [Epub ahead of print] Domestic Homicide: Neuropsychological Profiles of Murderers Who Kill Family Members and Intimate Partners.

Hanlon RE1,2, Brook M1, Demery JA3,4, Cunningham MD 5.

Author information:

 1Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 446 E. Ontario, Chicago, IL.  2Neuropsychological Associates of Chicago, 645 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 803, Chicago, IL.  3Gainesville V.A. Medical Center, 1601 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL.  4Neuropsychological Sciences, 10247 SW 98th Terrace, Gainesville, FL.  5Private Practice, 610 Brazos St., Ste. 680, Austin, TX.

Abstract

Domestic homicide is the most extreme form of domestic violence and one of the most common types of homicide. The objective was to examine differences between spontaneous domestic homicide and nondomestic homicide offenders regarding demographics, psychiatric history, crime characteristics, and neuropsychological status, utilizing neuropsychological test data from forensic examinations of 153 murderers. Using standard crime classification criteria, 33% committed spontaneous domestic homicides (SDH) and 61% committed nondomestic homicides (NDH). SDH offenders were more likely to manifest psychotic disorders, but less likely to be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder or to have prior felony convictions. SDH offenders manifested significantly worse neuropsychological impairments than NDH offenders. The mean number of victims was lower for the SDH than the NDH group and only 14% of SDH offenders used a firearm, whereas 59% of NDH offenders used a firearm. These findings corroborate the notion that spontaneous domestic homicide may represent a discernible criminological phenotype.

© 2015 The Authors Journal of Forensic Sciences published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Academy of Forensic Sciences. PMID: 26292990 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

21. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Aug 12:PSYD1400683. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.08.020. [Epub ahead of print] Obsessive-compulsive disorders and anxiety disorders: A comparison of personality and emotionality patterns.

Pelissolo A1, Moukheiber A2, Mallet L3.

Author information:

 1AP-HP, Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM U955, Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France. Electronic address: [email protected].  2AP-HP, Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM U955, Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France.  3AP-HP, Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Université Paris-Est Créteil, INSERM U955, Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France; Behaviour, Emotion, and Basal Ganglia, UPMC - INSERM UMR 975 - CNRS UMR 7225, ICM - Brain & Spine Institute, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.

Abstract

Even though obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and anxiety disorders (AD) have been separated in the taxonomy adopted by the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, many issues remain concerning the physiopathological similarities and differences between those categories. Our objective was therefore to explore and compare their personality and emotional features, with the assumption that the distinction of two independent spectrums should imply the existence of two partially distinct temperamental profiles. We used the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-R) and the Positive and Negative Emotionality (PNE) scale to compare two groups of patients with OCD (n=227) or AD (n=827). The latter group included patients with social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. Most temperament, character and emotionality measures showed no significant differences between both groups. In the personality measures results, only the self-directedness score (TCI-R) was significantly lower in OCD patients but this difference was not significant when the comparison was adjusted for the depressive scale score and age. Only lower PNE positive affects scores were obtained in OCD patients in the adjusted comparisons. These findings suggest that OCD and AD are not really distinguishable from the point of view of associated personality traits.

22. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2015 Aug 19. doi: 10.1002/erv.2398. [Epub ahead of print] Temperament and Personality in Bariatric Surgery-Resisting Temptations?

Claes L1,2, Müller A3.

Author information:

 1Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.  2Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (CAPRI), University Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.  3Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.

Abstract

Temperament and personality traits can serve as both risk factors as well as protective factors in the development of morbid obesity. In the present review, we present an overview of studies focusing on the relationship between temperament/personality and morbid obesity in pre-operative and postoperative bariatric surgery patients. We consider studies that focus on both a categorical and dimensional point of view on temperament/personality, as well as studies based on cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. Finally, we will integrate the research findings, discuss the implications for assessment and treatment and formulate suggestions for future research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

23. Expert Rev Neurother. 2015 Sep;15(9):1053-65. doi: 10.1586/14737175.2015.1077703. Epub 2015 Aug 11. Recognition and treatment of neuropsychiatric disturbances in Parkinson's disease.

Akbar U1, Friedman JH.

Author information:

 1a Department of Neurology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.

Abstract

The non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been attracting increasing attention due to their ubiquitous nature and their often devastating effects on the quality of life. Behavioral problems in PD include dementia, depression, apathy, fatigue, anxiety, psychosis, akathisia, personality change, sleep disorders and impulse control disorders. Some of these are intrinsic to the neuropathology while others occur as an interplay between pathology, psychology and pharmacology. While few data exist for guiding therapy, enough is known to guide therapy in a rational manner. PMID: 26289491 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

24. Disabil Rehabil. 2015 Aug 18:1-12. [Epub ahead of print] Psychosocial difficulties from the perspective of persons with neuropsychiatric disorders.

Coenen M1, Cabello M, Umlauf S, Ayuso-Mateos JL, Anczewska M, Tourunen J, Leonardi M, Cieza A; PARADISE Consortium. Author information:

 1a Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology - IBE, Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Research Unit for Biopsychosocial Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Munich , Germany .

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The objective of this study is to determine whether persons with neuropsychiatric disorders experience a common set of psychosocial difficulties using qualitative data from focus groups and individual interviews.

METHOD:

The study was performed in five European countries (Finland, Italy, Germany, Poland and Spain) using the focus groups and individual interviews with persons with nine neuropsychiatric disorders (dementia, depression, epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, stroke and substance dependence). Digitally recorded sessions were analysed using a step-by-step qualitative and quantitative methodology resulting in the compilation of a common set of psychosocial difficulties using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a framework.

RESULTS:

Sixty-seven persons participated in the study. Most persons with neuropsychiatric disorders experience difficulties in emotional functions, sleeping, carrying out daily routine, working and interpersonal relationships in common. Sixteen out of 33 psychosocial difficulties made up the common set. This set includes mental functions, pain and issues addressing activities and participation and provides first evidence for the hypothesis of horizontal epidemiology of psychosocial difficulties in neuropsychiatric disorders.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study provides information about psychosocial difficulties that should be covered in the treatment and rehabilitation of persons with neuropsychiatric disorders regardless of clinical diagnoses. Implications for Rehabilitation Emotional problems, work and sleep problems should be addressed in all the treatments of neuropsychiatric disorders regardless of their specific diagnosis, etiology and severity. Personality issues should be targeted in the treatment for neurological disorders, whereas communication skill training may also be useful for mental disorders. The effects of medication and social environment on patient's daily life should be considered in all the neuropsychiatric conditions. PMID: 26289372 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

25. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2015 Aug 20. doi: 10.1002/cpp.1974. [Epub ahead of print] Validation of the Psychometric Properties of the Self-Compassion Scale. Testing the Factorial Validity and Factorial Invariance of the Measure among Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Eating Disorder and General Populations.

Costa J1, Marôco J2, Pinto-Gouveia J3, Ferreira C3, Castilho P3.

Author information:

 1CINEICC, Faculdade de Psicologia e Ciências da Educação, Universidade de Coimbra Rua do Colégio Novo, Coimbra, Portugal.  2Unidade de Investigação em, Psicologia e Saúde (UIPES), ISPA-IU, Lisbon, Portugal.  3CINEICC, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

During the last years, there has been a growing interest in self-compassion. Empirical evidences show that self-compassion is associated with psychological benefits among young adults and it might be considered a buffer factor in several mental disorders.

AIMS:

The aim of this study was to validate the psychometric properties of the Self-compassion Scale (SCS: Neff, 2003a) after the initial lack of replicating the original six-factor structure.

METHOD:

Data were collected from the overall database of a research centre (56 men and 305 women; mean age = 25.19) and comprised four groups: borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, eating disorder and general population. RESULTS:

Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor model (self-compassionate attitude versus self-critical attitude) with good internal consistencies, construct-related validity and external validity. Configural, weak measurement and structural invariance of the two-factor model of SCS were also shown.

CONCLUSIONS:

Findings support the generalizability of the two-factor model and show that both properties and interpretations of scores on self-compassion are equivalent across these population groups. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE:

A two-factor structure of SCS with strong psychometric validity was supported in clinical and non-clinical samples. Helping individuals with limited experiences of compassion to develop positive internal processing systems seems to be related with better mental health, self-acceptance and self-nurturing abilities. The non-probabilistic sampling limits the generalization of our conclusions.

26. PLoS One. 2015 Aug 19;10(8):e0134504. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134504. eCollection 2015. Increased Reward-Related Behaviors during Sleep and Wakefulness in Sleepwalking and Idiopathic Nightmares.

Perogamvros L1, Aberg K2, Gex-Fabry M3, Perrig S3, Cloninger CR4, Schwartz S2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America.  2Department of Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.  3Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.  4Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We previously suggested that abnormal sleep behaviors, i.e., as found in parasomnias, may often be the expression of increased activity of the reward system during sleep. Because nightmares and sleepwalking predominate during REM and NREM sleep respectively, we tested here whether exploratory excitability, a waking personality trait reflecting high activity within the mesolimbic dopaminergic (ML-DA) system, may be associated with specific changes in REM and NREM sleep patterns in these two sleep disorders.

METHODS:

Twenty-four unmedicated patients with parasomnia (12 with chronic sleepwalking and 12 with idiopathic nightmares) and no psychiatric comorbidities were studied. Each patient spent one night of sleep monitored by polysomnography. The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) was administered to all patients and healthy controls from the Geneva population (n = 293).

RESULTS:

Sleepwalkers were more anxious than patients with idiopathic nightmares (Spielberger Trait anxiety/STAI-T), but the patient groups did not differ on any personality dimension as estimated by the TCI. Compared to controls, parasomnia patients (sleepwalkers together with patients with idiopathic nightmares) scored higher on the Novelty Seeking (NS) TCI scale and in particular on the exploratory excitability/curiosity (NS1) subscale, and lower on the Self-directedness (SD) TCI scale, suggesting a general increase in reward sensitivity and impulsivity. Furthermore, parasomnia patients tended to worry about social separation persistently, as indicated by greater anticipatory worry (HA1) and dependence on social attachment (RD3). Moreover, exploratory excitability (NS1) correlated positively with the severity of parasomnia (i.e., the frequency of self-reported occurrences of nightmares and sleepwalking), and with time spent in REM sleep in patients with nightmares.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that patients with parasomnia might share common waking personality traits associated to reward-related brain functions. They also provide further support to the notion that reward-seeking networks are active during human sleep.

Free Article PMID: 26287974 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

27. BMC Infect Dis. 2015 Aug 19;15(1):355. doi: 10.1186/s12879-015-1102-x. Personality disorders do not affect treatment outcomes for chronic HCV infection in Spanish prisoners: the Perseo study.

Marco A1,2, Antón JJ3, Trujols J4, Saíz de la Hoya P5, de Juan J6, Faraco I7, Caylà JA8,9; Perseo Group.

Author information:

 1Barcelona Men's Penitentiary Health Services, Barcelona, Spain. [email protected].  2CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain. [email protected].  3Albolote Penitentiary Health Services, Granada, Spain. [email protected].  4Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute (IIB Sant Pau), CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain. [email protected].  5Fontcalent Penitentiary Health Services, Alicante, Spain. [email protected].  6Córdoba Penitentiary Health Services, Córdoba, Spain. [email protected].  7Sevilla Penitentiary Health Services, Sevilla, Spain. [email protected].  8CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain. [email protected].  9Epidemiology Service, Barcelona Public Health Agency, Plaza Lesseps 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The link between infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and personality disorders (PD) has not been investigated in detail. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of HCV treatment in prisoners with and without PD.

METHODS:

We performed a prospective multicentre study in inmates from 25 Spanish prisons who had been treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin in 2011. PD diagnosis was based on the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+. We calculated adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) using logistic regression.

RESULTS:

The sample included 236 patients (mean age: 40.3 years, 92.8 % male, 79.2 % intravenous drug users, and 26.3 % HIV-coinfected). The prevalence of PD was 72.5 %. 32.2 % of patients discontinued treatment; this percentage was higher in patients with HCV genotypes 1/4 (AOR = 3.55; CI:1.76-7.18) and those without PD (AOR = 2.51; 1.23-5.11). Treatment discontinuation was mainly for penitentiary reasons (40.3 %): release or transfer between prisons. The rate of sustained viral response (SVR) was 52.1 % by ITT and 76.9 % by observed treatment (OT). SVR was higher among patients with genotype 2 or 3, and those with low baseline HCV-RNA. We did not observe any differences between individuals with and without PD in term of SVR, HCV genotype or HIV infection.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results support the safety and clinical effectiveness of the treatment of chronic HCV infection in correctional facilities, both in prisoners with PD and those without. Our data support non-discrimination between patients with and without PD when offering treatment for HCV infection to prison inmates.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

Trial registration number (TRN) NCT01900886 . Date of registration: July 8, 2013.

PMCID: PMC4545785 Free PMC Article PMID: 26286450 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

28. Nurs Stand. 2015 Aug 19;29(51):15. doi: 10.7748/ns.29.51.15.s19. Depression is a likely issue in patients treated for mental health asking for euthanasia.

[No authors listed]

Abstract Patients with mental health problems in Belgium who request help to die on the grounds of 'unbearable suffering' are most likely to be living with depression and personality disorders, a study suggests. PMID: 26285971 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

29. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Aug 6:PSYD1500266. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.08.008. [Epub ahead of print] History of sexual, emotional or physical abuse and psychiatric comorbidity in substance-dependent patients.

Daigre C1, Rodríguez-Cintas L2, Tarifa N2, Rodríguez-Martos L2, Grau-López L2, Berenguer M3, Casas M4, Roncero C4.

Author information:

 1Addition and Diagnosis Unit (CAS) Vall d'Hebron, Psychiatry Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital-ASPB, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Addition and Diagnosis Unit (CAS) Vall d'Hebron, Psychiatry Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital-ASPB, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Spain.  3Projecte Home Catalunya, Spain.  4Addition and Diagnosis Unit (CAS) Vall d'Hebron, Psychiatry Department, Vall d'Hebron Hospital-ASPB, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract

Sexual, emotional or physical abuse history is a risk factor for mental disorders in addicted patients. However, the relationship between addiction and abuse lifespan is not well known. This study aims to compare clinical and psychopathological features of addicted patients according to the experience of abuse and to the number of different types of abuse suffered. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. 512 addicted patients seeking treatment were included, 45.9% reported abuse throughout life (38.9% emotional, 22.3% physical and 13.5% sexual abuse). It was found that female gender; depressive symptoms and borderline personality disorder were independently associated with history of any abuse throughout life. As well, it was found that 14% have been suffered from all three types of abuse (sexual, emotional and physical), 34.5% from two and 55.5% from one type. Female gender and borderline personality disorder were independently associated independently with a greater number of different types of abuse. Results suggest that history of abuse is frequent among substance-dependent patients and these experiences are more prevalent in women and are associated with more psychiatric comorbidity.

30. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015 Aug 4. pii: S0025-6196(15)00540-6. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.06.016. [Epub ahead of print] Have Treatment Studies of Depression Become Even Less Generalizable?: A Review of the Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Used in Placebo-Controlled Antidepressant Efficacy Trials Published During the Past 20 Years.

Zimmerman M1, Clark HL2, Multach MD2, Walsh E2, Rosenstein LK2, Gazarian D2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the inclusion and exclusion criteria used in antidepressant efficacy trials (AETs) published during the past 5 years with those used in studies published during the previous 15 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We conducted a comprehensive literature review of placebo-controlled AETs published from January 1995 through December 2014. We included trials whether or not the medication has received regulatory approval for the treatment of depression. We compared the inclusion and exclusion criteria of studies published during the past 5 years (2010-2014) with those of studies published during the previous 15 years (1995-2009).

RESULTS:

We identified 170 placebo-controlled AETs published during the past 20 years, 56 of which were published during the past 5 years. The more recent studies were significantly more likely to exclude patients with comorbid Axis I disorders and personality disorders, patients with the episode duration either too long or too short, and patients who had made a suicide attempt in the past. The severity threshold on depression rating scales required for inclusion was higher in the more recent studies.

CONCLUSION:

The inclusion and exclusion criteria of AETs have become more stringent over the past 5 years, thereby suggesting that AETs may be even less generalizable than they were previously (when concerns about their generalizability had already been raised).

31. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2015 Aug 15. [Epub ahead of print] Perceived ethnic discrimination, acculturation, and psychological distress in women of Turkish origin in Germany.

Aichberger MC1, Bromand Z, Rapp MA, Yesil R, Montesinos AH, Temur-Erman S, Heinz A, Schouler-Ocak M.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Campus Mitte, University Medicine Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany, [email protected].

Abstract PURPOSE:

Discrimination is linked to various health problems, including mental disorders like depression and also has a negative effect on the access to mental health care services. Little is known about factors mitigating the association between ethnic discrimination and mental distress.

METHODS:

The present study examined the extent of the relationship between perceived ethnic discrimination and psychological distress among women of Turkish origin residing in Berlin, and explored whether this association is moderated by acculturation strategies while controlling for known predictors of distress in migrant populations.

RESULTS:

A total of 205 women of Turkish origin participated in the study. 55.1 % of the participants reported some degree of ethnic discrimination. The degree of reported discrimination varied according to acculturation. The highest level of ethnic discrimination was found in the second generation separated group and both generations of the marginalized group. Further, the results indicate an association between ethnic discrimination and distress while adjusting for known socio-demographic predictors of distress, migration-related factors, and neuroticism (B = 5.56, 95 % CI 2.44-8.68, p < 0.001). However, the relationship did vary as a function of acculturation strategy, showing an association only in the separated group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings highlight the effects of ethnic discrimination beyond the influence of known risk factor for psychological distress in migrants, such as unemployment, being single, having a limited residence permit or the presence of personality structures that may increase vulnerability for stress responses and mental disorders. PMID: 26276438 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

32. PLoS One. 2015 Aug 14;10(8):e0134865. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134865. eCollection 2015. Generalised Anxiety Disorder - A Twin Study of Genetic Architecture, Genome- Wide Association and Differential Gene Expression.

Davies MN1, Verdi S2, Burri A2, Trzaskowski M 3, Lee M4, Hettema JM4, Jansen R5, Boomsma DI6, Spector TD2.

Author information:

 1Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Translational Oncogenomics Laboratory, Centre for Evolution and Cancer, Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.  2Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.  3Social Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.  4Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America.  5Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Neuroscience Campus, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.  6Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Neuroscience Campus, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Abstract

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common anxiety-related diagnosis, affecting approximately 5% of the adult population. One characteristic of GAD is a high degree of anxiety sensitivity (AS), a personality trait which describes the fear of arousal-related sensations. Here we present a genome-wide association study of AS using a cohort of 730 MZ and DZ female twins. The GWAS showed a significant association for a variant within the RBFOX1 gene. A heritability analysis of the same cohort also confirmed a significant genetic component with h2 of 0.42. Additionally, a subset of the cohort (25 MZ twins discordant for AS) was studied for evidence of differential expression using RNA-seq data. Significant differential expression of two exons with the ITM2B gene within the discordant MZ subset was observed, a finding that was replicated in an independent cohort. While previous research has shown that anxiety has a high comorbidity with a variety of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, our analysis suggests a novel etiology specific to AS.

PMCID: PMC4537268 Free PMC Article PMID: 26274327 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

33. Psychol Med. 2015 Aug 14:1-10. [Epub ahead of print] A longitudinal, population-based twin study of avoidant and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder traits from early to middle adulthood.

Gjerde LC1, Czajkowski N1, Røysamb E1, Ystrom E2, Tambs K1, Aggen SH3, Ørstavik RE1, Kendler KS3, Reichborn-Kjennerud T1, Knudsen GP1.

Author information:

 1Division of Mental Health,Norwegian Institute of Public Health,Oslo,Norway.  2Department of Psychology,University of Oslo,Oslo,Norway.  3Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics,Virginia Commonwealth University,Richmond,VA,USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The phenotypic stability of avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) has previously been found to be moderate. However, little is known about the longitudinal structure of genetic and environmental factors for these disorders separately and jointly, and to what extent genetic and environmental factors contribute to their stability.

METHOD:

AVPD and OCPD criteria were assessed using the Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality in 2793 young adult twins (1385 pairs, 23 singletons) from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Twin Panel at wave 1 and 2282 (986 pairs, 310 singletons) of these on average 10 years later at wave 2. Longitudinal biometric models were fitted to AVPD and OCPD traits.

RESULTS:

For twins who participated at both time-points, the number of endorsed sub-threshold criteria for both personality disorders (PDs) decreased 31% from wave 1 to wave 2. Phenotypic correlations between waves were 0.54 and 0.37 for AVPD and OCPD, respectively. The heritability estimates of the stable PD liabilities were 0.67 for AVPD and 0.53 for OCPD. The genetic correlations were 1.00 for AVPD and 0.72 for OCPD, while the unique environmental influences correlated 0.26 and 0.23, respectively. The correlation between the stable AVPD and OCPD liabilities was 0.39 of which 63% was attributable to genetic influences. Shared environmental factors did not significantly contribute to PD variance at either waves 1 or 2.

CONCLUSION:

Phenotypic stability was moderate for AVPD and OCPD traits, and genetic factors contributed more than unique environmental factors to the stability both within and across phenotypes. PMID: 26273730 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

34. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2015 Aug 14. doi: 10.1111/jpm.12257. [Epub ahead of print] An evaluation of the difficulties and attitudes mental health professionals experience with people with personality disorders.

Eren N1, Şahin S2.

Author information:

 1Social Psychiatry Services, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey.  2Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey.

Abstract

ACCESSIBLE SUMMARY:

What is known on the subject? Many studies indicate that working with people with a personality disorder is a real challenge, which is especially known by professionals, and it also displays different attitudes that can affect their professional stance. There is no specific study examining those difficulties, emotional reactions and attitudes of mental health professionals towards people with a PD in Turkey. What this paper adds to existing knowledge? We examined emotional reactions, difficulties and attitudes of mental health professionals towards people with a PD and also the interaction between these variables. We found a strong relationship between MHWs' feelings of boredom/discontent, guilt/pity and a tendency to display positive behaviours/an inability of establishing boundaries against people with a PD. Besides, a higher level of education resulted in reduced experience of difficulties while working with patients with a diagnosis of 'PD' among nurses. What are the implications for practice? Mental health professionals and especially nurses who spend most of their time working with people with PD in the inpatient services need to be well educated and be experienced in coping with patients' relational problems and emotional fluctuations, and also be aware of their own emotional reactions.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction Working with people with a personality disorder (PD) can arouse strong feelings, and cause difficulties as well as different attitudes among mental health workers (MHWs). While attitudes towards people with PD and the difficulties experienced by MHWs have been previously investigated, the reciprocal relationship between the two has not been thoroughly investigated. Aim/Question This study aims to investigate (1) affective reactions of MHWs to people with personality disorders, (2) the difficulties that MHWs experience while working with these patients, (3) their attitudes towards these patients, and (4) the interaction between these variables. Method The data for this study were collected through a Personal Information Questionnaire, the Difficulty of Working with Personality Disorders Scale and the Attitudes towards Patients with Personality Disorders Scale from 332 MHWs from several mental health clinics in Turkey, all of whom were experienced in working with people with PD. Results The results indicate that the participants described 'difficulty in forming a relationship, understanding the client, and estab lishing cooperation' among the primary reasons of difficulties. This study also shows that there is a strong relationship between MHWs' feelings of boredom/discontent, guilt/pity and a tendency to display positive behaviours/an inability of establishing borders against people with PD. Discussion The findings of this study imply that the level of education, expertise, psychotherapy treatment and clinical supervision of MHWs all affect perceived difficulties and attitudes towards people with PD. It is also noted that among nurses, a higher level of education results in reduced experience of difficulties while working with patients with PD. Implication for practice The results foreground the need for specific skills to be developed in MHWs through theoretical training, case-focused supervision and receiving personal psychotherapy for MHWs.

35. J Gambl Stud. 2015 Aug 14. [Epub ahead of print] The Relationship Between Problem Gambling and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Waluk OR1, Youssef GJ, Dowling NA.

Author information:

 1School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that treatment-seeking problem gamblers display elevated rates of ADHD and that adolescents who screen positive for ADHD are more likely to engage in gambling, develop gambling problems, and experience a greater severity in gambling problems. This study aimed to (a) compare the prevalence of ADHD in treatment-seeking problem gamblers to the general population; (b) investigate the relationships between ADHD and problem gambling severity, cluster B personality disorders, motor impulsivity, alcohol use, substance use, gender, and age; and (c) investigate the degree to which these factors moderate the relationship between ADHD and problem gambling severity. Participants included 214 adults (154 males, 58 females, 2 unspecified) who sought treatment for their gambling problems at a specialist gambling agency in Melbourne, Australia. Almost one- quarter (24.9 %) of treatment-seeking problem gamblers screened positively for ADHD, which was significantly higher than the 14 % prevalence in a community sample. ADHD was significantly positively correlated with problem gambling severity, motor impulsivity, and cluster B personality disorders, but was not associated with alcohol and substance use, gender or age. None of the factors significantly moderated the relationship between ADHD and problem gambling severity. These findings suggest that a considerable proportion of treatment-seeking problem gamblers report ADHD and that their clinical profile is complicated by the presence of high impulsivity and cluster B personality disorders. They highlight the need for specialist gambling agencies to develop screening, assessment, and management protocols for co-occurring ADHD to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. PMID: 26271807 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

36. J Atten Disord. 2015 Aug 12. pii: 1087054715598841. [Epub ahead of print] Psychiatric Comorbidity in Treatment- Seeking Alcohol Dependence Patients With and Without ADHD.

Roncero C1, Ortega L2, Pérez-Pazos J3, Lligoña A2, Abad AC3, Gual A2, Sorribes M3, Grau- López L4, Casas M5, Daigre C4.

Author information:

 1Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain [email protected].  2Institut Clinic de Neurociències, Barcelona, Spain Unitat de Conductes Adictives, Barcelona, Spain.  3Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain.  4Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain Barcelona Public Health Agency (ASPB), Barcelona, Spain Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.  5Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To estimate the prevalence of ADHD in adult patients treated for alcohol dependence and to analyze the characteristics of consumption and psychiatric comorbidity, in function of a possible ADHD in adulthood.

METHOD:

We administered the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to 726 alcohol-dependent patients. Clinical diagnosis, following Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) criteria was made in the first four weeks of treatment. A subsample of 297 patients was evaluated using Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV (CAADID-II) to test the psychometric properties of ASRS.

RESULTS: After analyzing the properties of the ASRS (sensitivity: 83.3%; specificity: 66.1%), the prevalence of ADHD, in the whole sample, was estimated to be 16.2%. Being younger, lifetime history of cocaine dependence and the presence of an affective, anxiety or personality disorder were associated with a possible ADHD.

CONCLUSION:

The estimated prevalence of ADHD in patients being treated for alcohol dependence is high, and the presence of a possible ADHD in adulthood is associated with an increase in psychiatric comorbidity.

37. CNS Spectr. 2015 Aug 13:1-7. [Epub ahead of print] Addictive behaviors and personality traits in adolescents.

Munno D1, Saroldi M1, Bechon E1, Sterpone SC1, Zullo G1.

Author information:

 1Department of Neuroscience,University of Turin,Turin,Italy.

Abstract

Introduction Behavioral addictions refer to repeated dysfunctional behaviors that do not involve the ingestion of addictive substances. Studies on the association between behavioral addictions and personality traits have noted in individuals with problematic behaviors a high proclivity toward impulsivity and sensation-seeking and a low predisposition to harm avoidance. The majority of these studies have focused on adults, while far fewer have involved adolescents.

METHODS:

The study population was 109 high school students (age range 15-18 years) in Turin, Italy. Participants completed an assessment that comprised a demographic questionnaire and 3 self-report questionnaires: the Shorter PROMIS Questionnaire (SPQ), the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Multidimensional Questionnaire for Adolescents (QMA). RESULTS:

A gender-related difference in the risk of developing an addictive behavior was observed, with a significantly higher percentage of risk seen for several addiction tendencies among the males. Statistically significant correlations emerged between some personality determinants and certain addictive behaviors. Discussion The study pinpoints epidemiological indicators for the extent of this growing problem among adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings have implications for identifying protection factors and risk factors for addictive behaviors and related psychiatric disorders, and the development of primary prevention strategies derived from such factors. PMID: 26268304 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

38. Pharmacogenomics. 2015 Aug 12:1-19. [Epub ahead of print] Discussing the putative role of obesity- associated genes in the etiopathogenesis of eating disorders.

Gervasini G1, Gamero-Villarroel C1.

Author information:

 1Department of Medical & Surgical Therapeutics, Division of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Extremadura, Av. Elvas s/n, E-06005, Badajoz, Spain.

Abstract

In addition to the identification of mutations clearly related to Mendelian forms of obesity; genome-wide association studies and follow-up studies have in the last years pinpointed several loci associated with BMI. These genetic alterations are located in or near genes expressed in the hypothalamus that are involved in the regulation of eating behavior. Accordingly, it seems plausible that these SNPs, or others located in related genes, could also help develop aberrant conduct patterns that favor the establishment of eating disorders should other susceptibility factors or personality dimensions be present. However, and somewhat surprisingly, with few exceptions such as BDNF, the great majority of the genes governing these pathways remain untested in patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge-eating disorder. In the present work, we review the few existing studies, but also indications and biological concepts that point to these genes in the CNS as good candidates for association studies with eating disorder patients. PMID: 26265541 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

39. Neuropsychologia. 2015 Aug 8;77:NSYD1500049. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.08.007. [Epub ahead of print] Neuroanatomical correlates of negative emotionality-related traits: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mincic AM1.

Author information:

 1Center for Systems Neurosciences, Department of Preclinical Sciences, University of Oradea, Piata 1 Decembrie nr. 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

Two central traits present in the most influential models of personality characterize the response to positive and, respectively, negative emotional events. Negative emotionality (NE)-related traits are linked to vulnerability to mood and anxiety disorders; this has fuelled a special interest in examining stable differences in brain morphology associated to these traits. Structural imaging methods including voxel-based morphometry, cortical thickness analysis and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) have yielded inconclusive and sometimes contradictory results. This review summarizes the findings reported to date through these methods and discusses them in relation to the functional imaging results. To detect topographic convergence between studies showing positive and, respectively, negative grey matter associations with NE-traits, activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analyses of VBM studies were performed. Individuals scoring high on NE-related traits show consistent morphological differences in a left-lateralized circuit: higher grey matter volume (GMV) in amygdala and anterior parahippocampal gyrus and lower GMV in the orbitofrontal cortex extending into perigenual anterior cingulate cortex. Most DTI studies indicate reduced white matter integrity in various brain regions and tracts, particularly in the uncinate fasciculus and in cingulum bundle. These results show that the behavioural phenotype associated to NE traits is reflected in structural differences within the cortico-limbic system, suggesting alterations in information processing and transmission. The results are discussed from the perspective of neuron-glia interactions. Future directions are outlined based on recent developments in structural imaging techniques.

40. Expert Rev Neurother. 2015 Aug 11:1-13. [Epub ahead of print] Recognition and treatment of neuropsychiatric disturbances in Parkinson's disease.

Akbar U1, Friedman JH.

Author information:

 1Department of Neurology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.

Abstract

41. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2015 Aug 11. [Epub ahead of print] Prevalence of substance use disorders in psychiatric patients: a nationwide Danish population-based study.

Toftdahl NG1, Nordentoft M, Hjorthøj C. Author information:

 1Copenhagen University Hospital, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Kildegårdsvej 28, 2900, Hellerup, Denmark, [email protected].

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The present study established the national prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) among Danish psychiatric patients. Furthermore, patients with SUDs and those without SUDs were compared on a range of socio-demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from several Danish population-based registers. The study population was defined as all individuals with incidents of schizophrenia, schizotypal disorder, other psychoses, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and personality disorders since 1969. The prevalence of SUDs was examined for the following psychoactive substances: alcohol, opioids, cannabis, sedatives, cocaine, psycho-stimulants and hallucinogens.

RESULTS:

A total of 463,003 patients were included in the analysis. The prevalence of any lifetime SUD was: 37 % for schizophrenia, 35 % for schizotypal disorder, 28 % for other psychoses, 32 % for bipolar disorder, 25 % for depression, 25 % for anxiety, 11 % for OCD, 17% for PTSD, and 46 % for personality disorders. Alcohol use disorder was the most dominating SUD in every psychiatric category (25 % of all included patients). Patients with SUDs were more often men, had fewer years of formal education, more often received disability pension and died due to unnatural causes.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study was the most comprehensive of its kind so far to estimate the prevalence of SUDs in an unselected population-based cohort, and it revealed remarkably high prevalence among the psychiatric patients. The results should encourage continuous focus on possible comorbidity of psychiatric patients, as well as specialised and integrated treatment along with increased support of patients with comorbid disorders. PMID: 26260950 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

42. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2015 Aug 11. doi: 10.1002/erv.2391. [Epub ahead of print] Investigation of Oxytocin Secretion in Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa: Relationships to Temperament Personality Dimensions.

Monteleone AM1, Scognamiglio P1, Volpe U1, Di Maso V 1, Monteleone P1,2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy.  2Neurosciences Section, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.

Abstract

Published studies suggested an implication of oxytocin in some temperament characteristics of personality. Therefore, we measured oxytocin secretion in 23 women with anorexia nervosa (AN), 27 with bulimia nervosa (BN) and 19 healthy controls and explored the relationships between circulating oxytocin and patients' personality traits. Plasma oxytocin levels were significantly reduced in AN women but not in BN ones. In healthy women, the attachment subscale scores of the reward dependence temperament and the harm avoidance (HA) scores explained 82% of the variability in circulating oxytocin. In BN patients, plasma oxytocin resulted to be negatively correlated with HA, whereas no significant correlations emerged in AN patients. These findings confirm a dysregulation of oxytocin production in AN but not in BN and show, for the first time, a disruption of the associations between hormone levels and patients' temperament traits, which may have a role in certain deranged behaviours of eating disorder patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

43. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2015 Aug 10:appineuropsych15030045. [Epub ahead of print] Pathological Laughter and Crying and Psychiatric Comorbidity After Traumatic Brain Injury.

Roy D1, McCann U1, Han D1, Rao V1.

Author information:

 1From the Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.

Abstract

There are limited data regarding the incidence of pathological laughter and crying (PLC) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study aimed to identify the occurrence of PLC in the first year after TBI and to determine whether there is a relationship between PLC and other clinical features or demographics. Subjects who sustained a first-time TBI were recruited from acute trauma units and were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months after TBI. Rates of PLC at 3, 6, and 12 months after TBI were 21.4%, 17.5%, and 15.5%, respectively. Patients with PLC had higher percentages of psychiatric diagnoses, including personality changes, depressive disorders, and mood disorders secondary to a general medical condition, as well as higher rates of posttraumatic stress disorder. Univariate logistic and linear regression analyses indicated a significant association between PLC and scores on the Clinical Anxiety Scale 3 months after TBI and on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 12 months after TBI. Individuals who have PLC during the first year after TBI are more likely to have any psychiatric diagnosis as well as higher rates of mood and anxiety symptoms. In addition, PLC in the early TBI period may serve as a predictor of depression and anxiety symptoms at 12 months after TBI. PMID: 26258492 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

44. Clin Obes. 2015 Aug 10. doi: 10.1111/cob.12112. [Epub ahead of print] Personality, attrition and weight loss in treatment seeking women with obesity.

Dalle Grave R1, Calugi S1, Compare A2, El Ghoch M1, Petroni ML3, Colombari S4, Minniti A5, Marchesini G6. Author information:

 1Department of Eating and Weight Disorders, Villa Garda Hospital, Garda (VR), Italy.  2Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo and Human Factors and Technology in Healthcare Research Centre, Bergamo, Italy.  3Obesity & Clinical Nutrition Centre, Villa Igea Hospital, Forlì, Italy.  4Unità Operativa Complessa di Diabetologia, Dietologia e Nutrizione Clinica dell'Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.  5Department of Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.  6Unit of Metabolic Diseases, 'Alma Mater Studiorum' University, Bologna, Italy.

Abstract

Studies on small samples or in single units applying specific treatment programmes found an association between some personality traits and attrition and weight loss in individuals treated for obesity. We aimed to investigate whether pre-treatment personality traits were associated with weight loss outcomes in the general population of women with obesity. Attrition and weight loss outcomes after 12 months were measured in 634 women with obesity (mean age, 48; body mass index (BMI), 37.8 kg m-2 ) seeking treatment at eight Italian medical centres, applying different medical/cognitive behavioural programmes. Personality traits were assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), eating disorder features with the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ). Within the 12-month observation period, 32.3% of cases were lost to follow-up. After adjustment for demographic confounders and the severity of eating disorders, no TCI personality traits were significantly associated with attrition, while low scores of the novelty seeking temperament scale remained significantly associated with weight loss ≥10% (odds ratio, 0.983; 95% confidence interval, 0.975-0.992). Additional adjustment for education and job did not change the results. We conclude that personality does not systematically influence attrition in women with obesity enrolled into weight loss programmes in the community, whereas an association is maintained between novelty seeking and weight loss outcome. Studies adapting obesity interventions on the basis of individual novelty seeking scores might be warranted to maximize the results on body weight.

45. Assessment. 2015 Aug 7. pii: 1073191115599054. [Epub ahead of print] On the Measure and Mismeasure of Narcissism: A Response to "Measures of Narcissism and Their Relations to DSM-5 Pathological Traits: A Critical Reappraisal".

Wright AG1.

Author information:

 1University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA [email protected].

Abstract

Narcissism continues to suffer from a lack of consensual definition. Variability in the definition is reflected in the growing multitude of measures with oftentimes diverging nomological nets. Although the themes of narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability appear to have achieved reasonable agreement on their central importance, the lower order structure of each is not well understood and debates remain about how (and whether) they can be integrated into a coherent whole. However, it is clear that a narrow focus on higher order grandiosity without consideration of concomitant vulnerability neglects clinically important features of narcissism. Occasioned by the potential for a new personality disorder model in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth edition, several colleagues and I demonstrated that pathological narcissism, as measured by the Pathological Narcissism Inventory, could not be adequately summarized by the lower order traits of Grandiosity and Attention Seeking, and argued that this should be reflected in the diagnostic manual in some form. Miller, Lynam, and Campbell then subjected these same data to critical reanalysis and interpretation. I respond here to several points raised by Miller and colleagues. In so doing, I highlight areas of agreement, disagreement, and suggest directions for future research.

46. Physiol Behav. 2015 Aug 5;151:279-283. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.07.039. [Epub ahead of print] The COMT val158met polymorphism in ultra-endurance athletes.

van Breda K1, Collins M2, Stein DJ3, Rauch L2. Author information:

 1Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, South Africa.  3Department of Psychiatry, MRC Unit on Anxiety & Stress Disorders, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Abstract

Chronic levels of physical activity have been associated with increased dopamine (D2) receptors resulting in increased sensitivity to dopamine release. The catechol-O- methyltransferase enzyme, responsible for dopamine degradation, contains a functional polymorphism, which plays an important role in dopamine regulation within the prefrontal cortex. This polymorphism has previously been shown to affect human cognition and personality. However, the effect of this polymorphism has not been shown in ultra- endurance athletes.

AIM:

To examine the association of the COMT val158met variant with personality traits (harm avoidance, novelty seeking, reward dependence, resilience) and psychological distress (K10) of habitual physically active Ironman athletes compared to recreationally active controls.

METHODS:

51 ultra-endurance Ironman athletes and 56 recreationally active controls were genotyped for the catechol-O-methyltransferase val158met polymorphism. Of the 107 participants, 55 ultra- endurance athletes and 32 recreationally active controls completed online personality questionnaires (harm avoidance, novelty seeking, reward dependence, resilience) and a psychological distress questionnaire (K10).

RESULTS:

The personality trait, harm avoidance (p=0.001) and psychological distress (p=0.003) were significantly lower in Ironman athlete participants. Novelty seeking was significantly higher (p=0.02) in Ironman athlete participants with a significantly higher (p=0.04) score in Met158 homozygous allele carriers.

CONCLUSION:

Chronic levels of physical activity, as seen in ultra-endurance athletes, show increased novelty seeking scores in Met158 homozygous allele carriers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. PMID: 26253211 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

47. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2015 Aug 6. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12449. [Epub ahead of print] Practitioner Review: Borderline personality disorder in adolescence: recent conceptualization, intervention, and implications for clinical practice.

Sharp C1, Fonagy P2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Houston, and The Menninger Clinic, Houston, Texas, USA.  2Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, and The Anna Freud Centre, London, UK.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The past decade has seen an unprecedented increase in research activity on personality disorders (PDs) in adolescents. The increase in research activity, in addition to major nosological systems legitimizing the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in adolescents, highlights the need to communicate new research on adolescent personality problems to practitioners.

SCOPE:

In this review, we provide up-to-date information on the phenomenology, prevalence, associated clinical problems, etiology, and intervention for BPD in adolescents. Our aim was to provide a clinically useful practitioner review and to dispel long-held myths about the validity, diagnostic utility, and treatability of PDs in adolescents.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION: Alongside providing up-to-date information on the phenomenology, prevalence, and etiology, we also report on associated clinical problems and interventions for adolescent BPD. It is only through early active assessment and identification of youngsters with these problems that a lifetime of personal suffering and health system burden can be reduced or altogether avoided. A variety of evidence-based approaches are now available to treat BPD and related clinical problems in young people. Future research should focus on establishing optimal precision in the diagnostic processes in different treatment settings.

© 2015 The Authors. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. PMID: 26251037 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

48. PLoS One. 2015 Aug 6;10(8):e0135150. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135150. eCollection 2015. Interview Investigation of Insecure Attachment Styles as Mediators between Poor Childhood Care and Schizophrenia- Spectrum Phenomenology.

Sheinbaum T1, Bifulco A2, Ballespí S1, Mitjavila M1, Kwapil TR3, Barrantes-Vidal N4.

Author information:

 1Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.  2Department of Psychology, Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom.  3Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States of America.  4Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States of America; Sant Pere Claver-Fundació Sanitària, Barcelona, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Insecure attachment styles have received theoretical attention and some initial empirical support as mediators between childhood adverse experiences and psychotic phenomena; however, further specificity needs investigating. The present interview study aimed to examine (i) whether two forms of poor childhood care, namely parental antipathy and role reversal, were associated with subclinical positive and negative symptoms and schizophrenia-spectrum personality disorder (PD) traits, and (ii) whether such associations were mediated by specific insecure attachment styles.

METHOD:

A total of 214 nonclinical young adults were interviewed for subclinical symptoms (Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States), schizophrenia-spectrum PDs (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders), poor childhood care (Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Interview), and attachment style (Attachment Style Interview). Participants also completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II and all the analyses were conducted partialling out the effects of depressive symptoms.

RESULTS:

Both parental antipathy and role reversal were associated with subclinical positive symptoms and with paranoid and schizotypal PD traits. Role reversal was also associated with subclinical negative symptoms. Angry-dismissive attachment mediated associations between antipathy and subclinical positive symptoms and both angry-dismissive and enmeshed attachment mediated associations of antipathy with paranoid and schizotypal PD traits. Enmeshed attachment mediated associations of role reversal with paranoid and schizotypal PD traits.

CONCLUSIONS:

Attachment theory can inform lifespan models of how adverse developmental environments may increase the risk for psychosis. Insecure attachment provides a promising mechanism for understanding the development of schizophrenia-spectrum phenomenology and may offer a useful target for prophylactic intervention.

PMCID: PMC4527722 Free PMC Article PMID: 26247601 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

49. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2015 Aug 4. pii: nsv098. [Epub ahead of print] Threat-related amygdala functional connectivity is associated with 5-HTTLPR genotype and neuroticism.

Madsen MK1, Mc Mahon B1, Andersen SB1, Siebner HR2, Knudsen GM3, Fisher PM1.

Author information:

 1Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen O, DENMARK; Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen O, DENMARK;  2Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen O, DENMARK; Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, 2650 Hvidovre, DENMARK, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, 2400 Copenhagen NW, DENMARK.  3Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen O, DENMARK; Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen O, DENMARK; [email protected].

Abstract

Communication between the amygdala and other brain regions critically regulates sensitivity to threat, which has been associated with risk for mood and affective disorders. The extent to which these neural pathways are genetically determined or correlate with risk-related personality measures is not fully understood. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we evaluated independent and interactive effects of the 5-HTTLPR genotype and neuroticism on amygdala functional connectivity during an emotional faces paradigm in 76 healthy individuals. Functional connectivity between left amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and between both amygdalae and a cluster including posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus and visual cortex was significantly increased in 5-HTTLPR S' allele carriers relative to LALA individuals. Neuroticism was negatively correlated with functional connectivity between right amygdala and mPFC and visual cortex, and between both amygdalae and left lateral orbitofrontal (lOFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC). Notably, 5-HTTLPR moderated the association between neuroticism and functional connectivity between both amygdalae and left lOFC/vlPFC, such that S' carriers exhibited a more negative association relative to LALA individuals. These findings provide novel evidence for both independent and interactive effects of 5-HTTLPR genotype and neuroticism on amygdala communication, which may mediate effects on risk for mood and affective disorders. © The Author (2015). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: [email protected]. PMID: 26245837 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

50. BMJ Case Rep. 2015 Aug 5;2015. pii: bcr2015209954. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2015-209954. Foreign bodies in the abdomen: self-harm and personality disorders.

Dunphy L1, Syed F1, Raja M1.

Author information:

 1Department of Surgery, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes, UK.

Abstract

A 52-year-old woman presented to the accident and emergency department 5 h after deliberately stabbing herself with two pens through her midline laparotomy scar. Her medical history included an emotionally unstable (borderline) personality disorder and she was currently an inpatient in a psychiatric hospital. She had multiple accident and emergency attendances with previous episodes of self-harm. Clinical examination revealed evidence of trauma to her midline laparotomy scar with congealed blood covering the puncture site. Her abdomen was soft and non-tender on palpation. A chest radiograph revealed no air beneath her diaphragm and her abdominal radiograph identified a radiopacity in her upper right abdomen and dilated loops of small bowel. CT of the abdomen and pelvis confirmed two pens, with the lower pen tip reaching the pancreas. A midline laparotomy was performed and both foreign bodies were extricated unremarkably. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. The second case involves a 22-year-old woman, a psychiatric hospital resident, presenting to the accident and emergency department 5 h after deliberately inserting the metal nib and inner plastic ink containing tube of a pen through her umbilicus. Her medical history included an emotionally unstable (borderline) personality disorder and paranoid schizophrenia. She had multiple accident and emergency department attendances with previous episodes of self-harm. Clinical examination revealed a soft, non-tender abdomen. Her chest radiograph was unremarkable and her abdominal radiograph identified a radiopaque foreign body at the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. CT of the abdomen and pelvis confirmed a metallic foreign body in the small bowel mesentery. An exploratory laparotomy converted to a midline laparotomy was performed and the foreign body was extricated. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. 2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. PMID: 26245285 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

51. Behav Pharmacol. 2015 Aug 3. [Epub ahead of print] Effects of oxytocin on aggressive responding in healthy adult men.

Alcorn JL 3rd1, Green CE, Schmitz J, Lane SD.

Author information:

 1aDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine bProgram in Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences cCenter for Neurobehavioral Research on Addiction, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA.

Abstract

This study investigated the acute effects of oxytocin (OT) on human aggression using a well- established laboratory measure of state (reactive) aggression to test the hypothesis that OT would decrease the frequency of aggressive responding. In a within-subject design, 17 healthy male volunteers received placebo or 24 IU of intranasal OT. Aggression was measured using the Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm at 30 min before and 30, 60, and 90 min after dose. Acute OT did not produce a significant main effect on aggressive behavior. OT attenuated the expected rise in diastolic blood pressure from morning to early afternoon observed under placebo, providing a possible indication of biological activity. Examination of individual differences showed that aggressive responding following OT dosing (but not placebo) was positively correlated with psychometric measures of interpersonal manipulation and anger (Pearson's r=0.57), indicating that higher scores on these antisocial personality traits were related to increased aggressive behavior following OT administration. These preliminary results stand in contrast to previous work on the prosocial effects of OT and highlight the need for further understanding of individual differences in aggression following OT administration. Such individual differences may have implications for the therapeutic use of OT in individuals with psychiatric disorders and dysfunctional social behavior. PMID: 26241153 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

52. BMC Psychiatry. 2015 Aug 4;15:187. doi: 10.1186/s12888-015-0545-3. Prevalence and characteristics of suicide attempters and ideators among acutely admitted psychiatric hospital patients in northwest Russia and northern Norway.

Sørlie T1,2, Sørgaard KW3,4, Bogdanov A5,6, Bratlid T7, Rezvy G8,9.

Author information:

 1Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9037, Tromsø, Norway. [email protected].  2Department of General Psychiatry, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway. [email protected].  3Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9037, Tromsø, Norway. [email protected].  4Nordland Hospital Trust, 8092, Bodø, Norway. [email protected].  5Archangelsk Clinical Psychiatric Hospital, Archangelsk, Russia. [email protected].  6North State Medical University, Archangels, Russia. [email protected].  7Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9037, Tromsø, Norway. [email protected].  8Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9037, Tromsø, Norway. [email protected].  9Nordland Hospital Trust, 8092, Bodø, Norway. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

More knowledge about suicidality and suicide risk profiles in acute psychiatric hospital patients (both first-time and chronic patients) is needed. While numerous factors are associated with suicidality in such populations, these may differ across cultures. Better understanding of factors underlying suicide risk can be informed by cross-cultural studies, and can aid development of therapeutic and preventive measures.

METHODS:

An explorative, cross-sectional cohort study was carried out. Acutely admitted patients at one psychiatric hospital in northwest Russia and two in northern Norway were included. At admission, demographic, clinical, and service use data were collected, in addition to an assessment of suicidal ideation and attempts, comprising five dichotomic questions. Data from 358 Norwegian and 465 Russian patients were analyzed with univariate and multivariate statistics. Within each cohort, attempters and ideators were compared with patients not reporting any suicidality.

RESULTS:

The observed prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts was significantly higher in the Norwegian cohort than in the Russian cohort (χ(2) = 168.1, p < 0,001). Norwegian suicidal ideators and attempters had more depressed moods, more personality disorders, and greater problems with alcohol/drugs, but fewer psychotic disorders, cognitive problems or overactivity than non-suicidal patients. Russian suicidal ideators and attempters were younger, more often unemployed, had more depressed mood and adjustment disorders, but had fewer psychotic disorders and less alcohol/drug use than the non-suicidal patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Rates of suicidal ideation and non-fatal attempts in Norwegian patients were intermediate between those previously reported for patients admitted for the first time and those typical of chronic patients. However, the significantly lower rates of suicidal ideation and non-fatal attempts in our Russian cohort as compared with the Norwegian, contrasted with what might be expected in a region with much higher suicide rates than in northern Norway. We suggest that suicide-related stigma in Russia may reduce both patient reporting and clinicians' recognition of suicidality. In both cohorts, overlapping risk profiles of ideators and attempters may indicate that ideators should be carefully evaluated and monitored, particularly those with depressed moods, alcohol/substance abuse disorders, and inadequate treatment continuity.

PMCID: PMC4524124 Free PMC Article PMID: 26239359 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

53. Meta Gene. 2015 Jun 30;5:120-3. doi: 10.1016/j.mgene.2015.06.006. eCollection 2015. Androgen receptor gene polymorphism in zebra species.

Ito H1, Langenhorst T2, Ogden R3, Inoue-Murayama M4.

Author information:

 1Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Japan ; Kyoto City Zoo, Japan.  2Marwell Wildlife, United Kingdom.  3Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Japan ; Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, United Kingdom.  4Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Japan ; Wildlife Genome Collaborative Research Group, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan.

Abstract

Androgen receptor genes (AR) have been found to have associations with reproductive development, behavioral traits, and disorders in humans. However, the influence of similar genetic effects on the behavior of other animals is scarce. We examined the loci AR glutamine repeat (ARQ) in 44 Grevy's zebras, 23 plains zebras, and three mountain zebras, and compared them with those of domesticated horses. We observed polymorphism among zebra species and between zebra and horse. As androgens such as testosterone influence aggressiveness, AR polymorphism among equid species may be associated with differences in levels of aggression and tameness. Our findings indicate that it would be useful to conduct further studies focusing on the potential association between AR and personality traits, and to understand domestication of equid species.

PMCID: PMC4501558 Free PMC Article PMID: 26236645 [PubMed] Similar articles

1. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Oct;203(10):804-808. Sex Bias in Classifying Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Braamhorst W1, Lobbestael J, Emons WH, Arntz A, Witteman CL, Bekker MH.

Author information:

 1*Mental Health Institute Reinier van Arkel, 's-Hertogenbosch; †Maastricht University; ‡Tilburg University; §University of Amsterdam; and ∥Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Abstract

This study investigated sex bias in the classification of borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. A sample of psychologists in training for a post-master degree (N = 180) read brief case histories (male or female version) and made DSM classification. To differentiate sex bias due to sex stereotyping or to base rate variation, we used different case histories, respectively: (1) non-ambiguous case histories with enough criteria of either borderline or narcissistic personality disorder to meet the threshold for classification, and (2) an ambiguous case with subthreshold features of both borderline and narcissistic personality disorder. Results showed significant differences due to sex of the patient in the ambiguous condition. Thus, when the diagnosis is not straightforward, as in the case of mixed subthreshold features, sex bias is present and is influenced by base-rate variation. These findings emphasize the need for caution in classifying personality disorders, especially borderline or narcissistic traits. PMID: 26421970 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Sep 25. pii: S0165-1781(15)30378-4. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.09.033. [Epub ahead of print] Relationship between personality traits and perceived internalized stigma in bipolar patients and their treatment partners.

Bassirnia A1, Briggs J2, Kopeykina I2, Mednick A2, Yaseen Z2, Galynker I2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, First Ave and 16th Street, New York, NY 10003, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, First Ave and 16th Street, New York, NY 10003, USA.

Abstract

Internalized stigma of mental disorders has significant negative outcomes for patients with bipolar disorder and their families. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between personality traits and internalized stigma of mental disorders in bipolar patients and their treatment partners. Five different questionnaires were utilized in this study: (1) Demographic data questionnaire, (2) Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III) for personality traits, (3) Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) for stigma, (4) Self Report Manic Inventory (SRMI) for mania and (5) Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) for depression. The scores of personality traits were combined to create externalizing and internalizing personality trait scores. Results showed that patients with bipolar disorder and their treatment partners both experienced internalized stigma of mental health disorders. There was a significant positive correlation between internalized stigma and internalizing personality traits, but not externalizing traits. In a multi-variate regression analysis, internalizing personality trait score was found to be a significant predictor of internalized stigma. In conclusion, patients with bipolar disorder and their treatment partners perceive higher level of internalized stigma of mental disorders if they have internalizing personality traits.

3. Depress Anxiety. 2015 Sep 29. doi: 10.1002/da.22429. [Epub ahead of print] CHILDHOOD MALTREATMENT AND THE COURSE OF DEPRESSIVE AND ANXIETY DISORDERS: THE CONTRIBUTION OF PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS.

Hovens JG1, Giltay EJ1, van Hemert AM1, Penninx BW1, 2,3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.  2VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  3Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We investigated the effect of childhood maltreatment on predicting the 4-year course of depressive and anxiety disorders and the possible mediating role of personality characteristics in the association between childhood maltreatment and illness course.

METHODS:

Longitudinal data in a large sample of participants with baseline depressive and/or anxiety disorders (n = 1,474, 18-65 years) were collected in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. At baseline, childhood maltreatment was assessed with a semistructured interview. Personality trait questionnaires (Neuroticism-Extroversion-Openness Five Factor Inventory, Mastery scale, and Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity), recent stressful life events (List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire), and psychosocial variables were administered. The Life Chart Interview was used to determine the time to remission of depressive and/or anxiety disorders.

RESULTS:

At baseline, 846 participants (57.4%) reported any childhood maltreatment. Childhood maltreatment had a negative impact on psychosocial functioning and was predictive of more unfavorable personality characteristics and cognitive reactivity styles (P < 0.001). Childhood maltreatment was a significant predictor of lower likelihood of remission of depressive and/or anxiety disorders (HR = 0.94, P < 0.001). High levels of neuroticism, hopelessness, external locus of control, and low levels of extraversion were mediating the relationship between childhood maltreatment and 4-year remission of depressive and anxiety disorders.

CONCLUSIONS:

Certain personality characteristics are key players in the mechanism linking childhood maltreatment to an adverse illness course of depressive and anxiety disorders. Early interventions-reducing neuroticism and hopelessness, and enhancing extraversion and locus of control-might contribute to a better prognosis in a "high-risk" group of depressive and anxiety disorders.

4. Bipolar Disord. 2015 Sep 29. doi: 10.1111/bdi.12338. [Epub ahead of print] Suicide attempts in major depressive episode: evidence from the BRIDGE-II-Mix study.

Popovic D1, Vieta E1, Azorin JM2, Angst J3, Bowden CL4, Mosolov S5, Young AH6, Perugi G7.

Author information:

 1Barcelona Bipolar Disorders Program, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.  2Hôpital Sainte-Marguerite, Marseille, France.  3Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.  4University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.  5Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry, Moscow, Russia.  6King's College, London, UK.  7Dipartmento di Medicina Sperimentale, Clinica Psichiatrica, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

The Bipolar Disorders: Improving Diagnosis, Guidance, and Education (BRIDGE-II-Mix) study aimed to estimate the frequency of mixed states in patients with a major depressive episode (MDE) according to different definitions and to compare their clinical validity, looking into specific features such as suicidality.

METHODS:

A total of 2,811 subjects were enrolled in this multicenter cross-sectional study. Psychiatric symptoms, and sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected. The analysis compared the characteristics of patients with MDE with (MDE-SA group) and without (MDE- NSA) a history of suicide attempts.

RESULTS:

The history of suicide attempts was registered in 628 patients (22.34%). In the MDE-SA group, women (72.5%, p = 0.028), (hypo)mania in first-degree relatives (20.5%, p < 0.0001), psychotic features (15.1%, p < 0.0001), and atypical features (9.2%, p = 0.009) were more prevalent. MDE-SA patients' previous responses to treatment with antidepressants included more (hypo)manic switches [odds ratio (OR) = 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.58-2.44, p < 0.0001], treatment resistance (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.72-2.49, p < 0.0001), mood lability (OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.65-2.39, p < 0.0001), and irritability (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.48-2.17, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis evidenced that risky behavior, psychomotor agitation and impulsivity, and borderline personality and substance use disorders were the variables most frequently associated with previous suicide attempts. In the MDE-SA group, 75 patients (11.9%) fulfilled Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 criteria for MDE with mixed features, and 250 patients (39.8%) fulfilled research-based diagnostic criteria for a mixed depressive episode.

CONCLUSIONS:

Important differences between MDE-SA and MDE-NSA patients have emerged. Early identification of symptoms such as risky behavior, psychomotor agitation, and impulsivity in patients with MDE, and treatment of mixed depressive states could represent a major step in suicide prevention.

5. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Sep 8. pii: S0165-1781(15)30283-3. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.09.004. [Epub ahead of print] Transdiagnostic psychiatric symptoms related to visual evoked potential abnormalities.

Bedwell JS1, Butler PD2, Chan CC3, Trachik BJ3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA.  3Department of Psychology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.

Abstract

Visual processing abnormalities have been reported across a range of psychotic and mood disorders, but are typically examined within a particular disorder. The current study used a novel transdiagnostic approach to examine diagnostic classes, clinician-rated current symptoms, and self-reported personality traits in relation to visual processing abnormalities. We examined transient visual-evoked potentials (VEPs) from 48 adults (56% female), representing a wide range of psychotic and mood disorders, as well as individuals with no history of psychiatric disorder. Stimuli were low contrast check arrays presented on green and red backgrounds. Pairwise comparisons between individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD), chronic mood disorders (CMD), and nonpsychiatric controls (NC) revealed no overall differences for either P1 or N1 amplitude. However, there was a significant interaction with the color background in which the NC group showed a significant increase in P1 amplitude to the red, vs. green, background, while the SSD group showed no change. This was related to an increase in social anhedonia and general negative symptoms. Stepwise regressions across the entire sample revealed that individuals with greater apathy and/or eccentric behavior had a reduced P1 amplitude. These relationships provide clues for uncovering the underlying causal pathology for these transdiagnostic symptoms.

6. J Affect Disord. 2015 Sep 10;188:319-323. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.009. [Epub ahead of print] The role of comorbidities in duration of untreated illness for bipolar spectrum disorders.

Murru A1, Primavera D2, Oliva M2, Meloni ML2, Vieta E3, Carpiniello B2.

Author information:

 1Bipolar Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, c/Villaroel 170, esc. 12 pl. 0, 08036 Barcelona (ES), Catalonia, Spain.  2Department of Public Health, Section of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Clinic, University of Cagliari, Via Liguria 13, 09127 Cagliari, Italy.  3Bipolar Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, c/Villaroel 170, esc. 12 pl. 0, 08036 Barcelona (ES), Catalonia, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Growing interest has been given to the construct of Duration of untreated illness (DUI) on the outcome of bipolar disorder (BD), due to its potentially modifiable nature. The aim of this study was to identify possible clinical correlates of DUI in a sample of BD patients.

METHOD:

119 BD spectrum patients included. DUI rate was calculated and dichotomized into short DUI and long DUI subgroups, cut-off 24 months. These subgroups were compared for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Significant results were included into direct logistic regressions to assess their impact on the likelihood of presenting with long DUI.

RESULTS:

Mean DUI±SD was 75.6±98.3 months. Short DUI subgroup comprised 56 (47.1%), long DUI 60 (52.9%) patients. Age at onset of BD was lower in the long DUI subgroup (p=0.021), illness duration longer (p=0.011). Long DUI subgroup showed significantly more comorbidity with Axis I (p=0.002) and personality disorders (p=0.017), less interepisodic recovery (p<0.001) and less Manic Predominant Polarity (p=0.009). Direct logistic regression as a full model was significant, correctly classifying 76.7% of cases. A unique statistically significant contribution was made by: Manic Predominant Polarity, Personality Disorder Comorbidity, and Total Changes in Medications.

LIMITATIONS:

Partial retrospective data, cross sectional study.

CONCLUSIONS:

DUI was longer than 24 months in half of the sample. Psychotic /Manic onset contributed to a quick diagnostic classification. Personality disorders in depressed patients could delay a correct diagnosis of BD, factors associated with an increased likelihood of BD must be considered. More research on personality disorder comorbidities is needed.

7. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2015 Sep 17;2:12. doi: 10.1186/s40479-015- 0033-x. eCollection 2015. Personality disorders and violence: what is the link?

Howard R1.

Author information:

 1Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham Innovation Park, Jubilee Campus, Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU UK.

Abstract

Despite a well-documented association between personality disorders (PDs) and violence, the relationship between them is complicated by the high comorbidity of mental disorders, the heterogeneity of violence (particularly in regard to its motivation), and differing views regarding the way PDs are conceptualised and measured. In particular, it remains unclear whether there is a causal relationship between PDs and violence, and what the psychological mechanisms might be that mediate such a relationship. Here, a perspective on PD and violence is offered that views the relationship between them through the lenses of the Five Factor Model of personality and a quadripartite typology of violence. Evidence is reviewed suggesting that emotion dysregulation/impulsiveness, psychopathy, and delusional ideation conjointly contribute to the increased risk of violence shown by people with PD, and do so by contributing to a broad severity dimension of personality dysfunction. This view is consistent with the abandonment of personality disorder categories in the forthcoming eleventh edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), where severity of personality disorder is defined in terms of the degree of harm to self and others.

PMCID: PMC4579506 Free PMC Article PMID: 26401314 [PubMed] Similar articles

8. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2015 Sep 23. [Epub ahead of print] Parenting stress and postpartum depression/anxiety in mothers with personality disorders: indications for differential intervention priorities.

Ramsauer B1, Mühlhan C2, Mueller J2, Schulte-Markwort M2.

Author information:

 1University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany. [email protected].  2University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.

Abstract

To date, parenting stress has rarely been examined in clinical samples of mothers with postpartum comorbid Axis-I disorders and Axis-II personality disorders (PD). Previous research has shown important links between maternal psychopathology and the development of child psychopathology. For these reasons, a clinical sample (N = 54) of mothers with various PD and comorbid depression/anxiety disorders were compared in this study. The clinical sample was divided into three groups based on PD: without PD, other PD, and borderline PD (BPD), and then matched according to depression/anxiety diagnoses and age. Parenting stress index (PSI, Abidin, 1995) scores were compared between these subsamples and to a nonclinical control group. No significant differences were found between mothers with various PD on global PSI scores. However, further examination of the PSI subscale scores revealed that PD were linked to an impaired sense of competence and positive reinforcement in relation to parenting. Compared to mothers with other PD, mothers with BPD had significantly more interpersonal issues. Compared to the nonclinical controls, clinically referred mothers had significantly higher PSI global and subscale scores, with notable PD-specific exceptions. These results illustrate the need for more differentiated treatment options for mothers with postpartum depression and/or anxiety disorders with PD to prevent later development of psychopathology in children of these mothers. PMID: 26400074 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

9. Neuropsychiatr. 2015 Sep 23. [Epub ahead of print] Self-reported and performance based perfectionism in mothers of individuals with Anorexia Nervosa: a pilot study.

Lloyd S1, Schmidt U1,2, Simic M2, Tchanturia K3,4,5.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.  2Eating Disorders National Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.  3Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK. [email protected].  4Eating Disorders National Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. [email protected].  5Illia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Perfectionism is implicated in the development and maintenance of Anorexia Nervosa and there is some evidence that perfectionism may be elevated in family members. However to date there are no studies investigating behavioural aspects of perfectionism in unaffected mothers.

METHODS:

Forty-one participants took part in this pilot study: 21 unaffected mothers of individuals with Anorexia Nervosa and 20 healthy control mothers. Participants completed two performance based tasks assessing perfectionism-a text replication task and a bead sorting task-along with self-report measures of perfectionism.

RESULTS:

No group differences were found between unaffected AN mothers and HC mothers on performance measures of perfectionism.

DISCUSSION:

The findings are discussed in relation to existing studies and clinical implications explored. PMID: 26399933 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

10. Psychosom Med. 2015 Sep 18. [Epub ahead of print] Impact of Adolescent Personality Disorders on Obesity 17 Years Later.

Chen L1, Huang Y, Kasen S, Skodol A, Cohen P, Chen H.

Author information:

 1From the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (L. Chen, Huang, H. Chen), College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics (L. Chen), H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida; Departments of Psychiatry (Kasen, Skodol, Cohen) and Epidemiology (Cohen), Columbia University, New York, New York; and Division of Epidemiology (Kasen, Cohen), New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate associations between adolescent personality disorder (PD) and obesity 17 years later.

METHODS:

The Children in the Community is a longitudinal study based on a randomly sampled cohort of families, in effect since 1975. PDs were assessed in youths by self-report and mother report in 1985 to 1986, when participants were at an average age of 16 years. Obesity was assessed in 2001 to 2004 when participants were an average age of 33 years (n = 621).

RESULTS:

Prevalence of obesity was 16.59% (103/621) at an average age of 33 years. Prevalence of any adolescent PD was 17.55% (109/621) at an average age of 16 years. Adolescents who had any PD were 1.84 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-3.22) times as likely to be obese 17 years later after adjusting for demographic variables and known risk factors. Paranoid, histrionic, and obsessive-compulsive PDs in adolescence were significantly associated with obesity in adulthood, with odds ratios of 3.45 (95% CI = 1.46-8.17), 4.49 (95% CI = 1.91- 10.53), and 6.80 (95% CI = 2.50-18.55), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

This is the first study to report a significant independent long-term association based on prospective data between adolescent PDs and adult obesity in a community-based sample. Findings will contribute to the design of preventive measures against the development of obesity. PMID: 26397937 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

11. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2015 Sep 12. pii: S0376-8716(15)01629-4. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.09.003. [Epub ahead of print] Substance use and mental diagnoses among adults with and without type 2 diabetes: Results from electronic health records data.

Wu LT1, Ghitza UE2, Batch BC3, Pencina MJ4, Rojas LF5, Goldstein BA4, Schibler T5, Dunham AA6, Rusincovitch S6, Brady KT7.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  2National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, USA.  3Division of Endocrinology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.  4Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.  5Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.  6Duke Translational Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.  7South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Comorbid diabetes and substance use diagnoses (SUD) represent a hazardous combination, both in terms of healthcare cost and morbidity. To date, there is limited information about the association of SUD and related mental disorders with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS:

We examined the associations between T2DM and multiple psychiatric diagnosis categories, with a focus on SUD and related psychiatric comorbidities among adults with T2DM. We analyzed electronic health record (EHR) data on 170,853 unique adults aged ≥18 years from the EHR warehouse of a large academic healthcare system. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the strength of an association for comorbidities.

RESULTS:

Overall, 9% of adults (n=16,243) had T2DM. Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans had greater odds of having T2DM than whites. All 10 psychiatric diagnosis categories were more prevalent among adults with T2DM than among those without T2DM. Prevalent diagnoses among adults with T2MD were mood (21.22%), SUD (17.02%: tobacco 13.25%, alcohol 4.00%, drugs 4.22%), and anxiety diagnoses (13.98%). Among adults with T2DM, SUD was positively associated with mood, anxiety, personality, somatic, and schizophrenia diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS:

We examined a large diverse sample of individuals and found clinical evidence of SUD and psychiatric comorbidities among adults with T2DM. These results highlight the need to identify feasible collaborative care models for adults with T2DM and SUD related psychiatric comorbidities, particularly in primary care settings, that will improve behavioral health and reduce health risk.

Free Article PMID: 26392231 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

12. Nicotine Tob Res. 2015 Sep 21. pii: ntv210. [Epub ahead of print] Impulsivity and stress response in non- dependent smokers (tobacco chippers) in comparison to heavy smokers and non- smokers.

Carim-Todd L1, Mitchell SH2, Oken BS3.

Author information:

 1Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA Oregon Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders (ORCCAMIND), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA [email protected].  2Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA.  3Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA Oregon Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders (ORCCAMIND), Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Tobacco chippers are light smokers with stable patterns of smoking that exhibit lower nicotine dependence severity than heavy smokers. Chippers may provide valuable information about the factors influencing drug dependence. Impulsivity and stress are two factors known to influence smoking. By comparing non-dependent smokers (tobacco chippers, n=25) to dependent smokers (heavy smokers, n=23) and non-smokers (n=25), this study examines the relationship between nicotine dependence, impulsivity, chronic stress, and stress reactivity.

METHODS: A total of 73 adult participants completed a study visit that included questionnaires to measure nicotine dependence, chronic stress, personality, affect, withdrawal, and craving. Impulsivity was measured with the delay discounting task and the flanker task. Stress reactivity was assessed by monitoring respiration, heart rate, and salivary cortisol during performance of a titrated Stroop task. Effects of acute stress on affect and craving were examined.

RESULTS:

Tobacco chippers were as impulsive as heavy smokers on the delay discounting task but no different from non-smokers on the flanker task. Heavy smokers reported higher perceived stress than chippers and non-smokers. Perceived stress was a significant predictor of discounting only in heavy smokers. Acute stress induced changes in respiration, heart rate, and heart rate variability. Craving and negative affect increased after stress in both smoking groups, but craving was associated with affect only in chippers.

CONCLUSIONS:

Tobacco chippers do not differ from heavy smokers in impulsivity, but do differ in perceived stress. One's perception and experience of stress might be associated to nicotine dependence resistance and could inform smoking cessation treatments.

© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: [email protected]. PMID: 26391579 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

13. Biol Psychol. 2015 Sep 18. pii: S0301-0511(15)30054-5. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2015.09.005. [Epub ahead of print] Abnormal Degree Centrality of Functional Hubs Associated with Negative Coping in Older Chinese Adults Who Lost Their Only Child.

Liu W1, Wei D1, Sun J1, Yang J1 , Meng J1, Wang L2, Qiu J3.

Author information:  1Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.  2Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA.  3Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China; Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

The loss of an only child is a negative life event and may potentially increase the risk of psychiatric disorders. However, the psychological consequences of the loss of an only child and the associated neural mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Degree centrality(DC), derived from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI), was used to examine network communication in 22 older adults who lost their only child and 23 matched controls. The older adults who lost their only child exhibited an ineffective coping style. They also showed decreased distant and local DC in the precuneus and left inferior parietal lobule and decreased distant DC in the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex(DLPFC). Furthermore, the decreased local and distant DC of these regions and the decreased DLPFC- precuneus connectivity strength were negatively correlated with negative coping scores in the loss group but not in the controls. Overall, the results suggested a model that the impaired neural network communication of brain hubs within the default mode network(DMN) and central executive network(CEN) were associated with a negative coping style in older adults who lost their only child. The decreased connectivity of the hubs can be identified as a neural risk factor that is related to future psychopathology.

14. Assessment. 2015 Sep 21. pii: 1073191115606518. [Epub ahead of print] Psychometric Properties of the Spanish PID-5 in a Clinical and a Community Sample.

Gutiérrez F1, Aluja A2, Peri JM3, Calvo N4, Ferrer M4, Baillés E5, Gutiérrez-Zotes JA6, Gárriz M7, Caseras X8, Markon KE9, Krueger RF10.

Author information:  1Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain [email protected].  2University of Lleida-Biomedical Research Institute, Lleida, Spain.  3Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.  4Hospital Vall d'Hebrón-CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.  5Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.  6Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata-CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain.  7Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.  8Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.  9University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.  10University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Abstract

The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) measures the trait part (Criterion B) of the alternative model for personality disorders proposed in Section III of DSM-5. Although its psychometric properties have proven adequate thus far, evidence is limited in other languages and in clinical samples. The Spanish PID-5 was examined in two samples comprising 446 clinical and 1,036 community subjects. Facet scales showed good internal consistency in both samples (median α = .86 and .79) and were unidimensional under exploratory and confirmatory approaches. They were also able to distinguish between clinical and community subjects with a mean standardized difference of z = 0.81. All facets except for Risk Taking were unipolar, such that the upper poles indicated pathology and the lower poles reflected normality, rather than the opposite pole of abnormality. The entire PID- 5 hierarchical structure, from one to five factors, was confirmed in both samples with Tucker's congruence coefficients over .95.

15. J Clin Psychol. 2015 Sep 21. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22226. [Epub ahead of print] Properties of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Ways of Coping Checklist in a Diagnostically Diverse Partial Hospital Sample.

Stein AT1, Hearon BA1, Beard C1, Hsu KJ1, Björgvinsson T1. Author information:

 1McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed for treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), and adapted forms of DBT are currently used to treat bipolar disorder, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression. This study was designed to validate the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Ways of Coping Checklist (DBT-WCCL) DBT Skills subscale (DSS) for use in a diagnostically heterogeneous sample.

METHOD:

We used naturalistic data from 228 patients receiving treatment at a partial hospital program to assess psychometric properties of the DBT-WCCL DSS. We assessed interitem correlations, internal consistency, factor structure, construct validity and sensitivity to change.

RESULTS:

Internal consistency, construct validity, and sensitivity to change were good. The measure displayed good convergent and discriminant validity. Factor analysis results were consistent with previous research indicating a 1-factor solution for this subscale.

CONCLUSIONS:

Psychometric properties were similar to the original BPD sample, indicating that this measure can be used as an assessment tool for DBT skill use in a diverse psychiatric population.

16. Psychotherapy (Chic). 2015 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print] Efficacy of Experiential Dynamic Therapy for Psychiatric Conditions: A Meta- Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Lilliengren P, Johansson R, Lindqvist K, Mechler J, Andersson G.

Abstract

Experiential dynamic therapy (EDT) is a subgroup of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) that emphasizes patients' in-session affective processing. To evaluate the efficacy of EDT for psychiatric conditions, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Twenty-eight studies published between 1978 and 2014 were included, encompassing 1,782 adult patients with mood, anxiety, personality, or mixed disorders. Across targeted outcome domains, medium-size between-groups effects (Cohen's ds ranging from 0.39 to 0.65) favored EDT over inactive controls at posttreatment and in symptom measures at follow-up. We found no differences between EDT and active treatments (e.g., medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, manualized supportive therapy) at posttreatment, but EDT outperformed supportive therapy at follow-up (d = 0.75). In terms of within-group effect sizes, EDT was associated with large improvements in general psychiatric symptoms (d = 1.11), depression (d = 1.33), and anxiety (d = 1.09) and with small to moderate gains in the areas of interpersonal problems (d = 0.55) and global functioning (d = 0.86). Small but significant effects suggested continued improvement between posttreatment and follow-up. Heterogeneity in pre-post effects was explored in subgroup analyses, which indicated that EDT might be most effective in depressive disorders and that individual EDT had larger effects compared with group treatment. In addition, EDT performed better in higher quality studies. We conclude that EDT is a promising treatment for psychiatric conditions in adults. Further high-quality studies evaluating contemporary versions of EDT in specific psychiatric conditions are warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record

17. Personal Disord. 2015 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print] Viewing the Triarchic Model of Psychopathy Through General Personality and Expert-Based Lenses. Miller JD, Lamkin J, Maples-Keller JL, Lynam DR.

Abstract

The recently articulated and increasingly prominent triarchic model of psychopathy (TPM) posits the existence of 3 components of meanness, disinhibition, and boldness. In the current studies, 2 issues are addressed. First, although typically conceptualized in isolation from trait models of personality, the TPM components may be manifestations of basic personality dimensions. In Study 1 (N = 335), we test whether basic traits from the five-factor model (FFM) can account for the TPM's psychopathy domains. The FFM domains (Mean R2 = .65) and facets (Mean R2 = .75) accounted for substantial variance in the TPM domains, suggesting that the TPM can be viewed as being nested within a broader trait framework. Second, there is disagreement about which personality components are necessary and sufficient for psychopathy. In Study 2, we examine this issue using a between subject design in which expert raters (N = 46) were asked to view an FFM profile of the TPM domains and total score derived in Study 1 and rate the degree to which an individual with this profile would manifest symptoms of psychopathy, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) personality disorders, and a variety of other psychiatric disorders. As expected, the profile associated with boldness was rated as less emblematic of psychopathy and related disorders (e.g., antisocial personality disorder; externalizing disorders) than the profiles for meanness or the total TPM score. These findings contribute to an ongoing debate addressing the degree to which domains like those articulated in the TPM are necessary or sufficient for the construct of psychopathy. (PsycINFO Database Record

18. Personal Disord. 2015 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print] Predicting Problematic Alcohol Use With the DSM-5 Alternative Model of Personality Pathology.

Creswell KG, Bachrach RL, Wright AG, Pinto A, Ansell E.

Abstract

High comorbidity between personality disorders and alcohol use disorders appears related to individual differences in underlying personality dimensions of behavioral undercontrol and affective dysregulation. However, very little is known about how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition; DSM-5) Section III trait model of personality pathology relates to alcohol problems or how the strength of the relationship between personality pathology and alcohol problems changes with age and across gender. The current study examined these questions in a sample of 877 participants using the General Assessment of Personality Disorder to assess general personality dysfunction, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 to measure specific traits, and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) to assess problematic alcohol use. Results demonstrated that general personality pathology (Criterion A) was significantly related to problematic alcohol use after controlling for age and gender effects. Furthermore, 2 of the 5 higher-order personality trait domains (Criterion B), Antagonism and Disinhibition, remained significant predictors of problematic alcohol use after accounting for the influence of general personality pathology; however, general personality pathology no longer predicted hazardous alcohol use once Antagonism and Disinhibition were added into the model. Finally, these 2 specific traits interacted with age, such that Antagonism was a stronger predictor of AUDIT scores among older individuals and Disinhibition was a stronger predictor of alcohol problems among younger individuals. Findings support the general validity of this new personality disorder diagnostic system and suggest important age effects in the relationship between traits and problematic alcohol use. (PsycINFO Database Record

19. Personal Disord. 2015 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print] Confidence in Facial Emotion Recognition in Borderline Personality Disorder.

Thome J, Liebke L, Bungert M, Schmahl C, Domes G, Bohus M, Lis S.

Abstract

Dysfunctions of social-cognitive processes such as the recognition of emotions have been discussed to contribute to the severe impairments of interpersonal functioning in borderline personality disorder (BPD). By investigating how patients with BPD experience the intensity of different emotions in a facial expression and how confident they are in their own judgments, the current study aimed at identifying subtle alterations of emotion processing in BPD. Female patients with BPD (N = 36) and 36 healthy controls were presented with faces that displayed low-intense anger and happiness or ambiguous expressions of anger and happiness blends. Subjects were asked to rate (a) the intensity of anger and happiness in each facial expression and (b) their confidence in their judgments. Patients with BPD rated the intensity of happiness in happy faces lower than did controls, but did not differ in regard to the assessment of angry or ambiguous facial stimuli or the rating of anger. They reported lower confidence in their judgments, which was particularly pronounced for the assessment of happy facial expressions. The reduced rating of happiness was linked to higher state anger, whereas the reduced confidence in the assessment of happy faces was related to stronger feelings of loneliness and the expectation of social rejection. Our findings suggest alterations in the processing of positive social stimuli that affect both the experience of the emotional intensity and the confidence subjects experience during their assessment. The link to loneliness and social rejection sensitivity points to the necessity to target these alterations in psychotherapeutical interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record

20. Personal Disord. 2015 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print] Factor Structure, Reliability, and Validity of the Therapist Response Questionnaire.

Tanzilli A, Colli A, Del Corno F, Lingiardi V.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the stability of the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Therapist Response Questionnaire (Betan, Heim, Zittel Conklin, & Westen, 2005; Zittel Conklin & Westen, 2003), a clinician report instrument able to measure the clinician's emotional reactions to the patient in psychotherapy. A national sample of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists (N = 332) of psychodynamic and cognitive- behavioral orientation completed the Therapist Response Questionnaire, as well as the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure-200 (Westen & Shedler, 1999a, 1999b), to assess personality disorders and level of psychological functioning, regarding a patient currently in their care. They also administered the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (Derogatis, 1994) to the patients. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed 9 distinct countertransference factors that were similar to 8 dimensions identified in the original version of the measure: (a) helpless/inadequate, (b) overwhelmed/disorganized, (c) positive/satisfying, (d) hostile/angry, (e) criticized/devalued, (f) parental/protective, (g) special/overinvolved, (h) sexualized, and (i) disengaged. These scales showed excellent internal consistencies and good validity. They were especially able to capture the quality and intensity of emotional states that therapists experience while treating personality-disordered patients, as well as to better differentiate them; additionally, they tapped into the complexity of clinicians' reactions toward patients experiencing severe psychiatric symptomatology. Results seem to confirm that Therapist Response Questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument that allows to evaluate patterns of countertransference responses in clinically sensitive and psychometrically robust ways, regardless of therapists' orientations. The clinical and research implications of these findings are addressed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved). PMID: 26389623 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

21. Personal Disord. 2015 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print] Psychopathy in Childhood: Toward Better Informing the DSM-5 and ICD-11 Conduct Disorder Specifiers.

Salekin RT.

Abstract

Callous unemotional traits have been incorporated into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) and are being considered for the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11). Despite the centrality of callous- unemotional (CU) traits it is only 1 of 3 dimensions of child psychopathy. It is proposed that the grandiose-manipulative (GM) and daring-impulsive (DI) traits also be considered and potentially incorporated as specifiers for conduct disorder (CD) in future versions of the DSM and ICD. Such an addition would make a larger contribution to our understanding of youth with CD allowing clinicians to better describe and treat individuals with conduct problems (CP). However, before such specifiers are adopted, future research is needed to test the proposed specifiers interaction with CD. (PsycINFO Database Record

22. Personal Disord. 2015 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print] Clarifying the Link Between Childhood Abuse History and Psychopathic Traits in Adult Criminal Offenders.

Dargis M, Newman J, Koenigs M.

Abstract Childhood abuse is a risk factor for the development of externalizing characteristics and disorders, including antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy. However, the precise relationships between particular types of childhood maltreatment and subsequent antisocial and psychopathic traits remain unclear. Using a large sample of incarcerated adult male criminal offenders (n = 183), the current study confirmed that severity of overall childhood maltreatment was linked to severity of both psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder in adulthood. Moreover, this relationship was particularly strong for physical abuse and the antisocial facet of psychopathy. Sexual abuse history was uniquely related to juvenile conduct disorder severity, rather than adult psychopathy or antisocial behaviors. Additionally, there was a significantly stronger relationship between childhood maltreatment and juvenile conduct disorder than between childhood maltreatment and ASPD or psychopathy. These findings bolster and clarify the link between childhood maltreatment and antisocial behavior later in life. (PsycINFO Database Record

23. Community Ment Health J. 2015 Sep 21. [Epub ahead of print] Do Mental Health Outpatient Services Meet Users' Needs? Trial to Identify Factors Associated with Higher Needs for Care.

Dobrzynska E1,2, Rymaszewska J3, Biecek P3, Kiejna A3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, ul. Pasteura 10, 50-367, Wrocław, Poland. [email protected].  2Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke, Beach Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS22 7FD, UK. [email protected].  3Department of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, ul. Pasteura 10, 50-367, Wrocław, Poland.

Abstract

The study was conducted to investigate the extent to which services meet patients' needs and identify the factors associated with higher needs. 174 outpatients were assessed using CANSAS, BPRS and GSDS. The total number of unmet needs in persons with psychotic, eating, personality and affective disorders was higher than in patients with anxiety disorders. Being single, positive symptoms, depression/anxiety, hospitalizations and high social disability accounted for 50 % of the variance in level of unmet need. Persons with eating and personality disorders reported similar level of unmet needs to those with psychotic and affective disorders. The best correlates of unmet needs were depression/anxiety and social disability. PMID: 26387519 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

24. Clin Drug Investig. 2015 Sep 18. [Epub ahead of print] Pharmacological Management of Borderline Personality Disorder in a Pregnant Woman with a Previous History of Alcohol Addiction: A Case Report.

Gentile S1,2.

Author information:

 1Department of Mental Health ASL Salerno, Mental Health Center n. 63, Piazza Galdi, 841013, Cava de' Tirreni (Salerno), Italy. [email protected].  2Department of Neurosciences, Perinatal Psychiatry, University of Naples, Medical School "Federico II", Via S. Pansini, 5, 80131, Naples, Italy. [email protected].

Abstract

The clinical utilization of psychotropic medications in pregnant women represents a significant challenge. Indeed, the risks of untreated severe mental disorders, particularly when complicated by substance-related and addictive disorders, must be carefully balanced against the potential teratogenic risks of pharmacological treatment. In this case, an alcohol addict, diagnosed with borderline personality disorder was treated successfully with several classes of psychotropic agents during the first trimester. In September 2014, while taking trazodone, lorazepam, quetiapine, mirtazapine, and flurazepam, this patient became aware that she was pregnant. After a perinatal psychiatrist consultation requested four months later, trazodone and flurazepam were progressively suspended and daily doses of lorazepam and quetiapine were lowered gradually. Mirtazapine dose remained unchanged. Apart from a mild gastro-esophageal reflux disease, birth outcome was normal. PMID: 26385757 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

25. Personal Ment Health. 2015 Sep 17. doi: 10.1002/pmh.1320. [Epub ahead of print] Borderline personality disorder and neuropsychological measures of executive function: A systematic review.

McClure G1, Hawes DJ1, Dadds MR2.

Author information:

 1School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.  2School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

Abstract

The notion that neurocognitive deficits may be core to the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD) has received considerable attention in recent years, with growing evidence pointing to cognitive deficits in executive function (EF). A relationship between EF and BPD has long been suggested by evidence of high comorbidity between BPD and disorders characterized by poor EF (e.g. attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder); however, despite a marked increase in studies of EF and BPD in recent years, the precise nature of this relationship remains unclear. We provide a systematic review of this emerging evidence base, with respect to (1) studies of participants diagnosed with BPD in which EF has been indexed in isolation from broader cognitive processes; (2) the specific domains of EF that have been most robustly associated with BPD; and (3) whether deficits in EF are uniquely associated with BPD, independent of comorbid psychopathology. Key directions for future research are discussed with respect to strategies for measuring EF and the need for research designs that control for phenotypic overlap between BPD and related forms of psychopathology. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

26. J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2015 Fall;24(2):100-8. Epub 2015 Aug 31. Mental Health Implications of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Children and Youth.

Schachar RJ1, Park LS2, Dennis M3.

Author information:

 1Senior Scientist, Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Research Institute, Staff Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto Dominion Bank Financial Group Chair in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Toronto, Ontario.  2Clinical Research Project Coordinator, Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.  3Senior Scientist, Program Neurosciences and Mental Health, Research Institute, Department of Psychology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death and disability in children and adolescents. Psychopathology is an established risk factor for, and a frequent consequence of, TBI. This paper reviews the literature relating psychopathology and TBI.

METHOD:

Selective literature review.

RESULTS:

The risk of sustaining a TBI is increased by pre-existing psychopathology (particularly ADHD and aggression) and psychosocial adversity. Even among individuals with no psychopathology prior to the injury, TBI is frequently followed by mental illness especially ADHD, personality change, conduct disorder and, less frequently, by post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders. The outcome of TBI can be partially predicted by pre-injury adjustment and injury severity, but less well by age at injury. Few individuals receive treatment for mental illness following TBI.

CONCLUSION:

TBI has substantial relevance to mental health professionals and their clinical practice. Available evidence, while limited, indicates that the risk for TBI in children and adolescents is increased in the presence of several, potentially treatable mental health conditions and that the outcome of TBI involves a range of mental health problems, many of which are treatable. Prevention and management efforts targeting psychiatric risks and outcomes are an urgent priority. Child and adolescent mental health professionals can play a critical role in the prevention and treatment of TBI through advocacy, education, policy development and clinical practice.

PMCID: PMC4558980 Free PMC Article PMID: 26379721 [PubMed] Similar articles

27. Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2015 Sep 17. [Epub ahead of print] Future Directions: How Virtual Reality Can Further Improve the Assessment and Treatment of Eating Disorders and Obesity.

Gutiérrez-Maldonado J1, Wiederhold BK2,3, Riva G4,5.

Author information:

 11 Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments, University of Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain .  22 Virtual Reality Medical Institute , Brussels, Belgium .  33 Virtual Reality Medical Center , San Diego, California.  44 Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore , Milan, Italy .  55 Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Lab., Istituto Auxologico Italiano , Milan, Italy .

Abstract

Transdisciplinary efforts for further elucidating the etiology of eating and weight disorders and improving the effectiveness of the available evidence-based interventions are imperative at this time. Recent studies indicate that computer-generated graphic environments-virtual reality (VR)-can integrate and extend existing treatments for eating and weight disorders (EWDs). Future possibilities for VR to improve actual approaches include its use for altering in real time the experience of the body (embodiment) and as a cue exposure tool for reducing food craving. PMID: 26378982 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

28. J Affect Disord. 2015 Sep 10;188:257-262. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.001. [Epub ahead of print] American tertiary clinic-referred bipolar II disorder compared to bipolar I disorder: More severe in multiple ways, but less severe in a few other ways.

Dell'Osso B1, Holtzman JN2, Goffin KC2, Portillo N2, Hooshmand F2, Miller S3, Dore J2, Wang PW2, Hill SJ2, Ketter TA4.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.  2Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.  3Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Centers, Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.  4Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Prevalence and relative severity of bipolar II disorder (BDII) vs. bipolar I disorder (BDI) are controversial.

METHODS:

Prevalence, demographics, and illness characteristics were compared among 260 BDII and 243 BDI outpatients referred to the Stanford University BD Clinic and assessed with the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder Affective Disorders Evaluation.

RESULTS: BDII vs. BDI outpatients had statistically similar prevalence (51.7% vs. 48.3%), and in multiple ways had more severe illness, having significantly more often: lifetime comorbid anxiety (70.8% vs. 58.4%) and personality (15.4% vs. 7.4%) disorders, first-degree relative with mood disorder (62.3% vs. 52.3%), at least 10 prior mood episodes (80.0% vs. 50.9%), current syndromal/subsyndromal depression (52.3% vs. 38.4%), current antidepressant use (47.3% vs. 31.3%), prior year rapid cycling (33.6% vs. 13.4%), childhood onset (26.2% vs. 16.0%), as well as earlier onset age (17.0±8.6 vs. 18.9±8.1 years), longer illness duration (19.0±13.0 vs. 16.1±13.0), and higher current Clinical Global Impression for Bipolar Disorder-Overall Severity (4.1±1.4 vs. 3.7±1.5). However, BDII vs. BDI patients significantly less often had prior psychosis (14.2% vs. 64.2%), psychiatric hospitalization (10.0% vs. 67.9%), and current prescription psychotropic use, (81.5% vs. 93.0%), and had a statistically similar rate of prior suicide attempt (29.5% vs. 32.1%).

LIMITATIONS:

American tertiary bipolar disorder clinic referral sample, cross-sectional design.

CONCLUSIONS:

Further studies are warranted to determine the extent to which BDII, compared to BDI, can be more severe in multiple ways but less severe in a few other ways, and contributors to occurrence of more severe forms of BDII.

29. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2015 Sep 17. doi: 10.1002/erv.2404. [Epub ahead of print] Psychological and Personality Predictors of Weight Loss and Comorbid Metabolic Changes After Bariatric Surgery.

Agüera Z1,2, García-Ruiz-de-Gordejuela A3, Vilarrasa N4,5, Sanchez I1, Baño M1, Camacho L1, Granero R2,6, Jiménez-Murcia S1,2,7, Virgili N4,7, Lopez-Urdiales R4, de Bernabe MM8, Garrido P8, Monasterio C9, Steward T1, Pujol-Gebelli J3, Fernández-Aranda F1,2,7, Menchón JM1,7,10.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.  2CIBER Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.  3Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit, Service of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.  4Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.  5CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.  6Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain.  7Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Spain.  8Dietetics and Nutrition Unit, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain.  9Department of Pneumology, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain.  10CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.

Abstract

Bariatric surgery (BS) has proven to be the most effective treatment for weight loss and for improving comorbidities in severe obesity. A comprehensive psychological assessment prior to surgery is proposed to prepare patients for a successful post-surgical outcome. Therefore, the main aim of the present study was to assess psychological and personality predictors of BS outcome. The sample comprised 139 severely obese patients who underwent BS. Assessment measures included the Eating Disorders Inventory-2, the Symptom Checklist- Revised and the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised. Our results show that favourable BS outcome, after 2 years follow up, was associated with younger age, less depression, moderate anxiety symptoms and high cooperativeness levels. Likewise, metabolic improvements were found to be linked to younger age and certain psychopathological factors. In conclusion, our findings suggest that age, baseline body mass index, psychopathological indexes and personality traits predict successful BS outcome. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

30. JAMA Psychiatry. 2015 Sep 16:1-10. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.1252. [Epub ahead of print] Cortical Representation of Afferent Bodily Signals in Borderline Personality Disorder: Neural Correlates and Relationship to Emotional Dysregulation.

Müller LE1, Schulz A2, Andermann M3, Gäbel A1, Gescher DM1, Spohn A4, Herpertz SC1, Bertsch K1.

Author information:

 1Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.  2Institute for Health and Behaviour, Integrative Research Unit on Social and Individual Development, University of Luxembourg, Walferdange, Luxembourg.  3Section of Biomagnetism, Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.  4Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.

Abstract

Importance:

The ability to perceive and regulate one's own emotions has been tightly linked to the processing of afferent bodily signals (interoception). Thus, disturbed interoception might contribute to the core feature of emotional dysregulation in borderline personality disorder (BPD), as increased levels of depersonalization, body image disturbances, and reduced sensitivity to physical pain suggest poor body awareness in BPD.

Objective:

To determine neural correlates of disturbed body awareness in BPD and its associations with emotional dysregulation and to explore improvements in body awareness with BPD symptom remission.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

Case-control study performed at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany. Heartbeat evoked potentials (HEPs), an indicator of the cortical representation of afferent signals from the cardiovascular system, were investigated in 34 medication-free patients with BPD, 31 healthy volunteers, and 17 medication-free patients with BPD in remission. The HEPs were assessed using 5-minute resting-state electroencephalograms and parallel electrocardiograms. Core BPD symptoms, history of childhood traumatization, and psychiatric disorders were assessed by means of self-reports and structured interviews. To measure neural correlates of disturbed body awareness, high-resolution T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were collected and analyzed using voxel-based morphometry and region-of-interest-based approaches. The study was performed between 2012 and 2014, and data analysis was performed in 2014.

Main Outcomes and Measures:

Mean HEP amplitudes in resting-state electroencephalograms and their correlation with self- reported emotional dysregulation, as well as with gray matter volume.

Results:

Patients with BPD had significantly reduced mean HEP amplitudes compared with healthy volunteers (F1,61 = 11.32, P = .001), whereas the mean HEP amplitudes of patients with BDP in remission lie somewhere in between these 2 groups of participants (P > .05). The HEP amplitudes were negatively correlated with emotional dysregulation (R = -0.30, P = .01) and positively associated with gray matter volume in the left anterior insula (R = 0.53, P < .05) and the bilateral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (R = 0.47, P < .05), 2 structures that have been identified as core regions for interoception.

Conclusions and Relevance:

The results indicate state-dependent deficits in the cortical processing of bodily signals in patients with BPD, which appear to be associated with core features of BPD. The analysis of patients with BPD in remission suggests an improvement in cortical representation of bodily signals with symptom remission. Results recommend the integration of techniques to strengthen bodily awareness in psychotherapeutic interventions of BPD. PMID: 26376409 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

31. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2015 Sep 2. pii: S0376-8716(15)01619-1. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.08.026. [Epub ahead of print] Gender and nonmedical prescription opioid use and DSM-5 nonmedical prescription opioid use disorder: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions - III.

Kerridge BT1, Saha TD2, Chou SP2, Zhang H2, Jung J2, Ruan WJ2, Smith SM2, Huang B2, Hasin DS3. Author information:

 1Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, United States. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biometry, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.  3Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Mailman School of Public, Health, Columbia University, and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, United States.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Little is known about sex-specific risk for nonmedical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) and DSM-5 nonmedical prescription opioid use disorder (NMPOUD). The objective of the present study was to present prevalence, correlates, psychiatric comorbidity, treatment and disability of NMPOU and DSM-5 NMPOUD among men and women.

METHODS:

Nationally representative sample of the U.S.

RESULTS:

Prevalences of 12-month and lifetime NMPOU were greater among men (4.4%, 13.0%) than women (3.9%, 9.8%), while corresponding rates of DSM-5 NMPOUD did not differ between men (0.9%, 2.2%) and women (0.9%, 1.9%). Regardless of time frame and sex, NMPOU and NMPOUD generally decreased with age and were lower among Blacks, Asians/Pacific Islanders and Hispanics, and respondents with lower socioeconomic status. Among men with NMPOU, rates were lower among respondents in the Northeast and South and among those previously married (lifetime). Across time frames and gender, NMPOU and NMPOUD were generally associated with other substance use disorders, posttraumatic stress and borderline, schizotypal and antisocial personality disorders, but associated with major depressive disorder, persistent depression and bipolar I disorder only among men. Disability increased with NMPOU frequency and NMPOUD severity. Only 7.6% and 8.2% of men and women with NMPOU ever received treatment, while 26.8% and 31.1% ever received treatment for NMPOUD.

CONCLUSIONS:

NMPOU and NMPOUD are highly disabling, associated with a broad array of sex-specific and shared correlates and comorbidities and largely go untreated in the U.S. Valid assessment tools are needed that include gender as a stratification variable to identify NMPOU and NMPOUD.

32. J Abnorm Psychol. 2015 Sep 14. [Epub ahead of print] Prospective Associations of Low Positive Emotionality With First Onsets of Depressive and Anxiety Disorders: Results From a 10-Wave Latent Trait-State Modeling Study.

Kendall AD, Zinbarg RE, Mineka S, Bobova L, Prenoveau JM, Revelle W, Craske MG.

Abstract

Unipolar depressive disorders (DDs) and anxiety disorders (ADs) co-occur at high rates and can be difficult to distinguish from one another. Cross-sectional evidence has demonstrated that whereas all these disorders are characterized by high negative emotion, low positive emotion shows specificity in its associations with DDs, social anxiety disorder, and possibly generalized anxiety disorder. However, it remains unknown whether low positive emotionality, a personality trait characterized by the tendency to experience low positive emotion over time, prospectively marks risk for the initial development of these disorders. We aimed to help address this gap. Each year for up to 10 waves, participants (n = 627, mean age = 17 years at baseline) completed self-report measures of mood and personality and a structured clinical interview. A latent trait-state decomposition technique was used to model positive emotionality and related personality traits over the first 3 years of the study. Survival analyses were used to test the prospective associations of low positive emotionality with first onsets of disorders over the subsequent 6-year follow-up among participants with no relevant disorder history. The results showed that low positive emotionality was a risk marker for DDs, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, although evidence for its specificity to these disorders versus the remaining ADs was inconclusive. Additional analyses revealed that the risk effects were largely accounted for by the overlap of low positive emotionality with neuroticism. The implications for understanding the role of positive emotionality in DDs and ADs are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved). PMID: 26372005 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

33. Personal Ment Health. 2015 Sep 15. doi: 10.1002/pmh.1311. [Epub ahead of print] Acceptance and commitment therapy group-treatment for non-responsive patients with personality disorders: An exploratory study.

Chakhssi F1,2, Janssen W3, Pol SM1, van Dreumel M 4, Westerhof GJ2.

Author information:

 1Scelta, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands.  2Department of Psychology, Health, and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.  3Windesheim School of Applied Science Zwolle and Altrecht Aventurijn, Den Dolder, The Netherlands.  4GGZE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

Abstract

Patients with personality disorders who did not respond to previous outpatient treatment are among the most challenging patients to treat and are often referred to specialized settings. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an innovative therapy that has shown effectiveness in treatment-resistant cases with chronic or recurrent depression with or without co-morbid personality disorders. The central role that ACT accords to positive values and experiential avoidance may enhance treatment responsivity in patients with personality disorders that did not respond to previous treatments. The current nonrandomized study explored the effectiveness of a 26-week ACT-based group treatment (n = 60) for personality disorders compared to treatment-as-usual (n = 21) based on cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT-TAU) at a specialized setting for patients with personality disorders. Individuals in both treatment conditions demonstrated small to moderate decreases in general psychological functioning and personality pathology. There was no main effect of therapy condition. Overall, results suggest that ACT is a possible treatment option for individuals with difficult-to-treat personality pathology and further outcome research is warranted. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

34. Behav Sci Law. 2015 Sep 14. doi: 10.1002/bsl.2201. [Epub ahead of print] 'Biologizing' Psychopathy: Ethical, Legal, and Research Implications at the Interface of Epigenetics and Chronic Antisocial Conduct.

Tamatea AJ.

Abstract

Epigenetics, a field that links genetics and environmental influences on the expression of phenotypic traits, offers to increase our understanding of the development and trajectory of disease and psychological disorders beyond that thought of traditional genetic research and behavioural measures. By extension, this new perspective has implications for risk and risk management of antisocial behaviour where there is a biological component, such as psychopathy. Psychopathy is a personality disorder associated with repeat displays of antisocial behaviour, and is associated with the disproportionate imposition of harm on communities. Despite advances in our knowledge of psychopathic individuals, the construct remains complex and is hampered by a lack of integration across a range of fundamental domains. The clinical and forensic research on psychopathy is brought into conversation with the emerging field of epigenetics to highlight critical issues of (1) clinical definition and diagnosis, (2) assessment, (3) aetiology of psychopathic phenotypes, and (4) treatment and rehabilitation approaches. Broader ethical and legal questions of the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the management of psychopathy beyond the criminal justice arena are also outlined. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

35. Schizophr Res. 2015 Sep 8. pii: S0920-9964(15)00465-X. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.08.036. [Epub ahead of print] The impact of Herpes simplex virus type 1 on cognitive impairments in young, healthy individuals - A historical prospective study.

Fruchter E1, Goldberg S2, Fenchel D2, Grotto I3, Ginat K4, Weiser M5.

Author information:

 1IDF Medical Corps, Mental Health Center, Israel; USC - School of Social Work, C.I.R. Los Angeles, CA, USA.  2Department of Psychiatry, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel.  3Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.  4IDF Medical Corps, Mental Health Center, Israel.  5IDF Medical Corps, Mental Health Center, Israel; Department of Psychiatry, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat Gan, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a highly prevalent neurotropic virus. Although on the whole, chronic, latent or persistent infection is considered to be relatively benign, HSV infections can cause cognitive impairment during and after acute encephalitis. Some studies have documented cognitive impairment in exposed persons that is untraceable to encephalitis. Most studies have focused on these impairments in the mentally ill, mostly among individuals with schizophrenia, and only recently have studies begun to examine the impact of HSV infection on the cognition of healthy individuals. Subjects were a representative, random sample of 612 soldiers before active duty in the Israeli military (Israeli defense force - IDF), 62.2% HSV positive (n=381) and 38.8% HSV negative (n=231). Cognitive functioning and language abilities were compared between these groups, controlling for years of education, immigration status, and gender. Compared to soldiers who were sero- negative, soldiers who were sero-positive for HSV had significantly lower IQ scores (IQ=97.96, SD=15.19 vs IQ=103.23, SD=14.23; p≤0.001, effect size (ES)=0.2), and significantly lower Hebrew language scores (ES=0.1, p≤0.01). The results remained significant after removing subjects with mild depression, anxiety or personality disorders. Although we could not control for socio-economic status directly, our findings indicate that infection with HSV-1 is associated with reduced cognitive functioning in healthy individuals. This finding adds to the growing number of studies in the schizophrenia literature and indicates that many research findings seemingly characteristic of schizophrenia are related to the association between HSV exposure and cognitive functioning in general, and are not illness specific. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V. PMID: 26362735 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

36. Neurosci Res. 2015 Sep 7. pii: S0168-0102(15)00224-2. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2015.08.005. [Epub ahead of print] Auditory change-related cerebral responses and personality traits.

Tanahashi M1, Motomura E2, Inui K3, Ohoyama K1, Tanii H1, Konishi Y1, Shiroyama T1, Nishihara M4, Kakigi R3, Okada M1.

Author information:

 1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.  2Department of Neuropsychiatry, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan. Electronic address: [email protected].  3Department of Integrative Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.  4Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1195, Japan.

Abstract

The rapid detection of changes in sensory information is an essential process for survival. Individual humans are thought to have their own intrinsic preattentive responsiveness to sensory changes. Here we sought to determine the relationship between auditory change- related responses and personality traits, using event-related potentials. A change-related response peaking at approximately 120ms (Change-N1) was elicited by an abrupt decrease in sound pressure (10dB) from the baseline (60dB) of a continuous sound. Sixty-three healthy volunteers (14 females and 49 males) were recruited and were assessed by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) for personality traits. We investigated the relationship between Change-N1 values (amplitude and latency) and each TCI dimension. The Change- N1 amplitude was positively correlated with harm avoidance scores and negatively correlated with the self-directedness scores, but not with other TCI dimensions. Since these two TCI dimensions are associated with anxiety disorders and depression, it is possible that the change-related response is affected by personality traits, particularly anxiety- or depression-related traits. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd and the Japan Neuroscience Society. All rights reserved. PMID: 26360233 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

37. Psychol Res. 2015 Sep 10. [Epub ahead of print] Attentional biases in ruminators and worriers.

Beckwé M1, Deroost N2.

Author information:

 1Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. [email protected].  2Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.

Abstract

This study aims to investigate whether attentional biases typically associated with depression and anxiety already exist on a sub-clinical level. A transdiagnostic characteristic, both affective disorders have in common at a sub-clinical level, is persistent negative thinking (PNT), called rumination in depression and worrying in anxiety disorders. We investigated the association between these two types of PNT and attentional biases, using two different versions of the exogenous cueing tasks (ECT) in two different experiments. In Experiment 1, the cues of the ECT were negative and positive personality traits. This allowed us to investigate whether high-ruminators (N = 29), analogous to depressed patients, have difficulties to disengage attention from negative personality traits, as compared to low- ruminators (N = 40). In Experiment 2, the cues of the ECT were negative words related to themes participants frequently worry about versus positive words. This was done to investigate whether high-worriers (N = 26), analogous to anxious persons, have a strong tendency to automatically direct attention toward worry-related information, as compared to low-worriers (N = 27). The results of Experiment 1 showed that high-ruminators have difficulties to disengage their attention from negative personality traits. The results of Experiment 2 indicated that there were no attentional biases for high-worriers. These results show that the attentional bias typically associated with depression is already present at a subclinical level, whereas this seems not to be the case for the attentional bias typically associated with anxiety. PMID: 26358054 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

38. Psychooncology. 2015 Sep 10. doi: 10.1002/pon.3947. [Epub ahead of print] Major depressive disorder, personality disorders, and coping strategies are independent risk factors for lower quality of life in non-metastatic breast cancer patients.

Brunault P1,2,3, Champagne AL1, Huguet G1, Suzanne I1, Senon JL4, Body G5, Rusch E6, Magnin G7, Voyer M4, Réveillère C3, Camus V1,8,9.

Author information:

 1Clinique Psychiatrique Universitaire, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.  2Équipe de Liaison et de Soins en Addictologie, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.  3Département de Psychologie, EA 2114 Psychologie des Âges de la Vie, Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France.  4Centre Hospitalier Henri-Laborit, Service de Psychiatrie, Poitiers, France.  5Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.  6Service d'Information Médicale, Épidémiologie et Économie de la Santé, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.  7Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.  8UMR INSERM U930 'Imagerie et Cerveau', Tours, France.  9Université François Rabelais de Tours, Tours, France.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Our aim was to identify risk factors for lower quality of life (QOL) in non-metastatic breast cancer patients.

METHODS:

Our study included 120 patients from the University Hospital Centers of Tours and Poitiers. This cross-sectional study was conducted 7 months after patients' breast cancer diagnosis and assessed QOL (Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 = QLQ-C30), socio-demographic characteristics, coping strategies (Brief-COPE), physiological and biological variables (e.g., initial tumor severity and types of treatment received), the existence of major depressive disorder (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), and pain severity (Questionnaire de Douleur Saint Antoine). We assessed personality disorders 3 months after diagnosis (Vragenlijst voor Kenmerken van de Persoonlijkheid questionnaire). We used multiple linear regression models to determine which factors were associated with physical, emotional, and global QOL.

RESULTS:

Lower physical QOL was associated with major depressive disorder, younger age, a more severe initial tumor stage, and the use of the behavioral disengagement coping. Lower emotional QOL was associated with major depressive disorder, the existence of a personality disorder, a more severe pain level, higher use of self-blame, and lower use of acceptance coping strategies. Lower global QOL was associated with major depressive disorder, the existence of a personality disorder, a more severe pain level, higher use of self-blame, lower use of positive reframing coping strategies, and an absence of hormone therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Lower QOL scores were more strongly associated with variables related to the individual's premorbid psychological characteristics and the manner in which this individual copes with the cancer (e.g., depression, personality, and coping) than to cancer-related variables (e.g., treatment types and cancer severity). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

39. Am J Community Psychol. 2015 Sep 9. [Epub ahead of print] A Comparison of Homeless Male Veterans in Metropolitan and Micropolitan Areas in Nebraska: A Methodological Caveat.

Tsai J1,2, Ramaswamy S3,4, Bhatia SC3,4, Rosenheck RA 5,6,7.

Author information:

 1Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, 950 Campbell Ave., 151D, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA. [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. [email protected].  3Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA.  4Department of Psychiatry, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA.  5Veterans Affairs New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, 950 Campbell Ave., 151D, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.  6Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.  7Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.

Abstract

This study explored differences between homeless male veterans in metropolitan and micropolitan cities in Nebraska on sociodemographic, housing, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics as well as health service use. A convenience sample of 151 homeless male veterans (112 metropolitan, 39 micropolitan) were recruited from Veterans Affairs facilities and area shelters in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Hastings in Nebraska. Research staff conducted structured interviews with homeless veterans. Results showed that compared to homeless veterans in metropolitans, those in micropolitans were more likely to be White, unmarried, living in transitional settings, and were far more transient but reported greater social support and housing satisfaction. Veterans in micropolitans also reported more medical problems, diagnoses of anxiety and personality disorders, and unexpectedly, were more likely to report using various health services and less travel time for services. Together, these findings suggest access to homeless and health services for veterans in micropolitan areas may be facilitated through Veterans Affairs facilities and community providers that work in close proximity to one another. Many homeless veterans in these areas are transient, making them a difficult population to study and serve. Innovative ways to provide outreach to homeless veterans in micropolitan and more rural areas are needed. PMID: 26354600 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

40. Depress Anxiety. 2015 Sep 9. doi: 10.1002/da.22406. [Epub ahead of print] METHYLATION OF SEROTONIN RECEPTOR 3A IN ADHD, BORDERLINE PERSONALITY, AND BIPOLAR DISORDERS: LINK WITH SEVERITY OF THE DISORDERS AND CHILDHOOD MALTREATMENT.

Perroud N1,2, Zewdie S2, Stenz L2,3, Adouan W2, Bavamian S2,3, Prada P1, Nicastro R1, Hasler R2, Nallet A1, Piguet C1, Paoloni-Giacobino A4, Aubry JM1,2, Dayer A1,2,3.

Author information:

 1Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Service of Psychiatric Specialties, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.  2Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.  3Department of Basic Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Switzerland.  4Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Serotonin 3A receptor (5-HT3A R) is associated at the genetic and epigenetic levels with a variety of psychiatric disorders and interacts with early-life stress such as childhood maltreatment. We studied the impact of childhood maltreatment on the methylation status of the 5-HT3A R and its association with clinical severity outcomes in relation with a functional genetic polymorphism.

METHODS:

Clinical severity indexes of 346 bipolar, borderline personality, and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorders patients were tested for association with the DNA methylation status of eight 5-HT3A R gene CpGs. Relationship between the functional variant rs1062613 (C > T) and methylation status on severity of the disorders were also assessed.

RESULTS:

Childhood maltreatment was associated with higher severity of the disease (higher number of mood episodes, history of suicide attempts, hospitalization, and younger age at onset) across disorders and within each individual disorder. This effect was mediated by two 5- HT3A R CpGs. Compared to T allele carriers, CC carriers had higher methylation status at one CpG located 1 bp upstream of this variant.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that epigenetic modification of the 5-HT3A R is involved in the mechanism underlying the relationship between maltreatment in childhood and the severity of several psychiatric disorders in adulthood.

41. Int J Psychophysiol. 2015 Sep 5. pii: S0167-8760(15)30027-1. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2015.09.002. [Epub ahead of print] Optimism and pessimism are related to different components of the stress response in healthy older people.

Puig-Perez S1, Villada C2, Pulopulos MM2, Almela M2, Hidalgo V2, Salvador A2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychobiology and IDOCAL, Laboratory of Social Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

Abstract

Some personality traits have key importance for health because they can affect the maintenance and evolution of different disorders with a high prevalence in older people, including stress pathologies and diseases. In this study we investigated how two relevant personality traits, optimism and pessimism, affect the psychophysiological response of 72 healthy participants (55 to 76years old) exposed to either a psychosocial stress task (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST) or a control task; salivary cortisol, heart rate (HR) and situational appraisal were measured. Our results showed that optimism was related to faster cortisol recovery after exposure to stress. Pessimism was not related to the physiological stress response, but it was associated with the perception of the stress task as more difficult. Thus, higher optimism was associated with better physiological adjustment to a stressful situation, while higher pessimism was associated with worse psychological adjustment to stress. These results highlight different patterns of relationships, with optimism playing a more important role in the physiological component of the stress response, and pessimism having a greater effect on situational appraisal. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. PMID: 26348260 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

42. Psychol Med. 2015 Sep 8:1-12. [Epub ahead of print] Personality traits and combat exposure as predictors of psychopathology over time.

Koffel E1, Kramer MD2, Arbisi PA2, Erbes CR1, Kaler M2, Polusny MA1.

Author information:

 1Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research,Minneapolis,MN,USA.  2Minneapolis VA Healthcare System,Minneapolis,MN,USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Research suggests that personality traits have both direct and indirect effects on the development of psychological symptoms, with indirect effects mediated by stressful or traumatic events. This study models the direct influence of personality traits on residualized changes in internalizing and externalizing symptoms following a stressful and potentially traumatic deployment, as well as the indirect influence of personality on symptom levels mediated by combat exposure.

METHOD:

We utilized structural equation modeling with a longitudinal prospective study of 522 US National Guard soldiers deployed to Iraq. Analyses were based on self-report measures of personality, combat exposure, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms.

RESULTS:

Both pre-deployment Disconstraint and externalizing symptoms predicted combat exposure, which in turn predicted internalizing and externalizing symptoms. There was a significant indirect effect for pre-deployment externalizing symptoms on post-deployment externalizing via combat exposure (p < 0.01). Negative Emotionality and pre-deployment internalizing symptoms directly predicted post-deployment internalizing symptoms, but both were unrelated to combat exposure. No direct effects of personality on residualized changes in externalizing symptoms were found.

CONCLUSIONS:

Baseline symptom dimensions had significant direct and indirect effects on post-deployment symptoms. Controlling for both pre-exposure personality and symptoms, combat experiences remained positively related to both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Implications for diagnostic classification are discussed. PMID: 26347314 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

43. Psychopathology. 2015;48(5):339-48. doi: 10.1159/000438827. Epub 2015 Sep 9. The 'Self' and Borderline Personality Disorder: Conceptual and Clinical Considerations.

Kerr IB1, Finlayson-Short L, McCutcheon LK, Beard H, Chanen AM.

Author information:

 1NHS Lanarkshire, Department of Psychotherapy, Coathill Hospital, Coatbridge, UK.

Abstract

Some concept of self has been used by many, although not all, researchers and clinicians as an 'organising construct' for borderline personality disorder (BPD). There is considerable variation in this usage and how clearly researchers have defined the self. Given this diversity, and that 'self' is often used interchangeably with parallel concepts (e.g. psyche, brain-mind, 'person') or with features of self (e.g. self-awareness, identity), unqualified use of the term is problematic. This is further complicated by the heterogeneity and 'comorbidity' of BPD and the limitations of syndromally based psychiatric nosology. Still, BPD remains in current classification systems and can be reliably diagnosed. A considerable body of research on self and BPD has accrued, including a recent profusion and confluence of neuroscientific and sociopsychological findings. These have generated supporting evidence for a supra- ordinate, functionally constituted entity of the self ranging over multiple, interacting levels from an unconscious, 'core' self, through to a reflective, phenotypic, 'idiographic' and relational self constituted by interpersonal and sociocultural experience. Important insights have been generated regarding emotional and social-cognitive dysregulation, disorder of self-awareness, relationality, identity, and coherence and continuity of the self. Many of these are shared by various trauma-related, dissociative disorders. A construct of the self could be useful as an explanatory principle in BPD, which could be construed as a 'self-state' (and relational) disorder, as opposed to a less severe disorder of aspects of the self (e.g. mood or memory). We offer a tentative description of 'Self' in this context, noting that any such construct will require a clear definition and to be evaluable.

44. Depress Anxiety. 2015 Sep 7. doi: 10.1002/da.22404. [Epub ahead of print] PATHOLOGICAL PERSONALITY TRAITS AND THE NATURALISTIC COURSE OF INTERNALIZING DISORDERS AMONG HIGH-RISK YOUNG ADULTS.

Conway CC1, Craske MG2, Zinbarg RE3,4, Mineka S3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA.  2Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California.  3Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.  4The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

A personality disorder diagnosis signals a negative prognosis for depressive and anxiety disorders, but the precise abnormal personality traits that determine the temporal course of internalizing psychopathology are unknown. In the present study, we examined prospective associations between abnormal personality traits and the onset and recurrence of internalizing disorders.

METHODS: A sample of 371 young adults at high risk for internalizing problems completed the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality-Second Edition-a measure of 12 abnormal personality traits and three temperament dimensions (i.e., Negative Temperament, Positive Temperament, Disinhibition vs. Control)-and underwent annual diagnostic interviews over 4 years of follow-up.

RESULTS:

In multivariate survival analyses, Negative Temperament was a robust predictor of both new onsets and recurrences of internalizing disorder. Further, the Dependency and Self-Harm abnormal personality dimensions emerged as independent predictors of new onsets and recurrences, respectively, of internalizing disorders after statistically adjusting for variation in temperament.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest that abnormal personality traits and temperament dimensions have complementary effects on the trajectory of internalizing pathology during young adulthood. In assessment and treatment settings, targeting the abnormal personality and temperament dimensions with the greatest prognostic value stands to improve the early detection of enduring internalizing psychopathology.

45. Compr Psychiatry. 2015 Oct;62:105-13. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.07.001. Epub 2015 Jul 8. Factor structure of the French version of the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) in non-clinical young adults.

Terrien S1, Stefaniak N1, Morvan Y2, Besche-Richard C 3.

Author information:

 1Laboratoire Cognition, Santé, Socialisation (EA6291), Université de Reims Champagne- Ardenne, Reims, France.  2Inserm U894-LPMP, Centre Psychiatrie et Neuroscience, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France; Laboratoire CLIPSYD, Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, Nanterre, France.  3Laboratoire Cognition, Santé, Socialisation (EA6291), Université de Reims Champagne- Ardenne, Reims, France; Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) is a self-report questionnaire designed to identify vulnerable individuals at high risk of bipolar disorders in non-clinical samples. Our aim was to identify the factorial structure of HPS in a French non-clinical sample and to compare this with different factor solutions described in the literature. We carried out a survey in a French population using a French version of HPS.

METHODS:

A total of 698 participants were included in the study. They completed the HPS, the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief (SPQ-B), the Positive And Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). We tested the 1, 3 and 4- factor solutions and used a Confirmatory Factor Analysis to compare these with the factor solutions suggested by Rawling et al. and Schalet et al.

RESULTS:

Goodness-of-fit indices showed that Schalet et al.'s solution "fits" our data better than Rawling et al.'s factorial solutions. HPS scores correlated with the PANAS Positive score and the SPQ-B total score. We confirmed the 3-factor structure of the HPS in a large nonclinical population of young adults and found consistent correlations with BDI, affectivity and schizotypal traits.

46. Compr Psychiatry. 2015 Oct;62:63-70. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.06.014. Epub 2015 Jun 26. Borderline personality disorder: Prevalence and psychiatric comorbidity among male offenders on probation in Sweden.

Wetterborg D1, Långström N2, Andersson G3, Enebrink P4.

Author information:

 1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Swedish Prison and Probation Services R&D Unit, 601 80 Norrköping, Sweden. Electronic address: [email protected].  3Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden. Electronic address: [email protected].  4Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severely disabling condition, associated with substantially increased risk of deliberate self-harm and, particularly in men, also with interpersonal violence and other criminal behavior. Although BPD might be common among prison inmates, little is known about prevalence and psychiatric comorbidity in probationers and parolees.

METHOD:

In 2013, a consecutive sample of 109 newly admitted adult male offenders on probation or parole in all three probation offices of Stockholm, Sweden, completed self-report screening questionnaires for BPD and other psychiatric morbidity. Participants scoring over BPD cutoff participated in a psychiatric diagnostic interview.

RESULTS:

We ascertained a final DSM-5 BPD prevalence rate of 19.8% (95% CI: 12.3-27.3%). The most common current comorbid disorders among subjects with BPD were antisocial personality disorder (91%), major depressive disorder (82%), substance dependence (73%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (70%), and alcohol dependence (64%). Individuals diagnosed with BPD had significantly more current psychiatric comorbidity (M=6.2 disorders) than interviewed participants not fulfilling BPD criteria (M=3.6). Participants with BPD also reported substantially more symptoms of ADHD, anxiety and depression compared to all subjects without BPD.

CONCLUSIONS:

BPD affected one fifth of probationers and was related to serious mental ill-health known to affect recidivism risk. The findings suggest further study of possible benefits of improved identification and treatment of BPD in offender populations.

47. Compr Psychiatry. 2015 Oct;62:34-41. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.06.007. Epub 2015 Jun 11. Alexithymia and self-directedness as predictors of psychopathology and psychotherapeutic treatment outcome.

Terock J1, Janowitz D2, Spitzer C3, Miertsch M2, Freyberger HJ2, Grabe HJ2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, HELIOS Klinikum Stralsund, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, HELIOS Klinikum Stralsund, Germany.  3Asklepios Fachklinikum Tiefenbrunn, Rosdorf, Germany.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Alexithymia, a common personality style of patients seeking psychotherapeutic help, is associated with illness severity and negative treatment outcome in various mental disorders. Still, it remains unclear how alexithymia influences psychopathology and the therapeutic processes. In previous studies, a strong association of alexithymia with self-directedness (SD), a dimension of Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) has been shown. In this study, we investigated the interaction of alexithymia and SD, and their impact on general psychopathology and on treatment outcome.

METHOD:

716 consecutively admitted day-clinic outpatients were examined at admission (t0) and discharge (t1). The Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20 (TAS-20), the SD subscale of the TCI and the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90-R) were administered. Linear regression analyses were performed to calculate associations and the predictive power of TAS-20 and SD on psychopathology at admission and treatment outcome. ANOVA was used to calculate interactions of TAS-20 and SD on treatment outcome. A general linear model was applied to compare the outcome of four subgroups, defined by high/low TAS-20 and SD scores.

RESULTS:

Regression analyses revealed significant prediction of the baseline General Severity Index (GSIt0) by TAS-20 (df=4, 711; Beta: 0.385; p<0.001) and SD (Beta: -0.365; p<0.001). The whole model accounted for 41% of the explained variance. On subscale level, the 'Difficulties in identifying feelings' facet (DIF) of TAS-20 was the strongest predictor of GSIt0 (Beta: 0.478, P<0.001) and GSIt1 (Beta: 0.072, p=0.049). Therapeutic outcome measured by GSIt1 was significantly predicted by SD (df=5, 710; Beta: -0.065; p=0.041), but not by TAS-20 (Beta: 0.042; p=0.179). Change scores (∆) of TAS-20 and SD predicted GSIt1 (df=5, 710; TAS-20∆ Beta: -0.268; p<0.001; SD∆ Beta: 0.191; p<0.001) as well as GSI∆ (df=5, 710; TAS∆ Beta: 0.384; p<0.001; SD∆: -0.274; p<0.001) significantly. ANOVA revealed no significant interactions of TAS-20 and SD at admission on the treatment outcome (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Low SD was shown to be a common problem of alexithymic patients and both, alexithymia and SD were highly associated with general symptom severity. SD was found to have a greater impact on treatment outcome while adjusting for baseline GSI. Alexithymia and SD act as independent factors with no significant interaction in their impact on psychopathology at admission and discharge. As different interventions were shown to improve SD scores in previous studies, SD may represent a relevant psychotherapeutic target, worthy to be addressed especially in alexithymic patients. Future studies should investigate other dimensions of the TCI, especially harm avoidance and reward dependence.

48. Compr Psychiatry. 2015 Oct;62:13-9. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.06.010. Epub 2015 Jun 17. Childhood trauma in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: focus on personality disorders and psychopathology.

Sáez-Francàs N1, Calvo N2, Alegre J3, Castro-Marrero J 4, Ramírez N5, Hernández-Vara J6, Casas M7.

Author information:

 1Servei de Psiquiatria, Hospital Sant Rafael, FIDMAG, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, CIBERSAM, Department of Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d´Hebron 107-117, 08035, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Servei de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, CIBERSAM, Department of Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].  3Servei de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].  4Servei de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].  5Servei de Psiquiatria, Hospital Sant Rafael, FIDMAG, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, CIBERSAM, Department of Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d´Hebron 107-117, 08035, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].  6Servei de Neurologia, Hospital Universitari Vall d´Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].  7Servei de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, CIBERSAM, Department of Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d´Hebron 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Personality Disorders (PDs) and childhood traumatic experiences have been considered risk factors for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). However, the relationship between these factors and their associated psychopathological impact has not been explored in this population. This study was designed to evaluate the association between different childhood traumas and the presence and number of PDs and current psychopathology in a sample of CFS patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

For this purpose, 166 CFS patients were evaluated with the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+) and the Child Trauma Questionnaire. Other instruments were used to assess the associated psychopathology and the impact of fatigue.

RESULTS:

Of the total sample, 55 (33.1%) presented childhood trauma, the most frequent of which were emotional neglect (21.7%) and emotional abuse (18.1%). Considering PD presence, 79 (47.6%) patients presented some PD. There were no differences in frequency of physical childhood trauma in patients with and without PD. However, patients with PD had more frequently experienced emotional childhood trauma (OR=2.18, p=0.034). Severity of childhood trauma was related to a higher number of PDs, more severe depressive symptoms (p=0.025) and suicide risk (p=0.001). Patients with PD and any childhood trauma presented more severe depressive and irritable symptoms and a higher suicide risk than those without any PD and non-childhood traumatic event. These patients' psychopathological symptoms were similar to those of patients with childhood trauma and without PD.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that emotional childhood trauma but not physical childhood trauma is related to higher frequency of PD presence. More severe childhood emotional and physical traumas are related to a higher number of PDs and to more severe psychopathological symptoms.

49. Personal Ment Health. 2015 Sep 3. doi: 10.1002/pmh.1310. [Epub ahead of print] Anger rumination and aggressive behaviour in borderline personality disorder.

Martino F1,2, Caselli G2,3, Berardi D1, Fiore F2, Marino E4, Menchetti M1, Prunetti E4, Ruggiero GM2, Sasdelli A5, Selby E6, Sassaroli S2. Author information:

 1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC, University of Bologna, Italy.  2Studi Cognitivi, Cognitive Psychotherapy School, Milano, Italy.  3Sigmund Freud University, Milano, Italy.  4Private Hospital Villa Margherita, Vicenza, Italy.  5Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences-DIBINEM, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.  6Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Emotional instability and dyscontrolled behaviours are central features in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Recently, some cognitive dysfunctional mechanisms, such as anger rumination, have been found to increase negative emotions and promote dyscontrolled behaviours. Even though rumination has consistently been linked to BPD traits in nonclinical samples, its relationship with problematic behaviour has yet to be established in a clinical population.

AIM:

The purpose of the study was to explore the relationships between emotional dysregulation, anger rumination and aggression proneness in a clinical sample of patients with BPD.

METHODS:

Enrolled patients with personality disorders (93 with BPD) completed a comprehensive assessment for personality disorder symptoms, anger rumination, emotional dysregulation and aggression proneness.

RESULTS:

Anger rumination was found to significantly predict aggression proneness, over and above emotional dysregulation. Furthermore, both BPD diagnosis and anger rumination were significant predictors of aggression proneness.

CONCLUSION:

Future research should examine whether clinical techniques aimed at reducing rumination are helpful for reducing aggressive and other dyscontrolled behaviours in treating patients with BPD. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

1. Psychol Med. 2015 Oct 30:1-9. [Epub ahead of print] Relating DSM-5 section III personality traits to section II personality disorder diagnoses.

Morey LC1, Benson KT1, Skodol AE2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology,Texas A&M University,College Station,TX,USA.  2Department of Psychiatry,University of Arizona College of Medicine,Phoenix,AZ,USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The DSM-5 Personality and Personality Disorders Work Group formulated a hybrid dimensional/categorical model that represented personality disorders as combinations of core impairments in personality functioning with specific configurations of problematic personality traits. Specific clusters of traits were selected to serve as indicators for six DSM categorical diagnoses to be retained in this system - antisocial, avoidant, borderline, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive and schizotypal personality disorders. The goal of the current study was to describe the empirical relationships between the DSM-5 section III pathological traits and DSM-IV/DSM-5 section II personality disorder diagnoses.

METHOD:

Data were obtained from a sample of 337 clinicians, each of whom rated one of his or her patients on all aspects of the DSM-IV and DSM-5 proposed alternative model. Regression models were constructed to examine trait-disorder relationships, and the incremental validity of core personality dysfunctions (i.e. criterion A features for each disorder) was examined in combination with the specified trait clusters.

RESULTS: Findings suggested that the trait assignments specified by the Work Group tended to be substantially associated with corresponding DSM-IV concepts, and the criterion A features provided additional diagnostic information in all but one instance.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although the DSM-5 section III alternative model provided a substantially different taxonomic structure for personality disorders, the associations between this new approach and the traditional personality disorder concepts in DSM-5 section II make it possible to render traditional personality disorder concepts using alternative model traits in combination with core impairments in personality functioning. PMID: 26515656 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

2. Acad Psychiatry. 2015 Oct 27. [Epub ahead of print] Educating Residents on Diagnosing Personality Disorders Across Cultures.

Jani S1, Johnson RS2.

Author information:

 1Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. [email protected].  2Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. PMID: 26507266 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

3. Compr Psychiatry. 2015 Oct 9. pii: S0010-440X(15)30246-7. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.09.014. [Epub ahead of print] Dysfunctional understanding of mental states in personality disorders: What is the evidence?

Dimaggio G1, Brüne M2. Author information:

 1Center for Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy Piazza dei Martiri di Belfiore 4, 00195, Rome, Italy.  2Research Department of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Psychiatric Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, LWL University Hospital, Alexandrinenstr 1, 44791 Bochum, Germany. PMID: 26506571 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

4. Transl Psychiatry. 2015 Oct 27;5:e664. doi: 10.1038/tp.2015.163. Genetic modulation of oxytocin sensitivity: a pharmacogenetic approach.

Chen FS1,2, Kumsta R3, Dvorak F4,5, Domes G1,6, Yim OS7, Ebstein RP7, Heinrichs M1,6.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, Laboratory for Biological and Personality Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.  2Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.  3Department of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.  4Graduate School of Decision Sciences, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.  5Department of Economics, Chair of Applied Research in Economics, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.  6Freiburg Brain Imaging Center, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.  7Department of Psychology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.

Abstract

Intranasal administration of the neuropeptide oxytocin has been shown to influence a range of complex social cognitions and social behaviors, and it holds therapeutic potential for the treatment of mental disorders characterized by social functioning deficits such as autism, social phobia and borderline personality disorder. However, considerable variability exists in individual responses to oxytocin administration. Here, we undertook a study to investigate the role of genetic variation in sensitivity to exogenous oxytocin using a socioemotional task. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment with a repeated-measures (crossover) design, we assessed the performance of 203 men on an emotion recognition task under oxytocin and placebo. We took a haplotype-based approach to investigate the association between oxytocin receptor gene variation and oxytocin sensitivity. We identified a six-marker haplotype block spanning the promoter region and intron 3 that was significantly associated with our measure of oxytocin sensitivity. Specifically, the TTCGGG haplotype comprising single-nucleotide polymorphisms rs237917-rs2268498-rs4564970-rs237897- rs2268495-rs53576 is associated with increased emotion recognition performance under oxytocin versus placebo, and the CCGAGA haplotype with the opposite pattern. These results on the genetic modulation of sensitivity to oxytocin document a significant source of individual differences with implications for personalized treatment approaches using oxytocin administration. PMID: 26506050 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

5. Women Health. 2015 Oct 26. [Epub ahead of print] Resilience in Eating Disorders: A Qualitative Study.

Las Hayas C1,2, Padierna JA2,3, Muñoz P4, Agirre M1, Gómez Del Barrio A5, Beato-Fernandez L6, Calvete E1.

Author information:

 1a Department of Personality , Assessment and Treatment, University of Deusto , Vizcaya , Spain .  2b REDISSEC , Vizcaya , Spain .  3c Psychiatry Service , Hospital de Galdakao Usansolo , Vizcaya , Spain .  4d Psychiatry Service , Ortuella Mental Health Center , Vizcaya , Spain .  5e Eating Disorders Unit, Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM) , Hospital Universitario Marqués Valdecilla , Cantabria , Spain .  6f Eating Disorders Unit , Hospital General de Ciudad Real , Ciudad Real , Spain .

Abstract

The objectives of this study were two-fold: to explore the role of resilience in the recovery from eating disorders (EDs) and to develop a model of resilience in women with ED. Semi- structured interviews with ten women were conducted in April 2011, along with two focus groups with women who had recovered from EDs (n = 5 women each; conducted in April 2012 at the University of Deusto, Spain), one focus group with clinical experts (n = 8; conducted in April 2012 at the Foundation Against EDs of Biskay, Spain), and six narratives from primary caregivers of ED patients living in Biskay, Spain (conducted in November 2012); all were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. All female participants acknowledged experiencing resilience in their recovery. The analysis resulted in a conceptual model of resilience composed of the following categories: deep dissatisfaction with life, turning point, acceptance, hope, determination to change, accountability for the ED, active coping, getting social support, gaining self-knowledge, getting information about EDs, increase well-being, trait resilience, initiating new projects and living the here & now. According to our model, resilience preceded the experience of recovery in women with EDs in our sample and could be a useful asset for future interventions. PMID: 26503900 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

6. Front Psychol. 2015 Oct 6;6:1495. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01495. eCollection 2015. Internalizing and externalizing traits predict changes in sleep efficiency in emerging adulthood: an actigraphy study.

Yaugher AC1, Alexander GM1.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University College Station, TX, USA.

Abstract

Research on psychopathology and experimental studies of sleep restriction support a relationship between sleep disruption and both internalizing and externalizing disorders. The objective of the current study was to extend this research by examining sleep, impulsivity, antisocial personality traits, and internalizing traits in a university sample. Three hundred and eighty six individuals (161 males) between the ages of 18 and 27 years (M = 18.59, SD = 0.98) wore actigraphs for 7 days and completed established measures of disorder-linked personality traits and sleep quality (i.e., Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI), Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). As expected, sleep measures and questionnaire scores fell within the normal range of values and sex differences in sleep and personality were consistent with previous research results. Similar to findings in predominantly male forensic psychiatric settings, higher levels of impulsivity predicted poorer subjective sleep quality in both women and men. Consistent with well-established associations between depression and sleep, higher levels of depression in both sexes predicted poorer subjective sleep quality. Bidirectional analyses showed that better sleep efficiency decreases depression. Finally, moderation analyses showed that gender does have a primary role in sleep efficiency and marginal effects were found. The observed relations between sleep and personality traits in a typical university sample add to converging evidence of the relationship between sleep and psychopathology and may inform our understanding of the development of psychopathology in young adulthood.

PMCID: PMC4593941 Free PMC Article PMID: 26500575 [PubMed] Similar articles

7. Acad Psychiatry. 2015 Oct 23. [Epub ahead of print] Teaching to Teach: A Personality Disorders Curriculum.

Fritzler L1, Park G1, Prabhakar D2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA.  2Department of Psychiatry, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA. [email protected]. PMID: 26497970 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

8. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2015 Oct 21;65:188-193. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.10.007. [Epub ahead of print] Neural and psychological underpinnings of gambling disorder: A review.

Grant JE1, Odlaug BL2, Chamberlain SR3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.  3Department of Psychiatry, University of UK, & Cambridge and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom. Abstract

Gambling disorder affects 0.4 to 1.6% of adults worldwide, and is highly comorbid with other mental health disorders. This article provides a concise primer on the neural and psychological underpinnings of gambling disorder based on a selective review of the literature. Gambling disorder is associated with dysfunction across multiple cognitive domains which can be considered in terms of impulsivity and compulsivity. Neuroimaging data suggest structural and functional abnormalities of networks involved in reward processing and top- down control. Gambling disorder shows 50-60% heritability and it is likely that various neurochemical systems are implicated in the pathophysiology (including dopaminergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and opioidergic). Elevated rates of certain personality traits (e.g. negative urgency, disinhibition), and personality disorders, are found. More research is required to evaluate whether cognitive dysfunction and personality aspects influence the longitudinal course and treatment outcome for gambling disorder. It is hoped that improved understanding of the biological and psychological components of gambling disorder, and their interactions, may lead to improved treatment approaches and raise the profile of this neglected condition.

9. Memory. 2015 Oct 22:1-10. [Epub ahead of print] Overgeneral autobiographical memory predicts higher prospective levels of depressive symptoms and intrusions in borderline patients.

Van den Broeck K1,2, Pieters G1,2, Claes L1, Berens A 3, Raes F1.

Author information:

 1a Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences , University of Leuven , Leuven , Belgium.  2b University Psychiatric Centre KU Leuven , Kortenberg , Belgium.  3c Psychiatric Hospital Duffel , Duffel , Belgium. Abstract

Overgeneral memory (OGM), the tendency to retrieve categories of events from autobiographical memory instead of single events, is found to be a reliable predictor for future mood disturbances and post-traumatic symptom severity. Patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) often report co-morbid episodes of major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, we investigated whether OGM would predict depression severity and (post-traumatic) stress symptoms in BPD patients. At admission (N = 54) and at six-month follow-up (N ≥ 31), BPD patients completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders, the Assessment of DSM-IV Personality Disorders, the Autobiographical Memory Test, the Beck Depression Inventory-2nd edition (BDI-II), and the Impact of Event Scale. OGM at baseline predicted (a) higher levels of depressive symptoms at follow-up and (b) more intrusions related to a stressful event over and above baseline levels of borderline symptoms, depressive symptoms, and intrusions, respectively. No association was found between memory specificity and event-related avoidance at follow-up. Despite previous findings suggesting that OGM in BPD is less robust than in MDD and PTSD, our results suggest that memory specificity in BPD patients may have some relevance for the course of depressive and stress symptomatology in BPD. PMID: 26494540 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

10. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2015 Nov;33(4):797-810. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2015.07.007. Shift, Interrupted: Strategies for Managing Difficult Patients Including Those with Personality Disorders and Somatic Symptoms in the Emergency Department.

Moukaddam N1, AufderHeide E2, Flores A3, Tucci V2.

Author information:

 1Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1502 Taub Loop, NPC Building 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Section of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1504 Taub Loop, Houston, TX 77030, USA.  3Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, 1502 Taub Loop, NPC Building 2nd Floor, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Abstract

Difficult patients are often those who present with a mix of physical and psychiatric symptoms, and seem refractory to usual treatments or reassurance. such patients can include those with personality disorders, those with somatization symptoms; they can come across as entitled, drug-seeking, manipulative, or simply draining to the provider. Such patients are often frequent visitors to Emergency Departments. Other reasons for difficult encounters could be rooted in provider bias or countertransference, rather than sole patient factors. Emergency providers need to have high awareness of these possibilities, and be prepared to manage such situations, otherwise workup can be sub-standard and dangerous medical mistakes can be made.

11. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Nov;203(11):820-6. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000377. Exploring Attachment Patterns in Patients With Comorbid Borderline Personality and Substance Use Disorders.

Schindler A1, Sack PM.

Author information:

 1*Department for Personality and Stress Disorders and †German Center for Addiction Research in Childhood and Adolescence, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.

Abstract

Studies exploring attachment patterns in samples of patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) report a combination of preoccupied and fearful-avoidant patterns. This has been interpreted as reflecting the approach-avoidance dilemma of BPD. Comorbid substance use disorders (SUD) have not been considered in these studies, despite the high proportions of SUD among BPD patients and despite the more avoidant attachment in SUD samples. This cross-sectional, naturalistic study explores attachment patterns in a sample of comorbid (BPD and SUD) patients, comparing them to two samples of patients with either SUD or BPD only. Within-group comparisons replicated findings of both preoccupied and fearful- avoidant attachment in BPD and comorbid groups. But between-group comparisons showed that comorbid patients were significantly less preoccupied (p = 0.018) and more dismissing- avoidant (p = 0.030). Although both groups were similar in several psychiatric measures, attachment patterns of the comorbid group were more similar to substance abusers than to borderline patients. PMID: 26488917 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

12. Psychol Med. 2015 Oct 20:1-10. [Epub ahead of print] Personality disorder in DSM-5: an oral history.

Zachar P1, Krueger RF2, Kendler KS3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology,Auburn University Montgomery,Montgomery,AL,USA.  2Department of Psychology,University of Minnesota,Minneapolis, MN,USA.  3Department of Psychiatry and Department of Human and Molecular Genetics,Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine,Richmond,VA,USA.

Abstract

As the revision process leading to DSM-5 began, the domain of personality disorder embodied the highest aspirations for major change. After an initial prototype-based proposal failed to gain acceptance, the Personality and Personality Disorders Work Group (P&PDWG) developed a hybrid model containing categorical and dimensional components. A clash of perspectives both within the P&PDWG and between the P&PDWG and DSM-5 oversight committees led to the rejection of this proposal from the main body of DSM-5. Major issues included conflicting ways of conceptualizing validation, differences of opinion from personality disorder experts outside the P&PDWG, divergent concepts of the magnitude of evidence needed to support substantial changes, and the disagreements about clinical utility of the hybrid model. Despite these setbacks, the 'Alternative DSM-5 Model of Personality Disorder' is presented in Section III of the DSM-5. Further research should clarify its performance relative to the DSM-IV criteria reprinted in the main DSM-5 text. PMID: 26482368 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

13. Schizophr Res. 2015 Oct 15. pii: S0920-9964(15)00529-0. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.09.032. [Epub ahead of print] Pursuit eye movements as an intermediate phenotype across psychotic disorders: Evidence from the B-SNIP study.

Lencer R1, Sprenger A2, Reilly JL3, McDowell JE4, Rubin LH5, Badner JA6, Keshavan MS7, Pearlson GD8, Tamminga CA9, Gershon ES6, Clementz BA4, Sweeney JA10.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto Creutzfeld Center, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany.  2Department of Neurology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.  3Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.  4Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, USA.  5Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA.  6Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.  7Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deacones Medical Center, Boston, USA.  8Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, Olin Research Center, Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital, Hartford, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Yale School of Medicine, Olin Research Center, Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital, Hartford, USA.  9Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.  10Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

Smooth pursuit eye tracking deficits are a promising intermediate phenotype for schizophrenia and possibly for psychotic disorders more broadly. The Bipolar-Schizophrenia Network on Intermediate Phenotypes (B-SNIP) consortium investigated the severity and familiality of different pursuit parameters across psychotic disorders. Probands with schizophrenia (N=265), schizoaffective disorder (N=178), psychotic bipolar disorder (N=231), their first-degree relatives (N=306, N=217, N=273, respectively) and healthy controls (N=305) performed pursuit tracking tasks designed to evaluate sensorimotor and cognitive/predictive aspects of pursuit. Probands from all diagnostic groups were impaired on all pursuit measures of interest compared to controls (p<0.001). Schizophrenia probands were more impaired than other proband groups on both early pursuit gain and predictive gain. Relatives with and without enhanced psychosis spectrum personality traits were impaired on initial eye acceleration, the most direct sensorimotor pursuit measure, but not on pursuit gain measures. This suggests that alterations in early sensorimotor function may track susceptibility to psychosis even in the absence of psychosis related personality traits. There were no differences in pursuit measures between relatives of the three proband groups. Familiality estimates of pursuit deficits indicate that early pursuit gain was more familial than predictive gain, which has been the most widely used measure in previous family studies of psychotic disorders. Thus, while disease-related factors may induce significant impairments of pursuit gain, especially in schizophrenia, the pattern of deficits in relatives and their familiality estimates suggest that alterations in sensorimotor function at pursuit onset may indicate increased susceptibility across psychotic disorders.

14. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2015 Oct 19. [Epub ahead of print] Novelty Seeking and Drug Addiction in Humans and Animals: From Behavior to Molecules.

Wingo T1, Nesil T1, Choi JS1,2, Li MD3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, 450 Ray C Hunt Drive, Suite G-170, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA.  2Department of Psychiatry, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.  3Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, 450 Ray C Hunt Drive, Suite G-170, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA. [email protected].

Abstract

Global treatment of drug addiction costs society billions of dollars annually, but current psychopharmacological therapies have not been successful at desired rates. The increasing number of individuals suffering from substance abuse has turned attention to what makes some people more vulnerable to drug addiction than others. One personality trait that stands out as a contributing factor is novelty seeking. Novelty seeking, affected by both genetic and environmental factors, is defined as the tendency to desire novel stimuli and environments. It can be measured in humans through questionnaires and in rodents using behavioral tasks. On the behavioral level, both human and rodent studies demonstrate that high novelty seeking can predict the initiation of drug use and a transition to compulsive drug use and create a propensity to relapse. These predictions are valid for several drugs of abuse, such as alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamine, and opiates. On the molecular level, both novelty seeking and addiction are modulated by the central reward system in the brain. Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter involved in the overlapping neural substrates of both parameters. In sum, the novelty-seeking trait can be valuable for predicting individual vulnerability to drug addiction and for generating successful treatment for patients with substance abuse disorders. PMID: 26481371 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

15. Personal Disord. 2015 Oct 19. [Epub ahead of print] Error-Related Processing in Adult Males With Elevated Psychopathic Traits.

Steele VR, Maurer JM, Bernat EM, Calhoun VD, Kiehl KA .

Abstract

Psychopathy is a serious personality disorder characterized by dysfunctional affective and behavioral symptoms. In incarcerated populations, elevated psychopathic traits have been linked to increased rates of violent recidivism. Cognitive processes related to error processing have been shown to differentiate individuals with high and low psychopathic traits and may contribute to poor decision making that increases the risk of recidivism. Error processing abnormalities related to psychopathy may be attributable to error-monitoring (error detection) or posterror processing (error evaluation). A recent 'bottleneck' theory predicts deficiencies in posterror processing in individuals with high psychopathic traits. In the current study, incarcerated males (n = 93) performed a Go/NoGo response inhibition task while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Classic time-domain windowed component and principal component analyses were used to measure error-monitoring (as measured with the error-related negativity [ERN/Ne]) and posterror processing (as measured with the error positivity [Pe]). Psychopathic traits were assessed using Hare's Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R). PCL-R Total score, Factor 1 (interpersonal-affective traits), and Facet 3 (lifestyle traits) scores were positively related to posterror processes (i.e., increased Pe amplitude) but unrelated to error-monitoring processes (i.e., ERN/Ne). These results support the attentional bottleneck theory and further describe deficiencies related to elevated psychopathic traits that could be beneficial for new treatment strategies for psychopathy. (PsycINFO Database Record

16. J Pers Assess. 2015 Nov-Dec;97(6):657-8. doi: 10.1080/00223891.2015.1068175. A Review of Huprich, Personality Disorders: Toward Theoretical and Empirical Integration in Diagnosis and Assessment.

Tibon Czopp S1, Rothschild-Yakar L2.

Author information:

 1a Department of Psychology , University of London , Goldsmiths.  2b Department of Psychology , University of Haifa. PMID: 26473459 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

17. Personal Ment Health. 2015 Nov;9(4):298-307. doi: 10.1002/pmh.1305. Epub 2015 Sep 7. Preliminary field trial of a putative research algorithm for diagnosing ICD-11 personality disorders in psychiatric patients: 2. Proposed trait domains.

Kim YR1,2, Tyrer P3, Lee HS4, Kim SG5, Hwang ST6, Lee GY7, Mulder R8.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University, Seoul, South Korea.  2Institute of Eating Disorders and Mental Health, Inje University, Seoul, South Korea.  3Centre for Mental Health, Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK.  4Department of Psychiatry, Kangnam Sacred Hospital, Hallym University, Seoul, South Korea.  5Department of Psychiatry, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, South Korea.  6Department of Psychology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea.  7Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.  8Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Abstract

This field trial examines the discriminant validity of five trait domains of the originally proposed research algorithm for diagnosing International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11 personality disorders. This trial was carried out in South Korea where a total of 124 patients with personality disorder participated in the study. Participants were assessed using originally proposed monothetic trait domains of asocial-schizoid, antisocial-dissocial, anxious-dependent, emotionally unstable and anankastic-obsessional groups of the research algorithm in ICD-11. Their assessments were compared to those from the Personality Assessment Schedule interview, and the five-factor model (FFM). A total of 48.4% of patients were found to have pathology in two or more domains. In the discriminant analysis, 64.2% of the grouped cases of the originally proposed ICD-11 domains were correctly classified by the five domain categories using the Personality Assessment Schedule, with the highest accuracy in the anankastic-obsessional domain and the lowest accuracy in the emotionally unstable domain. In comparison, the asocial-schizoid, anxious-dependent and the emotionally unstable domains were moderately correlated with the FFM, whereas the anankastic-obsessional or antisocial-dissocial domains were not significantly correlated with the FFM. In this field trial, we demonstrated the limited discriminant and the convergent validities of the originally proposed trait domains of the research algorithm for diagnosing ICD-11 personality disorder. The results suggest that the anankastic, asocial and dissocial domains show good discrimination, whereas the anxious-dependent and emotionally unstable ones overlap too much and have been subsequently revised. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

18. Psych J. 2015 Oct 15. doi: 10.1002/pchj.109. [Epub ahead of print] Sight and blindness in the same person: Gating in the visual system.

Strasburger H1, Waldvogel B2. Author information:

 1Institute of Medical Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.  2Practice for Psychotherapy, Munich, Germany.

Abstract

We present the case of a patient having dissociative identity disorder (DID) who-after 15 years of misdiagnosed cortical blindness-step-by-step regained sight during psychotherapeutic treatment. At first only a few personality states regained vision whereas others remained blind. This could be confirmed by electrophysiological measurement, in which visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were absent in the blind personality states but were normal and stable in the seeing states. A switch between these states could happen within seconds. We assume a top-down modulation of activity in the primary visual pathway as a neural basis of such psychogenic blindness, possibly at the level of the thalamus. VEPs therefore do not allow separating psychogenic blindness from organic disruption of the visual pathway. In summary, psychogenic blindness seems to suppress visual information at an early neural stage.

19. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2015 Nov;39(11):2234-48. doi: 10.1111/acer.12886. Epub 2015 Oct 14. Personality and Substance Use: Psychometric Evaluation and Validation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) in English, Irish, French, and German Adolescents.

Jurk S1, Kuitunen-Paul S2, Kroemer NB1, Artiges E3,4, Banaschewski T5, Bokde AL6, Büchel C7, Conrod P8,9, Fauth-Bühler M 10, Flor H11, Frouin V12, Gallinat J13, Garavan H14,15, Heinz A16, Mann KF10, Nees F11, Paus T17,18,19, Pausova Z20, Poustka L5, Rietschel M21, Schumann G8,22 , Struve M11, Smolka MN1; IMAGEN consortium. Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.  2Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.  3Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM CEA Unit 1000 "Imaging & Psychiatry", University Paris Sud, Orsay, France.  4Department of Psychiatry, Orsay Hospital, Orsay, France.  5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.  6Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.  7Universitaetsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.  8Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.  9Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montréal, CHU Ste Justine Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  10Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.  11Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.  12Neurospin, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Paris, France.  13Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg- Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.  14Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.  15Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.  16Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.  17Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  18School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.  19Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  20The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  21Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.  22MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre, London, United Kingdom.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present longitudinal study was the psychometric evaluation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS).

METHODS:

We analyzed data from N = 2,022 adolescents aged 13 to 15 at baseline assessment and 2 years later (mean interval 2.11 years). Missing data at follow-up were imputed (N = 522). Psychometric properties of the SURPS were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. We examined structural as well as convergent validity with other personality measurements and drinking motives, and predictive validity for substance use at follow-up.

RESULTS:

The hypothesized 4-factorial structure (i.e., anxiety sensitivity, hopelessness, impulsivity [IMP], and sensation seeking [SS]) based on all 23 items resulted in acceptable fit to empirical data, acceptable internal consistencies, low to moderate test-retest reliability coefficients, as well as evidence for factorial and convergent validity. The proposed factor structure was stable for both males and females and, to lesser degree, across languages. However, only the SS and the IMP subscales of the SURPS predicted substance use outcomes at 16 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS:

The SURPS is unique in its specific assessment of traits related to substance use disorders as well as the resulting shortened administration time. Test-retest reliability was low to moderate and comparable to other personality scales. However, its relation to future substance use was limited to the SS and IMP subscales, which may be due to the relatively low-risk substance use pattern in the present sample.

20. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2015 Nov;56(11):1165-7. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12455. Commentary: An exemplar of progress in understanding complex disorders - reflections on what we have learned about eating disorders (Culbert et al., 2015). Smith GT1, Davis HA1.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.

Abstract

A number of recent advances in eating disorders research have helped clarify the nature of risk for the development of such disorders. Culbert et al. () provide an empirical and thoughtful review of these recent advances. The authors identified empirically established risk factors in each of several categories of risk for eating disorders: genetic influences, neurotransmitter activity, hormones, personality, and sociocultural influences. We highlight three implications of their review. First, the review can serve as an important asset to eating disorder researchers, both substantively, by providing a comprehensive account of empirically supported risk processes; and methodologically, by highlighting good standards of evidence for acceptance of a candidate risk factor. Second, eating disorder risk is increased by both transdiagnostic and eating disorder-specific factors; there is a need to understand how these types of factors transact with each other. Third and most important, we highlight the importance of Culbert et al.'s advocacy for the development of theoretical models, and empirical tests of those models that specify transactions among different types of risk factors, such as those based on genetic, neurobiological, personality, and social processes.

21. PLoS One. 2015 Oct 13;10(10):e0137506. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137506. eCollection 2015. Risk Factors of Internet Addiction among Internet Users: An Online Questionnaire Survey.

Wu CY1, Lee MB2, Liao SC2, Chang LR3.

Author information:

 1School of Nursing, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei, Taiwan.  2Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.  3Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Abstract

BACKGROUNDS:

Internet addiction (IA) has become a major public health issue worldwide and is closely linked to psychiatric disorders and suicide. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IA and its associated psychosocial and psychopathological determinants among internet users across different age groups.

METHODS:

The study was a cross-sectional survey initiated by the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center. The participants were recruited from the general public who responded to the online questionnaire. They completed a series of self-reported measures, including Chen Internet Addiction Scale-revised (CIAS-R), Five-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5), Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI), and questions about suicide and internet use habits.

RESULTS:

We enrolled 1100 respondents with a preponderance of female subjects (85.8%). Based on an optimal cutoff for CIAS-R (67/68), the prevalence rate of IA was 10.6%. People with higher scores of CIAS-R were characterized as: male, single, students, high neuroticism, life impairment due to internet use, time for internet use, online gaming, presence of psychiatric morbidity, recent suicide ideation and past suicide attempts. Multiple regression on IA showed that age, gender, neuroticism, life impairment, internet use time, and BSRS-5 score accounted for 31% of variance for CIAS-R score. Further, logistic regression showed that neuroticism, life impairment and internet use time were three main predictors for IA. Compared to those without IA, the internet addicts had higher rates of psychiatric morbidity (65.0%), suicide ideation in a week (47.0%), lifetime suicide attempts (23.1%), and suicide attempt in a year (5.1%).

CONCLUSION:

Neurotic personality traits, psychopathology, time for internet use and its subsequent life impairment were important predictors for IA. Individuals with IA may have higher rates of psychiatric morbidity and suicide risks. The findings provide important information for further investigation and prevention of IA.

PMCID: PMC4603790 Free PMC Article PMID: 26462196 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

22. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Nov;203(11):843-9. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000379. Eating Disorders and Therapist Emotional Responses.

Colli A1, Speranza AM, Lingiardi V, Gentile D, Nassisi V, Hilsenroth MJ.

Author information:

 1*Department of Human Science, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino; †Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy; and ‡Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to identify (a) patterns of clinicians' emotional responses to patients with eating disorders (ED); (b) patient, clinician, and treatment variables associated with therapist emotional responses; and (c) the influence of patient personality on therapist emotional responses. A random national sample of psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapists (N = 149) was asked to examine one patient (>18 years old) with an ED. Clinicians completed the SWAP-200, the Therapist Response Questionnaire, and the Clinical Questionnaire-Eating Disorder Form to provide general information about themselves, patients, and therapies. Results suggested a therapist pattern of emotional response in relation to different ED diagnosis and indicated meaningful influence of therapist experience and patient variables (such as sexual abuse, dissociative symptoms, and self-harm) on therapist emotional reactions. Finally, regression analysis suggested that therapist responses are more related to patient personality than ED symptoms. This study confirms the importance of patient personality in evoking specific therapists' reactions. PMID: 26461481 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

23. PLoS One. 2015 Oct 13;10(10):e0139912. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139912. eCollection 2015. Anxious or Depressed and Still Happy?

Spinhoven P1, Elzinga BM2, Giltay E3, Penninx BW4. Author information:

 1Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.  2Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.  3Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.  4Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine cross-sectionally to what extent persons with higher symptom levels or a current or past emotional disorder report to be less happy than controls and to assess prospectively whether time-lagged measurements of extraversion and neuroticism predict future happiness independent of time-lagged measurements of emotional disorders or symptom severity. A sample of 2142 adults aged 18-65, consisting of healthy controls and persons with current or past emotional disorder according to DSM-IV criteria completed self-ratings for happiness and emotional well-being and symptom severity. Lagged measurements of personality, symptom severity and presence of anxiety and depressive disorder at T0 (year 0), T2 (year 2) and T4 (year 4) were used to predict happiness and emotional well-being at T6 (year 6) controlling for demographics. In particular persons with more depressive symptoms, major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder and comorbid emotional disorders reported lower levels of happiness and emotional well-being. Depression symptom severity and to a lesser extent depressive disorder predicted future happiness and emotional well-being at T6. Extraversion and to a lesser extent neuroticism also consistently forecasted future happiness and emotional well-being independent of concurrent lagged measurements of emotional disorders and symptoms. A study limitation is that we only measured happiness and emotional well-being at T6 and our measures were confined to hedonistic well-being and did not include psychological and social well-being. In sum, consistent with the two continua model of emotional well-being and mental illness, a 'happy' personality characterized by high extraversion and to a lesser extent low neuroticism forecasts future happiness and emotional well-being independent of concurrently measured emotional disorders or symptom severity levels. Boosting positive emotionality may be an important treatment goal for persons personally inclined to lower levels of happiness.

PMCID: PMC4603679 Free PMC Article PMID: 26461261 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

24. Personal Disord. 2015 Oct 12. [Epub ahead of print] Population Prevalence of Personality Disorder and Associations With Physical Health Comorbidities and Health Care Service Utilization: A Review.

Quirk SE, Berk M, Chanen AM, Koivumaa-Honkanen H, Brennan-Olsen SL, Pasco JA, Williams LJ.

Abstract

Personality disorder (PD), outcomes of diverse comorbid physical health conditions, and the associated burden on health service resources have seldom been studied at a population level. Consequently, there is limited evidence that might inform a public health approach to managing PD and associated mental and physical disability. A review was conducted of population-based studies examining the prevalence of PD and associations between physical comorbidities and service utilization. The prevalence of any PDs were common (4.4% - 21.5%) among populations spanning England, Wales, Scotland, Western Europe, Norway, Australia, and the United States. Preliminary evidence supports associations between PDs from Clusters A and B and physical comorbidities, namely cardiovascular diseases and arthritis. PD appears to increase health care utilization, particularly in primary care. In order to facilitate rational population health planning, further population studies are required. (PsycINFO Database Record

25. Personal Disord. 2015 Oct 12. [Epub ahead of print] Mental State Identification, Borderline Pathology, and the Neglected Role of Childhood Trauma.

Weinstein SR, Meehan KB, Cain NM, Ripoll LH, Boussi AR, Papouchis N, Siever LJ, New AS. Abstract

Research evaluating mental state identification in individuals with borderline pathology has yielded inconsistent results; contradictory findings were hypothesized to be driven by moderating effects of childhood trauma. Participants were 105 ethnically diverse men and women who exhibited a range of borderline pathology measured by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria for borderline personality disorder. Mental state identification accuracy was measured using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET). Greater childhood abuse, but not childhood neglect, was associated with enhanced mental state identification accuracy on negative stimuli, when controlling for dissociation (ps < .05); these findings could not be explained by reaction time (RT) or response bias. Childhood abuse and childhood neglect were not related to mental state identification accuracy on neutral or positive stimuli, and they did not moderate the relationship between borderline pathology and mental state identification accuracy on negative, neutral, or positive stimuli. Borderline pathology was not independently related to mental state identification accuracy on negative, neutral, or positive stimuli. Greater childhood neglect, but not childhood abuse, was related to slower RTs on negative, neutral, and positive stimuli (ps < .05). Results underline the importance of separately assessing childhood abuse and childhood neglect and of controlling for dissociation, and they suggest borderline pathology may not universally hinder complex mental state identification. (PsycINFO Database Record

26. Personal Disord. 2015 Oct 12. [Epub ahead of print] Expression of Schizophrenia-Spectrum Personality Traits in Daily Life.

Chun CA, Barrantes-Vidal N, Sheinbaum T, Kwapil TR.

Abstract

The present study examined the expression of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) schizotypal, schizoid, and paranoid personality disorder (PD) traits in daily life using experience sampling methodology in 206 nonclinically ascertained Spanish young adults oversampled for risk for schizophrenia-spectrum psychopathology. This study examined the overlap and differentiation of pathological personality traits in daily life settings, according to both diagnostic and multidimensional models. Daily life outcomes differentiated among schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. The assignment of Cluster A personality traits to positive, negative, paranoid, and disorganized dimensions provided an alternative to the traditional PD diagnoses. Positive, disorganized, and paranoid schizotypy were associated with elevated stress reactivity, whereas negative schizotypy was associated with diminished reactivity in daily life. The current diagnostic model is limited by the considerable overlap among the PD traits. Nonetheless, experience sampling methodology is sensitive enough to detect differences in day-to-day impairment and can be a powerful research tool for the examination of dynamic constructs such as personality pathology. (PsycINFO Database Record

27. Personal Disord. 2015 Oct 12. [Epub ahead of print] What's in a Face? Mentalizing in Borderline Personality Disorder Based on Dynamically Changing Facial Expressions.

Lowyck B, Luyten P, Vanwalleghem D, Vermote R, Mayes LC, Crowley MJ.

Abstract

The mentalization-based approach to borderline personality disorder (BPD) argues that impairments in mentalizing are a key feature of BPD. Most previous research in this area has concentrated on potential impairments in facial emotion recognition in BPD patients. However, these studies have yielded inconsistent results, which may be attributable to methodological differences. This study aimed to address several limitations of previous studies by investigating different parameters involved in emotion recognition in BPD patients using a novel, 2-step dynamically changing facial expression paradigm, taking into account the possible influence of mood, psychotropic medication, and trauma exposure. Twenty-two BPD patients and 22 matched normal controls completed this paradigm. Parameters assessed were accuracy of emotion recognition, reaction time (RT), and level of confidence, both for first and full response and for correct and incorrect responses. Results showed (a) that BPD patients were as accurate in their first, but less accurate in their full emotion recognition than normal controls, (b) a trend for BPD patients to respond more slowly than normal controls, and (c) no significant difference in overall level of confidence between BPD patients and normal controls. Mood and psychotropic medication did not influence these results. Exposure to trauma in BPD patients, however, was negatively related to accuracy at full expression. Although further research is needed, results suggest no general emotion-recognition deficit in BPD patients using a dynamic changing facial recognition paradigm, except for a subgroup of BPD patients with marked trauma who become less accurate when they have to rely more on controlled, reflective processes. (PsycINFO Database Record

28. Can Psychol. 2015 May;56(2):168-190. Epub 2015 Oct 15. A Systematic Review of Personality Disorders and Health Outcomes.

Dixon-Gordon KL1, Whalen DJ2, Layden BK3, Chapman AL3.

Author information:

 1University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Amherst MA 01003; Tel: 413-545-0226; [email protected].  2Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Box 8511, St. Louis MO 63110; Tel: 314-286-2730; [email protected].  3Simon Fraser University, Department of Psychology, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby BC V5A 1S6; Tel: 604-314-2762; [email protected] ; [email protected].

Abstract

Personality disorders have been associated with a wide swath of adverse health outcomes and correspondingly high costs to healthcare systems. To date, however, there has not been a systematic review of the literature on health conditions among individuals with personality disorders. The primary aim of this article is to review research documenting the associations between personality disorders and health conditions. A systematic review of the literature revealed 78 unique empirical English-language peer-reviewed articles examining the association of personality disorders and health outcomes over the past 15 years. Specifically, we reviewed research examining the association of personality disorders with sleep disturbance, obesity, pain conditions, and other chronic health conditions. In addition, we evaluated research on candidate mechanisms underlying health problems in personality disorders and potential treatments for such disorders. Results underscore numerous deleterious health outcomes associated with PD features and PD diagnoses, and suggest potential biological and behavioural factors that may account for these relations. Guidelines for future research in this area are discussed.

PMCID: PMC4597592 [Available on 2016-05-01] PMID: 26456998 [PubMed] Similar articles

29. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Oct 3. pii: S0165-1781(15)30446-7. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.09.049. [Epub ahead of print] Impact of personality psychopathology on outcome in short-term cognitive-behavioral therapy for Axis I disorders.

Bédard M1, Russell JJ2, Myhr G3.

Author information:

 1Département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec (Québec), Canada; Département de psychiatrie, Institut universitaire ensanté mentale de Québec, Québec (Québec), Canada.  2Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  3Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious for many Axis I disorders, though its effectiveness in the real world, for patients with Axis II comorbidity is less well known. This study examines the effectiveness of CBT for Axis I disorders in three groups of patients: those with personality disorders, those with personality disorder traits and those with no Axis II pathology. Consecutive referrals of patients with non-psychotic Axis I disorders were assessed for short-term CBT in a University Teaching Unit. While the acceptance rate was lower for individuals with personality disorders, there were no group differences in dropout rates. Of those who completed therapy (mean number of sessions=17.8, SD=11.2), those in the Personality Disorders group (n=45) had 4 sessions more on average than the Personality Disorder Traits group (n=42) or the No Axis II Group (n=266). All 3 groups were equally successful, whether the outcome was therapist opinion of success, the clinical global impression, or the reliable change index based on patient-reported symptom change. Intent to treat analysis results paralleled those of the completer analysis. Our findings indicate that the presence of a personality disorder does not negatively impact therapy adherence or success in short-term CBT for an Axis I disorder.

30. Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2015 Oct 12:1-11. [Epub ahead of print] Antisocial Personality Disorder and Pathological Narcissism in Prolonged Conflicts and Wars of the 21st Century.

Burkle FM1.

Author information:

 1Harvard Humanitarian Initiative,Harvard School of Public Health,Cambridge,Massachusetts.

Abstract

The end of the Cold War brought with it many protracted internal conflicts and wars that have lasted for decades and whose persistent instability lies at the heart of both chronic nation-state and regional instability. Responsibility for these chronically failed states has been attributed to multiple unresolved root causes. With previous governance and parties to power no longer trusted or acceptable, the vacuum of leadership in many cases has been filled with "bad leadership." This Concept piece argues that in a number of cases opportunistic leaders, suffering from severe antisocial character disorders, have emerged first as saviors and then as despots, or as common criminals claiming to be patriots, sharing a psychological framework that differs little from those responsible for World War II and the Cold War that followed. I describe the identifying characteristics of this unique and poorly understood subset of the population who are driven to seek the ultimate opportunity to control, dictate, and live out their fantasies of power on the world scene and discuss why their destructive actions remain unabated in the 21st century. Their continued antisocial presence, influence, and levels of violence must be seen as a global security and strategic issue that is not amenable to conventional diplomatic interventions, negotiations, mediations, or international sanctions. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;0:1-11). PMID: 26456397 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

31. Glob Health Action. 2015 Oct 9;8:28955. doi: 10.3402/gha.v8.28955. eCollection 2015. Task shifting - Ghana's community mental health workers' experiences and perceptions of their roles and scope of practice.

Agyapong VI1,2,3, Osei A4,5, Farren CK6, McAuliffe E7.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.  2Department of Behavioural Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.  3Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; [email protected].  4Ghana Mental Health Authority, Accra, Ghana.  5Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Accra, Ghana.  6Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.  7School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Because of the absence of adequate numbers of psychiatrists, the bulk of mental health care at the community level in Ghana is provided by community mental health workers (CMHWs).

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the role and scope of practice of CMHWs in Ghana from their own perspectives and to make recommendations to improve the care they provide.

DESIGN:

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 164 CMHWs from all the 10 administrative regions of Ghana, comprising 71 (43.3%) community psychiatric nurses (CPNs), 19 (11.6%) clinical psychiatric officers (CPOs), and 74 (45.1%) community mental health officers (CMHOs).

RESULTS:

Overall, only 39 (23.8%) CMHWs worked closely with psychiatrists, 64 (39%) worked closely with social workers, 46 (28%) worked closely with psychologists and 13 (7.9%) worked closely with occupational therapists. A lower proportion of CMHOs worked closely with psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers compared with CPOs and CPNs. There was no significant difference in the proportion of the different CMHW types who expressed confidence in their ability to diagnose any of the commonly named mental health conditions except personality disorders. However, a lower proportion of CMHOs than CPOs and CPNs expressed confidence in their ability to treat all the disorders. The CMHWs ranked schizophrenia as the most frequently treated mental health condition and there was no statistically significant difference in the reported frequency with which the three groups of CMHWs treated any of the mental health conditions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mental health policy makers and coordinators need to thoroughly review the training curriculum and also evaluate the job descriptions of all CMHWs in Ghana to ensure that they are consistent with the demands and health-care needs of patients they care for in their communities. For example, as CMHOs and CPNs prescribe medication even though they are not expected to do so, it may be worth exploring the merits of including the prescription of common psychotropic medication in their training curriculum and job descriptions.

Free Article PMID: 26455492 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

32. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2015 Oct 10. [Epub ahead of print] Mother-infant interaction in schizophrenia: transmitting risk or resilience? A systematic review of the literature.

Davidsen KA1,2, Harder S3, MacBeth A4, Lundy JM5, Gumley A5.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense, Denmark. [email protected].  2Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Odense, Research Unit, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. [email protected].  3Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.  4School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.  5Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. Abstract

PURPOSE:

The parent-infant relationship is an important context for identifying very early risk and resilience factors and targets for the development of preventative interventions. The aim of this study was to systematically review studies investigating the early caregiver-infant relationship and attachment in offspring of parents with schizophrenia.

METHODS:

We searched computerized databases for relevant articles investigating the relationship between early caregiver-infant relationship and outcomes for offspring of a caregiver with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Studies were assessed for risk of bias.

RESULTS:

We identified 27 studies derived from 10 cohorts, comprising 208 women diagnosed with schizophrenia, 71 with other psychoses, 203 women with depression, 59 women with mania/bipolar disorder, 40 with personality disorder, 8 with unspecified mental disorders and 119 non-psychiatric controls. There was some evidence to support disturbances in maternal behaviour amongst those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and there was more limited evidence of disturbances in infant behaviour and mutuality of interaction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Further research should investigate both sources of resilience and risk in the development of offspring of parents with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and psychosis. Given the lack of specificity observed in this review, these studies should also include maternal affective disorders including depressive and bipolar disorders. PMID: 26454698 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

33. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Oct 3. pii: S0165-1781(15)30449-2. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.10.003. [Epub ahead of print] Population heterogeneity of trait anger and differential associations of trait anger facets with borderline personality features, neuroticism, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and alcohol problems.

Lubke GH1, Ouwens KG2, de Moor MH3, Trull TJ4, Boomsma DI2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Notre Dame, United States; Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  3Clinical Child and Family Studies, VU University Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  4Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, United States.

Abstract

Anger is an emotion consisting of feelings of variable intensity ranging from mild irritation to intense fury. High levels of trait anger are associated with a range of psychiatric, interpersonal, and health problems. The objectives of this study were to explore heterogeneity of anger as measured by the Spielberger Trait Anger Scale (STAS), and to assess the association of the different anger facets with a selection of psychiatric disorders covering externalizing and internalizing problems, personality disorders, and substance use. Factor mixture models differentiated between a high and low scoring class (28% vs. 72%), and between three factors (anger-temperament, anger-reaction, and immediacy of an anger response). Whereas all psychiatric scales correlated significantly with the STAS total score, regressing the three STAS factors on psychiatric behaviors model showed a more detailed pattern. Only borderline affect instability and depression were significantly associated with all three factors in both classes whereas other problem behaviors were associated only with 1 or 2 of the factors. Alcohol problems were associated with immediacy only in the high scoring class, indicating a non-linear relation in the total sample. Taking into account these more specific associations is likely to be beneficial when investigating differential treatment strategies.

34. Hum Reprod Update. 2015 Oct 9. pii: dmv046. [Epub ahead of print] Surrogacy: outcomes for surrogate mothers, children and the resulting families-a systematic review.

Söderström-Anttila V1, Wennerholm UB2, Loft A3, Pinborg A4, Aittomäki K5, Romundstad LB6, Bergh C7.

Author information:

 1Väestöliitto Clinics, Fertility Clinic, Helsinki, Olavinkatu 1b, 00100 Helsinki, Finland [email protected].  2Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Östra (East) SE-416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden.  3Fertility Clinic, Section 4071, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.  4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hvidovre Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.  5Department of Medical Genetics, Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), 00029 HUS, Helsinki, Finland  6Spiren Fertility Clinic, Trondheim NO-7010, Norway and Department of Public Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.  7Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Surrogacy is a highly debated method mainly used for treating women with infertility caused by uterine factors. This systematic review summarizes current levels of knowledge of the obstetric, medical and psychological outcomes for the surrogate mothers, the intended parents and children born as a result of surrogacy.

METHODS:

PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases up to February 2015 were searched. Cohort studies and case series were included. Original studies published in English and the Scandinavian languages were included. In case of double publications, the latest study was included. Abstracts only and case reports were excluded. Studies with a control group and case series (more than three cases) were included. Cohort studies, but not case series, were assessed for methodological quality, in terms of risk of bias. We examined a variety of main outcomes for the surrogate mothers, children and intended mothers, including obstetric outcome, relationship between surrogate mother and intended couple, surrogate's experiences after relinquishing the child, preterm birth, low birthweight, birth defects, perinatal mortality, child psychological development, parent-child relationship, and disclosure to the child.

RESULTS:

The search returned 1795 articles of which 55 met the inclusion criteria. The medical outcome for the children was satisfactory and comparable to previous results for children conceived after fresh IVF and oocyte donation. The rate of multiple pregnancies was 2.6- 75.0%. Preterm birth rate in singletons varied between 0 and 11.5% and low birthweight occurred in between 0 and 11.1% of cases. At the age of 10 years there were no major psychological differences between children born after surrogacy and children born after other types of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or after natural conception. The obstetric outcomes for the surrogate mothers were mainly reported from case series. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were reported in between 3.2 and 10% of cases and placenta praevia/placental abruption in 4.9%. Cases with hysterectomies have also been reported. Most surrogate mothers scored within the normal range on personality tests. Most psychosocial variables were satisfactory, although difficulties related to handing over the child did occur. The psychological well-being of children whose mother had been a surrogate mother between 5 and 15 years earlier was found to be good. No major differences in psychological state were found between intended mothers, mothers who conceived after other types of ART and mothers whose pregnancies were the result of natural conception.

CONCLUSIONS:

Most studies reporting on surrogacy have serious methodological limitations. According to these studies, most surrogacy arrangements are successfully implemented and most surrogate mothers are well-motivated and have little difficulty separating from the children born as a result of the arrangement. The perinatal outcome of the children is comparable to standard IVF and oocyte donation and there is no evidence of harm to the children born as a result of surrogacy. However, these conclusions should be interpreted with caution. To date, there are no studies on children born after cross-border surrogacy or growing up with gay fathers.

© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: [email protected]. PMID: 26454266 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

35. J Affect Disord. 2015 Oct 6;189:233-239. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.051. [Epub ahead of print] Transgenerational effects of maternal depression on affect recognition in children.

Kluczniok D1, Hindi Attar C2, Fydrich T3, Fuehrer D4, Jaite C4, Domes G5, Winter S4, Herpertz SC6, Brunner R7, Boedeker K4, Bermpohl F2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.  3Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany.  4Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité Campus Virchow, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.  5Department of Psychology, Laboratory for Biological and Personality Psychology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.  6Department for General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Germany.  7Section for Disorders of Personality Development, Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The association between maternal depression and adverse emotional and behavioral outcomes in children is well established. One associated factor might be altered affect recognition which may be transmitted transgenerationally. Individuals with history of depression show biased recognition of sadness. Our aim was to investigate parallels in maternal and children's affect recognition with remitted depressed mothers.

METHODS:

60 Mother-child dyads completed an affect recognition morphing task. We examined two groups of remitted depressed mothers, with and without history of physical or sexual abuse, and a group of healthy mothers without history of physical or sexual abuse. Children were between 5 and 12 years old.

RESULTS: Across groups, mothers identified happy faces fastest. Mothers with remitted depression showed a higher accuracy and response bias for sadness. We found corresponding results in their children. Maternal and children's bias and accuracy for sadness were positively correlated. Effects of remitted depression were found independent of maternal history of physical or sexual abuse.

LIMITATIONS:

Our sample size was relatively small and further longitudinal research is needed to investigate how maternal and children's affect recognition are associated with behavioral and emotional outcomes in the long term.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data suggest a negative processing bias in mothers with remitted depression which might represent both the perpetuation of and vulnerability to depression. Children of remitted depressed mothers appear to be exposed to this processing bias outside acute depressive episodes. This may promote the development of a corresponding processing bias in the children and could make children of depressed mothers more vulnerable to depressive disorders themselves.

36. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2015 Nov;49(11):1021-8. doi: 10.1177/0004867415607987. Epub 2015 Oct 8. Trends in diagnosis of bipolar disorder: Have the boundaries changed?

Sara GE1, Malhi GS2.

Author information:

 1InforMH, Health System Information & Performance Reporting Branch, NSW Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.  2Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia CADE Clinic, Department of Academic Psychiatry, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia [email protected].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

There are concerns that the diagnostic boundaries of bipolar disorder have expanded. This study seeks evidence of change in diagnostic practice at three boundaries: the 'lower' boundary with subclinical mood conditions, the 'lateral' boundary with other mental health conditions (psychotic, anxiety, substance and personality disorders) and the 'internal' boundary within affective disorders.

METHODS:

Diagnoses recorded in health system administrative data collections were used as a measure of clinician diagnostic behaviour. We examined all diagnoses made by public (state operated) inpatient and community mental health services in New South Wales, Australia, from 2003 to 2014.

RESULTS:

A total of 31,746 people had at least one recorded diagnosis of bipolar disorder in the period. There was a significant upward trend in the age-standardised population rate of diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorders made up an increasing proportion of psychosis diagnoses. There was no increase in the rate of comorbid diagnosis of bipolar disorders with non- psychotic disorders or in the likelihood of diagnosis of bipolar disorder at first or subsequent episodes of depression. There were significant reductions in diagnoses of schizophrenia, particularly in younger people.

CONCLUSION:

There may be some increase in diagnoses of bipolar disorder in New South Wales public mental health services. However, some changes in diagnosis, particularly in younger adults, may reflect movement away from diagnoses of schizophrenia towards a range of other diagnoses, rather than specific movement towards bipolar disorder. Expansion of bipolar disorder may have been more marked in private practice settings and may have involved the poorly defined bipolar II subtype.

37. PLoS One. 2015 Oct 7;10(10):e0138914. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138914. eCollection 2015. The Association between Mental Health and Violence among a Nationally Representative Sample of College Students from the United States.

Schwartz JA1, Beaver KM2, Barnes JC3.

Author information:

 1School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America.  2College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America; Center for Social and Humanities Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.  3School of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Recent violent attacks on college campuses in the United States have sparked discussions regarding the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and the perpetration of violence among college students. While previous studies have examined the potential association between mental health problems and violent behavior, the overall pattern of findings flowing from this literature remain mixed and no previous studies have examined such associations among college students.

METHODS:

The current study makes use of a nationally representative sample of 3,929 college students from the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) to examine the prevalence of seven violent behaviors and 19 psychiatric disorder diagnoses tapping mood, anxiety, personality, and substance use disorders. Associations between individual and composite psychiatric disorder diagnoses and violent behaviors were also examined. Additional analyses were adjusted for the comorbidity of multiple psychiatric diagnoses. RESULTS:

The results revealed that college students were less likely to have engaged in violent behavior relative to the non-student sample, but a substantial portion of college students had engaged in violent behavior. Age- and sex-standardized prevalence rates indicated that more than 21% of college students reported at least one violent act. In addition, more than 36% of college students had at least one diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Finally, the prevalence of one or more psychiatric disorders significantly increased the odds of violent behavior within the college student sample.

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings indicate that violence and psychiatric disorders are prevalent on college campuses in the United States, though perhaps less so than in the general population. In addition, college students who have diagnosable psychiatric disorders are significantly more likely to engage in various forms of violent behavior.

PMCID: PMC4596576 Free PMC Article PMID: 26445360 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

38. BMJ Open. 2015 Oct 6;5(10):e008975. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008975. Longitudinal cohort study describing persistent frequent attenders in Australian primary healthcare.

Pymont C1, Butterworth P1.

Author information:

 1Psychiatric Epidemiology and Social Issues Unit, Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Research School for Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe patterns of frequent attendance in Australian primary care, and identify the prospective risk factors for persistent frequent attendance.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS:

This study draws on data from the Personality and Total Health (PATH) Through Life Project, a representative community cohort study of residents from the Canberra region of Australia. Participants were assessed on 3 occasions over 8 years. The survey assessed respondents' experience of chronic physical conditions, self-reported health, symptoms of common mental disorders, personality, life events, sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported medication use. A balanced sample was used in analysis, comprising 1734 respondents with 3 waves of data. The survey data for each respondent were individually linked to their administrative health service use data which were used to generate an objective measure of general practitioner (GP) consultations in the 12 months surrounding their interview date.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Respondents in the (approximate) highest decile of attenders on number of GP consultations over a 12-month period at each time point were defined as frequent attenders (FAs).

RESULTS:

Baseline FAs (8.4%) were responsible for 33.4% of baseline consultations, while persistent FAs (3.6%) for 15.5% of all consultations over the 3 occasions. While there was considerable movement between FA status over time, consistency was greater than expected by chance alone. While there were many factors that differentiated non-FAs from FAs in general, persistent frequent attendance was specifically associated with gender, baseline reports of depression, self-reported physical conditions and disability, and medication use.

CONCLUSIONS:

The degree of persistence in GP consultations was limited. The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of the risk factors that predict subsequent persistent frequent attendance in primary care. However, further detailed investigation of longitudinal patterns of frequent attendance and consideration of time-varying determinants of frequent attendance is required.

Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights- licensing/permissions.

PMCID: PMC4606421 Free PMC Article PMID: 26443661 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

39. Psychiatr Q. 2015 Oct 6. [Epub ahead of print] Comorbid Personality Disorders in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Its Symptom Dimensions.

Bulli F1, Melli G2,3, Cavalletti V2, Stopani E2, Carraresi C2.

Author information:

 1Institute of Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy, Via Mannelli 139, 50132, Florence, Italy. [email protected].  2Institute of Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology and Psychotherapy, Via Mannelli 139, 50132, Florence, Italy.  3University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

Abstract

The current paper was aimed at: (1) investigating the comorbidity between obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD) and personality disorders (PDs) using an OCD sample and clinician-administered structured interviews; (2) exploring the associations of different cluster comorbid PDs with the specific symptom dimensions of OCD; (3) analyzing the variables which could play a significant role in the probability of having at least one comorbid PD, controlling for confounding variables. The SCID-II and Y-BOCS, together with a series of self-report measures of OCD, depression and anxiety symptoms were administered to a clinical sample of 159 patients with a primary diagnosis of OCD. 20.8 % of the participants suffered from at least one comorbid PD; the most common was obsessive- compulsive PD (9.4 %), followed by narcissistic PD (6.3 %). In OCD patients with comorbid cluster C PDs, the percentage of responsibility for harm, injury, or bad luck symptoms was significantly greater than other OCD symptom dimensions (p < .005). Logistic regression found some evidence supporting the association between severity of OCD symptoms and comorbid PDs. PDs are prevalent among Italian people with OCD and should be routinely assessed, as comorbidity may affect help-seeking behaviour and response to treatment. PMID: 26442944 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

40. Addict Biol. 2015 Oct 6. doi: 10.1111/adb.12318. [Epub ahead of print] Brain substrates of social decision-making in dual diagnosis: cocaine dependence and personality disorders.

Verdejo-Garcia A1,2, Verdejo-Román J2, Albein-Urios N3, Martínez-González JM4, Soriano- Mas C5,6.

Author information:

 1School of Psychological Sciences and Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences, Monash University, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.  2Institute of Neuroscience F. Olóriz and Department of Personality, Assessment and Psychological Treatment, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.  3Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia.  4Centro Provincial de Drogodependencias, Diputación de Granada, Granada, Spain.  5Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL and Carlos III Health Institute, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain.  6Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract

Cocaine dependence frequently co-occurs with personality disorders, leading to increased interpersonal problems and greater burden of disease. Personality disorders are characterised by patterns of thinking and feeling that divert from social expectations. However, the comorbidity between cocaine dependence and personality disorders has not been substantiated by measures of brain activation during social decision-making. We applied functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare brain activations evoked by a social decision-making task-the Ultimatum Game-in 24 cocaine dependents with personality disorders (CDPD), 19 cocaine dependents without comorbidities and 19 healthy controls. In the Ultimatum Game participants had to accept or reject bids made by another player to split monetary stakes. Offers varied in fairness (in fair offers the proposer shares ~50 percent of the money; in unfair offers the proposer shares <30 percent of the money), and participants were told that if they accept both players get the money, and if they reject both players lose it. We contrasted brain activations during unfair versus fair offers and accept versus reject choices. During evaluation of unfair offers CDPD displayed lower activation in the insula and the anterior cingulate cortex and higher activation in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex and superior frontal and temporal gyri. Frontal activations negatively correlated with emotion recognition. During rejection of offers CDPD displayed lower activation in the anterior cingulate cortex, striatum and midbrain. Dual diagnosis is linked to hypo-activation of the insula and anterior cingulate cortex and hyper-activation of frontal-temporal regions during social decision-making, which associates with poorer emotion recognition.

41. Depress Anxiety. 2015 Oct 6. doi: 10.1002/da.22436. [Epub ahead of print] EXPLORING PERSONALITY DIAGNOSIS STABILITY FOLLOWING ACUTE PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR CHRONIC POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER.

Markowitz JC1, Petkova E1, Biyanova T1, Ding K1, Suh EJ1, Neria Y1.

Author information:

 1New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Axis I comorbidity complicates diagnosing axis II personality disorders (PDs). PDs might influence Axis I outcome. No research has examined psychotherapy effects on PDs of treating Axis I comorbidity. Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial examined PD diagnostic stability after brief psychotherapy of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

METHODS:

Patients with chronic PTSD were randomly assigned to 14 weeks of prolonged exposure, interpersonal psychotherapy, or relaxation therapy. Assessments included the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, Patient Version (SCID-P) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders (SCID-II) at baseline, week 14, and for treatment responders (≥30% clinician-administered PTSD scale improvement, defined a priori) at week 26 follow- up. We hypothesized patients whose PTSD improved would retain fewer baseline PD diagnoses posttreatment, particularly with personality traits PTSD mimics, e.g. paranoid and avoidant.

RESULTS:

Forty-seven (47%) of 99 SCID-II patients evaluated at baseline received a SCID-II diagnosis: paranoid (28%), obsessive-compulsive (27%), and avoidant (23%) PDs were most prevalent. Among 78 patients who repeated SCID-II evaluations posttreatment, 45% (N = 35) had baseline PD diagnoses, of which 43% (N = 15/35) lost at week 14. Three (7%) patients without baseline PDs acquired diagnoses at week 14; 10 others shifted diagnoses. Treatment modality and PTSD response were unrelated to PD improvement. Of treatment responders reevaluated at follow-up (N = 44), 56% with any baseline Axis II diagnosis had none at week 26.

CONCLUSION:

This first evaluation of Axis I psychotherapy effects on personality disorder stability found that acutely treating a chronic state decreased apparent trait-across most PDs observed. These exploratory findings suggest personality diagnoses may have limited prognostic meaning in treating chronic PTSD.

42. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2015 Oct 3. doi: 10.1111/acps.12509. [Epub ahead of print] Differentiating the bipolar disorders from borderline personality disorder.

Bayes AJ1, McClure G1,2, Fletcher K1,2, Ruiz Y3, Hadzi-Pavlovic D1,2, Stevenson JL4, Manicavasagar VL2, Parker GB1,2.

Author information:

 1School of Psychiatry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.  2The Black Dog Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.  3Marina Baixa Hospital, Villjoysa, Spain.  4Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia. Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To identify features differentiating bipolar disorder (BP) from borderline personality disorder (BPD) and with each condition variably defined.

METHOD:

Participants were assigned a BP or BPD diagnosis on the basis of DSM criteria and, separately, by clinical judgment, and undertook a diagnostic interview and completed self- report measures.

RESULTS:

Predictors of BPD status varied according to diagnostic decisions, but with the most consistent items being childhood sexual abuse, childhood depersonalization, personality variables relating to relationship difficulties and sensitivity to criticism, and the absence of any BP family history. Across diagnostic groups, personality measure items alone predicted diagnostic allocation with an accuracy of 81-84%, the refined study variables other than hypo/manic features improved the classification rates to 88%, and when the presence or absence of hypo/manic features was added, classification rates increased to 92-95%.

CONCLUSION:

Study findings indicate that BPD can be differentiated from BP with a high degree of accuracy.

43. J Psychiatr Res. 2015 Nov;70:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.08.012. Epub 2015 Aug 15. Mood dysregulation and affective instability in emerging adults with childhood maltreatment: An ecological momentary assessment study.

Teicher MH1, Ohashi K2, Lowen SB3, Polcari A 4, Fitzmaurice GM5.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA; Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA; Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, USA.  3Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA; Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, USA; Brain Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, USA.  4Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA; Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, USA; School of Nursing, Northeastern University, USA.  5Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, USA; Laboratory of Psychiatric Biostatistics, McLean Hospital, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, USA.

Abstract

Childhood maltreatment increases risk for mood, anxiety, substance use and personality disorders and is associated with alterations in structure, function and connectivity of brain regions involved in emotional regulation. We sought to assess whether maltreatment was specifically associated with disturbances in positive or negative mood regulation. Ecological momentary ratings were collected with a wristwatch-like device with joy-stick (Seiko ecolog) approximately six times per day over a week in 60 unmedicated participants (22 control, 38 maltreated, 18-25 years old). Forty-five percent of maltreated subjects had a history of major depression but all were currently euthymic. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to provide orthogonal measures of positive and negative valence, which were analyzed for indices of variability, circadian rhythmicity and persistence, using linear and non-linear hierarchical modeling and Hurst analysis. Groups did not differ in mean levels of positive or negative affect. Maltreated subjects had increased variability and circadian and hemicircadian abnormalities in ratings of positive but not negative affect. Conversely, they had higher estimated Hurst exponents for negative but not positive affect ratings indicating a greater degree of persistence. Abnormalities in variability, rhythmicity and persistence were present in both maltreated subjects with and without histories of major depression. These findings suggest that both positive and negative valence systems may be dysregulated in individuals with childhood maltreatment. However the nature of the dysregulation appears to differ fundamentally in these domains, as positive mood ratings were more variable and negative ratings more persistent. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. PMID: 26424417 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

1. Psychol Assess. 2015 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print] Internalizing and Externalizing Personality Subtypes Predict Differences in Functioning and Outcomes Among Veterans in Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment.

Blonigen DM, Bui L, Britt JY, Thomas KM, Timko C.

Abstract

There is a long history of using personality to subtype patients in treatment for substance use disorders (SUD). However, no one has validated a typology of SUD patients using a structural model of normal-range personality, particularly indicating whether subtypes differ on treatment processes and outcomes. We developed a personality-based typology among 196 military veterans enrolled in residential SUD treatment at a Veterans Affairs medical center. Patients were assessed at treatment entry, 1 month into treatment, and at discharge from treatment. Personality was assessed using the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire- Brief Form at treatment entry. Latent profile analyses identified a 3-group solution consisting of low pathology, internalizing, and externalizing groups. The internalizing group scored lowest on measures of functioning at treatment entry, whereas the externalizing group scored more poorly on treatment processes and outcomes over the course of their residential stay (e.g., more stressful relationships with other residents, lower program alliance). These findings support a clinically meaningful typology of SUD patients based on a 3-factor model of personality and can serve as a guide for future efforts aimed at developing targeted interventions that can address the individual differences of patients in this population. (PsycINFO Database Record

2. Psychol Assess. 2015 Nov 30. [Epub ahead of print] Correction to Few et al. (2015).

[No authors listed]

Abstract

Reports an error in "Trait-Based Assessment of Borderline Personality Disorder Using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory: Phenotypic and Genetic Support" by Lauren R. Few, Joshua D. Miller, Julia D. Grant, Jessica Maples, Timothy J. Trull, Elliot C. Nelson, Thomas F. Oltmanns, Nicholas G. Martin, Michael T. Lynskey and Arpana Agrawal (Psychological Assessment, Advanced Online Publication, May 18, 2015, np). (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2015-22410-001.) The aim of the current study was to examine the reliability and validity of a trait-based assessment of borderline personality disorder (BPD) using the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. Correlations between the Five-Factor Inventory-BPD composite (FFI-BPD) and explicit measures of BPD were examined across 6 samples, including undergraduate, community, and clinical samples. The median correlation was .60, which was nearly identical to the correlation between measures of BPD and a BPD composite generated from the full Revised NEO Personality Inventory (i.e., NEO-BPD; r = .61). Correlations between FFI-BPD and relevant measures of psychiatric symptomatology and etiology (e.g., childhood abuse, drug use, depression, and personality disorders) were also examined and compared to those generated using explicit measures of BPD and NEO-BPD. As expected, the FFI-BPD composite correlated most strongly with measures associated with high levels of Neuroticism, such as depression, anxiety, and emotion dysregulation, and the pattern of correlations generated using the FFI-BPD was highly similar to those generated using explicit measures of BPD and NEO-BPD. Finally, genetic analyses estimated that FFI- BPD is 44% heritable, which is comparable to meta-analytic research examining genetics associated with BPD, and revealed that 71% of the genetic influences are shared between FFI- BPD and a self-report measure assessing BPD (Personality Assessment Inventory-Borderline subscale; Morey, 1991). Generally, these results support the use of FFI-BPD as a reasonable proxy for BPD, which has considerable implications, particularly for potential gene-finding efforts in large, epidemiological datasets that include the NEO FFI. (PsycINFO Database Record

3. J Neuroimaging. 2015 Nov 29. doi: 10.1111/jon.12316. [Epub ahead of print] Charting Frontotemporal Dementia: From Genes to Networks.

Filippi M1,2, Agosta F1, Ferraro PM1. Author information:

 1Neuroimaging Research Unit, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.  2Department of Neurology, Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.

Abstract

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous syndrome that is characterized by overlapping clinical symptoms involving behavior, personality, language and/or motor functions and degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes. The term frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is used to describe the proteinopathies associated with clinical FTD. Emerging evidence from network-based neuroimaging studies, such as resting state functional MRI and diffusion tensor MRI studies, have implicated specific large- scale brain networks in the pathogenesis of FTD syndromes, suggesting a new paradigm for explaining the distributed and heterogeneous spreading patterns of pathological proteins in FTLD. In this review, we overview recent research on the study of FTD syndromes as connectivity disorders in symptomatic patients as well as genotype-specific changes in asymptomatic FTD-related gene mutation carriers. Characterizing brain network breakdown in these subjects using neuroimaging may help anticipate the diagnosis and perhaps prevent the devastating impact of FTD.

4. J Clin Psychol. 2015 Nov 27. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22237. [Epub ahead of print] Narcissistic Vulnerability and Grandiosity as Mediators Between Insecure Attachment and Future Eating Disordered Behaviors: A Prospective Analysis of Over 2,000 Freshmen.

Dakanalis A1,2, Clerici M2, Carrà G3.

Author information:  1University of Pavia.  2 University of Milano-Bicocca.  3University College of London.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to build on existing literature by examining the potential mediating role of two variants of narcissism (grandiosity and vulnerability) in explaining part of the underlying mechanism by which insecure (avoidant and anxiety) attachment affects behavioral elements of eating pathology (dieting and bulimic behaviors).

METHOD:

Longitudinal data collected from 2,055 freshman college students (52.2% women; mean age 18.34 years) were analysed using a latent variable structural equation modelling approach, controlling for initial levels of the endogenous (i.e., dependent) latent variables and holding body mass index, anxiety, stress, depression, and self-esteem levels as time-varying covariates.

RESULTS:

The effect of attachment anxiety on future bulimic behaviors was fully mediated through vulnerable narcissism (i.e., no significant direct link between attachment anxiety and bulimic behaviors), whereas grandiose narcissism fully mediated the association between attachment avoidance and future dieting behaviors. Dieting also predicted future bulimic behaviors and served as an additional (full) mediator between grandiose narcissism and bulimic behaviors. Differences in the strength of these associations across gender were not observed, and all indirect effects were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, the findings (a) seem to support the theoretical postulations linking different insecure attachment experiences to different narcissistic tendencies, (b) imply that specific insecure attachment patterns may pass through different mediating pathways (narcissistic grandiosity and vulnerability) to specific behavioral elements of eating pathology (dieting and bulimic behaviors) regardless of gender, and (c) suggest that individuals with high grandiose narcissistic levels may not be protected from bulimic behaviors as previously indicated.

5. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2015 Nov 14. pii: S0924-977X(15)00357-0. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.11.007. [Epub ahead of print] Replication of the association between CHRNA4 rs1044396 and harm avoidance in a large population-based sample.

Bey K1, Lennertz L2, Markett S3, Petrovsky N3, Gallinat J4, Gründer G5, Spreckelmeyer KN6, Wienker TF7, Mobascher A8, Dahmen N8, Thuerauf N9, Kornhuber J9, Kiefer F10, Toliat MR11, Nürnberg P11, Winterer G 12, Wagner M13.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Germany. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Germany.  3Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Germany.  4Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg- Eppendorf (UKE), Germany.  5Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Germany.  6Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, and JARA - Translational Brain Medicine, Germany.  7Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.  8Department of Psychiatry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany.  9Department of Psychiatry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Germany.  10Department of Addictive Behavior and Addictive Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Germany.  11Cologne Center of Genomics, University of Cologne, Germany.  12Experimental and Clinical Research Center (ECRC), Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Germany.  13Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Germany; DZNE, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany.

Abstract

Harm avoidance is a personality trait characterized by excessive worrying and fear of uncertainty, which has repeatedly been related to anxiety disorders. Converging lines of research in rodents and humans point towards an involvement of the nicotinic cholinergic system in the modulation of anxiety. Most notably, the rs1044396 polymorphism in the CHRNA4 gene, which codes for the α4 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, has been linked to negative emotionality traits including harm avoidance in a recent study. Against this background, we investigated the association between harm avoidance and the rs1044396 polymorphism using data from N=1673 healthy subjects, which were collected in Genetics of Nicotine Dependence and׳ the context of the German multi-centre study Homozygous carriers of the C-allele showed significantly .׳Neurobiological Phenotypes higher levels of harm avoidance than homozygous T-allele carriers, with heterozygous subjects exhibiting intermediate scores. The effect was neither modulated by age or gender nor by smoking status. By replicating previous findings in a large population-based sample for the first time, the present study adds to the growing evidence suggesting an involvement of nicotinic cholinergic mechanism in anxiety and negative emotionality, which may pose an effective target for medical treatment.

6. J Headache Pain. 2015 Dec;16(1):98. doi: 10.1186/s10194-015-0572-y. Epub 2015 Nov 25. Alexithymic characteristics in pediatric patients with primary headache: a comparison between migraine and tension- type headache.

Gatta M1, Spitaleri C2, Balottin U3,4, Spoto A5, Balottin L6, Mangano S7, Battistella PA8.

Author information:

 1Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. [email protected].  2Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. [email protected].  3Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy. [email protected].  4Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. [email protected].  5Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. [email protected].  6Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. [email protected].  7Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. [email protected].  8Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Alexithymia is a personality construct characterized by difficulties in verbal emotional expression and a limited ability to use one's imagination. Evidence of alexithymic characteristics was found in adults suffering from headache, while little is known about children. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of alexithymia in two different subgroups of children and adolescents suffering from primary headache. We also looked for correlation between alexithymia in children and in their mothers.

METHODS:

This study involved 89 participants: 47 (11 males, 36 females, aged 8 to 17 years) suffering from tension-type headache (TTH), and 42 (18 males, 24 females, aged 8 to 17 years) suffering from migraine (M), based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD 2013). A control group of 32 headache-free subjects (26 females and 6 males, aged 8 to17 years) was also considered. Two questionnaires were administered to measure alexithymia: the Alexithymia Questionnaire for Children to young patients and controls, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) to the mothers.

RESULTS:

Higher rates of alexithymia emerged in the TTH group compared to the M group. In particular, TTH sufferers had difficulty identifying their feelings. The mothers of children with headaches didn't score higher in alexithymia compared to other mothers. In the M and in the control group, there was a significant correlation between the rates of alexithymia in young people and in their mothers.

CONCLUSIONS:

To date no other study has investigated alexithymia in subgroups of primary headaches in developmental age. Our results suggest that patients suffering from TTH are more alexithymic than M patients. This pave the way to etiopathogenetic and clinical considerations, calling for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to tackle the problem of headache. PMID: 26607363 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

7. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2015 Nov 24. doi: 10.1002/erv.2419. [Epub ahead of print] Exploring Parental Bonding in BED and Non-BED Obesity Compared with Healthy Controls: Clinical, Personality and Psychopathology Correlates.

Amianto F1, Ercole R1, Abbate Daga G1, Fassino S 1.

Author information:

 1Neurosciences Department of University of Torino, Psychiatry Section, Regional Pilot Centre for Eating Disorders, Italy.

Abstract

Early inadequate attachment experiences are relevant co-factors in the development of obesity and Binge Eating Disorder (BED), which often concurs with obesity. The relationship of parental bonding with personality and psychopathology may influence treatment strategies for obese subjects, either affected or not with BED. In this study, 443 obese women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 ), including 243 with and 200 without BED, and 158 female controls were assessed with regards to attachment, personality and eating psychopathology measures. Clusters obtained using the scores of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) were compared with each other and with a control subjects' group. Lower scores of parental bonding distinguished obese subjects with respect to healthy controls. The cluster analysis revealed two clusters of parenting among obese subjects. The larger one displayed intermediate care and overprotection between controls and the smaller cluster, with the exception of paternal overprotection which is similar to controls. This larger cluster was characterized by low persistence and levels of psychopathology which are intermediate between healthy controls and the smaller cluster. The smaller cluster displayed lower care and higher overcontrol from both parents. It also displays more extreme personality traits (high novelty seeking and harm avoidance, and lower self-directedness and cooperativeness) and more severe eating and general psychopathology. Different parenting dynamics relate to different personality patterns and eating psychopathology of obese subjects, but not to binge eating conducts. Personality differences between parenting clusters are more extensive than those between BED and non- BED subgroups. The two different typologies of obese subjects based on parenting may be relevant for treatment personalization. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

8. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Nov 10. pii: S0165-1781(15)30657-0. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.11.016. [Epub ahead of print] Personality disorders among Spanish prisoners starting hepatitis C treatment: Prevalence and associated factors.

Marco A1, Antón JJ2, Saiz de la Hoya P3, de Juan J4, Faraco I5, Caylà JA6, Trujols J7; PERSEO Group.

Author information:

 1Health Services of Barcelona Men's Penitentiary Centre, Barcelona, Spain.  2Health Services of Albolote Penitentiary Centre, Granada, Spain.  3Health Services of Fontcalent Penitentiary Centre, Alicante, Spain.  4Health Services of Córdoba Penitentiary Centre, Córdoba, Spain.  5Health Services of Sevilla Penitentiary Centre, Sevilla, Spain.  6Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.  7Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute (IIB Sant Pau), CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of personality disorders (PDs) and their associated factors in prisoners who initiate chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment in 25 Spanish prisons. The Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 was used to diagnose PDs according to DSM-IV criteria. Factors potentially associated with a PD diagnosis were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Two hundred and fifty-five patients were initially assessed and 62 (24.3%) were excluded due to an incomplete or invalid self-report screening questionnaire. PD prevalence was 70.5%, with antisocial PD being the most prevalent (46.1%). In terms of PD clusters, the most prevalent was cluster-B (55.4%). PD diagnosis was associated with HCV genotypes 1, 2, or 3 (odds ratio [OR] 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-4.49). Patients with a cluster-B PD were more likely to be infected with HCV genotypes 1, 2, or 3 (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.08-5.23) and be HIV-infected (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.10-4.39), to report past-year injection drug use (OR 7.17, 95% CI 1.49-34.58), and to have stage 3 or 4 fibrosis (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.06-4.49). The prevalence of PDs in Spanish prisoners who initiate CHC treatment is very high. PD management issues should be considered in treating CHC patients in prisons.

9. J Affect Disord. 2015 Nov 10;190:704-713. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.11.008. [Epub ahead of print] Geographical and temporal variations in the prevalence of mental disorders in suicide: Systematic review and meta- analysis.

Cho SE1, Na KS2, Cho SJ1, Im JS3, Kang SG1.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea.  2Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: [email protected].  3Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In contrast to the previous studies reporting that most suicides occur among people with mental disorders, recent studies have reported various rates of mental disorders in suicide in different geographical regions. We aimed to comprehensively investigate the factors influencing the variation in the prevalence of mental disorders reported among suicide victims.

METHOD:

The authors searched Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify psychological autopsy studies reporting the prevalence of any mental disorders among suicide victims. A meta-regression analysis was conducted to identify the potential effects of geographical regions, the year of publication, measurements of personality disorder, measurements of comorbidity, and the ratio of females on the prevalence of mental disorders in addition to examining the heterogeneity across studies.

RESULTS:

From 4475 potentially relevant studies, 48 studies met eligibility criteria, with 6626 suicide victims. The studies from East Asia had a significantly lower mean prevalence (69.6% [95% CI=56.8 to 80.0]) than those in North America (88.2% [95% CI=79.7-93.5]) and South Asia (90.4% [95% CI=71.8-97.2]). The prevalence of any mental disorder decreased according to the year of publication (coefficients=-0.0715, p<0.001).

LIMITATIONS:

Substantial heterogeneities were identified within all subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of mental disorders among suicide cases seemed relatively low in the East Asia region, and recently published studies tended to report a lower prevalence of mental disorders. The link between the risk factors and suicide in the absence of a mental disorder should be examined in different geographical and sociocultural contexts.

10. PLoS One. 2015 Nov 23;10(11):e0143012. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143012. eCollection 2015. Changes in Body Composition in Anorexia Nervosa: Predictors of Recovery and Treatment Outcome.

Agüera Z1,2, Romero X1, Arcelus J3, Sánchez I1, Riesco N1, Jiménez-Murcia S1,2,4, González- Gómez J5, Granero R2,6, Custal N1, Montserrat-Gil de Bernabé M1,7, Tárrega S6, Baños RM2,8, Botella C2,9, de la Torre R2,10, Fernández-García JC2,11, Fernández-Real JM2,12, Frühbeck G2,13, Gómez-Ambrosi J2,13, Tinahones FJ2,11, Crujeiras AB2,14, Casanueva FF2,14, Menchón JM1,4,15, Fernández-Aranda F1,2,4. Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.  2CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.  3Loughborough University Centre for Research into Eating Disorders, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom.  4Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.  5Marqués de Valdecilla Public Foundation-Research Institute (FMV-IFIMAV), Santander, Spain.  6Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.  7Dietetics and Nutrition Unit, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain.  8Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.  9Department of Basic Psychology, Clinic and Psychobiology, University Jaume I, Castelló, Spain.  10Human Pharmacology and Clinical Neurosciences Research Group, Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.  11Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de Victoria, Málaga, Spain.  12Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona (IdlBGi) Hospital Dr Josep Trueta, Girona, Spain.  13Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.  14Endocrine Division, Complejo Hospitalario U. de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.  15CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain.

Abstract

The restoration of body composition (BC) parameters is considered to be one of the most important goals in the treatment of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, little is known about differences between AN diagnostic subtypes [restricting (AN-R) and binge/purging (AN-BP)] and weekly changes in BC during refeeding treatment. Therefore, the main objectives of our study were twofold: 1) to assess the changes in BC throughout nutritional treatment in an AN sample and 2) to analyze predictors of BC changes during treatment, as well as predictors of treatment outcome. The whole sample comprised 261 participants [118 adult females with AN (70 AN-R vs. 48 AN-BP), and 143 healthy controls]. BC was measured weekly during 15 weeks of day-hospital treatment using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Assessment measures also included the Eating Disorders Inventory-2, as well as a number of other clinical indices. Overall, the results showed that AN-R and AN-BP patients statistically differed in all BC measures at admission. However, no significant time×group interaction was found for almost all BC parameters. Significant time×group interactions were only found for basal metabolic rate (p = .041) and body mass index (BMI) (p = .035). Multiple regression models showed that the best predictors of pre-post changes in BC parameters (namely fat-free mass, muscular mass, total body water and BMI) were the baseline values of BC parameters. Stepwise predictive logistic regressions showed that only BMI and age were significantly associated with outcome, but not with the percentage of body fat. In conclusion, these data suggest that although AN patients tended to restore all BC parameters during nutritional treatment, only AN-BP patients obtained the same fat mass values as healthy controls. Put succinctly, the best predictors of changes in BC were baseline BC values, which did not, however, seem to influence treatment outcome.

Free Article PMID: 26600309 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

11. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015 Nov 23. [Epub ahead of print] How to diagnose and manage hepatic encephalopathy: a consensus statement on roles and responsibilities beyond the liver specialist.

Shawcross DL1, Dunk AA, Jalan R, Kircheis G, de Knegt RJ, Laleman W, Ramage JK, Wedemeyer H, Morgan IE.

Author information:

 1aInstitute of Liver Studies and Transplantation, King's College London School of Medicine at King's College Hospital bInstitute of Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, London cDepartment of Gastroenterology, Eastbourne District General Hospital, Eastbourne d4C Consultants International, Hemel Hempstead eDepartment of Gastroenterology, Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust, Basingstoke, UK fClinic for Gastroenterology Hepatology and Infectious Disease, University Hospital, Dusseldorf gDepartment of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany hDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands iDepartment of Liver and Biliopancreatic Disorders, University Hospitals Leuven - KU LEUVEN, Leuven, Belgium. Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Hepatic encephalopathy is defined as brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and/or portosystemic shunting. Symptoms include nonspecific cognitive impairment, personality changes and changes in consciousness. Overt (symptomatic) hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of cirrhosis that is associated with a poor prognosis. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy may present to healthcare providers who do not have primary responsibility for management of patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, we developed a series of 'consensus points' to provide some guidance on management.

METHODS:

Using a modified 'Delphi' process, consensus statements were developed that summarize our recommendations for the diagnosis and management of patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Points on which full consensus could not be reached are also discussed.

RESULTS:

Our recommendations emphasize the role of all healthcare providers in the identification of cognitive impairment in patients with cirrhosis and provide guidance on steps that might be considered to make a diagnosis of overt hepatic encephalopathy. In addition, treatment recommendations are summarized. Minimal hepatic encephalopathy can have a significant impact on patients; however, in most circumstances identification and management of minimal hepatic encephalopathy remains the responsibility of specialists in liver diseases.

CONCLUSION:

Our opinion statements aim to define the roles and responsibilities of all healthcare providers who at times care for patients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. We suggest that these recommendations be considered further by colleagues in other disciplines and hope that future guidelines consider the management of patients with cirrhosis and with a 'suspicion' of cognitive impairment through to a formal diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy.This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially. PMID: 26600154 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

12. Psychiatry Res. 2015 Nov 10. pii: S0165-1781(15)30647-8. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.11.011. [Epub ahead of print] Psychological trauma exposure and comorbid psychopathologies in HIV+Men and Women.

Fellows RP1, Spahr NA1, Byrd DA2, Mindt MR3, Morgello S4; Manhattan HIV Brain Bank.

Author information:

 1Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.  2Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  3Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.  4Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.

Abstract

This study examined the association between trauma exposure, PTSD, suicide attempts, and other psychopathology among 316 racially/ethnically diverse HIV-infected men and women who underwent semi-structured psychiatric assessment. In addition, the role of psychological resilience in trauma exposure was examined in the context of neurological symptoms and functional status. Nearly half (47.8%; 151/316) of the participants reported trauma exposure, of which 47.0% (71/151) developed PTSD. Among trauma-exposed individuals, those with a current psychiatric diagnosis reported more neurological symptoms and lower functional status. Trauma exposure without PTSD was associated with a higher rate of panic disorder and substance-induced mental disorders. Trauma-exposed individuals who did not develop PTSD were less likely than those who reported no trauma exposure to meet criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). Trauma exposure, MDD, borderline personality disorder, and substance-induced mental disorders were independently associated with increased odds of suicide attempt. These results indicate that co-morbid psychiatric disorders are common among trauma exposed individuals with a history of PTSD, but those with trauma exposure who do not develop PTSD are less likely to experience MDD. The role of other co-morbid psychopathologies in the genesis of suicidal behavior among individuals living with HIV deserves further study.

13. BMC Psychiatry. 2015 Nov 23;15(1):299. doi: 10.1186/s12888-015-0683-7. Psychiatric and neurological disorders in late adolescence and risk of convictions for violent crime in men.

Moberg T1,2, Stenbacka M3, Tengström A4, Jönsson EG5, 6, Nordström P7, Jokinen J8,9.

Author information:

 1Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. [email protected].  2Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital/Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden. [email protected].  3Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. [email protected].  4Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. [email protected].  5Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. [email protected].  6NORMENT, KG Jebsen Centre for Psychosis Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. [email protected].  7Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. [email protected].  8Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. [email protected].  9Department of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The relationship between mental illness and violent crime is complex because of the involvement of many other confounding risk factors. In the present study, we analysed psychiatric and neurological disorders in relation to the risk of convictions for violent crime, taking into account early behavioural and socio-economic risk factors. METHODS:

The study population consisted of 49,398 Swedish men, who were thoroughly assessed at conscription for compulsory military service during the years 1969-1970 and followed in national crime registers up to 2006. Five diagnostic groups were analysed: anxiety- depression/neuroses, personality disorders, substance-related disorders, mental retardation and neurological conditions. In addition, eight confounders measured at conscription and based on the literature on violence risk assessment, were added to the analyses. The relative risks of convictions for violent crime during 35 years after conscription were examined in relation to psychiatric diagnoses and other risk factors at conscription, as measured by odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) from bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS:

In the bivariate analyses there was a significant association between receiving a psychiatric diagnosis at conscription and a future conviction for violent crime (OR = 3.83, 95 % CI = 3.47-4.22), whereas no significant association between neurological conditions and future violent crime (OR = 1.03, 95 % CI = 0.48-2.21) was found. In the fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression model, mental retardation had the strongest association with future violent crime (OR = 3.60, 95 % CI = 2.73-4.75), followed by substance-related disorders (OR = 2.81, 95 % CI = 2.18-3.62), personality disorders (OR = 2.66, 95 % CI = 2.21-3.19) and anxiety-depression (OR = 1.29, 95 % CI = 1.07-1.55). Among the other risk factors, early behavioural problem had the strongest association with convictions for violent crime.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mental retardation, substance-related disorders, personality disorders and early behavioural problems are important predictors of convictions for violent crime in men.

PMCID: PMC4657257 Free PMC Article PMID: 26597299 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

14. Personal Disord. 2015 Nov 23. [Epub ahead of print] Development and Preliminary Psychometric Evaluation of a Brief Self- Report Questionnaire for the Assessment of the DSM-5 Level of Personality Functioning Scale: The LPFS Brief Form (LPFS-BF).

Hutsebaut J, Feenstra DJ, Kamphuis JH.

Abstract

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) alternative model for personality disorders (PDs) introduced a new paradigm for the assessment of PDs that includes levels of personality functioning indexing the severity of personality pathology irrespective of diagnosis. In this study, we describe the development and preliminary psychometric evaluation of a newly developed brief self-report questionnaire to assess levels of personality functioning, the Level of Personality Functioning Scale-Brief Form (LPFS-BF; Bender, Morey, & Skodol, 2011). Patients (N = 240) referred to a specialized setting for the assessment and treatment of PDs completed the LPFS-BF, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI; Derogatis, 1975), the Severity Indices of Personality Problems (SIPP-118; Verheul et al., 2008), and were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Personality Disorders (SCID-I; APA, 1994; First, Spitzer, Gibbon, & Williams, 1997) and the SCID Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID-II; First, Spitzer, Gibbon, Williams, & Benjamin, 1996). When constrained to a 2- factor oblique solution, the LPFS-BF yielded a structure that corresponded well to an interpretation of Self- and Interpersonal Functioning scales. The instrument demonstrated fair to satisfactory internal consistency and promising construct validity. The LPFS-BF constitutes a short, user-friendly instrument that provides a quick impression of the severity of personality pathology, specifically oriented to the DSM-5 model. Clearly, more research is needed to test its validity and clinical utility. (PsycINFO Database Record

15. Personal Disord. 2015 Nov 23. [Epub ahead of print] Therapists' Perspectives on Optimal Treatment for Pathological Narcissism.

Kealy D, Goodman G, Rasmussen B, Weideman R, Ogrodniczuk JS. Abstract

This study used Q methodology to explore clinicians' perspectives regarding optimal psychotherapy process in the treatment of pathological narcissism, a syndrome of impaired self-regulation. Participants were 34 psychotherapists of various disciplines and theoretical orientations who reviewed 3 clinical vignettes portraying hypothetical cases of grandiose narcissism, vulnerable narcissism, and panic disorder without pathological narcissism. Participants then used the Psychotherapy Process Q set, a 100-item Q-sort instrument, to indicate their views regarding optimal therapy process for each hypothetical case. By-person principal components analysis with varimax rotation was conducted on all 102 Q-sorts, revealing 4 components representing clinicians' perspectives on ideal therapy processes for narcissistic and non-narcissistic patients. These perspectives were then analyzed regarding their relationship to established therapy models. The first component represented an introspective, relationally oriented therapy process and was strongly correlated with established psychodynamic treatments. The second component, most frequently endorsed for the panic disorder vignette, consisted of a cognitive and alliance-building approach that correlated strongly with expert-rated cognitive-behavioral therapy. The third and fourth components involved therapy processes focused on the challenging interpersonal behaviors associated with narcissistic vulnerability and grandiosity, respectively. The perspectives on therapy processes that emerged in this study reflect different points of emphasis in the treatment of pathological narcissism, and may serve as prototypes of therapist-generated approaches to patients suffering from this issue. The findings suggest several areas for further empirical inquiry regarding psychotherapy with this population. (PsycINFO Database Record

16. Depress Anxiety. 2015 Nov 23. doi: 10.1002/da.22452. [Epub ahead of print] OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE PERSONALITY DISORDER: EVIDENCE FOR TWO DIMENSIONS.

Riddle MA1, Maher BS2, Wang Y1, Grados M1, Bienvenu OJ1, Goes FS1, Cullen B1, Murphy DL3, Rauch SL4, Greenberg BD5, Knowles JA6, McCracken JT7, Pinto A8, Piacentini J7, Pauls DL9, Rasmussen SA5, Shugart YY10, Nestadt G1, Samuels J1.

Author information:  1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.  2Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.  3Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.  4Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.  5Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown Medical School, Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island.  6Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California.  7Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.  8Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City, New York.  9Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.  10Unit of Statistical Genomics, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To determine possible dimensions that underlie obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) and to investigate their clinical correlates, familiality, and genetic linkage.

METHODS:

Participants were selected from 844 adults assessed with the Structured Instrument for the Diagnosis of DSM-IV Personality Disorders (SIDP) in the OCD Collaborative Genetics Study (OCGS) that targeted families with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affected sibling pairs. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis, which included the eight SIDP- derived DSM-IV OCPD traits and the indecision trait from the DSM-III, assessed clinical correlates, and estimated sib-sib correlations to evaluate familiality of the factors. Using MERLIN and MINX, we performed genome-wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) linkage analysis to test for allele sharing among individuals.

RESULTS:

Two factors were identified: Factor 1: order/control (perfectionism, excessive devotion to work, overconscientiousness, reluctance to delegate, and rigidity); and Factor 2: hoarding/indecision (inability to discard and indecisiveness). Factor 1 score was associated with poor insight, whereas Factor 2 score was associated with task incompletion. A significant sib-sib correlation was found for Factor 2 (rICC = .354, P < .0001) but not Factor 1 (rICC = .129, P = .084). The linkage findings were different for the two factors. When Factor 2 was analyzed as a quantitative trait, a strong signal was detected on chromosome 10 at marker d10s1221: KAC LOD = 2.83, P = .0002; and marker d10s1225: KAC LOD = 1.35, P = .006.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results indicate two factors of OCPD, order/control and hoarding/indecision. The hoarding/indecision factor is familial and shows modest linkage to a region on chromosome 10.

17. Neuropsychol Rev. 2015 Nov 21. [Epub ahead of print] Psychiatric Comorbidity in Alcohol Dependence.

Fein G1,2,3.

Author information:

 1Neurobehavioral Research, Inc., 840 Alua St., Suite 203, Wailuku, HI, 96793, USA. [email protected].  2Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA. [email protected].  3Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA. [email protected].

Abstract

We review our clinical studies of psychiatric comorbidity in short-term and long-term abstinent and in treatment naïve alcoholics (STAA, LTAA and TNA). TNA ypically have less severe alcoholism than treated abstinent samples and evidence less severe psychiatric disturbance. Lifetime psychiatric diagnoses are the norm for STAA and LTAA but not for TNA. Individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders show greater antisocial personality disturbance, but do not show differences in the mood or anxiety domains or in borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms. The studies show that alcoholics can achieve and maintain abstinence in the face of ongoing mood, anxiety, or BPD problems. By contrast, for ASPD, LTAA essentially stop current antisocial behaviors in all seven domains of antisocial behaviors. We believe that ongoing antisocial behavior is not consistent with maintaining abstinence, and that LTAA modify their antisocial behavior despite continued elevated social deviance proneness and antisocial dispositionality. Abstinent individuals without lifetime psychiatric disorders and TNA show more (subdiagnostic threshold) psychiatric symptoms and abnormal psychological measures than non-alcoholic controls in the mood, anxiety, BPD, and antisocial domains. In summary, our studies show that although LTAA have achieved multi-year abstinence, they still report significant psychological distress compared to NAC. We believe this distress may negatively affect their quality of life. This suggests the importance of developing effective care models to address comorbid mental health problems in LTAA. We also show that antisocial personality disorder symptoms decline to the levels seen in normal controls, and that excluding individuals from research with a psychiatric diagnosis does not control for subdiagnostic psychiatric differences between alcoholics and controls. PMID: 26590836 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

18. J Affect Disord. 2015 Nov 6;190:663-674. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.10.061. [Epub ahead of print] The classification of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders in the ICD-11.

Stein DJ1, Kogan CS2, Atmaca M3, Fineberg NA4, Fontenelle LF5, Grant JE6, Matsunaga H7, Reddy YC8, Simpson HB9, Thomsen PH10, van den Heuvel OA11, Veale D12, Woods DW13, Reed GM14.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and MRC Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Electronic address: [email protected].  2School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.  3Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Firat (Euphrates) University, Elazig, Turkey.  4Highly Specialized Obsessive Compulsive and Related Disorders Service, Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Rosanne House, Welwyn Garden City, UK; Postgraduate Medical School, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK; University of Cambridge, School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK.  5Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; "D'Or' Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.  6Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.  7Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya Hyogo, Japan.  8National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India.  9College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical College, New York, NY, USA; Anxiety Disorders Clinic and the Center for OCD and Related Disorders, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.  10Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Aarhus, Denmark.  11Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Anatomy & Neurosciences, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  12Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Center for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.  13Psychology Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.  14Department of Psychology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico, DF, Mexico; National Institute of Psychiatry "Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz", Mexico, DF, Mexico; Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To present the rationale for the new Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders (OCRD) grouping in the Mental and Behavioural Disorders chapter of the Eleventh Revision of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11), including the conceptualization and essential features of disorders in this grouping.

METHODS:

Review of the recommendations of the ICD-11 Working Group on the Classification for OCRD. These sought to maximize clinical utility, global applicability, and scientific validity.

RESULTS:

The rationale for the grouping is based on common clinical features of included disorders including repetitive unwanted thoughts and associated behaviours, and is supported by emerging evidence from imaging, neurochemical, and genetic studies. The proposed grouping includes obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, hypochondriasis, olfactory reference disorder, and hoarding disorder. Body-focused repetitive behaviour disorders, including trichotillomania and excoriation disorder are also included. Tourette disorder, a neurological disorder in ICD-11, and personality disorder with anankastic features, a personality disorder in ICD-11, are recommended for cross- referencing.

LIMITATIONS:

Alternative nosological conceptualizations have been described in the literature and have some merit and empirical basis. Further work is needed to determine whether the proposed ICD-11 OCRD grouping and diagnostic guidelines are mostly likely to achieve the goals of maximizing clinical utility and global applicability.

CONCLUSION:

It is anticipated that creation of an OCRD grouping will contribute to accurate identification and appropriate treatment of affected patients as well as research efforts aimed at improving our understanding of the prevalence, assessment, and management of its constituent disorders.

19. J Affect Disord. 2015 Nov 10;190:632-639. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.11.006. [Epub ahead of print] Personality disorders and suicide attempts in unipolar and bipolar mood disorders.

Jylhä P1, Rosenström T2, Mantere O1, Suominen K3, Melartin T1, Vuorilehto M1, Holma M4, Riihimäki K5, Oquendo MA6, Keltikangas-Järvinen L 2, Isometsä ET7.

Author information:

 1Department of Mental Health and Substance Use,National Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Psychiatry, Helsinki, Finland.  2IBS, Unit of Personality, Work and Health Psychology,University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.  3Department of Mental Health and Substance Use,National Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; City of Helsinki, Social Services and Healthcare, Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Helsinki, Finland.  4Department of Mental Health and Substance Use,National Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.  5Department of Mental Health and Substance Use,National Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Healthcare and Social Services, City of Järvenpää, Järvenpää, Finland.  6Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.  7Department of Mental Health and Substance Use,National Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Psychiatry, Helsinki, Finland. Electronic address: [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Comorbid personality disorders may predispose patients with mood disorders to suicide attempts (SAs), but factors mediating this effect are not well known.

METHODS:

Altogether 597 patients from three prospective cohort studies (Vantaa Depression Study, Jorvi Bipolar Study, and Vantaa Primary Care Depression Study) were interviewed at baseline, at 18 months, and in VDS and PC-VDS at 5 years. Personality disorders (PDs) at baseline, number of previous SAs, life-charted time spent in major depressive episodes (MDEs), and precise timing of SAs during follow-up were determined and investigated.

RESULTS:

Overall, 219 (36.7%) patients had a total of 718 lifetime SAs; 88 (14.7%) patients had 242 SAs during the prospective follow-up. Having any PD diagnosis increased the SA rate, both lifetime and prospectively evaluated, by 90% and 102%, respectively. All PD clusters increased the rate of new SAs, although cluster C PDs more than the others. After adjusting for time spent in MDEs, only cluster C further increased the SA rate (by 52%). Mediation analyses of PD effects on prospectively ascertained SAs indicated significant mediated effects through time at risk in MDEs, but also some direct effects.

LIMITATIONS:

Findings generalizable only to patients with mood disorders.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among mood disorder patients, comorbid PDs increase the risk of SAs to approximately two-fold. The excess risk is mostly due to patients with comorbid PDs spending more time in depressive episodes than those without. Consequently, risk appears highest for PDs that most predispose to chronicity and recurrences. However, also direct risk-modifying effects of PDs exist.

20. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Nov 19. [Epub ahead of print] Clinicians' Judgments of the Clinical Utility of Personality Disorder Trait Descriptions.

Crego C1, Sleep CE, Widiger TA.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington.

Abstract

Proposed for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM- 5) was a five-domain, 25-dimensional trait model that would have constituted a significant part of the diagnostic criteria for each personality disorder. A primary concern with respect to the proposal was that clinicians might find such an approach to be unacceptable. This study provides results from three independent data collections that compared clinicians' clinical utility ratings for each iteration of the DSM-5 dimensional trait assignments, along with an alternative list of traits derived from the Five Factor Form (FFF). The clinicians considered the final trait assignments that were posted for the avoidant, narcissistic, obsessive-compulsive, and schizoid personality disorders to be significantly less acceptable than the original assignments. They also considered the FFF trait assignments to be preferable to the DSM-5 final postings with respect to the avoidant, narcissistic, obsessive- compulsive, dependent, and histrionic personality disorders. The implications of these results for future editions of the diagnostic manual are discussed. PMID: 26588083 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

21. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Nov 19. [Epub ahead of print] Agoraphobia With and Without Panic Disorder: A 20-Year Follow-up of Integrated Exposure and Psychodynamic Therapy.

Hoffart A1, Hedley LM, Svanøe K, Langkaas TF, Sexton H.

Author information:

 1*Research Institute, Modum Bad, Vikersund; †Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo; and ‡Vestfold University College, Tønsberg, Norway.

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to compare the 20-year outcome in panic disorder with agoraphobia (PD with AG) and agoraphobia without panic disorder (AG without PD) patients after inpatient psychological treatment. Of 53 eligible patients having completed a medication-free integrated exposure and psychodynamic treatment, 38 (71.7%)-25 PD with AG and 13 AG without PD patients-attended 20-year follow-up. AG without PD patients improved less than PD with AG patients did on primary outcome measures. In the PD with AG group, there were large uncontrolled effect sizes (<-2.30). More of the AG without PD patients had avoidant personality disorder at pretreatment, but the presence of this disorder did not predict outcome. The follow-up results support that PD with AG and AG without PD are two different disorders. The results also suggest that the very long-term outcome in PD with AG patients is excellent for this integrated treatment. PMID: 26588081 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

22. Exp Brain Res. 2015 Nov 19. [Epub ahead of print] Phase-locking index and power of 40-Hz auditory steady-state response are not related to major personality trait dimensions. Korostenskaja M1,2,3, Ruksenas O4, Pipinis E4, Griskova-Bulanova I5.

Author information:

 1Milena's Functional Brain Mapping and Brain-Computer Interface Lab, Florida Hospital for Children, Orlando, FL, USA.  2MEG Lab, Florida Hospital, Orlando, FL, USA.  3Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Center, Florida Hospital for Children, Orlando, FL, USA.  4Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Vilnius University, M. K. Ciurlionio 21/27, 03101, Vilnius, Lithuania.  5Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Vilnius University, M. K. Ciurlionio 21/27, 03101, Vilnius, Lithuania. [email protected].

Abstract

Although a number of studies have demonstrated state-related dependence of auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs), the investigations assessing trait-related ASSR changes are limited. Five consistently identified major trait dimensions, also referred to as "big five" (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness), are considered to account for virtually all personality variances in both healthy people and those with psychiatric disorders. The purpose of the present study was, for the first time, to establish the link between 40-Hz ASSR and "big five" major personality trait dimensions in young healthy adults. Ninety-four young healthy volunteers participated (38 males and 56 females; mean age ± SD 22.180 ± 2.75). The 40-Hz click trains were presented for each subject 30 times with an inter-train interval of 1-1.5 s. The EEG responses were recorded from F3, Fz, F4, C3, Cz, C4, P3, Pz and P4 locations according to 10/20 electrode placement system. Phase-locking index (PLI) and event-related power perturbation (ERSP) were calculated, each providing the following characteristics: peak time, entrainment frequency, peak value and mean value. For assessing "big five" personality traits, NEO Personality Inventory Revised (NEO-PI-R) was used. No significant correlation between 40-Hz ASSR PLI or ERSP and "big five" personality traits was observed. Our results indicate that there is no dependence between 40-Hz ASSR entrainment and personality traits, demonstrating low individual 40-Hz variability in this domain. Our results support further development of 40- Hz ASSR as a neurophysiological marker allowing distinguishing between healthy population and patients with psychiatric disorders. PMID: 26586270 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

23. Brain Imaging Behav. 2015 Nov 19. [Epub ahead of print] Neural basis of individual differences in the response to mental stress: a magnetoencephalography study.

Yamano E1, Ishii A2, Tanaka M2, Nomura S3, Watanabe Y2,4.

Author information:

 1Department of Physiology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan. [email protected] cu.ac.jp.  2Department of Physiology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahimachi, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.  3Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, 940-2188, Japan.  4RIKEN, Center for Life Science Technologies, 6-7-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, Chuo-ku, 650-0047, Japan.

Abstract

Stress is a risk factor for the onset of mental disorders. Although stress response varies across individuals, the mechanism of individual differences remains unclear. Here, we investigated the neural basis of individual differences in response to mental stress using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Twenty healthy male volunteers completed the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). The experiment included two types of tasks: a non-stress-inducing task and a stress-inducing task. During these tasks, participants passively viewed non-stress-inducing images and stress-inducing images, respectively, and MEG was recorded. Before and after each task, MEG and electrocardiography were recorded and subjective ratings were obtained. We grouped participants according to Novelty seeking (NS) - tendency to be exploratory, and Harm avoidance (HA) - tendency to be cautious. Participants with high NS and low HA (n = 10) assessed by TCI had a different neural response to stress than those with low NS and high HA (n = 10). Event-related desynchronization (ERD) in the beta frequency band was observed only in participants with high NS and low HA in the brain region extending from Brodmann's area 31 (including the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus) from 200 to 350 ms after the onset of picture presentation in the stress-inducing task. Individual variation in personality traits (NS and HA) was associated with the neural response to mental stress. These findings increase our understanding of the psychological and neural basis of individual differences in the stress response, and will contribute to development of the psychotherapeutic approaches to stress- related disorders. PMID: 26586263 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

24. Br J Psychiatry. 2015 Nov 19. pii: bjp.bp.114.151076. [Epub ahead of print] DSM-IV Axis II personality disorders and suicide and attempted suicide in China.

Tong Y1, Phillips MR1, Conner KR2.

Author information:

 1Yongsheng Tong, MD, PhD, Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center, Beijing Hui Long Guan Hospital, Beijing, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Beijing, China, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA; Michael R. Phillips, MD, MA, MPH, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, Departments of Psychiatry and Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA, and Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center, Beijing Hui Long Guan Hospital, Beijing, China; Kenneth R. Conner, PsyD, MPH, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York and US Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, New York, USA [email protected] [email protected].  2Yongsheng Tong, MD, PhD, Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center, Beijing Hui Long Guan Hospital, Beijing, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, Beijing, China, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA; Michael R. Phillips, MD, MA, MPH, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China, Departments of Psychiatry and Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia, USA, and Beijing Suicide Research and Prevention Center, Beijing Hui Long Guan Hospital, Beijing, China; Kenneth R. Conner, PsyD, MPH, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York and US Department of Veterans Affairs VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua, New York, USA.

Abstract

BackgroundThere are meagre data on Axis II personality disorders and suicidal behaviour in China.AimsTo describe the prevalence of Axis II personality disorders in suicides and suicide attempts in China and to estimate risk for these outcomes associated with personality disorders.MethodPeople who died by suicide (n = 151), people who attempted suicide (n = 118) and living community controls (n = 140) were randomly sampled from four Chinese counties and studied using the Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) and Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID-II). We also determined the prevalence of subthreshold versions of ten DSM-IV personality disorders.ResultsAxis II personality disorders were present in 7% of the suicide group, 6% of the suicide attempt group and 1% of the control group. Threshold and subthreshold personality disorders had adjusted odds ratios (point estimates) in the range of 2.7-8.0 for suicide and for suicide attempts.ConclusionsAxis II personality disorders may confer increased risk for suicidal behaviour in China, but their low prevalence in the community and among people with suicidal behaviour suggests that other personality constructs such as select dimensional traits may be a more fruitful avenue for understanding and preventing suicide in China.

25. J Pers Assess. 2015 Nov 19:1-11. [Epub ahead of print] The Effect of Response Bias on the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5).

McGee Ng SA1, Bagby RM2, Goodwin BE3, Burchett D4, Sellbom M5, Ayearst LE6, Dhillon S7, Yiu S7, Ben-Porath YS8, Baker S9.

Author information:

 1a Department of Psychology , University of Toronto , Ontario , Canada.  2b Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry , University of Toronto , Ontario , Canada.  3c Department of Psychology , University of Alabama.  4d Department of Psychology , California State University , Monterey Bay.  5e Department of Psychology , Australian National University , Canberra , ACT , Australia.  6f Toronto , Ontario , Canada.  7g Department of Psychology , University of Toronto Scarborough , Ontario , Canada.  8h Department of Psychology , Kent State University.  9i Department of Education , Hampton University.

Abstract

Valid self-report assessment of psychopathology relies on accurate and credible responses to test questions. There are some individuals who, in certain assessment contexts, cannot or choose not to answer in a manner typically representative of their traits or symptoms. This is referred to, most broadly, as test response bias. In this investigation, we explore the effect of response bias on the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5; Krueger, Derringer, Markon, Watson, & Skodol, 2013 ), a self-report instrument designed to assess the pathological personality traits used to inform diagnosis of the personality disorders in Section III of DSM- 5. A set of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008 / 2011 ) validity scales, which are used to assess and identify response bias, were employed to identify individuals who engaged in either noncredible overreporting (OR) or underreporting (UR), or who were deemed to be reporting or responding to the items in a "credible" manner-credible responding (CR). A total of 2,022 research participants (1,587 students, 435 psychiatric patients) completed the MMPI-2-RF and PID-5; following protocol screening, these participants were classified into OR, UR, or CR response groups based on MMPI-2-RF validity scale scores. Groups of students and patients in the OR group scored significantly higher on the PID-5 than those students and patients in the CR group, whereas those in the UR group scored significantly lower than those in the CR group. Although future research is needed to explore the effects of response bias on the PID-5, results from this investigation provide initial evidence suggesting that response bias influences scale elevations on this instrument. PMID: 26583767 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

26. JAMA Psychiatry. 2015 Nov 18:1-9. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2015.2132. [Epub ahead of print] Epidemiology of DSM-5 Drug Use Disorder: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III.

Grant BF1, Saha TD1, Ruan WJ1, Goldstein RB 1, Chou SP1, Jung J1, Zhang H1, Smith SM1, Pickering RP1, Huang B1, Hasin DS2.

Author information:

 1Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biometry, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland.  2Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons and Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York3New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York.

Abstract

Importance: Current information on the prevalence and sociodemographic and clinical profiles of individuals in the general population with DSM-5 drug use disorder (DUD) is limited. Given the present societal and economic context in the United States and the new diagnostic system, up-to-date national information is needed from a single uniform data source.

Objective:

To present nationally representative findings on the prevalence, correlates, psychiatric comorbidity, disability, and treatment of DSM-5 DUD diagnoses overall and by severity level.

Design, Setting, and Participants:

In-person interviews were conducted with 36 309 adults in the 2012-2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III, a cross-sectional representative survey of the United States. The household response rate was 72%; person- level response rate, 84%; and overall response rate, 60.1%. Data were collected April 2012 through June 2013 and analyzed from February through March 2015.

Main Outcomes and Measures:

Twelve-month and lifetime DUD, based on amphetamine, cannabis, club drug, cocaine, hallucinogen, heroin, nonheroin opioid, sedative/tranquilizer, and/or solvent/inhalant use disorders.

Results:

Prevalences of 12-month and lifetime DUD were 3.9% and 9.9%, respectively. Drug use disorder was generally greater among men, white and Native American individuals, younger and previously or never married adults, those with lower education and income, and those residing in the West. Significant associations were found between 12-month and lifetime DUD and other substance use disorders. Significant associations were also found between any 12-month DUD and major depressive disorder (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.09- 1.64), dysthymia (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.09-2.02), bipolar I (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.06-2.05), posttraumatic stress disorder (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.27-2.10), and antisocial (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.11-1.75), borderline (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.41-2.24), and schizotypal (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.18-1.87) personality disorders. Similar associations were found for any lifetime DUD with the exception that lifetime DUD was also associated with generalized anxiety disorder (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.06-1.49), panic disorder (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.06-1.59), and social phobia (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.09-1.64). Twelve-month DUD was associated with significant disability, increasing with DUD severity. Among respondents with 12-month and lifetime DUD, only 13.5% and 24.6% received treatment, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance: DSM-5 DUD is a common, highly comorbid, and disabling disorder that largely goes untreated in the United States. These findings indicate the need for additional studies to understand the broad relationships in more detail; estimate present-day economic costs of DUDs; investigate hypotheses regarding etiology, chronicity, and treatment use; and provide information to policy makers about allocation of resources for service delivery and research. Findings also indicate an urgent need to destigmatize DUD and educate the public, clinicians, and policy makers about its treatment to encourage affected individuals to obtain help. PMID: 26580136 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

27. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2015 Nov 14. [Epub ahead of print] Temperament and personality in eating disorders.

Rotella F1, Fioravanti G, Ricca V.

Author information:

 1aPsychiatry Unit, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence Medical School bDepartment of Health Sciences, Psychology and Psychiatry Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW:

In the last decades, three main different personality domains have been investigated in the field of eating disorders: personality traits, temperament, and personality disorders. The use of a wide range of instruments and the presence of many different approaches in the definition of personality dimensions make it difficult to summarize the emerging results from different studies. The aim of this narrative review is to critically highlight and discuss all interesting developments in this field, as reflected in the recent literature.

RECENT FINDINGS:

The study of personality and temperament in eating disorders seems to be in line with the recently suggested dimensional approach, which highlights the importance of symptoms aggregation, rather than the categorical diagnoses. Recent literature seems to confirm that specific personality and temperamental profiles can be drawn for patients with eating disorders, which can discriminate different eating disorders' diagnoses/symptoms.

SUMMARY:

These observations have relevant clinical implications as treatment of eating disorders is largely based on psychotherapeutic interventions. However, large longitudinal studies are needed to better clarify the suggested relationships and to identify more defined therapeutic strategies. PMID: 26575294 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

28. BMC Psychiatry. 2015 Nov 14;15(1):283. doi: 10.1186/s12888-015-0661-0. Psycho-education for substance use and antisocial personality disorder: a randomized trial.

Thylstrup B1, Schrøder S2, Hesse M3.

Author information:

 1Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Artillerivej 90, 2nd, 2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark. [email protected].  2Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Artillerivej 90, 2nd, 2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark. [email protected].  3Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Aarhus University, Artillerivej 90, 2nd, 2300, Copenhagen S, Denmark. [email protected].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Antisocial personality disorder often co-exists with drug and alcohol use disorders.

METHODS:

This trial examined the effectiveness of offering psycho-education for antisocial personality disorder in community substance use disorder treatment centers in Denmark. A total of 176 patients were randomly allocated to treatment as usual (TAU, n = 80) or TAU plus a psycho- educative program, Impulsive Lifestyle Counselling (ILC, n = 96) delivered by site clinicians (n = 39). Using follow-up interviews 3 and 9 months after randomization, we examined changes in drug and alcohol use (Addiction Severity Index Composite Scores), percent days abstinent (PDA) within last month, and aggression as measured with the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire-Short Form and the Self-Report of Aggression and Social Behavior Measure.

RESULTS:

Overall engagement in psychological interventions was modest: 71 (76 %) of participants randomized to psycho-education attended at least one counselling session, and 21 (23 %) attended all six sessions. The Median number of sessions was 2. All patients reduced drug and alcohol problems at 9 months with small within-group effect sizes. Intention-to-treat analyses indicated significant differences between ILC and TAU in mean drugs composite score (p = .018) and in PDA (p = .041) at 3 months. Aggression declined in both groups, but no differences between ILC and TAU were observed in terms of alcohol problems or aggression at any follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

Moderate short-term improvements in substance use were associated with randomization to Impulsive Lifestyle Counselling. The findings support the usefulness of providing psycho- education to outpatients with antisocial personality disorder.

TRIAL REGISTRATION:

ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN67266318 , 17/7/2012.

PMCID: PMC4647713 Free PMC Article PMID: 26573140 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

29. Law Hum Behav. 2015 Nov 16. [Epub ahead of print] Gender Differences in Psychopathy Links to Drug Use.

Schulz N, Murphy B, Verona E.

Abstract

Although the relationship between psychopathic personality traits and substance use has received some attention (Hart & Hare, 1989; Smith & Newman, 1990), gender differences have not been thoroughly assessed. The current study examined whether gender modified the relationship between 2 criminally relevant constructs, (a) psychopathy and its factors and (b) drug use. A sample of 318 participants with criminal histories and recent substance use was assessed for psychopathy using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version and for illicit drug use using the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. As expected, the impulsive-antisocial traits (Factor 2) of psychopathy were positively related to a number of drug use characteristics (symptoms, age of drug initiation, extent of drug experimentation), whereas the interpersonal-affective traits (Factor 1) showed a negative relationship with drug abuse symptoms and a positive relationship with age of first use. In terms of gender differences, analyses revealed that women showed a stronger association between Factor 1 traits and later age of initiation compared to men, and that Factor 2, and the antisocial facet in particular, were more strongly related to drug abuse in women than men. These findings suggest that psychopathic traits serve as both protective (Factor 1) and risk (Factor 2) correlates of illicit drug use, and Factor 1 may be especially protective in terms of initiation of drug use among women. These conclusions add to the growing literature on potential routes to substance use and incarceration in women. (PsycINFO Database Record

30. J Sex Marital Ther. 2015 Nov 16:0. [Epub ahead of print] Schema Therapy in Sex Therapy: A Theoretical Conceptualization.

Derby DS1, Peleg-Sagy T1,2, Doron G3.

Author information:

 1a Israeli Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Israel.  2b Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Israel.  3c Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya.Herzliya , Israel.

Abstract

Schema therapy is an integrative approach of psychotherapy, developed by Jeffrey E. Young. Its aim is to help clients explore and understand their deep emotional needs and meet them in a healthy manner. It is suitable for complex pathologies, such as comorbidities and personality disorders. In sex therapy, schema therapy can serve as a method for a deep, evidence-based, integrative conceptualization of a client's difficulties and needs. However, its principles have never been demonstrated in sex therapy. In this paper, we briefly review schema therapy and introduce schema domains. We bring a case study of a couple undergoing sex therapy from the cognitive-behavioral perspective. We then return to the same case study, in order to demonstrate the usefulness of a schema therapy conce. PMID: 26571053 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

31. Personal Disord. 2015 Nov 16. [Epub ahead of print] Associations Between Gender-Based Violence and Personality Disorders in U.S. Women.

Walsh K, Hasin D, Keyes KM, Koenen KC.

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is prevalent and associated with deleterious outcomes including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance use disorders. Despite substantial comorbidity between these conditions and personality disorders (PDs), few, if any, studies have examined associations between lifetime exposure to GBV and risk for a range of PDs in nationally representative U.S.

SAMPLES:

The current study addressed this gap in the literature by examining adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and population attributable fractions (PAFs) of 10 PDs by lifetime GBV exposure. Participants were 20,089 women who participated in wave 2 (2004-2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions. Lifetime GBV and PD were reported by 25% and 20% of women, respectively. Logistic regressions indicated that women with GBV had 3.5 times the odds of lifetime PD; aORs ranged from 2.3 to 6.3 for Schizoid and Borderline PD, respectively. GBV was associated with 38% of all PD cases, and women who had experienced all 3 GBV types had 8.5 times the odds of PD compared to nonvictims. Preventing GBV, particularly multitype GBV, may be critical to reducing the burden of PDs. Clinicians working with GBV victims should consider assessing PDs and providing treatment targeting multiple outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record

32. J Abnorm Psychol. 2015 Nov 16. [Epub ahead of print] Longitudinal Associations Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Avoidant Personality Disorder: A Twin Study.

Torvik FA, Welander-Vatn A, Ystrom E, Knudsen GP, Czajkowski N, Kendler KS, Reichborn-Kjennerud T.

Abstract

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) are frequently co- occurring psychiatric disorders with symptomatology related to fear of social situations. It is uncertain to what degree the 2 disorders reflect the same genetic and environmental risk factors. The current study addresses the stability and co-occurrence of SAD and AvPD, the factor structure of the diagnostic criteria, and genetic and environmental factors underlying the disorders at 2 time points. SAD and AvPD were assessed in 1,761 young adult female twins at baseline and 1,471 of these approximately 10 years later. Biometric models were fitted to dimensional representations of SAD and AvPD. SAD and AvPD were moderately and approximately equally stable from young to middle adulthood, with increasing co- occurrence driven by environmental factors. At the first wave, approximately 1 in 3 individuals with AvPD had SAD, increasing to 1 in 2 at follow-up. The diagnostic criteria for SAD and AvPD had a two-factor structure with low cross-loadings. The relationship between SAD and AvPD was best accounted for by a model with separate, although highly correlated (r = .76), and highly heritable (.66 and .71) risk factors for each disorder. Their genetic and environmental components correlated .84 and .59, respectively. The finding of partially distinct risk factors indicates qualitative differences in the etiology of SAD and AvPD. Genetic factors represented the strongest time-invariant influences, whereas environmental factors were most important at the specific points in time. (PsycINFO Database Record

33. Mil Med Res. 2015 Nov 13;2:30. doi: 10.1186/s40779-015-0052-3. eCollection 2015. Mental health disorders in child and adolescent survivors of post-war landmine explosions. Hemmati MA1, Shokoohi H2, Masoumi M1, Khateri S1, Soroush M3, Modirian E4, Poor Zamany Nejat Kermany M5, Hosseini M1, Mousavi B6.

Author information:

 1Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center (JMERC), Tehran, Iran.  2 Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC USA.  3Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center (JMERC), Tehran, Iran ; NO.25, Farrokh St., Moghaddas Ardebily Ave., Chamran Highway, Tehran, Iran.  4Emergency Department, Medical Faculty, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.  5Anesthesiology and critical care Labbafinejad Hospital, Medical University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran.  6Community and Preventive Medicine, Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center (JMERC), Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

To describe the mental health status of 78 child and adolescent survivors of post-war landmine explosions.

METHODS:

Child and adolescent survivors of landmine explosions who were younger than 18 years old at the time of the study were identified and enrolled in this study. The mental health status of the participants was assessed by general health assessment and psychiatric examinations. Psychiatric assessment and diagnosis were undertaken using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for mental disorders (DSM-IV) criteria. A psychiatrist visited and interviewed each survivor and identified psychiatric disorders.

RESULTS:

Seventy-eight child and adolescent survivors with a mean age of 16.11 ± 2 years old were identified and agreed to participate in the study. The mean age of the victims at the time of injury was 8.2 ± 3.12 years old (range 2-15). Thirty-seven (47.4 %) of the adolescent survivors suffered from at least one psychiatric disorder. Twenty-nine survivors (37.1 %) were newly diagnosed and needed to start medication and psychiatric treatment. The most common findings were anxiety disorders (34.6 %), including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 20 (25.6 %), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in 7 (9 %) subjects. Mild- Moderate depression was found in 5 (6.4 %) subjects. No personality disorders were observed, and two patients suffered from mental retardation. The study results revealed a significant association between age of casualty, duration of injury and limb amputation, and types of psychological disorders.

CONCLUSION:

Child and adolescent survivors of landmine explosions had a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders.

PMCID: PMC4644284 Free PMC Article PMID: 26568841 [PubMed] Similar articles

34. Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2015 Nov 14;2:13. doi: 10.1186/s40479-015- 0034-9. eCollection 2015. Can't stand the look in the mirror? Self- awareness avoidance in borderline personality disorder.

Winter D1, Koplin K1, Lis S2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.  2Institute for Psychiatric and Psychosomatic Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) expect and perceive social rejection stronger than healthy individuals. Shifting ones attention from oneself to others has been suggested as a mechanism to deal with the experience of social rejection. Here, we investigated whether BPD participants avoid increased self-awareness and whether this is done intentionally.

METHODS: Thirty BPD patients and 30 healthy control participants, all naïve of the study's purpose, were asked to choose either a seat facing a mirror (self-awareness) or not facing the mirror (avoidance of self-awareness). Afterwards they were asked to indicate if they have chosen the seat intentionally.

RESULTS:

BPD patients avoided as a trend the chair facing the mirror more often than healthy control participants. 90 % of the patients reported that they made their seating decision intentionally in contrast to 26.7 % of the healthy participants (odd ratio = 24.75).

CONCLUSIONS:

Results revealed altered reactions to self-awareness cues in BPD. While BPD patients avoided such a cue slightly more often, they were more often aware of their behavior than healthy participants. As possible explanations, a negative body related, shame-prone self- concept as well as a simultaneously increased degree of self-focused attention are suggested.

PMCID: PMC4644295 Free PMC Article PMID: 26568828 [PubMed] Similar articles

35. Psychol Health Med. 2015 Nov 15:1-7. [Epub ahead of print] Asking for work adjustments or initiating behavioural changes - what makes a 'problematic co-worker' score Brownie points? An experimental study on the reactions towards colleagues with a personality disorder.

Muschalla B1, Fay D1, Seemann A1.

Author information:

 1a Work and Organizational Psychology , University of Potsdam , Potsdam , Germany. Abstract

People with mental disorders, especially personality disorders, often face low acceptance at work. This is particularly problematic when returning to work after sick leave, because it impedes reintegration into the former workplace. This study explores colleagues' reactions towards a problematic worker dependent on the returning person's reintegration strategy: The returning person undertaking changes in their behaviour is compared with the person requesting adjustments of the workplace. In an experimental study, 188 employed persons read one of four vignettes that described a return-to-work-situation of a problematic co- worker. Across all vignettes, the co-worker was depicted as having previously caused problems in the work team. In the first vignette, the co-worker did not change anything (control condition) when she returned to work; in the second, she asked for workplace adjustments; in the third vignette she initiated efforts to change her own behaviour; and the fourth vignette combined both workplace adjustments and behavioural change. Study participants were asked for their reactions towards the problematic co-worker. Vignettes that included a behavioural change evoked more positive reactions towards the co-worker than vignettes without any behavioural change. Asking for workplace adjustments alone did not yield more positive reactions compared to not initiating any change. When preparing employees with interactional problems for their return to work, it is not effective to only instruct them on their statutory entitlement for workplace adjustments. Instead, it is advisable to encourage them to proactively strive for behaviour changes. PMID: 26567587 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

36. J Neuropsychol. 2015 Nov 14. doi: 10.1111/jnp.12090. [Epub ahead of print] Extraversion modulates functional connectivity hubs of resting-state brain networks.

Pang Y1, Cui Q2, Duan X1, Chen H1, Zeng L1, Zhang Z3, Lu G3, Chen H1.

Author information:

 1Center for Information in BioMedicine, Key laboratory for Neuroinformation of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.  2School of Political Science and Public Administration, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.  3Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, China. Abstract

Personality dimension extraversion describes individual differences in social behaviour and socio-emotional functioning. The intrinsic functional connectivity patterns of the brain are reportedly associated with extraversion. However, whether or not extraversion is associated with functional hubs warrants clarification. Functional hubs are involved in the rapid integration of neural processing, and their dysfunction contributes to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we employed the functional connectivity density (FCD) method for the first time to distinguish the energy-efficient hubs associated with extraversion. The resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 71 healthy subjects were used in the analysis. Short-range FCD was positively correlated with extraversion in the left cuneus, revealing a link between the local functional activity of this region and extraversion in risk-taking. Long-range FCD was negatively correlated with extraversion in the right superior frontal gyrus and the inferior frontal gyrus. Seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) analyses revealed that a decreased long-range FCD in individuals with high extraversion scores showed a low long-range functional connectivity pattern between the medial and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, middle temporal gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex. This result suggests that decreased RSFC patterns are responsible for self-esteem, self-evaluation, and inhibitory behaviour system that account for the modulation and shaping of extraversion. Overall, our results emphasize specific brain hubs, and reveal long-range functional connections in relation to extraversion, thereby providing a neurobiological basis of extraversion.

37. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2015 Nov 11. [Epub ahead of print] History of the Concept of Addiction.

Nathan PE1,2,3, Conrad M1,2,3, Skinstad AH1,2,3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242; email: peter- [email protected].  2National American Indian/Alaska Native ATTC (N-AIAN ATTC), College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242; email: [email protected].  3National American Indian/Alaska Native ATTC (N-AIAN ATTC), College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242; email: [email protected]. Abstract

Our distant forebears wrestled with concepts of alcohol addiction not unlike those of today: Is addiction a sin or a disease? Is addiction caused by the gods, the substance, the individual's vulnerability, or psychological or social factors? Luther, Calvin, and Catholic Church leaders viewed moderate alcohol use as God's gift; used intemperately, it was a moral transgression. The founders of modern scientific psychiatry rejected moral explanations for addiction in favor of an early biological model. The first two versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-I and DSM-II) stigmatized addiction by listing it with other societally disapproved disorders stemming from personality disorder. DSM-III espoused atheoretical, descriptive diagnoses but required tolerance or withdrawal to diagnose dependence. Substance dependence in DSM-III-R included physiological and behavioral symptoms and reflected the substance dependence syndrome. DSM-IV's emphasis on biology in its concept of dependence was unchanged from its immediate predecessors. DSM-5 declared that all drugs taken in excess have in common the direct activation of the brain reward system. This article examines evolving concepts of alcohol addiction through 12,000 years of recorded human history, from the first mention of alcohol consumption in China more than 12,000 years ago to alcohol use and abuse in the DSM era, 1952 to the present. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology Volume 12 is March 28, 2016. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/catalog/pubdates.aspx for revised estimates. PMID: 26565120 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

38. Behav Sci (Basel). 2015 Nov 6;5(4):496-517. doi: 10.3390/bs5040496. The Classification of Hysteria and Related Disorders: Historical and Phenomenological Considerations.

North CS1,2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6363 Forest Park Road, Dallas, Texas, TX 75390, USA. [email protected].  2The Altshuler Center for Education & Research, Metrocare Services, 1380 River Bend Drive, Dallas, TX 75247, USA. [email protected]. Abstract

This article examines the history of the conceptualization of dissociative, conversion, and somatoform syndromes in relation to one another, chronicles efforts to classify these and other phenomenologically-related psychopathology in the American diagnostic system for mental disorders, and traces the subsequent divergence in opinions of dissenting sectors on classification of these disorders. This article then considers the extensive phenomenological overlap across these disorders in empirical research, and from this foundation presents a new model for the conceptualization of these disorders. The classification of disorders formerly known as hysteria and phenomenologically-related syndromes has long been contentious and unsettled. Examination of the long history of the conceptual difficulties, which remain inherent in existing classification schemes for these disorders, can help to address the continuing controversy. This review clarifies the need for a major conceptual revision of the current classification of these disorders. A new phenomenologically-based classification scheme for these disorders is proposed that is more compatible with the agnostic and atheoretical approach to diagnosis of mental disorders used by the current classification system.

Free Article PMID: 26561836 [PubMed] Similar articles

39. Early Interv Psychiatry. 2015 Nov 10. doi: 10.1111/eip.12286. [Epub ahead of print] Co-morbid personality disorder in early intervention psychosis clients is associated with greater key worker emotional involvement.

Fornells-Ambrojo M1,2,3, Pocock P1, Mintah R2,4, Barker C1, Craig T5, Lappin JM2,4.

Author information:

 1Research Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.  2Southwark Team for Early Intervention in Psychosis, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.  3Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.  4Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.  5Health Services Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.

Abstract

AIM:

Co-morbid personality disorder (PD) is associated with poorer outcomes in psychosis patients, but it is not known whether these patterns are present at illness onset. This study investigated the prevalence of co-morbid PD in clients of an Early Intervention in Psychosis Service (EIPS) and compared key worker engagement and service use between patients with and without co-morbid PD.

METHOD:

Forty-nine participants were recruited from an inner London NHS EIPS. The Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV (DSM- IV) Axis II Disorders was administered to identify whether participants met criteria for a diagnosis of PD. Key workers completed measures investigating the therapeutic relationship and emotional involvement. Data on service use over a 2-year period from the date on which the patient was accepted by the EIPS were collected from electronic clinical records. Service use and key worker informed data were collected blind to PD diagnosis.

RESULTS:

Twenty-two of the 49 (45%) patients met criteria for co-morbid PD. Keyworker worry and tension were significantly higher in relation to patients with co-morbid PD compared with those without. There were no significant differences between groups in appointments offered or attended, but patients with co-morbid PD were significantly less likely to be admitted to hospital than those without.

CONCLUSIONS:

Co-morbid PD is common in EIPS patients. The EIPS model is both assertive and intensive; although this appears to be effective in preventing hospital admissions, this does not equip professionals to manage the higher emotional burden associated with a co-morbid PD diagnosis.

40. Personal Disord. 2015 Nov 9. [Epub ahead of print] Daily Diary Study of Personality Disorder Traits: Momentary Affect and Cognitive Appraisals in Response to Stressful Events.

Jarnecke AM, Miller ML, South SC.

Abstract

Difficulties in emotional expression and emotion regulation are core features of many personality disorders (PDs); yet, we know relatively little about how individuals with PDs affectively respond to stressful situations. The present study seeks to fill this gap in the literature by examining how PD traits are associated with emotional responses to subjective daily stressors, while accounting for cognition and type of stressor experienced (interpersonal vs. noninterpersonal). PD features were measured with the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality-2 (SNAP-2) diagnostic scores. Participants (N = 77) completed a 1-week experience sampling procedure that measured affect and cognition related to a current stressor 5 times per day. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to examine whether and how baseline PD features, momentary cognitions, and type of stressor predicted level of affect. Results demonstrated that paranoid, borderline, and avoidant PD traits predicted negative affect beyond what could be accounted for by cognitions and type of stressor. No PD traits predicted positive affect after accounting for the effects of cognitive appraisals and type of stressor. Findings have implications for validating the role of affect in PDs and understanding how individuals with PDs react in the presence of daily hassles. (PsycINFO Database Record

41. Personal Disord. 2015 Nov 9. [Epub ahead of print] The Twofold Diagnosis of Personality Disorder: How Do Personality Dysfunction and Pathological Traits Increment Each Other at Successive Levels of the Trait Hierarchy?

Bastiaansen L, Hopwood CJ, Van den Broeck J, Rossi G, Schotte C, De Fruyt F.

Abstract

Besides the categorical classification of personality disorders (PDs) in Section II of the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), which has been transferred as such from DSM-IV, Section III provides an alternative model to stimulate further research on the dimensional conceptualization of PDs. In this alternative system, a PD diagnosis is based on 2 essential criteria: impaired personality functioning and the presence of pathological traits. One topic that warrants further research concerns the incremental validity of these 2 components. The current study addresses this issue in a mixed community-patient sample (N = 233). First, Goldberg's (2006) "bass-ackwards" method was used to examine the hierarchical structure of pathological traits as measured by the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology (DAPP-BQ; Livesley & Jackson, 2009). We then extracted a single higher order factor from the Severity Index of Personality Problems (SIPP-118; Verheul et al., 2008) to derive 1 coherent indicator of personality dysfunction. Correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were used to determine the incremental validity of the dysfunction factor versus the trait components at succeeding levels of the DAPP-BQ hierarchy. The results only partially supported the 2-component PD diagnosis, as traits and dysfunction appeared to have only limited incremental validity. Moreover, lower order traits were generally unable to outperform higher order components in predicting specific DSM-IV PDs. Implications for the conceptualization and assessment of personality pathology are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

42. J Eat Disord. 2015 Nov 5;3:36. doi: 10.1186/s40337-015-0077-8. eCollection 2015. Association of Beck Depression Inventory score and Temperament and Character Inventory-125 in patients with eating disorders and severe malnutrition.

Tanaka S1, Yoshida K2, Katayama H3, Kohmura K4, Kawano N5, Imaeda M6, Kato S7, Ando M8, Aleksic B6, Nishioka K6, Ozaki N6. Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai, Showa, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550 Japan.  2Health Care Promotion Division, DENSO Corporation, 1-1, Showacho, Kariya, Aichi 448-8661 Japan.  3Minami-Seikyo Hospital, 2-204, Minamioodaka, Midori, Nagoya, Aichi 459-8540 Japan.  4Seichiryo Hospital, 16-27, Tsurumai 4, Showa, Nagoya, Aichi 466-0064 Japan.  5Institute of Innovation for Future Society, Nagoya University, Furocho, Chikusa, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601 Japan.  6Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550 Japan.  7Saku Central Hospital, 197 Usuda, Saku, Nagano 384-0301 Japan.  8Center for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai, Showa, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550 Japan.

Abstract

The authors investigated the association between personality and physical/mental status in malnourished patients with eating disorders. A total of 45 patients with anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, and other specified feeding or eating disorders were included and compared with 39 healthy controls. Personality characteristics and severity of depression were assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory-125 and Beck's Depression Inventory. Depression correlated with harm avoidance and self-directedness in both cases and controls. Body mass index did not correlate with personality in either group. These findings should be verified by longitudinal studies with higher weight/weight recovered patients.

PMCID: PMC4636062 Free PMC Article PMID: 26550476 [PubMed] Similar articles

43. J Int Med Res. 2015 Nov 5. pii: 0300060515594192. [Epub ahead of print] Relationship between Chinese adjective descriptors of personality and emotional symptoms in young Chinese patients with bipolar disorders.

Yu E1, Li H2, Fan H2, Gao Q2, Tan Y1, Lou J2, Zhang J2, Wang W3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.  2Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry/School of Public Health, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.  3Department of Psychiatry, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry/School of Public Health, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China [email protected].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate whether personality traits are related to emotional symptoms (mania, hypomania, and depression) in Chinese patients with bipolar disorders.

METHODS:

Patients with bipolar I and II disorders, and healthy volunteers, were assessed using the Chinese Adjective Descriptors of Personality (CADP) questionnaire, Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), Hypomanic Checklist (HCL-32), and Plutchik-van Praag Depression Inventory (PVP).

RESULTS:

Seventy-three patients with bipolar I disorder, 35 with bipolar II disorder and 216 healthy controls were included. Bipolar I and II groups scored significantly higher on MDQ, HCL-32 and PVP scales than controls; the bipolar II group scored lower on the MDQ, but higher on the HCL-32 and PVP than bipolar I. In the bipolar I group, the CADP Intelligent trait (β, 0.25) predicted MDQ; Intelligent (β, -0.24), Agreeable (β, 0.22) and Emotional (β, 0.34) traits predicted PVP. In the bipolar II group, Intelligent (β, 0.22), Agreeable (β, -0.24) and Unsocial (β, 0.31) traits predicted MDQ; Intelligent (β, -0.20), Agreeable (β, -0.31) and Emotional (β, -0.26) traits predicted HCL-32.

CONCLUSIONS: Four out of five Chinese personality traits were associated with emotional symptoms in patients with bipolar I or II disorder, but displayed different associations depending on disorder type.

44. Brain Imaging Behav. 2015 Nov 5. [Epub ahead of print] White matter integrity in polydrug users in relation to attachment and personality: a controlled diffusion tensor imaging study.

Unterrainer HF1,2,3,4, Hiebler M5, Ragger K5, Froehlich L5, Koschutnig K5, Schoeggl H6, Kapfhammer HP6, Papousek I5, Weiss EM5, Fink A 5.

Author information:

 1University of Graz, Institute of Psychology, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria. [email protected].  2Center for Integrative Addiction Research (Grüner Kreis Society), Vienna, Austria. [email protected].  3University Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical University, Graz, Austria. [email protected].  4Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Universitätsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria. [email protected].  5University of Graz, Institute of Psychology, BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.  6University Clinic of Psychiatry, Medical University, Graz, Austria.

Abstract

The relationship between substance use disorders (SUD) and brain deficits has been studied extensively. However, there is still a lack of research focusing on the structural neural connectivity in long-term polydrug use disorder (PUD). Since a deficiency in white matter integrity has been reported as being related to various parameters of increased psychopathology, it might be considered an aggravating factor in the treatment of SUD. In this study we compared two groups of PUD inpatients (abstinent: n = 18, in maintenance treatment: n = 15) to healthy controls (n = 16) with respect to neural connectivity in white matter, and their relation to behavioral parameters of personality factors/organization and attachment styles. Diffusion Tensor Imaging was used to investigate white matter structure. Compared with healthy controls, the PUD patients showed reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased radial diffusivity (RD) mainly in the superior fasciculus longitudinalis and the superior corona radiata. These findings suggest diminished neural connectivity as a result of myelin pathology in PUD patients. In line with our assumptions, we observed FA in the biggest cluster as negatively correlated with anxious attachment (r = 0.36, p < 0.05), personality dysfunctioning (r = -0.41; p < 0.01) as well positively correlated with personality factors Openness (r = 0.34; p < 0.05) and Agreeableness (r = 0.28; p < 0.05). Correspondingly these findings were inversely mirrored by RD. Further research employing enhanced samples and addressing longitudinally neuronal plastic effects of SUD treatment in relation to changes in personality and attachment is recommended. PMID: 26542619 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

45. Personal Ment Health. 2015 Nov 5. doi: 10.1002/pmh.1321. [Epub ahead of print] Dependent personality, separation anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders in OCD.

Mroczkowski MM1, Goes FS2, Riddle MA2, Grados MA2, Bienvenu OJ2, Greenberg BD3, Fyer AJ4, McCracken JT5, Rauch SL6, Murphy DL7, Knowles JA8, Piacentini J5, Cullen B2, Rasmussen SA3, Pauls DL9, Nestadt G2, Samuels J2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.  2Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.  3Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, USA.  4Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.  5Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.  6Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.  7Laboratory of Clinical Science, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.  8Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.  9Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether dependent personality and/or general personality dimensions might explain the strong relationships between separation anxiety disorder (Sep-AD) and three other anxiety disorders (agoraphobia, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder) in individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

METHODS:

Using data from 509 adult participants collected during the OCD Collaborative Genetic Study, we used logistic regression models to evaluate the relationships between Sep-AD, dependent personality score, general personality dimensions and three additional anxiety disorders.

RESULTS:

The dependent personality score was strongly associated with Sep-AD and the other anxiety disorders in models adjusted for age at interview, age at onset of OC symptoms and worst ever OCD severity score. Several general personality dimensions, especially neuroticism, extraversion and conscientiousness, were also related to Sep-AD and the other anxiety disorders. Sep-AD was not independently related to these anxiety disorders, in multivariate models including general personality and dependent personality disorder scores.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results suggest that Sep-AD in childhood and these other anxiety disorders in adulthood are consequences of dependent personality disorder (for agoraphobia and panic disorder) or introversion (for social phobia). It is unknown whether these results would be similar in a non-OCD sample. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

46. Int J Lang Commun Disord. 2015 Nov 6. doi: 10.1111/1460-6984.12202. [Epub ahead of print] Rethinking the connection between working memory and language impairment.

Archibald LM1, Harder Griebeling K1.

Author information:

 1School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Working memory deficits have been found for children with specific language impairment (SLI) on tasks imposing increasing short-term memory load with or without additional, consistent (and simple) processing load.

AIMS:

To examine the processing function of working memory in children with low language (LL) by employing tasks imposing increasing processing loads with constant storage demands individually adjusted based on each participant's short-term memory capacity.

METHODS & PROCEDURES:

School-age groups with LL (n = 17) and typical language with either average (n = 28) or above-average nonverbal intelligence (n = 15) completed complex working memory-span tasks varying processing load while keeping storage demands constant, varying storage demands while keeping processing load constant, simple storage-span tasks, and measures of language and nonverbal intelligence. Teachers completed questionnaires about cognition and learning.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS:

Significantly lower scores were found for the LL than either matched group on storage-based tasks, but no group differences were found on the tasks varying processing load. Teachers' ratings of oral expression and mathematics abilities discriminated those who did or did not complete the most challenging cognitive tasks. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS:

The results implicate a deficit in the phonological storage but not in the central executive component of working memory for children with LL. Teacher ratings may reveal personality traits related to perseverance of effort in cognitive research.

47. PLoS One. 2015 Nov 3;10(11):e0141907. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141907. eCollection 2015. Early Life Experiences and Exercise Associate with Canine Anxieties.

Tiira K1, Lohi H1.

Author information:

 1Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, P.O.Box 63, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; The Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.

Abstract

Personality and anxiety disorders across species are affected by genetic and environmental factors. Shyness-boldness personality continuum exists across species, including the domestic dog, with a large within- and across-breed variation. Domestic dogs are also diagnosed for several anxiety-related behavioral conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorders, phobias, and separation anxiety. Genetic and environmental factors contributing to personality and anxiety are largely unknown. We collected questionnaire data from a Finnish family dog population (N = 3264) in order to study the associating environmental factors for canine fearfulness, noise sensitivity, and separation anxiety. Early life experiences and exercise were found to associate with anxiety prevalence. We found that fearful dogs had less socialization experiences (p = 0.002) and lower quality of maternal care (p < 0.0001) during puppyhood. Surprisingly, the largest environmental factor associating with noise sensitivity (p < 0.0001) and separation anxiety (p = 0.007) was the amount of daily exercise; dogs with noise sensitivity and separation anxiety had less daily exercise. Our findings suggest that dogs share many of the same environmental factors that contribute to anxiety in other species as well, such as humans and rodents. Our study highlights the importance of early life experiences, especially the quality of maternal care and daily exercise for the welfare and management of the dogs, and reveals important confounding factors to be considered in the genetic characterization of canine anxiety.

PMCID: PMC4631323 Free PMC Article PMID: 26528555 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

48. Eat Weight Disord. 2015 Nov 2. [Epub ahead of print] Are all models susceptible to dysfunctional cognitions about eating and body image? The moderating role of personality styles.

Blasczyk-Schiep S1, Sokoła K2, Fila-Witecka K2, Kazén M3 .

Author information:

 1Wrocław Department, Warsaw School of Social Psychology, Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ostrowskiego Street 30b, 53-238, Wroclaw, Poland. sblasczyk- [email protected].  2Wrocław Department, Warsaw School of Social Psychology, Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ostrowskiego Street 30b, 53-238, Wroclaw, Poland.  3University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

We investigated dysfunctional cognitions about eating and body image in relation to personality styles in a group of professional models.

METHOD:

Dysfunctional cognitions in professional models (n = 43) and a control group (n = 43) were assessed with the 'Eating Disorder Cognition Questionnaire' (EDCQ), eating attitudes with the 'Eating Attitudes Test' (EAT), and personality with the 'Personality Styles and Disorders Inventory' (PSDI-S).

RESULTS: Models had higher scores than controls on the EDCQ and EAT and on nine scales of the PSDI-S. Moderation analyses showed significant interactions between groups and personality styles in predicting EDCQ scales: The ambitious/narcissistic style was related to "negative body and self-esteem", the conscientious/compulsive style to "dietary restraint", and the spontaneous/borderline style to "loss of control in eating".

CONCLUSIONS:

The results indicate that not all models are susceptible to dysfunctional cognitions about eating and body image. Models are at a higher risk of developing negative automatic thoughts and dysfunctional assumptions relating to body size, shape and weight, especially if they have high scores on the above personality styles. PMID: 26525971 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

1. Psychol Psychother. 2015 Dec 31. doi: 10.1111/papt.12088. [Epub ahead of print] Mood instability and impulsivity as trait predictors of suicidal thoughts.

Peters EM1, Balbuena L1, Marwaha S2, Baetz M1, Bowen R1.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.  2Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Impulsivity, the tendency to act quickly without adequate planning or concern for consequences, is a commonly cited risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviour. There are many definitions of impulsivity and how it relates to suicidality is not well understood. Mood instability, which describes frequent fluctuations of mood over time, is a concept related to impulsivity that may help explain this relationship. The purpose of this study was to determine whether impulsivity could predict suicidal thoughts after controlling for mood instability.

METHODS: This study utilized longitudinal data from the 2000 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (N = 2,406). There was a time interval of 18 months between the two waves of the study. Trait impulsivity and mood instability were measured with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate baseline impulsivity and mood instability as predictors of future suicidal thoughts.

RESULTS:

Impulsivity significantly predicted the presence of suicidal thoughts, but this effect became non-significant with mood instability included in the same model.

CONCLUSIONS:

Impulsivity may be a redundant concept when predicting future suicidal thoughts if mood instability is considered. The significance is that research and therapy focusing on mood instability along with impulsivity may be useful in treating the suicidal patient.

PRACTITIONER POINTS:

Mood instability and impulsivity both predict future suicidal thoughts. Impulsivity does not predict suicidal thoughts after controlling for mood instability. Assessing and treating mood instability could be important aspects of suicide prevention and risk management.

2. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2015 Dec 11;11:3049-64. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S95190. eCollection 2015. The effects of motivation feedback in patients with severe mental illness: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Jochems EC1, van der Feltz-Cornelis CM2, van Dam A3, Duivenvoorden HJ4, Mulder CL5.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Epidemiological and Social Psychiatric Research Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands ; GGz Breburg, Top Clinical Center for Body, Mind and Health, Tilburg, the Netherlands.  2Department of Psychiatry, Epidemiological and Social Psychiatric Research Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands ; GGz Breburg, Top Clinical Center for Body, Mind and Health, Tilburg, the Netherlands ; Tilburg University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tranzo Department, Tilburg, the Netherlands.  3Tilburg University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tranzo Department, Tilburg, the Netherlands ; GGZ Westelijk Noord Brabant, Bergen op Zoom, the Netherlands.  4Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.  5Department of Psychiatry, Epidemiological and Social Psychiatric Research Institute, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands ; BavoEuropoort, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the effectiveness of providing clinicians with regular feedback on the patient's motivation for treatment in increasing treatment engagement in patients with severe mental illness.

METHODS:

DESIGN: cluster randomized controlled trial (Dutch Trials Registry NTR2968).

PARTICIPANTS: adult outpatients with a primary diagnosis of a psychotic disorder or a personality disorder and their clinicians, treated in 12 community mental health teams (the clusters) of two mental health institutions in the Netherlands.

INTERVENTIONS: monthly motivation feedback (MF) generated by clinicians additional to treatment as usual (TAU) and TAU by the community mental health teams.

PRIMARY OUTCOME: treatment engagement at patient level, assessed at 12 months by clinicians.

RANDOMIZATION: teams were allocated to MF or TAU by a computerized randomization program that randomized each team to a single treatment by blocks of varying size. All participants within these teams received similar treatment. Clinicians and patients were not blind to treatment allocation at the 12-month assessment. RESULTS:

The 294 randomized patients (148 MF, 146 TAU) and 57 clinicians (29 MF, 28 TAU) of 12 teams (6 MF, 6 TAU) were analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. No statistically significant differences between treatment groups on treatment engagement were found (adjusted mean difference =0.1, 95% confidence interval =-2.2 to 2.3, P=0.96, d=0). Preplanned ancillary analyses showed statistically significant interaction effects between treatment group and primary diagnosis on treatment motivation and quality of life (secondary outcomes), which were beneficial for patients with a primary diagnosis of a personality disorder but not for those with a psychotic disorder. There were no reports of adverse events.

CONCLUSION:

The current findings imply that monitoring and discussing the patient's motivation is insufficient to improve motivation and treatment engagement, and suggests that more elaborate interventions for severe mental illness patients are needed.

Free Article PMID: 26715847 [PubMed] Similar articles

3. Addiction. 2015 Dec 29. doi: 10.1111/add.13292. [Epub ahead of print] Childhood maltreatment, personality disorders, and 3-year persistence of adult alcohol and nicotine dependence in a national sample.

Elliott JC1,2,3, Stohl M2, Wall MM2,3,4, Keyes KM1, Skodol AE3,5, Eaton NR6, Shmulewitz D2,3, Goodwin RD1,7, Grant BF 8, Hasin DS1,2,3.

Author information:

 1Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.  2New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA.  3Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.  4Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.  5Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, USA.  6Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.  7Department of Psychology, Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY), Queens, New York, USA.  8Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biometry, National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Rockville, Maryland, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

Persistent cases of alcohol and nicotine dependence are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, and are predicted by childhood maltreatment and personality disorders. Our aim was to test whether personality disorders (individually or conjointly) mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and the persistence of dependence.

DESIGN:

Personality disorders, modeled dimensionally, were tested as mediators of the relationship between childhood maltreatment and the 3-year persistence of alcohol and nicotine dependence in participants in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) who had current alcohol and nicotine dependence in their baseline interview. Individual personality disorders were assessed in separate models. Then, those that were significant were examined jointly in multiple mediator models to determine their total and unique effects.

SETTING:

A large, nationally representative United States survey.

PARTICIPANTS:

Participants ≥18 years who completed baseline and 3-year follow-up NESARC interviews who had baseline alcohol dependence (n=1,172; 68% male) or nicotine dependence (n=4,017; 52.9% male).

MEASUREMENTS:

Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule (AUDADIS-IV) measures of childhood maltreatment, personality disorders, and alcohol/nicotine dependence.

FINDINGS:

Individual models indicated that many personality disorders mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and the 3-year persistence of alcohol and nicotine dependence (each explaining 6%-46% of the total effect, ps<0.05). In multiple mediator models, borderline and antisocial symptoms remained significant mediators, each explaining 20%-37% of the total effect (ps<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Personality disorder symptoms (especially borderline and antisocial) help explain the association between childhood maltreatment and persistent alcohol and nicotine dependence.

4. Schizophr Bull. 2015 Dec 28. pii: sbv196. [Epub ahead of print] Clinical Utility and Lifespan Profiling of Neurological Soft Signs in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.

Chan RC1, Xie W2, Geng FL3, Wang Y4, Lui SS5, Wang CY6, Yu X7, Cheung EF8, Rosenthal R2.

Author information:

 1Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, [email protected].  2Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.  3Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.  4Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.  5Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China;  6 Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, Centre of Schizophrenia, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders (Capital Medical University), Ministry of Science and Technology, Beijing, China.  7Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, China.  8Castle Peak Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China;

Abstract

Neurological soft signs (NSSs) bear the promise for early detection of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Nonetheless, the sensitivity and specificity of NSSs in the psychosis continuum remains a topic of controversy. It is also unknown how NSSs reveal neurodevelopmental abnormality in schizophrenia. We investigated the effect sizes of NSSs in differentiating individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders from individuals with other psychiatric conditions and from covariate-matched healthy subjects. We also investigated the partitioned age-related variations of NSSs in both schizophrenia and healthy individuals. NSSs were assessed by the abridged version of the Cambridge Neurological Inventory (CNI) in 3105 participants, consisting of healthy individuals (n =1577), unaffected first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients (n = 155), individuals with schizotypal personality disorder (n = 256), schizophrenia patients (n = 738), and other psychiatric patients (n = 379). Exact matching and propensity score matching procedures were performed to control for covariates. Multiple regression was used to partition age-related variations. Individuals along the schizophrenia continuum showed elevated levels of NSSs, with moderate effect sizes, in contrast to other psychiatric patients who had minimal NSSs, as well as matched healthy controls. Furthermore, the age-and-NSS relationship in schizophrenia patients was represented by a flat but overall elevated pattern, in contrast to a U-shaped pattern in healthy individuals. In sum, NSSs capture a moderate portion of psychosis proneness with reasonable specificity. Lifespan profiling reveals an abnormal developmental trajectory of NSSs in schizophrenia patients, which supports the endophenotype hypothesis of NSSs by associating it with the neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia.

© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: [email protected]. PMID: 26712863 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

5. Violence Against Women. 2015 Dec 27. pii: 1077801215622575. [Epub ahead of print] Personality and Perpetration: Narcissism Among College Sexual Assault Perpetrators.

Mouilso ER1, Calhoun KS2. Author information:

 1University of Georgia, Athens, USA [email protected].  2University of Georgia, Athens, USA.

Abstract

Theory and research suggest that narcissism plays an important role in perpetration of sexual aggression. As narcissism is a multidimensional construct, our objective was to clarify the relation between perpetration and three aspects of narcissism. College men (N = 234) completed the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) subscale of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders-II (SCID-N) Personality Questionnaire, and Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSNS). Perpetrators had higher scores on NPD traits, which were also associated with frequent perpetration. HSNS scores were only associated with perpetration via alcohol and/or drugs. Only the maladaptive facets of NPI narcissism correlated with perpetration. Narcissism seems to have been understudied in nonincarcerated perpetrators.

6. Clin Psychol Rev. 2015 Dec 9;44:13-24. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.12.001. [Epub ahead of print] The aetiological and psychopathological validity of borderline personality disorder in youth: A systematic review and meta- analysis.

Winsper C1, Lereya ST2, Marwaha S3, Thompson A3, Eyden J2, Singh SP3.

Author information:

 1Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK.  3Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK. Abstract

Controversy surrounds the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in youth. This meta-analysis summarised evidence regarding the aetiological and psychopathological validity of youth BPD (the extent to which youth and adult BPD share common risk factors and psychopathology). We identified 61 studies satisfying predetermined inclusion criteria. Statistically significant pooled associations with youth (19years of age and under) BPD were observed for sexual abuse (all youth: odds ratio=4.88; 95% confidence interval=3.30, 7.21; children: OR=3.97; 95% CI=1.51, 10.41; adolescents: OR=5.41; 95% CI=3.43, 8.53); physical abuse (all youth: 2.79 [2.03, 3.84]; children: 2.86 [1.98, 4.13]; adolescents: 2.60 [1.38, 4.90]); maternal hostility/verbal abuse (all youth: 3.28 [2.67, 4.03]; children: 3.15 [2.55, 3.88]; adolescents: 4.71 [1.77, 12.53]); and neglect (all youth: 3.40 [2.27, 5.11]; children: 2.87 [1.73, 4.73]; adolescents: 4.87 [2.24, 10.59]). Several psychopathological features were also associated with youth BPD, including comorbid mood (3.21 [2.13, 4.83]), anxiety (2.30 [1.44, 3.70]) and substance use (2.92 [1.60, 5.31]) disorders; self-harm (2.81 [1.61, 4.90]); suicide ideation (all youth: 2.02 [1.23, 3.32]; children: 6.00 [1.81, 19.84]; adolescents: 1.75 [1.20; 2.54]) and suicide attempt (2.10 [1.21, 3.66]). Results demonstrate that adult and youth BPD share common aetiological and psychopathological correlates. This offers some support for the diagnostic validity of youth BPD and indicates the need for clinical recognition in this age group.

7. Clin Psychol Rev. 2015 Dec 4;44:1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2015.11.009. [Epub ahead of print] Neuropsychological deficits in BPD patients and the moderator effects of co-occurring mental disorders: A meta-analysis.

Unoka Z1, J Richman M2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychotherapy and Psychiatry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; William J. Fulbright Program, Washington D.C., USA. Abstract

Studies have shown that patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have co- occurring disorders; literature has also suggested that BPD patients have impairments in neuropsychological functioning, as seen in a previous meta-analysis (Ruocco, 2005). This meta-analysis showed that neuropsychological functioning are marked areas of concern in BPD; however, this meta-analytic research did not assess the effects of co-occurring disorders on neuropsychological functioning in BPD patients. The current meta-analysis takes this into consideration and a systematic review of cross-sectional studies comparing neuropsychological performance of individuals with BPD with age-matched healthy comparison subjects was carried out. Potential moderators (i.e., age, gender, education level, and co-morbid mental disorders) were analyzed. Significant deficits were observed in the decision making, memory, executive functioning, processing speed, verbal intelligence, and visuospatial abilities. BPD patients with more education and with parents of a higher educational level had better neuropsychological functioning. Globally, BPD samples with a higher percentage of co-morbid personality disorders, major depression, eating disorders, or any substance abuse disorders performed worse than patients with a less percentage; however, anxiety disorders and PTSD co-morbidity did not affect the cognitive performance of the BPD group. Differences are seen dependent on neuropsychological domain and specific comorbidity. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of characterizing cognitive functioning in BPD and the importance of considering demographic and clinical moderators in future analyses.

8. Epilepsy Behav. 2015 Dec 15;54:110-114. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2015.11.023. [Epub ahead of print] Different attachment styles correlate with mood disorders in adults with epilepsy or migraine.

Mula M1, Danquah-Boateng D2, Cock HR3, Khan U4, Lozsadi DA3, Nirmalananthan N4.

Author information:  1Epilepsy Group, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Institute of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, St. George's University of London, UK. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Epilepsy Group, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.  3Epilepsy Group, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Institute of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, St. George's University of London, UK.  4Institute of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, St. George's University of London, UK; Headache Group, Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Interpersonal relationships are viewed as important contexts within which psychopathology emerges and persists or desists. Attachment theory describes the dynamics of long-term relationships between humans especially in families and lifelong friendships. The present study was aimed at investigating attachment styles in adult patients with epilepsy as compared to subjects with migraine and their potential correlates with a history of mood disorders.

METHODS:

A consecutive sample of 219 adult outpatients with epilepsy (117) or migraine (102) was assessed with the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ).

RESULTS:

Patients with epilepsy and a lifetime history of mood disorders presented elevated scores for Need for approval (p<0.001) and Preoccupation with relationships (p<0.001). Age correlated with the Relationships as secondary (r=0.322; p<0.001) and Need for approval (r=0.217; p=0.019) subscales while age at onset correlated only with Relationships as secondary (r=0.225; p=0.015). Seizure-free patients presented lower scores for Need for approval (p=0.003). Patients with migraine and a lifetime history of mood disorders presented lower scores in Confidence (p=0.002) and higher scores in Discomfort with closeness (p=0.026).

CONCLUSIONS:

An anxious-preoccupied attachment correlated with mood disorders in epilepsy while it was an avoidant pattern in migraine. Our results bring further data on the role of psychological variables in mood disorders in epilepsy. Further studies will allow early identification of patients at risk and the development of preventive strategies.

9. PLoS One. 2015 Dec 23;10(12):e0145533. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145533. eCollection 2015. Psychotic-Like Experiences and Nonsuidical Self-Injury in England: Results from a National Survey.

Koyanagi A1,2, Stickley A3,4, Haro JM1,2.

Author information:

 1Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Fundació Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.  2Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.  3The Stockholm Centre for Health and Social Change (SCOHOST), Södertörn University, Huddinge, Sweden.  4Department of Human Ecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Little is known about the association between psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in the general adult population. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the association using nationally-representative data from England.

METHODS:

Data from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey was analyzed. The sample consisted of 7403 adults aged ≥16 years. Five forms of PLEs (mania/hypomania, thought control, paranoia, strange experience, auditory hallucination) were assessed with the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire. The association between PLEs and NSSI was assessed by multivariable logistic regression. Hierarchical models were constructed to evaluate the influence of alcohol and drug dependence, common mental disorders, and borderline personality disorder symptoms on this association. RESULTS:

The prevalence of NSSI was 4.7% (female 5.2% and male 4.2%), while the figures among those with and without any PLEs were 19.2% and 3.9% respectively. In a regression model adjusted for sociodemographic factors and stressful life events, most types of PLE were significantly associated with NSSI: paranoia (OR 3.57; 95%CI 1.96-6.52), thought control (OR 2.45; 95%CI 1.05-5.74), strange experience (OR 3.13; 95%CI 1.99-4.93), auditory hallucination (OR 4.03; 95%CI 1.56-10.42), and any PLE (OR 2.78; 95%CI 1.88-4.11). The inclusion of borderline personality disorder symptoms in the models had a strong influence on the association between PLEs and NSSI as evidenced by a large attenuation in the ORs for PLEs, with only paranoia continuing to be significantly associated with NSSI. Substance dependence and common mental disorders had little influence on the association between PLEs and NSSI.

CONCLUSIONS:

Borderline personality disorder symptoms may be an important factor in the link between PLEs and NSSI. Future studies on PLEs and NSSI should take these symptoms into account.

Free Article PMID: 26700475 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

10. PLoS One. 2015 Dec 23;10(12):e0145625. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145625. eCollection 2015. Personality Disorder and Changes in Affect Consciousness: A 3-Year Follow-Up Study of Patients with Avoidant and Borderline Personality Disorder.

Normann-Eide E1,2, Johansen MS1,3, Normann-Eide T2, Egeland J2, Wilberg T3,4.

Author information:

 1Department of Personality Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.  2Research Department, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tonsberg, Norway.  3Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.  4Department of Research and Development, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.

Abstract

Personality disorders (PDs) are highly prevalent in patients receiving psychiatric services, and are associated with significant personal and social costs. Over the past two decades, an increasing number of treatment studies have documented the effectiveness of treatment for patients with PDs, especially when it comes to reduction of symptom distress, risk taking behavior, self-harm, or suicide attempts. However, less is known about the more complex aims of improving the personality structure itself, such as identity- and interpersonal disturbances. Emotional dysfunction is closely associated with PD pathology. The present study investigated changes in affect consciousness (AC) in patients with avoidant or borderline PD, and how these changes were associated with clinical status after 3 years of follow-up. The study included 52 individuals; 79 percent were females, and mean age was 30 years. The evaluations included the Affect Consciousness Interview, Symptom Checklist- 90-R, Circumplex of Interpersonal Problems, the Index of Self-Esteem, and three domains (Identity Integration, Relational Capacities, and Self-Control) of the Severity Indices of Personality Problems (SIPP-118). There was a significant increase in the Global AC and AC scores for most of the specific affects from baseline to follow-up. As the present study did not include a control group, it cannot be concluded that changes in AC are effects of psychotherapy, and the possibility of age-related maturation processes cannot be excluded. The change in Global AC contributed significantly to explained variance in the follow-up levels of Circumplex of Interpersonal Problems, and the two SIPP-118 domains Relational Capacities and Identity Integration. Improved AC was not associated with change in the Self-Control domain or the Global Severity Index of Symptom Checklist-90-R. The results suggest that AC may be altered for patients with borderline and avoidant PDs, and this is the first study to report that improvement in AC contribute significantly to the variance in the self- and interpersonal domains of personality functioning.

Free Article PMID: 26699730 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

11. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2015 Dec 23. pii: 0004867415622267. [Epub ahead of print] Why it's important for it to stop: Examining the mental health correlates of bullying and ill-treatment at work in a cohort study.

Butterworth P1, Leach LS2, Kiely KM2.

Author information:

 1Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia [email protected].  2Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

There is limited Australian information on the prevalence and mental health consequences of bullying and ill-treatment at work. The aims of this study were to use data from an ongoing Australian longitudinal cohort study to (1) compare different measures of workplace bullying, (2) estimate the prevalence of bullying and ill-treatment at work, (3) evaluate whether workplace bullying is distinct from other adverse work characteristics and (4) examine the unique contribution of workplace bullying to common mental disorders in mid- life.

METHOD:

The sample comprised 1466 participants (52% women) aged 52-58 from wave four of the Personality and Total Health (PATH) through Life study. Workplace bullying was assessed by a single item of self-labelling measure of bullying and a 15-item scale of bullying-related behaviours experienced in the past 6 months. Factor analysis the identified underlying factor structure of the behavioural bullying scale.

RESULTS:

Current bullying was reported by 7.0% of respondents, while 46.4% of respondents reported that they had been bullied at some point in their working life. Person-related and work- related bullying behaviours were more common than violence and intimidation. The multidimensional scale of bullying behaviours had greater concordance with a single item of self- labelled bullying (Area Under the Curve = 0.88) than other adverse work characteristics (all Area Under the Curves < 0.67). Self-labelled bullying and scales reflecting person-related and work-related bullying were independent predictors of depression and/or anxiety.

CONCLUSION:

This study provides unique information on the prevalence and mental health impacts of workplace bullying and ill-treatment in Australia. Workplace bullying is a relatively common experience, and is associated with increased risk of depression and anxiety. Greater attention to identifying and preventing bullying and ill-treatment in the workplace is warranted.

12. Depress Anxiety. 2015 Dec 23. doi: 10.1002/da.22462. [Epub ahead of print] EMOTIONAL AVAILABILITY IN MOTHER-CHILD INTERACTION: THE EFFECTS OF MATERNAL DEPRESSION IN REMISSION AND ADDITIONAL HISTORY OF CHILDHOOD ABUSE.

Kluczniok D1, Boedeker K2, Fuchs A3, Hindi Attar C1, Fydrich T4, Fuehrer D2, Dittrich K1, Reck C5, Winter S2, Heinz A1, Herpertz SC6, Brunner R3, Bermpohl F1.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Campus Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.  2Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité Campus Virchow, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.  3Section for Disorders of Personality Development, Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.  4Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.  5Department of Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany.  6Department for General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The association between maternal depression and adverse outcomes in children is well established. Similar links have been found for maternal childhood abuse. One proposed pathway of risk transmission is reduced maternal emotional availability. Our aim was to investigate whether sensitive parenting is impaired in mothers with depression in remission, and whether among these mothers childhood abuse has an additional impact.

METHODS:

The mother-child interaction of 188 dyads was assessed during a play situation using the Emotional Availability Scales, which measure the overall affective quality of the interaction: maternal sensitivity, structuring, nonhostility, and nonintrusiveness. Mothers with depression in remission were compared to healthy mothers. Children were between 5 and 12 years old. Group differences and impact of additional childhood abuse were analyzed by one-factorial analyses of covariance and planned contrasts.

RESULTS:

Mothers with depression in remission showed less emotional availability during mother- child interaction compared to healthy control mothers. Specifically, they were less sensitive and, at trend-level, less structuring and more hostile. Among these mothers, we found an additional effect of severe maternal childhood abuse on maternal sensitivity: Mothers with depression in remission and a history of severe childhood abuse were less sensitive than remitted mothers without childhood abuse.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data suggest that depression impacts on maternal emotional availability during remission, which might represent a trait characteristic of depression. Mothers with depression in remission and additional severe childhood abuse were particularly affected. These findings may contribute to the understanding of children's vulnerability to develop a depressive disorder themselves.

13. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015 Dec 15;12(12):15937-42. doi: 10.3390/ijerph121215032. Reading Books and Watching Films as a Protective Factor against Suicidal Ideation.

Kasahara-Kiritani M1, Hadlaczky G2, Westerlund M3, Carli V4, Wasserman C5, Apter A6, Balazs J7,8, Bobes J9, Brunner R10, McMahon EM11, Cosman D12, Farkas L13, Haring C14, Kaess M15, Kahn JP16, Keeley H17, Nemes B18, Mars Bitenc U19, Postuvan V20, Saiz P21, Sisask M22,23, Värnik A24,25, Sarchiapone M26,27, Hoven CW28,29, Wasserman D30.

Author information:

 1National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden. [email protected].  2National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden. [email protected].  3National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden. [email protected].  4National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden. [email protected].  5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. [email protected].  6Feinberg Child Study Centre, Schneider Children's Medical Centre, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. [email protected].  7Vadaskert Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital, Budapest 1021, Hungary. [email protected].  8Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1064, Hungary. [email protected].  9 Department of Psychiatry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, University of Oviedo, Oviedo 33004, Spain. [email protected].  10Section for Disorders of Personality Development, Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69115, Germany. [email protected].  11National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland. [email protected].  12Clinical Psychology Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400012, Romania. [email protected].  13Vadaskert Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital, Budapest 1021, Hungary. [email protected].  14State Hospital Hall in Tyrol, tirol-kliniken, Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy B, Hall, A-6060, Austria. [email protected].  15Section for Disorders of Personality Development, Clinic of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69115, Germany. [email protected].  16Department of Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Nancy, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, 54500 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France. [email protected].  17National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland. [email protected].  18Clinical Psychology Department, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400012, Romania. [email protected].  19Slovene Center for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, Koper 6000, Slovenia. [email protected].  20 Slovene Center for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, Koper 6000, Slovenia. [email protected].  21Department of Psychiatry, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, University of Oviedo, Oviedo 33004, Spain. [email protected].  22Estonian-Swedish Mental Health & Suicidology Institute, Tallinn 11615, Estonia. [email protected].  23Tallinn University, Tallinn 10120, Estonia. [email protected].  24Estonian-Swedish Mental Health & Suicidology Institute, Tallinn 11615, Estonia. [email protected].  25Tallinn University, Tallinn 10120, Estonia. [email protected].  26Department of Medicine and Health Science, University of Molise, Campobasso 86100, Italy. [email protected].  27National Institute for Migration and Poverty via San Gallicano 25, Roma 00100, Italy. [email protected].  28Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. [email protected].  29Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. [email protected].  30National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17177, Sweden. [email protected].

Abstract

Reading books and watching films were investigated as protective factors for serious suicidal ideation (SSI) in young people with low perceived social belonging. Cross-sectional and longitudinal (12-month) analyses were performed using data from a representative European sample of 3256 students from the "Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe" study. Low social belonging was associated to SSI. However, reading books and watching films moderated this association, especially for those with lowest levels of belonging. This was true both at baseline and at 12 months of follow-up analyses. These media may act as sources of social support or mental health literacy and thus reduce the suicide risk constituted by low sense of belonging.

Free Article PMID: 26694431 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

14. Am J Addict. 2015 Dec 21. doi: 10.1111/ajad.12317. [Epub ahead of print] Psychiatric comorbidity among patients on methadone maintenance therapy and its influence on quality of life.

Teoh Bing Fei J1, Yee A1, Habil MH1.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychological Medicine, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Co-occurring psychiatric disorders are among the difficulties faced by patients with opioid dependence on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). This study aims to assess the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity among patients on MMT, the factors predicting psychiatric comorbidity and to examine the association between psychiatric comorbidity and quality of life.

METHODS:

A total of 225 male patients on MMT in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia were assessed for psychiatric comorbidity and substance use disorders using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and Opiate Treatment Index (OTI). Their quality of life was assessed using World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-BREF.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of a current and lifetime non-substance use Axis I psychiatric disorder was 14.2% and 15.6% respectively, while 14.7% fulfilled the criteria for antisocial personality disorder. 80.9% had comorbid substance dependence, predominantly nicotine dependence. Factors significantly associated with a non-substance use Axis I psychiatric disorder on multivariate analysis were use of psychiatric medications, antisocial personality disorder and poorer physical health. Patients with a non-substance use Axis I psychiatric disorder had a significantly poorer quality of life in all domains namely physical health, psychological, social relationships, environment as well as combined quality of life and general health after controlling for possible confounders.

CONCLUSION:

Psychiatric comorbidity among patients on MMT negatively impacts quality of life.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE:

The detection of psychiatric disorders and provision of appropriate treatment is needed to improve the quality of life of patients on MMT. (Am J Addict 2015;XX:XX-XX).

15. Personal Disord. 2015 Dec 21. [Epub ahead of print] Hypermentalizing, Attachment, and Epistemic Trust in Adolescent BPD: Clinical Illustrations.

Bo S, Sharp C, Fonagy P, Kongerslev M.

Abstract

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) has been shown to be a valid and reliable diagnosis in adolescents and associated with a decrease in both general and social functioning. With evidence linking BPD in adolescents to poor prognosis, it is important to develop a better understanding of factors and mechanisms contributing to the development of BPD. This could potentially enhance our knowledge and facilitate the design of novel treatment programs and interventions for this group. In this paper, we outline a theoretical model of BPD in adolescents linking the original mentalization-based theory of BPD, with recent extensions of the theory that focuses on hypermentalizing and epistemic trust. We then provide clinical case vignettes to illustrate this extended theoretical model of BPD. Furthermore, we suggest a treatment approach to BPD in adolescents that focuses on the reduction of hypermentalizing and epistemic mistrust. We conclude with an integration of theory and practice in the final section of the paper and make recommendations for future work in this area. (PsycINFO Database Record

16. Personal Disord. 2015 Dec 21. [Epub ahead of print] A Laboratory Examination of Emotion Regulation Skill Strengthening in Borderline Personality Disorder.

Metcalfe RK, Fitzpatrick S, Kuo JR.

Abstract

This study examined whether individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD; N = 25) exhibit deficits in their ability to strengthen their emotion regulation skills over time compared with healthy controls (HCs; N = 30). Participants were instructed to implement 1 of 2 different emotion regulation strategies (i.e., distraction and mindful awareness of the emotion) or to either react naturally (i.e., nonregulation condition) in response to BPD- relevant stimuli across multiple trials. Self-reported negativity and positivity, and physiological indices of emotion were collected throughout. Self-report results indicated that both groups displayed strengthening of distraction, but not mindful awareness, compared with the nonregulation condition over time. When comparing the 2 emotion regulation strategies to each other, heart rate data suggested that the rate of skill strengthening varied by group. Specifically, the BPD group evidenced strengthening of mindful awareness, but not distraction, over time whereas the HCs exhibited the opposite pattern. These findings suggest that individuals with BPD generally do not show deficits in their ability to strengthen emotion regulation skills and exhibit greater strengthening of mindful awareness than distraction over time. (PsycINFO Database Record

17. J Pers. 2015 Dec 21. doi: 10.1111/jopy.12235. [Epub ahead of print] Capturing the DSM-5 Alternative Personality Disorder Model Traits in the Five-Factor Model's Nomological Net. Nomological Net M1, Suzuki T1, Griffin SA1, Samuel DB1.

Author information:

 1Purdue University.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Several studies have shown structural and statistical similarities between the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) alternative personality disorder model and the five-factor model (FFM). However, no study to date has evaluated the nomological network similarities between the two models.

METHOD:

The relations of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO PI-R) and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) with relevant criterion variables were examined in a sample of 336 undergraduate students (age M = 19.4, 59.8% female). The resulting profiles for each instrument were statistically compared for similarity.

RESULTS:

Four of the five domains of the two models have highly similar nomological networks, with the exception being FFM Openness to Experience and PID-5 Psychoticism. Further probing of that pair suggested that the NEO PI-R domain scores obscured meaningful similarity between PID-5 Psychoticism and specific aspects and lower-order facets of Openness.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results support the notion that the DSM-5 alternative PD model trait domains represent variants of the FFM domains. Similarities of Openness and Psychoticism domains were supported when the lower-order aspects and facets of Openness domain were considered. The findings support the view that the DSM-5 trait model represents an instantiation of the FFM. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

18. Neuroimage. 2015 Dec 12. pii: S1053-8119(15)01118-0. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.12.005. [Epub ahead of print] Modulation of meso-limbic reward processing by motivational tendencies in young adolescents and adults.

Joseph JE1, Zhu X2, Lynam D3, Kelly TH3.

Author information:

 1Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425- 0616, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425- 0616, USA.  3University of Kentucky, 410 Administration Drive, Lexington, KY 40508-0001, USA.

Abstract

Adolescence is a particularly vulnerable period for the onset of substance use disorders and other psychopathology. Individual variability in motivational tendencies and temperament and significant changes in functional brain organization during adolescence are important factors to consider in the development of substance use and dependence. Recent conceptualizations suggest that sensitivity to reward is heightened in adolescence and that this motivation tendency may precipitate subsequent substance abuse. The present study examined the role of personality traits in mesolimbic neurobehavioral response on a monetary incentive delay (MID) task in young adolescents (11-14years) and emerging adults (18-25years) using functional magnetic resonance imaging. As a group, adolescents were not more sensitive to gains than losses compared to adults during either anticipatory and feedback phases; instead, compared to adults they showed less sensitivity to incentive magnitude in mesolimbic circuitry during anticipation and feedback stages. However, personality modulated this response such that adolescents high in impulsivity or low in avoidance tendencies showed greater gain sensitivity and adolescents high in avoidance showed greater loss sensitivity during cue anticipation. In adults, mesolimbic response was modulated by the impulsivity construct such that high-impulsive adults showed reduced magnitude sensitivity during both anticipation and feedback compared to low impulsive adults. The present findings suggest that impulsive personality significantly modulates mesolimbic reward response during both adolescence and adulthood but avoidance and approach tendencies also modulate this response in adolescents. Moreover, personality modulated incentive valence in adolescents but incentive magnitude in adults. Collectively, these findings suggest that mesolimbic reward circuitry function is modulated by somewhat different parameters in adolescence than in adulthood.

19. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2015 Dec 21. [Epub ahead of print] The relationship between genetic and environmental influences on resilience and on common internalizing and externalizing psychiatric disorders.

Amstadter AB1, Maes HH2,3,4, Sheerin CM2, Myers JM2, Kendler KS2,3.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, PO Box 980126, Richmond, VA, 23298-0126, USA. [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 E. Leigh Street, PO Box 980126, Richmond, VA, 23298-0126, USA.  3Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.  4Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Resilience to stressful life events (SLEs), which increase risk of psychopathology, is influenced by genetic factors. The purpose of this paper was to map the overlap of etiologic risk factors for resilience onto the broad psychopathological map. Resilience was defined as the difference between the twins' total score on a broad measure of internalizing symptoms and their predicted score based on their cumulative exposure to SLEs.

METHODS:

Cholesky decompositions were performed with OpenMx to quantify the overlap in genetic and environmental risk factors between resilience and four phenotypes [major depression (MD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), alcohol abuse or dependence (AAD), and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD)]. RESULTS:

The genetic factors that influence resilience account for 42 and 61 % of the heritability of MD and GAD, respectively, and 20 and 18 % for AAD and ASPD, respectively. The latent genetic contribution to MD was shared 47 % with resilience, and for AAD, this estimate was lower (23 %). The shared environmental covariance was nominal.

CONCLUSIONS:

Genetic influences on resilience contribute to internalizing phenotypes to a higher degree than to externalizing phenotypes. Environmental influences can also have an enduring effect on resilience. However, virtually all of the covariance between resilience and the phenotypes was genetic. PMID: 26687369 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

20. Assessment. 2015 Dec 18. pii: 1073191115621795. [Epub ahead of print] Beyond Description in Interpersonal Construct Validation: Methodological Advances in the Circumplex Structural Summary Approach.

Zimmermann J1, Wright AG2.

Author information:

 1Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Germany j.zimmermann@psychologische- hochschule.de.  2University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

Abstract

The interpersonal circumplex is a well-established structural model that organizes interpersonal functioning within the two-dimensional space marked by dominance and affiliation. The structural summary method (SSM) was developed to evaluate the interpersonal nature of other constructs and measures outside the interpersonal circumplex. To date, this method has been primarily descriptive, providing no way to draw inferences when comparing SSM parameters across constructs or groups. We describe a newly developed resampling-based method for deriving confidence intervals, which allows for SSM parameter comparisons. In a series of five studies, we evaluated the accuracy of the approach across a wide range of possible sample sizes and parameter values, and demonstrated its utility for posing theoretical questions on the interpersonal nature of relevant constructs (e.g., personality disorders) using real-world data. As a result, the SSM is strengthened for its intended purpose of construct evaluation and theory building.

21. PLoS One. 2015 Dec 18;10(12):e0145414. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145414. eCollection 2015. Psychiatric Status across Body Mass Index in a Mediterranean Spanish Population.

Gutiérrez-Bedmar M1, Villalobos Martínez E2, García-Rodríguez A1, Muñoz-Bravo C1, Mariscal A1.

Author information:

 1Department of Public Health and Psychiatry, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.  2Community Mental Health Service, University Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Mental and body weight disorders are among the major global health challenges, and their comorbidity may play an important role in treatment and prevention of both pathologies. A growing number of studies have examined the relationship between psychiatric status and body weight, but our knowledge is still limited.

OBJECTIVE:

The present study aims to investigate the cross-sectional relationships of psychiatric status and body mass index (BMI) in Málaga, a Mediterranean city in the South of Spain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 563 participants were recruited from those who came to his primary care physician, using a systematic random sampling, non-proportional stratified by BMI categories. Structured clinical interviews were used to assess current Axes-I and II mental disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR). BMI was calculated as weight (Kg) divided by square of height in meters (m2). Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between BMI and the presence of any mental disorder. BMI was introduced in the models using restricted cubic splines.

RESULTS:

We found that high BMI values were directly associated with mood and adjustment disorders, and low BMI values were directly associated with avoidant and dependent personality disorders (PDs). We observed an inverse relationship between low BMI values and cluster A PDs. There were not significant relationships between anxiety or substance- related disorders and BMI.

CONCLUSION:

Psychiatric status and BMI are related in a Mediterranean Spanish population. A multidisciplinary approach to both pathologies becomes increasingly more necessary.

Free Article PMID: 26684876 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

22. Eur Psychiatry. 2015 Dec 9;31:52-59. doi: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.10.002. [Epub ahead of print] Who is becoming personality disordered? A register-based follow-up study of 508 inpatient adolescents.

Kantojärvi L1, Hakko H2, Riipinen P2, Riala K2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, P.O. Box 26, 90029 Oys, Finland. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Department of Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, P.O. Box 26, 90029 Oys, Finland. Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Our aim was to investigate which clinical and socio-demographic factors among adolescent psychiatric patient aged 13-17 are associated with a diagnosis of personality disorder (PD) in young adulthood after discharge from psychiatric hospitalization.

METHODS:

The study sample consisted of 508 adolescents (ages 13-17) admitted to acute psychiatric impatient care between April 2001 and March 2006. DSM IV-based psychiatric diagnoses were obtained from the Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Present and Lifetime (K-SADS-PL). The information on hospital treatments either in out- or inpatient settings until the end of 2012 was extracted from the national Care Register for Health Care provided by the Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare. The follow-up time was 9.2 years (mean, 95% CI 9.0-9.3 yrs).

RESULTS:

Altogether 57 (11.2%) of subjects were diagnosed PD in adulthood. Among girls with anxiety disorders in adolescence the risk for PD in adulthood increased to 4.39-fold (95% CI 2.02-9.53). Males with later PD were more likely to be admitted for hospital treatment from child welfare placements (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.21-8.61). However, axis I disorders in adolescence was not associated with risk for PD among boys.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results indicate that risk of PD developing later in life is increased among girls with anxiety disorders. A child welfare placement associated with PD in males later in life. These associations in adolescents should be considered in clinical work.

23. PLoS One. 2015 Dec 16;10(12):e0141322. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141322. eCollection 2015. Determinants of Psychosocial Difficulties Experienced by Persons with Brain Disorders: Towards a 'Horizontal Epidemiology' Approach.

Sabariego C1, Coenen M1, Ballert C2, Cabello M 3,4, Leonardi M5, Anczewska M6, Pitkänen T7, Raggi A5, Mellor B3,4, Covelli V 5, Świtaj P6, Levola J7,8, Schiavolin S5,9, Chrostek A5, Bickenbach J2, Chatterji S10, Cieza A1,2,11.

Author information:

 1Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology (IBE), Chair for Public Health and Health Services Research, Research Unit for Biopsychosocial Health, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany.  2Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland.  3Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Psychiatry Service, Instituto de Investigación del Hospital Universitario de La Princesa (IIS-IP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.  4Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.  5Neurology, Public Health and Disability Unit, Scientific Directorate, Neurological Institute Carlo Besta (IRCCS) Foundation, Milan, Italy.  6Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland.  7A-Clinic Foundation, Helsinki, Finland.  8Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.  9Division of Neurosurgery II, Neurological Institute Carlos Besta (IRCCS) Foundation, Milan, Italy.  10Department of Measurement and Health Information Systems, Multi-Country Studies, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.  11Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Persons with brain disorders experience significant psychosocial difficulties (PSD) in daily life, e.g. problems with managing daily routine or emotional lability, and the level of the PSD depends on social, physical and political environments, and psychologic-personal determinants. Our objective is to determine a brief set of environmental and psychologic- personal factors that are shared determinants of PSD among persons with different brain disorders. METHODS:

Cross-sectional study, convenience sample of persons with either dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraine, depression, schizophrenia, substance dependence or Parkinson's disease. Random forest regression and classical linear regression were used in the analyses.

RESULTS:

722 subjects were interviewed in four European countries. The brief set of determinants encompasses presence of comorbidities, health status appraisal, stressful life events, personality changes, adaptation, self-esteem, self-worth, built environment, weather, and health problems in the family.

CONCLUSIONS:

The identified brief set of common determinants of PSD can be used to support the implementation of cross-cutting interventions, social actions and policy tools to lower PSD experienced by persons with brain disorders. This set complements a recently proposed reliable and valid direct metric of PSD for brain disorders called PARADISE24.

Free Article PMID: 26675663 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

24. Am J Clin Hypn. 2016 Jan;58(3):304-20. doi: 10.1080/00029157.2015.1103204. Hypnosis Without Empathy? Perspectives From Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Stage Hypnosis.

Reid DB1.

Author information:

 1a Private Practice , Fishersville , Virginia , USA.

Abstract

Despite volumes of published studies supporting the efficacy of hypnosis for ego- strengthening, performance, and physical and psychological disorders, the precise nature of hypnosis, and in particular, the neurobiological underpinnings of trance-phenomenon, remains tenuous at best. With his empathic involvement theory of hypnosis, Wickramasekera II (2015) brings us closer to an understanding of the elusive nature of hypnotic processes by proposing a bridging of two long-standing and seemingly incongruent theories of hypnosis (i.e., neodissociative versus socio-cognitive). Borrowing from neuroscientific studies of empathy, the empathic involvement theory maintains that empathy, beyond any other human dynamic (including emotions, behavior, personality, and imagination), facilitates and enhances hypnotic experiences for both recipient and provider alike. By the same token, one can reasonably infer from the empathic involvement theory that non-empathic individuals are less likely to benefit from hypnosis. With this perspective in mind, the empathic involvement theory's identification of empathy as an apparent "Holy Grail" of the neural underpinnings and precise nature of hypnosis may be challenged on a number of grounds. Individuals with autistic spectrum disorder, especially those suffering from alexithymia, have been identified as empathy deficient, and therefore according to the empathic involvement theory would be classified as "low-hypnotizable," yet empirical studies, albeit limited in number, suggest otherwise. Furthermore, hypnotic inductions of audience volunteers by stage hypnotists challenge the empathic involvement theory's supposition that empathy is a required component of hypnosis. It is this author's contention that empathy is a beneficial, though not essential, element of successful hypnosis. PMID: 26675158 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

25. Transl Psychiatry. 2015 Dec 15;5:e699. doi: 10.1038/tp.2015.188. An improved human anxiety process biomarker: characterization of frequency band, personality and pharmacology.

Shadli SM1, Glue P2, McIntosh J1, McNaughton N1.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.  2Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.

Abstract

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illness in the western world with a major impact on disability. But their diagnosis has lacked objective biomarkers. We previously demonstrated a human anxiety process biomarker, goal-conflict-specific electroencephalography (EEG) rhythmicity (GCSR) in the stop-signal task (SST). Here we have developed and characterized an improved test appropriate for clinical group testing. We modified the SST to produce balanced numbers of trials in clearly separated stop-signal delay groups. As previously, right frontal (F8) GCSR was extracted as the difference in EEG log Fourier power between matching stop and go trials (that is, stop-signal-specific power) of a quadratic contrast of the three delay values (that is, power when stopping and going are in balanced conflict compared with the average of when stopping or going is greater). Separate experiments assessed drug sensitivity (n=34) and personality relations (n=59). GCSR in this new SST was reduced by three chemically distinct anxiolytic drugs (administered double-blind): buspirone (10 mg), triazolam (0.25 mg) and pregabalin (75 mg); had a frequency range (4-12 Hz) consistent with rodent model data; and positively correlated significantly with neuroticism and nonsignificantly with trait anxiety scores. GCSR, measured in our new form of the SST, should be suitable as a biomarker for one specific anxiety process in the testing of clinical groups and novel drugs and in the development of measures suitable for individual diagnosis. PMID: 26670284 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

26. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2015 Dec 12. [Epub ahead of print] Agreement Between Self- and Informant- Reported Ratings of Personality Traits: The Moderating Effects of Major Depressive and/or Panic Disorder.

Lieberman L1, Gorka SM, Huggins AA, Katz AC, Sarapas C, Shankman SA.

Author information:

 1University of Illinois at Chicago.

Abstract

Several personality traits are risk factors for psychopathology. As symptoms of psychopathology may influence self-rated personality, informant reports of personality are also sometimes collected. However, little is known about self-informant agreement in individuals with anxiety and/or depression. We investigated whether self-informant agreement on positive and negative affectivity (PA and NA) and anxiety sensitivity differs for individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) and/or panic disorder (PD; total n = 117). Informant- and self-reported PA was correlated among those with MDD, but not among those without MDD. Informant- and self-reported anxiety sensitivity was correlated among those with PD, but not among those without PD. Informant- and self-reported NA was correlated irrespective of diagnosis. Results indicate that the agreement of self- and informant-reported personality may vary as a function of depression and/or anxiety disorders. PMID: 26658660 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

27. Compr Psychiatry. 2016 Jan;64:59-66. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.11.006. Epub 2015 Nov 30. Adversity, attachment, and mentalizing.

Fonagy P1, Bateman AW2.

Author information:

 1Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK; The Anna Freud Centre, 12 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SU, UK. Electronic address: [email protected].  2Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 7HB, UK; The Anna Freud Centre, 12 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SU, UK.

Abstract

The papers in this special issue offer evidence of personality disorder as a dysfunction of higher-order cognition, which is conceptualized variously as a disorder of mentalizing, metacognition, mindfulness, social cognition and reflective function. While there may be differences in the scope of these concepts, they all imply that higher-order mental processing is at the core of personality function. In this commentary, the authors use mentalizing as an umbrella term for these concepts, and argue that it is the complex interaction of adversity, attachment and mentalizing that leads to the characteristic symptoms of borderline personality disorder and other personality disorders. Evidence is provided from the papers in this special issue, comments made on the findings and further avenues for research are recommended.

28. Neural Comput. 2015 Dec 14:1-28. [Epub ahead of print] Infinite Continuous Feature Model for Psychiatric Comorbidity Analysis.

Valera I1, Ruiz FJ2, Olmos PM3, Blanco C4, Perez-Cruz F5.

Author information:

 1Max Planck Institute for Software Systems, 67663 Kaiserslautern, Germany [email protected].  2Department of Signal Processing and Communications, University Carlos III in Madrid, 28911 Leganes, Spain; Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute, 28007 Madrid, Spain; and Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, U.S.A. [email protected].  3Department of Signal Processing and Communications, University Carlos III in Madrid, 28911 Leganes, Madrid, and Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute, 28007 Madrid, Spain [email protected].  4Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, U.S.A. [email protected].  5Department of Signal Processing and Communications, University Carlos III in Madrid, 28911 Leganes, Madrid; Gregorio Marañón Health Research Institute, 28007 Madrid, Spain; and Bell Labs, Alcatel-Lucent, New Providence, NJ 07974, U. S. A. Fernando.Perez- [email protected].

Abstract

We aim at finding the comorbidity patterns of substance abuse, mood and personality disorders using the diagnoses from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions database. To this end, we propose a novel Bayesian nonparametric latent feature model for categorical observations, based on the Indian buffet process, in which the latent variables can take values between 0 and 1. The proposed model has several interesting features for modeling psychiatric disorders. First, the latent features might be off, which allows distinguishing between the subjects who suffer a condition and those who do not. Second, the active latent features take positive values, which allows modeling the extent to which the patient has that condition. We also develop a new Markov chain Monte Carlo inference algorithm for our model that makes use of a nested expectation propagation procedure. PMID: 26654208 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

29. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2015 Dec 12:1-13. [Epub ahead of print] Interference control commonalities in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder.

Lozano V1, Soriano MF2, Aznarte JI2, Gómez-Ariza CJ3, Bajo MT4.

Author information:

 1a Research Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, University of Granada , Granada , Spain.  2b Mental Health Unit, San Agustin Hospital , Linares , Spain.  3c Department of Psychology , University of Jaén , Jaén , Spain.  4d Research Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, University of Granada , Granada , Spain.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Whereas deficits in executive functioning have been widely reported in schizophrenia and, somewhat less, in bipolar disorder, few studies have addressed this issue in people diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Importantly, no studies to date have compared the ability to cope with interfering information in all three groups of patients. Impairment in executive control has been associated with reduced daily functioning.

METHOD:

The sample included 20 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, 19 with bipolar disorder, 20 with borderline personality disorder, and 19 demographically matched healthy volunteers. Participants were administered two different experimental tasks to assess the ability to exert control over interference arisen from semantic memory or from distracting perceptual information.

RESULTS:

The three groups of patients showed similar impairment in solving interference from semantic memory compared to controls. However, no psychiatric group showed impairment in controlling interference from distracting perceptual information relative to controls. CONCLUSIONS:

Our study shows, for the first time, that schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder entail a common impairment in exerting control over interference arisen from memory but intact control over perceptual interference. These findings reinforce the idea that similar cognitive functioning may underlie severe mental disorders sharing poor global functioning but with different patterns of symptomatology. PMID: 26653709 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

30. Personal Disord. 2015 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print] "Impulsive" Suicide Attempts: What Do We Really Mean?

May AM, Klonsky ED.

Abstract

Suicide attempts are often regarded as impulsive acts. However, there is little consensus regarding the definition or clinical characteristics of an "impulsive" attempt. To clarify this issue, we examined 3 indicators of the impulsivity of an attempt: (a) preparation, (b) time contemplating the attempt, and (c) self-report that impulsivity motivated the attempt. We examined relationships among the indicators and their relationship to trait impulsivity and characteristics of the suicide attempt. Adult participants (N = 205) with a history of suicide attempts were administered validated interviews and questionnaires. In general, the 3 attempt impulsivity indicators correlated only moderately with each other and not at all with trait impulsivity or with important characteristics of the attempt (e.g., lethality, preattempt communication, motivations). However, there were 2 exceptions. First, intent to die was inversely related to the 3 attempt impulsivity indicators (rs ranged from -.17 to .45) such that more impulsive attempts were associated with lower intent. Second, self-report that the attempt was motivated by impulsivity was related to 3 facets of trait impulsivity (rs ranged from .16 to .41). These findings suggest that individuals endorsing trait impulsivity are likely to describe their attempts as motivated by impulsivity, regardless of the presence of preparation or prolonged contemplation. Overall, study results suggest that the common conception of a unidimensional impulsive attempt may be inaccurate and that the emphasis on general impulsivity in prevention guidelines should be tempered. Implications for suicide risk assessment and prevention are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

31. Personal Disord. 2015 Dec 14. [Epub ahead of print] Gender-Related Differential Item Functioning in DSM-IV/DSM-5-III (Alternative Model) Diagnostic Criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder.

Benson KT, Donnellan MB, Morey LC.

Abstract

A number of studies have evaluated the possibility of bias in the diagnostic criteria in borderline personality disorder as an explanation of gender differences in prevalence. Previous studies have used both regression and latent trait approaches but the results have been inconsistent. The current study extended prior investigations in testing differential function of Borderline diagnostic criteria using both regression and latent-trait methods in the same sample, examining both Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) and DSM-5 alternative model criteria for borderline personality. Data were obtained from a national sample of 337 clinicians providing diagnostic information on 1 of their target patients. Chronic feelings of emptiness was the only criterion that demonstrated consistent evidence of potential differential functioning across methods and diagnostic models. Implications of these results for the conceptualization of borderline personality are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record

32. J Ment Health. 2015 Dec 11:1-6. [Epub ahead of print] Physically equivalent temperature and mental and behavioural disorders in Germany in 2009-2011.

Shiue I1,2, Perkins DR3, Bearman N4.

Author information:  1a Faculty of Health and Life Sciences , Northumbria University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK .  2b Owens Institute of Behavioral Research, University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA .  3c Center for Climate Change Communication, George Mason University , USA , and.  4d School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool , Liverpool , UK.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We aimed to understand the relationships of the weather as biometeorological and hospital admissions due to common mental and behavioural disorders in a national setting in recent years.

METHODS:

This is an ecological study. Ten percent of daily hospital admissions from the included hospitals (n = 1618) across Germany that were available between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2011 (n = 5 235 600) were extracted from Statistisches Bundesamt, Germany. We identified F01-F51 mental ad behavioural disorders by International Classification of Diseases version 10 as the study outcomes. Daily weather data from 64 weather stations covering 13 German States including air temperature, humidity, wind speed, cloud cover, radiation flux and vapour pressure were obtained and generated into physiologically equivalent temperature (PET). We then plotted two-way fractional-polynomial regression.

RESULTS:

For the most subtypes, the highest admissions were recorded in spring. There were small peaks in autumn or late winter for a few subtypes as well. Admissions of delirium peaked when PET was at 0 °C. Admissions of personality disorders peaked at the coldest - when PET was at - 10 °C. Admissions of schizophrenia and nonorganic sleep disorder peaked when PETs were between 0 and -10 °C while admissions of eating disorders dropped when PETs were above 10 °C. Admissions of depression and anxiety disorder did not vary much across PETs. Moreover, admissions of reaction to stress and dissociate disorder peaked when PETs were between 0 and 10 °C as well.

CONCLUSIONS:

More medical resources could have been needed for mental health on days when PETs were <10 °C than on other days. PMID: 26652181 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

33. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2016 Jan;29(1):84-88. The complexity of bipolar and borderline personality: an expression of 'emotional frailty'?

McDermid J1, McDermid RC.

Author information:

 1aDepartment of Psychiatry bDepartment of Medicine, Division of Critical Care, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

The purpose of this article is to review recent findings regarding the comorbidity of bipolar disorder with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The conceptualization of the comorbid condition is explored in the context of complexity theory.

RECENT FINDINGS:

Recent studies highlight distinguishing features between the two disorders. The course of illness of the comorbid condition is generally considered to be more debilitating than bipolar disorder alone.

SUMMARY:

Some of the differentiating features of bipolar disorder and BPD are highlighted. It is also crucial to consider a co-morbid diagnosis as worse outcomes may be anticipated than for bipolar disorder alone. The concept of 'emotional frailty' is introduced and the comorbid bipolar disorder-BPD condition is considered an expression of this syndrome. PMID: 26651011 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

34. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2016 Jan;29(1):70-76. Mindfulness for personality disorders.

Sng AA1, Janca A. Author information:

 1School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

Third-wave cognitive-behaviour therapies such as dialectical behaviour therapy have demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of personality disorders, which are considered difficult to treat. These therapies typically incorporate some component of mindfulness practice. The current study examines current applications and effectiveness of mindfulness to the treatment of personality disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS:

The majority of evidence available focuses on borderline personality disorder, and highlights positive associations between mindfulness practice and reduced psychiatric and clinical symptoms, less emotional reactivity, and less impulsivity. Fewer studies examine the other personality disorders, though emerging case studies have applied mindfulness techniques to treatment with antisocial, avoidant, paranoid, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders.

SUMMARY:

Mindfulness is a promising clinical tool for the treatment of personality disorders, and appears to be adaptable to the unique features of different types of personality disorders. However, further empirical research with greater methodological rigour is required to clarify the effectiveness of mindfulness as a specific skill component, and to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to therapeutic change. PMID: 26651010 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

35. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2016 Jan;29(1):64-69. Avoidant personality disorder as a social anxiety phenotype: risk factors, associations and treatment. Lampe L1.

Author information:

 1Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney and CADE Clinic, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

This article identifies research trends and synthesizes information from recent studies of avoidant personality disorder (AVPD).

RECENT FINDINGS:

AVPD and social anxiety disorder (SAD) share genetic vulnerability, but may have distinct environmental risk factors that shape qualitative differences. Negative self-concept, shame proneness, and interpersonal hypersensitivity are characteristic of AVPD and may be predisposed to by heritable traits of high negative affectivity and low positive affectivity, and experiences of neglectful or emotionless parents. The interpersonal difficulties of AVPD may be associated with both anxious and avoidant attachment. Most individuals with AVPD do not also meet criteria for SAD.

SUMMARY:

Integrative treatments incorporating cognitive behavioral strategies effective in SAD but also targeting shame aversion and avoidance may be most helpful for AVPD. Therapy adapted to both anxious attachment, associated with heightened interpersonal sensitivity and distress, and avoidant attachment, associated with experiential avoidance, may be optimal, though this is yet to be tested. Effective treatment of AVPD may enhance the outcome of comorbid conditions. More research is needed which compares three social anxiety groups (SAD alone, AVPD alone, and SAD plus AVPD) to further explore these disorders which are highly related, but which may have differences that are clinically relevant for individuals. PMID: 26651009 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

36. Int J Eat Disord. 2015 Dec 9. doi: 10.1002/eat.22468. [Epub ahead of print] Focused vs. Broad enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa with comorbid borderline personality: A randomized controlled trial.

Thompson-Brenner H1, Shingleton RM1, Thompson DR2, Satir DA1, Richards LK1, Pratt EM1, Barlow DH1.

Author information:

 1Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts.  2Thompson Research Consulting, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

A subset of individuals with bulimia nervosa (BN) have borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms, including chronic negative affect and interpersonal problems. These symptoms predict poor BN treatment outcome in some studies. The broad version of Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT-E) was developed to address co-occurring problems that interfere with treatment response. The current study investigated the relative effects, predictors, and moderators of CBT-E for BN with BPD and co-occurring mood/anxiety disorders.

METHOD:

Fifty patients with BN and threshold or sub-threshold BPD and current or recent Axis I mood or anxiety disorders were randomly assigned to receive focused CBT-E (CBT-Ef) or broad CBT-E (CBT-Eb) specifically including an interpersonal module and additional attention to mood intolerance.

RESULTS:

Forty-two percent of the sample reported remission from binge eating and purging at termination. Significant changes across symptom domains were observed at termination and at 6-month follow-up. Though CBT-Ef predicted good outcomes in multivariate models, the severity of affective/interpersonal problems moderated treatment effects: participants with higher severity showed better ED outcomes in CBT-Eb, whereas those with lower severity showed better outcomes in CBT-Ef. Severity of affective/interpersonal BPD symptoms at baseline predicted negative outcomes overall. Follow-up BPD affective/interpersonal problems were predicted by baseline affective/interpersonal problems and by termination EDE score.

DISCUSSION: This study supports the utility of CBT-E for patients with BN and complex comorbidity. CBT-Ef appears to be more efficacious for patients with relatively less severe BPD symptoms, whereas CBT-Eb appears to be more efficacious for patients with more severe BPD symptoms. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015;).

37. Sao Paulo Med J. 2015 Dec 8. pii: S1516-31802015005008101. [Epub ahead of print] Personality disorders in medical psychology: medical training and professional creativity.

Natrielli Filho DG1, Natrielli DG2, Silva AS3, Cury MÁ3, Couto VT3, Lima RA3, Modesto BS3.

Author information:

 1Universidade de Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil.  2Associação Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil.  3Department of Psychiatry, UNISA, São Paulo, Brazil. Free Article PMID: 26648277 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

38. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2015 Dec 7. [Epub ahead of print] Depression predicts persistence of paranoia in clinical high-risk patients to psychosis: results of the EPOS project.

Salokangas RK1, Schultze-Lutter F2, Hietala J3,4,5, Heinimaa M3, From T3, Ilonen T3, Löyttyniemi E6, von Reventlow HG7, Juckel G8, Linszen D 9,10, Dingemans P9,11, Birchwood M12, Patterson P13, Klosterkötter J14, Ruhrmann S14; EPOS Group. Author information:

 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Kunnallissairaalantie 20, 20700, Turku, Finland. [email protected].  2University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.  3Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Kunnallissairaalantie 20, 20700, Turku, Finland.  4Psychiatric Clinic, Turku University Central Hospital, Turku, Finland.  5Turku Psychiatric Clinic, Turku Mental Health Centre, Turku, Finland.  6Department of Biostatistics, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.  7Ev. Zentrum für Beratung und Therapie am Weißen Stein, Evangelischer Regionalverband Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.  8Department of Psychiatry, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.  9Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.  10Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.  11Mediant, Enschede, The Netherlands.  12School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.  13Youthspace, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.  14Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The link between depression and paranoia has long been discussed in psychiatric literature. Because the causality of this association is difficult to study in patients with full-blown psychosis, we aimed to investigate how clinical depression relates to the presence and occurrence of paranoid symptoms in clinical high-risk (CHR) patients.

METHODS:

In all, 245 young help-seeking CHR patients were assessed for suspiciousness and paranoid symptoms with the structured interview for prodromal syndromes at baseline, 9- and 18- month follow-up. At baseline, clinical diagnoses were assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, childhood adversities by the Trauma and Distress Scale, trait-like suspiciousness by the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, and anxiety and depressiveness by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. RESULTS:

At baseline, 54.3 % of CHR patients reported at least moderate paranoid symptoms. At 9- and 18-month follow-ups, the corresponding figures were 28.3 and 24.4 %. Depressive, obsessive-compulsive and somatoform disorders, emotional and sexual abuse, and anxiety and suspiciousness associated with paranoid symptoms. In multivariate modelling, depressive and obsessive-compulsive disorders, sexual abuse, and anxiety predicted persistence of paranoid symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

Depressive disorder was one of the major clinical factors predicting persistence of paranoid symptoms in CHR patients. In addition, obsessive-compulsive disorder, childhood sexual abuse, and anxiety associated with paranoia. Effective pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment of these disorders and anxiety may reduce paranoid symptoms in CHR patients. PMID: 26643940 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] Similar articles

39. Personal Ment Health. 2015 Dec 8. doi: 10.1002/pmh.1325. [Epub ahead of print] Could nutrition help behaviours associated with personality disorders? A narrative review.

Rucklidge JJ1, Mulder RT2.

Author information:

 1Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.  2Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Abstract

Personality disorders are common, and the core problems of interpersonal dysfunction and social disturbance are difficult to treat. One area gaining international attention is the impact that diet and nutrients can have on psychiatric/psychological symptoms. There are no empirical studies studying the specific relationship between nutrition and personality disorders. A systematic search revealed longitudinal studies following malnourished children, either during pregnancy or in early life that reported malnourishment is a risk factor that can express as maladaptive behaviours later in life. Other studies show associations between nutrient intake and personality styles. A small body of literature reveals a potential benefit of consuming nutrients therapeutically in order to address behaviours often associated with personality disorders. If we consider the broad patterns of behaviour that typify personality disorders, such as cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning and impulse control, there is a research rationale for studying the role that nutrition could play in protecting against the development of these problems as well as possibly modifying them. Whether it is too late to intervene with nutrition once the pathological behaviours are entrenched is unknown. Given the dearth of good evidence-based treatments currently available for people with personality disorders, it is an area worth investing in. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

40. Personal Disord. 2015 Dec 7. [Epub ahead of print] The Relevance of Schizotypal Traits for Understanding Interpersonal Functioning in Adolescents With Psychiatric Problems.

Verbeke L, De Clercq B, Van der Heijden P, Hutsebaut J, van Aken MA.

Abstract

Social relationships are considered highly important throughout adolescence (Kenny et al., 2013), both for the further development and consolidation of identity, social roles, and skills. The schizotypal personality disorder (STPD) has a strong negative impact on these relationships with both parents and peers (Cramer et al., 2006; Hengartner et al., 2014), and can thus be considered as a risk factor for early maladaptive social functioning. The current study focuses on the relevance of different dimensional STPD traits for understanding social functioning, by examining their unique associations with global and more specific parental and peer relationship characteristics in a group of referred late-adolescents (N = 205, mean age = 20.27). Negative schizotypal traits, assessed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) STPD traits Restricted Affectivity, Withdrawal, and Suspiciousness (Krueger et al., 2012) appeared to be a unique predictor for less maternal and peer social support. Positive schizotypal traits were measured with the age-specific Oddity trait scale (Verbeke & De Clercq, 2014) and proved to be a unique predictor beyond negative schizotypal traits for negative interactions with adolescents' mother and a best friend. These results highlight the heterogeneous nature of the STPD construct and suggest that a dimensional description may contribute to a more detailed understanding of how the STPD relates to poor interpersonal relationship quality in vulnerable adolescents. (PsycINFO Database Record

41. Personal Disord. 2015 Dec 7. [Epub ahead of print] The Alternative DSM-5 Personality Disorder Traits Criterion: A Comparative Examination of Three Self-Report Forms in a Danish Population.

Bach B, Maples-Keller JL, Bo S, Simonsen E.

Abstract

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013a) offers an alternative model for Personality Disorders (PDs) in Section III, which consists in part of a pathological personality traits criterion measured with the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5). The PID-5 selfreport instrument currently exists in the original 220-item form, a short 100-item form, and a brief 25-item form. For clinicians and researchers, the choice of a particular PID- 5 form depends on feasibility, but also reliability and validity. The goal of the present study was to examine the psychometric qualities of all 3 PID-5 forms, simultaneously, based on a Danish sample (N = 1376) of 451 psychiatric outpatients and 925 community-dwelling participants. Scale reliability and factorial validity were satisfactory across all 3 PID-5 forms. The correlational profiles of the short and brief PID-5 forms with clinician-rated PD dimensions were nearly identical with that of the original PID-5 (rICC = .99 and .95, respectively). All 3 forms discriminated appropriately between psychiatric patients and community-dwelling individuals. This supports that all 3 PID-5 forms can be used to reliably and validly assess PD traits and provides initial support for the use of the abbreviated PID-5 forms in a European population. However, only the original 220-item form and the short 100-item form capture all 25 trait facets, and the brief 25-item form may be ideally limited to preliminary screening or situations with substantial time restrictions. (PsycINFO Database Record

42. Clin Psychol Psychother. 2015 Dec 7. doi: 10.1002/cpp.1991. [Epub ahead of print] Meaning in Life in People with Borderline Personality Disorder.

Marco JH1, Pérez S1, García-Alandete J1, Moliner R1.

Author information:

 1 Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Martir, Valencia, Spain.

Abstract

Low feelings of meaning in life are associated with depression, hopelessness and suicide, substance abuse and emotional dysregulation. The aim of this study is to offer results about the importance of the construct meaning in life in the psychopathology of BPD. In study 1, the sample was made up of 223 participants, 141 participants with BPD and 82 participants with another mental disorder but without BPD. In study 2, the sample was made up of 80 participants with BPD. Study 1 indicated that the participants with BPD had a lower feeling of meaning in life than the participants with mental disorders but without a BPD. Study 2 indicated that meaning in life was highly negatively correlated with the symptoms of BPD. The model composed of emotional dysregulation, and meaning in life was significantly associated with BPD psychopathology. The present study supports the association between meaning in life with the psychopathology of BPD. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

KEY PRACTITIONER MESSAGE:

The results of this study suggest that meaning in life is a relevant variable in the psychopathology of BPD The results of this study suggest that meaning in life is associated with non-suicide self injuries This study suggests that current therapies for BPD should focus on increasing the meaning in life in these patients.

43. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2016;49(1). pii: S0100-879X2016000100705. doi: 10.1590/1414- 431X20155036. Epub 2015 Nov 27. Personality traits and psychiatric comorbidities in alcohol dependence.

Donadon MF1, Osório FL1.

Author information:

 1Departamento de Neurociência e Comportamento, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brasil.

Abstract

Non-adaptive personality traits may constitute risk factors for development of psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. We aim to evaluate associations and the predictive value of personality traits among alcohol-dependent individuals, with or without psychiatric comorbidities. The convenience sample comprised two groups of males over 18 years of age: one with subjects who had an alcohol dependence diagnosis (AG, n=110), and a control group without abuse and/or alcohol dependence diagnosis (CG, n=110). The groups were assessed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview DSM-IV (SCID-IV). AG participants were recruited among outpatients from the university hospital, whereas CG participants were recruited from a primary healthcare program. Data collection was done individually with self-assessment instruments. Parametric statistics were performed, and a significance level of P=0.05 was adopted. A positive correlation was observed between openness and the length of time that alcohol has been consumed, as were significant and negative correlations between conscientiousness and both the length of time alcohol has been consumed and the number of doses. For alcoholics, extraversion emerged as a protective factor against depression development (P=0.008) and tobacco abuse (P=0.007), whereas openness worked as a protective factor against anxiety (P=0.02). The findings point to specific deficits presented by alcoholics in relation to personality traits with or without psychiatric comorbidities and to the understanding that therapeutic approaches should favor procedures and/or preventive measures that allow more refined awareness about the disorder.

PMCID: PMC4681419 Free PMC Article PMID: 26628399 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles

44. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015 Dec 15;112(50):15486-91. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1512653112. Epub 2015 Nov 30. Mitochondrial function in the brain links anxiety with social subordination.

Hollis F1, van der Kooij MA1, Zanoletti O1, Lozano L1, Cantó C2, Sandi C3.

Author information:

 1Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;  2Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences SA, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.  3Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; [email protected].

Abstract

Dominance hierarchies are integral aspects of social groups, yet whether personality traits may predispose individuals to a particular rank remains unclear. Here we show that trait anxiety directly influences social dominance in male outbred rats and identify an important mediating role for mitochondrial function in the nucleus accumbens. High-anxious animals that are prone to become subordinate during a social encounter with a low-anxious rat exhibit reduced mitochondrial complex I and II proteins and respiratory capacity as well as decreased ATP and increased ROS production in the nucleus accumbens. A causal link for these findings is indicated by pharmacological approaches. In a dyadic contest between anxiety-matched animals, microinfusion of specific mitochondrial complex I or II inhibitors into the nucleus accumbens reduced social rank, mimicking the low probability to become dominant observed in high-anxious animals. Conversely, intraaccumbal infusion of nicotinamide, an amide form of vitamin B3 known to enhance brain energy metabolism, prevented the development of a subordinate status in high-anxious individuals. We conclude that mitochondrial function in the nucleus accumbens is crucial for social hierarchy establishment and is critically involved in the low social competitiveness associated with high anxiety. Our findings highlight a key role for brain energy metabolism in social behavior and point to mitochondrial function in the nucleus accumbens as a potential marker and avenue of treatment for anxiety-related social disorders.

PMCID: PMC4687564 Free PMC Article PMID: 26621716 [PubMed - in process] Similar articles