scholarly journals Threat-anticipatory psychophysiological response is enhanced in youth with anxiety disorders and correlates with prefrontal cortex neuroanatomy

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rany Abend ◽  
Mira A. Bajaj ◽  
Anita Harrewijn ◽  
Chika Matsumoto ◽  
Kalina J. Michalska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Brain Structure ◽  
Neural Circuitry ◽  
Thermal Stimulation ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychophysiological Response ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Defensive Behaviours

Background: Threat anticipation engages neural circuitry that has evolved to promote defensive behaviours; perturbations in this circuitry could generate excessive threat-anticipation response, a key characteristic of pathological anxiety. Research into such mechanisms in youth faces ethical and practical limitations. Here, we use thermal stimulation to elicit pain-anticipatory psychophysiological response and map its correlates to brain structure among youth with anxiety and healthy youth. Methods: Youth with anxiety (n = 25) and healthy youth (n = 25) completed an instructed threat-anticipation task in which cues predicted nonpainful or painful thermal stimulation; we indexed psychophysiological response during the anticipation and experience of pain using skin conductance response. High-resolution brain-structure imaging data collected in another visit were available for 41 participants. Analyses tested whether the 2 groups differed in their psychophysiological cue-based pain-anticipatory and pain-experience responses. Analyses then mapped psychophysiological response magnitude to brain structure. Results: Youth with anxiety showed enhanced psychophysiological response specifically during anticipation of painful stimulation (b = 0.52, p = 0.003). Across the sample, the magnitude of psychophysiological anticipatory response correlated negatively with the thickness of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (pFWE < 0.05); psychophysiological response to the thermal stimulation correlated positively with the thickness of the posterior insula (pFWE < 0.05). Limitations: Limitations included the modest sample size and the cross-sectional design. Conclusion: These findings show that threat-anticipatory psychophysiological response differentiates youth with anxiety from healthy youth, and they link brain structure to psychophysiological response during pain anticipation and experience. A focus on threat anticipation in research on anxiety could delineate relevant neural circuitry.

scholarly journals Cognitive performance after postoperative pituitary radiotherapy: a dosimetric study of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex

2012 ◽  
Vol 166 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Brummelman ◽  
Margriet G A Sattler ◽  
Linda C Meiners ◽  
Martin F Elderson ◽  
Robin P F Dullaart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Field Technique ◽  
Group A ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Cognitive Test Performance

ObjectiveThe hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are important for memory and executive functioning and are known to be sensitive to radiotherapy (RT). Radiation dosimetry relates radiation exposure to specific brain areas. The effects of various pituitary RT techniques were studied by relating detailed dosimetry of the hippocampus and PFC to cognitive performance.MethodsIn this cross-sectional design, 75 non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma (NFA) patients (61±10 years) participated and were divided into irradiated (RT+, n=30) and non-irradiated (RT−, n=45) groups. The RT+ group (who all received 25 fractions of 1.8 Gy; total dose: 45 Gy) consisted of three RT technique groups: three-field technique, n=10; four-field technique, n=15; and five-field technique, n=5. Memory and executive functioning were assessed by standardized neuropsychological tests. A reconstruction of the dose distributions for the three RT techniques was made. The RT doses on 30, 50, and 70% of the volume of the left and right hippocampus and PFC were calculated.ResultsCognitive test performance was not different between the four groups, despite differences in radiation doses applied to the hippocampi and PFC. Age at RT, time since RT, and the use of thyroid hormone varied significantly between the groups; however, they were not related to cognitive performance.ConclusionThis study showed that there were no significant differences on cognitive performance between the three-, four-, and five-field RT groups and the non-irradiated patient group. A dose–response relationship could not be established, even with a radiation dose that was higher on most of the volume of the hippocampus and PFC in case of a four-field RT technique compared with the three- and five-field RT techniques.

scholarly journals Balance between Transmitter Availability and Dopamine D2 Receptors in Prefrontal Cortex Influences Memory Functioning

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 989-1000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goran Papenberg ◽  
Nina Karalija ◽  
Alireza Salami ◽  
Anna Rieckmann ◽  
Micael Andersson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
D2 Receptors ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data ◽  
Memory Functioning ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Dopaminergic Tone

Abstract Insufficient or excessive dopaminergic tone impairs cognitive performance. We examine whether the balance between transmitter availability and dopamine (DA) D2 receptors (D2DRs) is important for successful memory performance in a large sample of adults (n = 175, 64–68 years). The Catechol-O-Methyltransferase polymorphism served as genetic proxy for endogenous prefrontal DA availability, and D2DRs in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) were measured with [11C]raclopride-PET. Individuals for whom D2DR status matched DA availability showed higher levels of episodic and working-memory performance than individuals with insufficient or excessive DA availability relative to the number of receptors. A similar pattern restricted to episodic memory was observed for D2DRs in caudate. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data acquired during working-memory performance confirmed the importance of a balanced DA system for load-dependent brain activity in dlPFC. Our data suggest that the inverted-U–shaped function relating DA signaling to cognition is modulated by a dynamic association between DA availability and receptor status.

scholarly journals Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation for treating depression: A modeling study

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gábor Csifcsák ◽  
Nya Mehnwolo Boayue ◽  
Oula Puonti ◽  
Axel Thielscher ◽  
Matthias Mittner
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Anatomical Variations ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Therapeutic Outcomes ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) above the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) has been widely used to improve symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the effects of different stimulation protocols in the entire frontal lobe have not been investigated in a large sample including patient data.Methods: We used 38 head models created from structural magnetic resonance imaging data of 19 healthy adults and 19 MDD patients and applied computational modeling to simulate the spatial distribution of tDCS-induced electric fields (EFs) in 20 frontal regions. We evaluated effects of seven bipolar and two multi-electrode 4x1 tDCS protocols.Results: For bipolar montages, EFs were of comparable strength in the lDLPFC and in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). Depending on stimulation parameters, EF cortical maps varied to a considerable degree, but were found to be similar in controls and patients. 4x1 montages produced more localized, albeit weaker effects.Limitations: White matter anisotropy was not modeled. The relationship between EF strength and clinical response to tDCS could not be evaluated.Conclusions: In addition to lDLPFC stimulation, excitability changes in the MPFC should also be considered as a potential mechanism underlying clinical efficacy of bipolar montages. MDD-associated anatomical variations are not likely to substantially influence current flow. Individual modeling of tDCS protocols can substantially improve cortical targeting. We make recommendations for future research to explicitly test the contribution of lDLPFC vs. MPFC stimulation to therapeutic outcomes of tDCS in this disorder.

scholarly journals Prefrontal stimulation prior to motor sequence learning alters multivoxel patterns in the striatum and the hippocampus

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mareike A. Gann ◽  
Bradley R. King ◽  
Nina Dolfen ◽  
Menno P. Veldman ◽  
Marco Davare ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Sequence Learning ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Response Patterns ◽  
Motor Sequence Learning ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Motor Sequence ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Task Practice

AbstractMotor sequence learning (MSL) is supported by dynamical interactions between hippocampal and striatal networks that are thought to be orchestrated by the prefrontal cortex. In the present study, we tested whether individually-tailored theta-burst stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) prior to MSL can modulate multivoxel response patterns in the stimulated cortical area, the hippocampus and the striatum. Response patterns were assessed with multivoxel correlation structure analyses of functional magnetic resonance imaging data acquired during task practice and during resting-state scans before and after learning/stimulation. Results revealed that, across stimulation conditions, MSL induced greater modulation of task-related DLPFC multivoxel patterns than random practice. A similar learning-related modulatory effect was observed on sensorimotor putamen patterns under inhibitory stimulation. Furthermore, MSL as well as inhibitory stimulation affected (posterior) hippocampal multivoxel patterns at post-intervention rest. Exploratory analyses showed that MSL-related brain patterns in the posterior hippocampus persisted into post-learning rest preferentially after inhibitory stimulation. These results collectively show that prefrontal stimulation can alter multivoxel brain patterns in deep brain regions that are critical for the MSL process. They also suggest that stimulation influenced early offline consolidation processes as evidenced by a stimulation-induced modulation of the reinstatement of task pattern into post-learning wakeful rest.

scholarly journals The What and How of Observational Learning

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 1656-1663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Torriero ◽  
Massimiliano Oliveri ◽  
Giacomo Koch ◽  
Carlo Caltagirone ◽  
Laura Petrosini
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Observational Learning ◽  
Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Neural Circuitry ◽  
Single Component ◽  
Visuomotor Task ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal

Neuroimaging evidence increasingly supports the hypothesis that the same neural structures subserve the execution, imagination, and observation of actions. We used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to investigate the specific roles of cerebellum and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in observational learning of a visuomotor task. Subjects observed an actor detecting a hidden sequence in a matrix and then performed the task detecting either the previously observed sequence or a new one. rTMS applied over the cerebellum before the observational training interfered with performance of the new sequence, whereas rTMS applied over the DLPFC interfered with performance of the previously observed one. When rTMS applied over cerebellar or prefrontal site was delivered after the observational training, no influence was observed on the execution of the task. These results furnish new insights on the neural circuitry involved in the single component of observational learning and allow us to hypothesize that cerebellum and DLPFC interact in planning actions, the former by permitting the acquisition of procedural competencies and the latter by providing flexibility among already acquired solutions.

scholarly journals Prefrontal stimulation prior to motor sequence learning alters multivoxel patterns in the striatum and the hippocampus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mareike A. Gann ◽  
Bradley R. King ◽  
Nina Dolfen ◽  
Menno P. Veldman ◽  
Marco Davare ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Sequence Learning ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Response Patterns ◽  
Motor Sequence Learning ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Motor Sequence ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Task Practice

Motor sequence learning (MSL) is supported by dynamical interactions between hippocampal and striatal networks that are thought to be orchestrated by the prefrontal cortex. In the present study, we tested whether individually-tailored theta-burst stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) prior to MSL, can modulate multivoxel response patterns in the stimulated cortical area, the hippocampus and the striatum. Response patterns were assessed with multivoxel correlation structure analyses of functional magnetic resonance imaging data acquired during task practice and during resting-state scans before and after learning/stimulation. Results revealed that, across stimulation conditions, MSL induced greater modulation of task-related DLPFC multivoxel patterns than random practice. A similar learning-related modulatory effect was observed on sensorimotor putamen patterns under inhibitory stimulation. Furthermore, MSL as well as inhibitory stimulation affected (posterior) hippocampal multivoxel patterns at post-intervention rest. Exploratory analyses showed that MSL-related brain patterns in the posterior hippocampus persisted into post-learning rest preferentially after inhibitory stimulation. These results collectively show that prefrontal stimulation can alter multivoxel brain patterns in deep brain regions that are critical for the MSL process. They also suggest that stimulation influenced early offline consolidation processes as evidenced by a stimulation-induced modulation of the reinstatement of task pattern into post-learning wakeful rest.

Relationship of Self-Compassion, Hope, and Emotional Control to Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Suicidal Ideation

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Laura R. Umphrey ◽  
John C. Sherblom ◽  
Paulina Swiatkowski
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Emotional Control ◽  
Thwarted Belongingness ◽  
Perceived Burdensomeness ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract. Background: Cultivating positive feelings of self in relationships with others can affect perceptions of belongingness and burdensomeness. Aims: The present study examines the relationships of self-compassion, hope, and emotional control to thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation. Method: Participants were 481 college students who completed scales measuring self-compassion, hope, emotional control, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and suicidal ideation. Results: Correlation and parallel mediation analysis results show relationships between self-compassion, hope, and emotional control with perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and suicidal ideation. Limitations: The study is limited by its cross-sectional design, sample demographics, and inability to distinguish between individuals with suicidal ideation and those who attempt suicide. Conclusion: The results show that the relationships of self-compassion, hope, and emotional control to perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and suicidal ideation are worth further investigation.

Rorschach-CS Scores of Six Groups of Patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caspar C. Berghout ◽  
Jolien Zevalkink ◽  
Abraham N. J. Pieters ◽  
Gregory J. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Organizations ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Treatment Type ◽  
Psychotherapy Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

In this study we used a quasiexperimental, cross-sectional design with six cohorts differing in phase of treatment (pretreatment, posttreatment, 2-year posttreatment) and treatment type (psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy) and investigated scores on 39 Rorschach-CS variables. The total sample consisted of 176 participants from four mental health care organizations in The Netherlands. We first examined pretreatment differences between patients entering psychoanalysis and patients entering psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The two treatment groups did not seem to differ substantially before treatment, with the exception of the level of ideational problems. Next, we studied the outcome of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy by comparing the Rorschach-CS scores of the six groups of patients. In general, we found significant differences between pretreatment and posttreatment on a relatively small number of Rorschach-CS variables. More pre/post differences were found between the psychoanalytic psychotherapy groups than between the psychoanalysis groups. More research is needed to examine whether analyzing clusters of variables might reveal other results.

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