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The Analysis of Verbal Behavior Dec 2022This systematic review evaluated the effects of foreign tact training on emergent learning outcomes in ten published studies. We also conducted a meta-analysis of... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
This systematic review evaluated the effects of foreign tact training on emergent learning outcomes in ten published studies. We also conducted a meta-analysis of aggregate data from seven studies comparing outcomes of foreign tact training with other verbal operant procedures. The preliminary findings indicated foreign tact training produced criterion-level responses in 84 of 106 (79.2%) post-test probes across 37 learners and 55 evaluations of foreign tact training. The meta-analysis results revealed significantly higher within-subjects mean levels of emergent responding following foreign tact training than foreign-to-native intraverbal, native-to-foreign intraverbal, and foreign listener training. Emergent outcomes for adults were not significantly greater than for children. Finally, foreign tact training was slightly more efficient than the other verbal operant procedures, although most of the differences were not statistically significant.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40616-022-00170-z.
PubMed: 36605418
DOI: 10.1007/s40616-022-00170-z -
Schizophrenia Research. Cognition Jun 2022Cognitive impairments are core features of established schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, it remains unclear whether specific cognitive functions are...
Cognitive impairments are core features of established schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). However, it remains unclear whether specific cognitive functions are differentially impaired pre-onset and at what age these impairments can be detected. The purpose of this review was to elucidate these issues through a systematic summary of results from longitudinal studies investigating impairment in specific cognitive domains as antecedents of SSD. Relevant studies were identified by electronic and manual literature searches and included any original study of cognitive domains any time pre-onset of SSDs that included a control group. Effect sizes were calculated by domain for studies comparing high-risk participants who developed SSD with those who did not. The strongest evidence for impairment pre-onset was for mental processing speed, verbal learning and memory, executive function, and social cognition. Some verbal impairments, like language abilities at age 3 and verbal learning and memory at age 7, may develop as static deficits. Conversely, some non-verbal impairments, like mental processing speed, visuospatial abilities, and visual working memory manifest as developmental lag and become significant later in life. Most effect sizes were small to moderate, except for verbal fluency (d' = 0,85), implying this impairment as central in high-risk participants who develop SSD. The present review documents extensive cognitive impairments pre-onset of SSD, and that these impairments start early in life, in line with the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. Increased knowledge about cognitive impairments preonset can provide a better basis for understanding the complex pathogenesis of SSD as well as informing cognitive remediation programs.
PubMed: 35251943
DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2022.100246 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Aug 2022The serotonergic system is involved in diverse cognitive functions including memory. Of particular importance to daily life are declarative memories that contain... (Review)
Review
The serotonergic system is involved in diverse cognitive functions including memory. Of particular importance to daily life are declarative memories that contain information about personal experiences, general facts, and events. Several psychiatric or neurological diseases, such as depression, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dementia, show alterations in serotonergic signalling and attendant memory disorders. Nevertheless, understanding serotonergic neurotransmission and its influence on memory remained a challenge until today. In this systematic review, we summarize recent psychopharmacological studies in animals and humans from a psychological memory perspective, in consideration of task-specific requirements. This approach has the advantage that comparisons between serotonin (5-HT)-related neurochemical mechanisms and manipulations are each addressing specific mnemonic circuits. We conclude that applications of the same 5-HT-related treatments can differentially affect unrelated tasks of declarative memories. Moreover, the analysis of specific mnemonic phases (e.g., encoding vs. consolidation) reveals opposing impacts of increased or decreased 5-HT tones, with low 5-HT supporting spatial encoding but impairing the consolidation of objects and verbal memories. Promising targets for protein synthesis-dependent consolidation enhancements include 5-HT receptor agonists and 5-HT receptor antagonists, with the latter being of special interest for the treatment of age-related decline. Further implications are pointed out as base for the development of novel therapeutic targets for memory impairment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
Topics: Animals; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Cognition; Humans; Memory; Memory Disorders; Serotonin
PubMed: 35691469
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104729 -
Journal of Cancer Research and... 2020Whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is an effective therapeutic modality in patients with brain metastases. However, nearly 90% of patients undergoing WBRT suffer from...
INTRODUCTION
Whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is an effective therapeutic modality in patients with brain metastases. However, nearly 90% of patients undergoing WBRT suffer from a neurocognitive function (NCF) impairment at diagnosis, and up to two-thirds will experience a further decline within 2-6 months after WBRT. Focal-dose reduction on bilateral hippocampus is thought to improve NCF preservation. The aim was to present a systematic review of clinical results on NCF after hippocampal-sparing (HS) WBRT.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of published literature was performed on PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Only prospective clinical trials reporting NCF outcome in patients treated with HS-WBRT have been analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 165 patients from three studies were included. These studies are characterized by small sample size and different methods in terms of WBRT technique but with similar planning analysis and NCF assessment tests. No significant changes in NCF (i.e., verbal and nonverbal learning memory, executive functions, and psychomotor speed) between baseline and 4-month follow-up after RT and only a mean relative decline in delayed recall at 4 months (7% compared to 30% of historical control) were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Considering preliminary results on NCF preservation, further studies seem justified in patients undergoing brain irradiation for brain metastases or referred for prophylactic cranial irradiation to evaluate long-term effects on NCF and quality of life.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Cranial Irradiation; Hippocampus; Humans; Neurocognitive Disorders; Organ Sparing Treatments; Prognosis; Radiation Injuries
PubMed: 33342776
DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.JCRT_573_17 -
Psychiatria Danubina Sep 2022rTMS is an adequately safe intervention that is approved for treatment of various neuropsychiatric conditions. There is ongoing research on the application of rTMS for...
BACKGROUND
rTMS is an adequately safe intervention that is approved for treatment of various neuropsychiatric conditions. There is ongoing research on the application of rTMS for the treatment of resistant auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) in schizophrenia (SZ), and also for alleviating negative and cognitive symptoms in patients with chronic SZ states. Language decline, as a part of thought, language and communication disorders, is one of the key symptoms of SZ, having a significant bearing on decreased social/interpersonal functioning of these patients. In this regard rTMS may be a promising treatment approach, while serving as an important research tool in the field of SZ studies. The aim of our present study was to compile and evaluate the existing data on whether rTMS affects verbal function in SZ patients, and if rTMS has any efficacy for the treatment of language disturbances in SZ spectrum disorders.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Our systematic search over the PubMed database revealed a total of 200 articles, of which 21 met criteria for inclusion in this analysis. We have reviewed in detail the study designs, inclusion and exclusion criteria, rTMS protocols and cognitive (in particular, speech/language domain) assessments reported in these articles.
RESULTS
The 21 studies focused on two key topic clusters: (i) low-frequency rTMS treatment of AVH in SZ, and (ii) high-frequency rTMS treatment of negative and cognitive SZ symptoms. The majority of study participants presented with chronic and treatment-resistant states. Most of the low-frequency rTMS studies did not show any difference in verbal test measures in SZ in response to treatment. Less than a half of high-frequency rTMS studies reported a delayed positive effect on language cognitive domains in SZ. There were sporadic reports on dropouts associated with a decline in scores for auditory verbal learning tests.
CONCLUSIONS
Our systematic review found rTMS to be generally safe in relation to verbal/speech function, and suggested that verbal memory tests could serve as a measure of safety of this treatment procedure in SZ patients. Speech effects of rTMS have only been registered over long-term observation periods, such that time-frame which should be considered as an important factor for future studies. In our project "Innovative Neuropsychiatry Research Bank: Priority-2030" we plan to clarify (i) efficient rTMS protocols targeting neurocognitive improvement in SZ, and (ii) the cohort of SZ patients with a particular cognitive endophenotype and language profile amenable to treatment with rTMS, with a focus on language scores.
Topics: Hallucinations; Humans; Language; Schizophrenia; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
PubMed: 36170724
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Psychology 2021In instructional-learning contexts, the relationship between teacher verbal and non-verbal immediacy and student motivation has gained increasing attention. However, no...
In instructional-learning contexts, the relationship between teacher verbal and non-verbal immediacy and student motivation has gained increasing attention. However, no systematic research has been done to review the empirical studies conducted on the impact of teacher immediacy on students' motivation. Hence, the aim of the present study was to systematically review the available literature on different types of teacher immediacy and student motivation. Some common databases were searched and 30 eligible manuscripts were identified. With regard to the key features of the included studies, the review's findings were categorized into different sections, namely "the measures of teacher immediacy employed," "the measures of student motivation employed," "designs," and "educational contexts". The main findings of the studies were also discussed. The reviewed studies pointed to positive associations between teacher immediacy and student motivation. Finally, limitations of the included studies are discussed and some practical directions for further research are offered, accordingly.
PubMed: 34248809
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.713978 -
Psychosomatic Medicine May 2023In past decades, the field of nocebo research has focused on studying how sensory perception can be shaped by learning. Nocebo effects refer to aggravated sensory... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
In past decades, the field of nocebo research has focused on studying how sensory perception can be shaped by learning. Nocebo effects refer to aggravated sensory experiences or increased sensitivity to sensations such as pain and itch resulting from treatment-related negative experiences. Behavioral conditioning and verbal suggestions of a negative treatment outcome may aggravate pain and itch perception. Gaining a comprehensive view of the magnitude of nocebo effects and contributing factors will help steer nocebo research toward fruitful directions for understanding complex sensory phenomena.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of a total of 37 distinct experimental nocebo studies on healthy participants (all published in English between 2008 and 2021), with four separate meta-analyses for nocebo effects on pain or itch. We conducted subgroup analyses and meta-regression on factors such as type and intensity of sensory stimuli, and length of conditioning paradigms.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis showed that, on average, effect sizes of nocebo effects were moderate to large (Hedges g between 0.26 and 0.71 for the four primary outcomes). The combination of conditioning and verbal suggestions yielded stronger nocebo responses on pain in particular. Subgroup analyses, including factors such as the type of sensory stimulation, did not explain the moderate heterogeneity in nocebo magnitudes between different studies. Risk of bias was generally low and was not related to nocebo magnitudes either.
CONCLUSIONS
We discuss these results in relation to the role of conditioning and aversive learning, and we recommend more consistency in designing and reporting nocebo experiments.
Topics: Humans; Nocebo Effect; Placebo Effect; Pain; Learning; Pruritus
PubMed: 36961347
DOI: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000001194 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2022This article documents an emerging body of evidence concerning the neurological effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure with regard to cognitive...
INTRODUCTION
This article documents an emerging body of evidence concerning the neurological effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure with regard to cognitive function and increased risk of neurodegeneration.
METHODS
Two electronic databases, PubMed and Web of Science, were systematically searched.
RESULTS
The 37/428 studies selected included outcomes measuring cognitive function, neurobehavioral symptoms of impaired cognition, and pathologies associated with neurodegeneration from pre-natal (21/37 studies), childhood (14/37 studies), and adult (8/37 studies) PAH exposure. Sufficient evidence was found surrounding pre-natal exposure negatively impacting child intelligence, mental development, average overall development, verbal IQ, and memory; externalizing, internalizing, anxious, and depressed behaviors; and behavioral development and child attentiveness. Evidence concerning exposure during childhood and as an adult was scarce and highly heterogeneous; however, the presence of neurodegenerative biomarkers and increased concentrations of cryptic "self" antigens in serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples suggest a higher risk of neurodegenerative disease. Associations with lowered cognitive ability and impaired attentiveness were found in children and memory disturbances, specifically auditory memory, verbal learning, and general memory in adults.
DISCUSSION
Although evidence is not yet conclusive and further research is needed, the studies included supported the hypothesis that PAH exposure negatively impacts cognitive function and increases the risk of neurodegeneration in humans, and recommends considering the introduction of a variable "rural vs. urban" as covariate for adjusting analyses, where the neurological functions affected (as result of our review) are outcome variables.
PubMed: 36703634
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1052333 -
Journal of the American Psychiatric... 2020Neurocognitive and social cognitive impairments are core characteristics of psychotic disorders, which are present in the first episode of psychosis (FEP) and strongly...
Neurocognitive and social cognitive impairments are core characteristics of psychotic disorders, which are present in the first episode of psychosis (FEP) and strongly predict poor social functioning. Addressing cognitive impairments through cognitive training and remediation (CTR) may be a crucial component of recovery-oriented treatment. The objectives of this review were to (1) evaluate the CTR theoretical basis and intervention components and (2) examine the effects of CTR on cognition and social functioning in FEP. A combined search of Ovid Medline, Embase, and Psych Info databases was conducted using keywords. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Quality and risk of bias were assessed using established instruments. Ten randomized controlled trials were included in this review and had an overall fair to poor quality. CTR interventions in FEP utilize a range of theoretical backgrounds, with most including a focus on higher order cognitive processes. Varied doses and intervention components are used. All but one study found improvements in at least one cognitive domain. Global cognition, verbal learning, and memory and executive function were most commonly improved. Three studies found an effect on a range of functional outcomes. A broad range of CTR interventions have promising effects for addressing cognitive impairments in FEP. Evidence of functional impact is less consistent. Further research is needed in FEP on CTR targeting sensory and perceptual processes, and to identify CTR intervention targets and treatment components that will lead to robust improvements in cognition and functioning.
Topics: Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Humans; Memory; Psychotic Disorders; Verbal Learning
PubMed: 31578909
DOI: 10.1177/1078390319877952 -
BMC Psychiatry Jan 2023Nearly 40% of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) have been found to experience cognitive impairment in at least one domain. Cognitive impairment associated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Cognitive rehabilitation for improving cognitive functions and reducing the severity of depressive symptoms in adult patients with Major Depressive Disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
INTRODUCTION
Nearly 40% of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) have been found to experience cognitive impairment in at least one domain. Cognitive impairment associated with MDD is disproportionately represented in patients that have not fully returned to psychosocial functioning. As awareness regarding cognitive dysfunction in MDD patients grows, so does the interest in developing newer treatments that specifically address these deficits.
METHOD
In the present study, we conduct a systematic review of controlled randomized clinical trials that used cognitive training and remediation interventions for improving cognitive functions and reducing symptom severity in adult patients with MDD. We selected studies published before March 2022 using search databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google scholar. For conducting the meta-analysis, standard differences in means with the random effect model and with a 95% confidence interval of change in outcome measures from baseline to post-intervention between the cognitive rehabilitation and the control groups were calculated.
RESULTS
The database search resulted in identifying 756 studies of interest, which ultimately 15 studies with 410 participants in the cognitive rehabilitation group and 339 participants in the control group were included. The meta-analysis of the data extracted from these studies, shows a moderate and significant effect on the executive function (d = 0.59 (95% CI, 0.25 to 0.93) p-value = 0.001, I = 15.2%), verbal learning (d = 0.45 (95% CI, 0.12 to 0.78) p-value = 0.007, I = 0.00%), and working memory (d = 0.41 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.64) p-value < 0.001, I = 33%) of MDD patients. Although, there were no significant difference between intervention and control group in attention (d = 0.32 (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.66) p-value = 0.058, I = 0.00%) or depressive symptoms.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that cognitive rehabilitation is an effective intervention for the executive function, verbal learning, and working memory of MDD patients. Due to the importance of these neuropsychological deficits in day-to-day life and the core symptoms of MDD, cognitive rehabilitation should be considered an important part of treating MDD. Further research in this area and concentrated on these particular deficits is warranted.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Depressive Disorder, Major; Depression; Cognitive Training; Cognition; Executive Function; Cognitive Dysfunction; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36707847
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04554-w