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Frontiers in Psychology 2024Hierarchical predictive processing provides a framework outlining how prior expectations shape perception and cognition. Here, we highlight hierarchical predictive...
Hierarchical predictive processing provides a framework outlining how prior expectations shape perception and cognition. Here, we highlight hierarchical predictive processing as a framework for explaining how social context and group-based social knowledge can directly shape intergroup perception. More specifically, we argue that hierarchical predictive processing confers a uniquely valuable toolset to explain extant findings and generate novel hypotheses for intergroup perception. We first provide an overview of hierarchical predictive processing, specifying its primary theoretical assumptions. We then review evidence showing how prior knowledge influences intergroup perception. Next, we outline how hierarchical predictive processing can account well for findings in the intergroup perception literature. We then underscore the theoretical strengths of hierarchical predictive processing compared to other frameworks in this space. We finish by outlining future directions and laying out hypotheses that test the implications of hierarchical predictive processing for intergroup perception and intergroup cognition more broadly. Taken together, hierarchical predictive processing provides explanatory value and capacity for novel hypothesis generation for intergroup perception.
PubMed: 38939217
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1386370 -
Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive... 2024Depressive symptoms are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but their neurobiological and neuropsychological correlates remain poorly understood. We investigate if...
INTRODUCTION
Depressive symptoms are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), but their neurobiological and neuropsychological correlates remain poorly understood. We investigate if depressive symptoms are associated with amyloid (Aβ) pathology and cognition in predementia AD.
METHODS
We included subjective cognitive decline (SCD, = 160) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI, = 192) from the dementia disease initiation cohort. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). Aβ pathology was determined using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ ratio. Associations between depressive symptoms and cognition were assessed with logistic regression.
RESULTS
Only the Aβ negative MCI group (MCI-Aβ-) was associated with depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 2.65, = 0.005). Depressive symptoms were associated with worse memory in MCI-Aβ- (OR = 0.94, = 0.039), but with better performance in MCI-Aβ+ (OR = 1.103, 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that depressive symptoms in MCI are neither associated with Aβ pathology, nor AD-associated memory impairment. However, memory impairment in non-AD MCI may relate to depressive symptoms.
PubMed: 38939101
DOI: 10.1159/000539284 -
Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences 2024Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) leads to memory and learning impairments associated with degeneration and gliosis in the hippocampus. Treatment with physical...
BACKGROUND
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) leads to memory and learning impairments associated with degeneration and gliosis in the hippocampus. Treatment with physical exercise carries different therapeutic benefits for each sex. We investigated the effects of acrobatic training on astrocyte remodeling in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus and spatial memory impairment in male and female rats at different stages of the two-vessel occlusion (2VO) model.
METHODS
Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups of males and females: 2VO acrobatic, 2VO sedentary, sham acrobatic, and sham sedentary. The acrobatic training was performed for 4 weeks prior to the 2VO procedure. Brain samples were collected for morphological and biochemical analysis at 3 and 7 days after 2VO. The dorsal hippocampi were removed and prepared for Western blot quantification of Akt, p-Akt, COX IV, cleaved caspase-3, PARP, and GFAP. GFAP immunofluorescence was performed on slices of the hippocampus to count astrocytes and apply the Sholl's circle technique. The Morris water maze was run after 45 days of 2VO.
RESULTS
Acutely, the trained female rats showed increased PARP expression, and the 2VO-trained rats of both sexes presented increased GFAP levels in Western blot. Training, mainly in males, induced an increase in the number of astrocytes in the CA1 subfield. The 2VO rats presented branched astrocytes, while acrobatic training prevented branching. However, the 2VO-induced spatial memory impairment was partially prevented by the acrobatic training.
CONCLUSION
Acrobatic training restricted the astrocytic remodeling caused by 2VO in the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus. The improvement in spatial memory was associated with more organized glial scarring in the trained rats and better cell viability observed in females.
PubMed: 38939055
DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2024.1375561 -
PNAS Nexus Jun 2024Spontaneous thought-mind wandering, daydreaming, and creative ideation-makes up most of everyday cognition. Is this idle thought, or does it serve an adaptive function?...
Spontaneous thought-mind wandering, daydreaming, and creative ideation-makes up most of everyday cognition. Is this idle thought, or does it serve an adaptive function? We test two hypotheses about the functions of spontaneous thought: First, spontaneous thought improves memory efficiency. Under this hypothesis, spontaneous thought should prioritize detailed, vivid episodic simulations. Second, spontaneous thought helps us achieve our goals. Under this hypothesis, spontaneous thought should prioritize content relevant to ongoing goal pursuits, or current concerns. We use natural language processing and machine learning to quantify the dynamics of thought in a large sample ( = 3,359) of think aloud data. Results suggest that spontaneous thought both supports memory optimization and keeps us focused on current concerns.
PubMed: 38939015
DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae230 -
PeerJ 2024Sedentary behavior is most prevalent among those aged 80 years and above, referred to as the oldest-old. Current literature emphasizes the significance of sedentary...
BACKGROUND
Sedentary behavior is most prevalent among those aged 80 years and above, referred to as the oldest-old. Current literature emphasizes the significance of sedentary behavior patterns, but further evidence is required to understand how these patterns relate to specific health outcomes and to identify at-risk profiles for tailored interventions in the oldest-old. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify profiles of adults aged 80+ years based on their sedentary patterns and health outcomes, and to examine associations between profiles and socio-demographics.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Flanders (Belgium) from February 2021 to December 2022 recruiting 90 older adults (80+) through convenience sampling, employing word of mouth, social media and local service centers. Latent profile analysis identified device-based sedentary patterns and assessed their associations with physical and cognitive functioning, mental health-related quality of life (QoL), and social isolation. Associations of these profiles with socio-demographic factors were analyzed.
RESULTS
Three distinct profiles were identified: (1) the 'cognitively and physically frail' profile, (2) the 'healthy' profile and (3) the 'lower mental health-related QoL' profile. Those in the 'cognitively and physically frail' profile exhibited the least favorable sedentary pattern, and had a higher likelihood of residing in a nursing home. No significant differences were found for the other socio-demographic variables, being age, sex, educational degree and family situation.
CONCLUSIONS
Three distinct profiles in the oldest-old population, based on cognitive and physical functioning, mental health-related QoL, and sedentary behavior patterns, were identified. Lower physical and cognitive functioning was associated with unhealthy sedentary patterns. Further research with larger samples is crucial to uncover potential links between socio-demographics and at-risk subgroups, enhancing our understanding of sedentary behavior and geriatric health outcomes in this population.
Topics: Humans; Sedentary Behavior; Male; Female; Cross-Sectional Studies; Belgium; Aged, 80 and over; Quality of Life; Frailty; Cognition; Mental Health
PubMed: 38938606
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17505 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024This study aimed to measure depression among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hanoi, Vietnam and its associated factors by using the Short Mood...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to measure depression among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hanoi, Vietnam and its associated factors by using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) instrument.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study among students from grades 6 to 9 within two secondary schools in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. A structured questionnaire was used, including information about personal characteristics, perception of COVID-19, and SMFQ. Factor analysis, Multivariate logistic and Tobit regression models were used.
RESULTS
Among 2378 students, 8.8% had depressive symptoms. The mean SMFQ score was 4.5 (SD=5.0). Being female, studying in higher grades, perceived low household income, higher perceived impacts of COVID-19 on health and higher perceived impacts of COVID-19-related quarantine on life were positively associated with factors' scores, SMFQ score and depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, having better academic performance, living with parents and having higher perceived knowledge about COVID-19 were negatively associated with factors scores, SMFQ score and depressive symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Depressive symptoms were common among secondary school students in Hanoi, Vietnam, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tailored interventions to improve pandemic-related knowledge and family and school support should be warranted for the students to enhance their mental well-being.
PubMed: 38938466
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1400128 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with fluoxetine in enhancing the early antidepressant response in...
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with fluoxetine in enhancing the early antidepressant response in first-episode adolescent depression cases, providing insights for patient diagnosis and treatment.
METHODS
One hundred and thirty-five adolescents experiencing their first depressive episode were randomly assigned to either a sham group treated with fluoxetine or to low or high repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) groups receiving both rTMS and fluoxetine. Therapeutic effects were assessed by comparing changes in Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) scores, cognitive function scores from the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and Clinical Global Impression-improvement (CGI-I) scores, along with recording adverse reactions.
RESULTS
The total effectiveness rate in the rTMS groups (Low, 95.56%; High, 97.78%) was significantly higher than in the Sham rTMS group (80%) (F = 11.15, P<0.0001). Post-treatment, not only the Low but also the High rTMS group exhibited more significant reductions in HAMD-17 (Low, 21.05; High, 21.45) and CGI-I scores (Low, 3.44; High, 3.60) compared to the Sham rTMS group (HAMD-17, 16.05; CGI-I, 2.57) (two weeks: F = 7.889, P = 0.0006; four weeks: F = 15.900, P<0.0001). Additionally, the two rTMS groups exhibited fewer erroneous responses and persistent errors in the WCST and completed more WCST categorizations than the Sham rTMS group. There was no significant difference in adverse reaction rates between the groups (F=4.421, P=0.0794).
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of fluoxetine with rTMS demonstrates enhanced therapeutic effectiveness in treating adolescent depression, effectively controlling disease progression, reducing depressive symptoms, and improving cognitive function, making it a valuable clinical approach.
PubMed: 38938464
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1397706 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Facial emotion recognition (FER) is a fundamental social skill essential for adaptive social behaviors, emotional development, and overall well-being. FER impairments...
OBJECTIVE
Facial emotion recognition (FER) is a fundamental social skill essential for adaptive social behaviors, emotional development, and overall well-being. FER impairments have been linked to various mental disorders, making it a critical transdiagnostic mechanism influencing the development and trajectory of mental disorders. FER has also been found to play a role in the transgenerational transmission of mental disorders, with the majority of research suggesting FER impairments in children of parents with a mental illness (COPMI). Previous research primarily concentrated on COPMI of parents with internalizing disorders, which does not cover the full spectrum of outpatient mental health service populations. Furthermore, research focuses on varying components of FER by using different assessment paradigms, making it challenging to compare study results. To address these gaps, we comprehensively investigated FER abilities in COPMI using multiple tasks varying in task characteristics.
METHODS
We included 189 children, 77 COPMI and 112 children of parents without a diagnosed mental illness (COPWMI), aged 6 to 16 years. We assessed FER using three tasks with varying task demands: an emotional Go/NoGo task, a morphing task, and a task presenting short video sequences depicting different emotions. We fitted separate two-level hierarchical Bayesian models (to account for sibling pairs in our sample) for reaction times and accuracy rates for each task. Good model fit was assured by comparing models using varying priors.
RESULTS
Contrary to our expectations, our results revealed no general FER deficit in COPMI compared to COPWMI. The Bayesian models fitted for accuracy in the morphing task and Go/NoGo task yielded small yet significant effects. However, Bayes factors fitted for the models suggested that these effects could be due to random variations or noise in the data.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study does not support FER impairments as a general feature of COPMI. Instead, individual factors, such as the type of parental disorder and the timing of its onset, may play a crucial role in influencing FER development. Future research should consider these factors, taking into account the diverse landscape of parental mental disorders.
PubMed: 38938463
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1366005 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024
PubMed: 38938462
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1438733 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is an emerging public health concern; effective treatments are still under development. This mini-review focuses on summarizing the main... (Review)
Review
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is an emerging public health concern; effective treatments are still under development. This mini-review focuses on summarizing the main scientific evidence from psychological, pharmacological, brain imaging, and emerging treatment approaches for IGD. We searched PubMed and Scopus databases using keywords related to IGD and treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most extensively researched psychological treatment for IGD, supported by several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Other promising approaches include mindfulness, relapse prevention, abstinence protocols, and family therapy. Pharmacological treatments like bupropion and escitalopram have shown benefits, especially when IGD is comorbid with conditions like major depressive disorder. However, the quality of evidence is moderate for psychological interventions but low to moderate for pharmacological approaches. Emerging treatments such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and electro-acupuncture have demonstrated efficacy in reducing IGD symptoms and modulating brain activity. Brain imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have provided insights into the neural mechanisms underlying IGD and treatment effects, although these studies lack randomized controlled designs. While multimodal approaches show promise, larger, well-designed RCTs are needed to establish effective IGD treatments.
PubMed: 38938461
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1408560