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European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2024Although peritraumatic dissociation (PD) is viewed as a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prospective studies taking into account other well-known...
Although peritraumatic dissociation (PD) is viewed as a risk factor for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prospective studies taking into account other well-known risk factors for PTSD have been scarce, and the exploration of potential moderators within the relations between PD and PTSD has been lacking. Filling this gap, this prospective study explored the moderating role of perceived threat within the relations between PD and PTSD, above and beyond age, gender, education, and early trauma-related symptoms. A convenience sample of 200 Israeli civilians filled out self-report questionnaires during the peritraumatic phase (T1) and one to two months after the posttraumatic phase (T2) of being exposed to rocket attacks. The results showed that perceived threat and PD were associated with early trauma-related symptoms and PTSD symptoms. Moreover, perceived threat moderated the relationship between PD and all PTSD symptom clusters apart from avoidance. The present results suggest that the implications of PD are shaped by levels of perceived threat, so that detriments of PD are evident when the trauma is appraised as being highly threatening. Therefore, early interventions that aim to decrease PD may be beneficial in preventing PTSD symptoms of intrusion, hyper arousal, and negative alterations in mood and cognition, for individuals who perceive traumatic events as highly threatening.
Topics: Humans; Prospective Studies; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Arousal; Cognition; Dissociative Disorders
PubMed: 38618677
DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2338670 -
Applied Neuropsychology. Adult Apr 2024The past decade has witnessed amplified public awareness of age-related dementias. This has resulted in a dramatic rise in the number of older persons referred to memory...
The past decade has witnessed amplified public awareness of age-related dementias. This has resulted in a dramatic rise in the number of older persons referred to memory clinics with a primary complaint of self-reported memory loss without an antecedent neurological event (e.g., stroke) who produce neuropsychological test profiles that lack evidence of such impairment. Since the latter part of the 19th century, a confusing array of changing terminology, criteria, and perceived causation have been ascribed to patients with unverified medical symptoms to implicate psychological causation. Such terms are often misperceived by laypersons as reflecting character flaws or malingering. Of import for clinical neuropsychologists, the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases added to symptoms eligible for a diagnosis of the modern formulation, dissociative neurological symptom disorder. One dissociative option for referrals with self-reported neurocognitive symptoms not validated on neuropsychological testing is functional memory disorder, conceived as a psychological disorder where emotional distress is plausibly related to the perceived memory loss but is of less severity than would warrant a major depressive or anxiety diagnosis. If evidence of psychological distress or behavioral impairment is not present the referral likely reflects the increased public awareness of age-related dementias interacting with the high base rate of self-perceived memory loss in the general population. In such cases, a dissociative diagnosis should be avoided as there is evidence of neither a medical nor a psychological disorder. A summary statement of or similar is likely sufficient to help the patient.
PubMed: 38615907
DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2024.2341801 -
Journal of Trauma & Dissociation : the... 2024Identifying and contrasting different patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV) (e.g. situational couple violence, coercive controlling violence) is useful for...
Identifying and contrasting different patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV) (e.g. situational couple violence, coercive controlling violence) is useful for understanding IPV and its connections with health. Applying this approach to dissociation may be fruitful, given theoretical perspectives that predict a specific connection between coercive controlling violence and dissociative symptoms. To address this, community women with divorce histories ( = 188) completed measures to identify patterns of IPV victimization in prior relationships (no direct violence, situational couple violence, coercive controlling violence), and to quantify recent dissociative symptoms and number of depressed days, for comparison. Contrary to predictions, the predicted odds of recent dissociative symptoms did not differ between women who experienced situational couple violence versus coercive controlling violence. However, the latter group had greater odds of recent dissociative symptoms, but not depressed days, compared to women with no histories of direct violence. Further, a continuous measure of coercive control was uniquely associated with increased odds of dissociative symptoms. This study provides preliminary empirical support for a connection between coercive controlling violence and dissociative symptoms, compared to women without histories of direct violence. This deserves further attention given the strong theoretical rationale for this link, and the importance of dissociation for mental health.
Topics: Humans; Female; Dissociative Disorders; Adult; Coercion; Crime Victims; Intimate Partner Violence; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38615343
DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2024.2341228 -
Seminars in Neurology Jun 2024Cognitive motor dissociation (CMD) is characterized by a dissociation between volitional brain responses and motor control, detectable only through techniques such as... (Review)
Review
Cognitive motor dissociation (CMD) is characterized by a dissociation between volitional brain responses and motor control, detectable only through techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Hence, it has recently emerged as a major challenge in the assessment of patients with disorders of consciousness. Specifically, this review focuses on the prognostic implications of CMD detection during the acute stage of brain injury. CMD patients were identified in each diagnostic category (coma, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/vegetative state, minimally conscious state minus) with a relatively similar prevalence of around 20%. Current knowledge tends to indicate that the diagnosis of CMD in the acute phase often predicts a more favorable clinical outcome compared with other unresponsive non-CMD patients. Nevertheless, the review underscores the limited research in this domain, probably at least partially explained by its nascent nature and the lack of uniformity in the nomenclature for CMD-related disorders, hindering the impact of the literature in the field.
Topics: Humans; Consciousness Disorders; Dissociative Disorders; Prognosis
PubMed: 38604229
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1785507 -
Brain and Behavior Apr 2024This study aims to conduct the first-ever evaluation of our previously proposed behaviors of "hemomania" in individuals engaged with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI).
BACKGROUND
This study aims to conduct the first-ever evaluation of our previously proposed behaviors of "hemomania" in individuals engaged with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI).
METHODS
The study encompassed 130 outpatients engaged with NSSI who applied at the psychiatry outpatient clinic. NSSI behaviors were assessed using the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury, while psychiatric diagnoses were evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders-Clinician Version. Subsequently, participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and Short Form of Barratt Impulsiveness Scale.
RESULTS
The prevalence of at least one hemomania behavior including seeing blood, tasting blood, bloodletting, and blood-drinking was observed to be 43.1% in individuals with NSSI. When participants were divided into two groups, individuals with hemomania exhibited: (1) a higher incidence of psychiatric comorbidities, increased suicide attempts, and more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity, (2) higher comorbidity rates of borderline personality disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors, and dissociative disorders, and (3) elevated frequencies of certain NSSI behaviors, including cutting, biting, needle-ticking, and carving, compared to those without.
CONCLUSION
Hemomania could be considered a specific impulse control disorder, characterized by heightened impulsivity and a persistent urge to obtain one's own blood. However, further studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
Topics: Humans; Pilot Projects; Outpatients; Self-Injurious Behavior; Suicide, Attempted; Borderline Personality Disorder
PubMed: 38594228
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3475 -
The International Journal of... Apr 2024We sought to explore relationships of acute dissociative effects of intravenous ketamine with change in depression and suicidal ideation and with plasma metabolite... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
We sought to explore relationships of acute dissociative effects of intravenous ketamine with change in depression and suicidal ideation and with plasma metabolite levels in a randomized, midazolam-controlled trial.
METHODS
Data from a completed trial in suicidal, depressed participants (n = 40) randomly assigned to ketamine was used to examine relationships between ketamine treatment-emergent dissociative and psychotomimetic symptoms with pre/post-infusion changes in suicidal ideation and depression severity. Nonparametric correlational statistics were used. These methods were also used to explore associations between dissociative or psychotomimetic symptoms and blood levels of ketamine and metabolites in a subset of participants (n = 28) who provided blood samples immediately post-infusion.
RESULTS
Neither acute dissociative nor psychotomimetic effects of ketamine were associated with changes in suicidal ideation or depressive symptoms from pre- to post-infusion. Norketamine had a trend-level, moderate inverse correlation with dissociative symptoms on Day 1 post-injection (P = .064; P =.013 removing 1 outlier). Dehydronorketamine correlated with Clinician-Administered Dissociative States Scale scores at 40 minutes (P = .034), 230 minutes (P = .014), and Day 1 (P = .012).
CONCLUSION
We did not find evidence that ketamine's acute, transient dissociative, or psychotomimetic effects are associated with its antidepressant or anti-suicidal ideation actions. The correlation of higher plasma norketamine with lower dissociative symptoms on Day 1 post-treatment suggests dissociation may be more an effect of the parent drug.
Topics: Humans; Ketamine; Suicidal Ideation; Male; Adult; Midazolam; Female; Antidepressive Agents; Dissociative Disorders; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Double-Blind Method
PubMed: 38573154
DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae017 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jun 2024Electrophysiologic measures provide an opportunity to inform mechanistic models and possibly biomarker prediction of response. Serotonergic psychedelics (SPs) (i.e.,... (Review)
Review
Spectral signatures of psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and ketamine in healthy volunteers and persons with major depressive disorder and treatment-resistant depression: A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Electrophysiologic measures provide an opportunity to inform mechanistic models and possibly biomarker prediction of response. Serotonergic psychedelics (SPs) (i.e., psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)) and ketamine represent new investigational and established treatments in mood disorders respectively. There is a need to better characterize the mechanism of action of these agents.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review investigating the spectral signatures of psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine in persons with major depressive disorder (MDD), treatment-resistant depression (TRD), and healthy controls.
RESULTS
Ketamine and SPs are associated with increased theta power in persons with depression. Ketamine and SPs are also associated with decreased spectral power in the alpha, beta and delta bands in healthy controls and persons with depression. When administered with SPs, theta power was increased in persons with MDD when administered with SPs. Ketamine is associated with increased gamma band power in both healthy controls and persons with MDD.
LIMITATIONS
The studies included in our review were heterogeneous in their patient population, exposure, dosing of treatment and devices used to evaluate EEG and MEG signatures. Our results were extracted entirely from persons who were either healthy volunteers or persons with MDD or TRD.
CONCLUSIONS
Extant literature evaluating EEG and MEG spectral signatures indicate that ketamine and SPs have reproducible effects in keeping with disease models of network connectivity. Future research vistas should evaluate whether observed spectral signatures can guide further discovery of therapeutics within the psychedelic and dissociative classes of agents, and its prediction capability in persons treated for depression.
Topics: Humans; Psilocybin; Ketamine; Lysergic Acid Diethylamide; Depressive Disorder, Major; Depression; Healthy Volunteers; Hallucinogens
PubMed: 38570038
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.03.165 -
Asian Journal of Psychiatry Jun 2024Ketamine is the prototypal rapid-acting antidepressant (RAAD) for TRD with approved indication for esketamine-nasal spray (ESK-NS). Distinctly, arketamine (R-KET)...
BACKGROUND
Ketamine is the prototypal rapid-acting antidepressant (RAAD) for TRD with approved indication for esketamine-nasal spray (ESK-NS). Distinctly, arketamine (R-KET) demonstrates enhanced antidepressant effects and neuroplasticity changes compared to esketamine, with fewer dissociative side effects and abuse potential. This study focuses on R-ketamine's therapeutic implications, safety, and tolerability in TRD treatment.
METHODS
We report on a year-long follow-up of three TRD patients post-single IV R-KET administration. The study, conducted under the clinical trial PCN-101 (NCT05414422), observed these subjects for healthcare resource utilization and social support system impact. Participants, adults diagnosed with recurrent major depressive disorder without psychotic features, were observed in a year-long follow-up period for safety.
RESULTS
Case analyses revealed significant symptom reduction and improved social and vocational functioning, with reduced sick leaves and hospitalizations post-treatment. However, one case developed a substance use disorder, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring. The study highlights R-KET's transformative potential in managing depression, indicating a shift in TRD treatment strategies towards early, aggressive interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite promising findings, the study faces limitations due to its small sample size, lack of randomization, and potential observational design biases. The results, while aligning with existing ketamine research, require cautious interpretation and warrant further investigation with larger, more robust studies. This exploration of R-KET's role in home-based TRD treatment opens avenues for future research, particularly focusing on its long-term effectiveness and safety in diverse patient populations. This study is registered in clinicaltrials.gov: NCT06232291.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Antidepressive Agents; Depressive Disorder, Major; Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant; Follow-Up Studies; Ketamine; Sick Leave
PubMed: 38554563
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104016 -
Military Medicine Mar 2024This study aimed to examine the relationships between dissociative and somatic symptoms and how they might contribute to PTSD severity among ex-soldiers who sought help...
INTRODUCTION
This study aimed to examine the relationships between dissociative and somatic symptoms and how they might contribute to PTSD severity among ex-soldiers who sought help from the IDF Combat Stress Reaction Unit (CSRU).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 1,305 former compulsory, career, and reserve soldiers, who filled out self-report questionnaires on admission for evaluation at the CSRU. The study's dependent variables included two posttraumatic stress disorder measures (CAPS and PCL-5). The independent variables were the Dissociative Experience Scale and Brief Symptom Inventory. Background and service-related variables were also examined.
RESULTS
Spearman correlation revealed that the higher the level of somatization is, the higher the level of PTSD via PCL and CAPS. A significant positive association was found between somatization and dissociation (r = 0.544; P < 0.001). The higher the somatization level, the more severe the dissociation. A multivariate logistic regression analysis to predict severe PTSD revealed that the longer the time elapsed from the traumatic event (OR = 1.019, P = 0.015), the higher the risk for severe PTSD. The most prominent variables were dissociation (OR = 6.420, P < 0.001) and somatization (OR = 4.792, P < 0.001). The entire model reached 40.8% of the shared variance in the regression.
CONCLUSIONS
While there is direct reference to dissociation in the clinical assessment by PCL or CAPS, there is no such reference to somatization. Highly functioning combatants sometimes express their distress somatically. Our findings suggest regarding severe somatic symptoms as diagnostic criteria for PTSD.
PubMed: 38554277
DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usae118 -
Journal of Trauma & Dissociation : the... Mar 2024Previous studies showed that dissociation and dissociative disorders (DDs) are prevalent and are associated with considerable individual and social consequences. There...
Previous studies showed that dissociation and dissociative disorders (DDs) are prevalent and are associated with considerable individual and social consequences. There are ongoing debates regarding whether dissociation is a response to betrayal trauma across cultures and whether dissociation can be explained by maladaptive coping. Additionally, little is known about the clinical features of individuals with DDs in the Chinese context. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between trauma, emotional regulation, coping, and dissociation. We analyzed baseline data from a randomized controlled trial ( = 101). Participants with dissociative symptoms in Hong Kong completed self-report assessments. Structured interviews were also conducted subsequently. Participants with probable DDs reported more traumatic events ( = .009 to .017) and exhibited significantly higher levels of dysfunctional coping ( < .001) compared to those who reported dissociative symptoms but did not have a DD. Dissociative symptoms were more strongly associated with betrayal trauma than with non-betrayal trauma. Among different emotion regulation and coping strategies, dysfunctional coping was the only significant factor associated with dissociative symptoms (β = .309, = .003). Dysfunctional coping was a statistically significant mediator that may explain the relationship between betrayal trauma and dissociative symptoms. Although other mediation paths are also possible and further longitudinal studies are required, our findings highlight the strong link between dysfunctional coping and dissociative symptoms and suggest that coping skills training should be incorporated into interventions for betrayal trauma survivors with dissociative symptoms. Additionally, this study provides evidence for the cross-cultural validity of the betrayal trauma theory. Further studies, however, are required.
PubMed: 38549465
DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2024.2326511