Thought–Action Fusion: Is it Present in Schizophrenia?

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 169-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elif Kabakcı ◽  
Başaran Demir ◽  
Hilal Demirel ◽  
Ali Emre Şevik
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Beck Depression Inventory ◽  
Personality Characteristics ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Magical Ideation ◽  
Schizotypal Personality ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
Thought Action Fusion

AbstractThought–action fusion (TAF) refers to the belief that thoughts and actions are linked. While ‘Moral’ TAF refers to the belief that unacceptable thoughts are morally equivalent to overt actions, ‘Likelihood’ TAF is the belief that certain thoughts can increase the probability of some events (related to self or others) to occur. The objective of this study was to compare the schizophrenic patients with nonclinical controls in terms of TAF Likelihood and TAF Moral after controlling for the effects of obsessive compulsive and depressive symptoms, magical ideation and schizotypy. The sample was composed of patients hospitalised for schizophrenia (n = 45) and nonclinical control subjects (n = 41). Thought–Action Fusion Scale, Maudsley Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory, Magical Ideation Scale, Schizotypal Personality Characteristics Subscale and Beck Depression Inventory were administered. Results revealed that after controlling the effects of obsessive–compulsive and depressive symptoms, magical ideation and schizotypy, patients still had higher scores on TAF Likelihood Others but not on Self. Patients also had a tendency to get higher scores on TAF Moral. It is concluded that the study shows the presence of TAF Likelihood Others in schizophrenia even after controlling for the effects of magical ideation, depressive and OCD symptoms and schizotypal characteristics.

Cognitive and behavioral correlates of depressive symptoms in a community sample of adolescents

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-105
Author(s):  
Rachelle Pullmer ◽  
Shannon L Zaitsoff ◽  
Jennifer S Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Behavioral Model ◽  
Eating Pathology ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms ◽  
Thought Action Fusion

Research in adults demonstrates a positive association among obsessive–compulsive symptoms, eating pathology, cognitive distortions, and comorbid depressive symptoms. Given that adolescence is characterized by unique and rapid changes in biopsychosocial processes, it is imperative to elucidate the relationship between these variables in youth. In this cross-sectional study, we explored whether obsessive–compulsive symptoms, thought–action fusion, thought–shape fusion, and eating pathology would be positively associated with and predict depressive symptoms in a school-based community sample of adolescents ( n = 86; Mage = 15.60). All study variables were positively correlated with depressive symptoms. Results indicated that obsessive–compulsive symptoms, thought–shape fusion, and eating pathology explained a significant proportion of variance in depressive symptoms, whereas thought–action fusion did not. In accordance with the cognitive behavioral model of psychopathology, these findings highlight the relationships between key interrelated correlates of depressive symptoms that may be pertinent targets for prevention and treatment efforts in adolescents.

Thought–Action Fusion in Schizophrenia: A Preliminary Investigation

2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 260-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Berle ◽  
Alex Blaszczynski ◽  
Danielle A. Einstein ◽  
Ross G. Menzies
Keyword(s):  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Chronic Schizophrenia ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Thinking Styles ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Magical Ideation ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms ◽  
Thought Action Fusion ◽  
Larger Sample

AbstractThought–action fusion (TAF), a belief that one's thoughts can either increase the likelihood of a given event or imply the immorality of one's character, is associated with a range of disorders, but has not yet been investigated in relation to psychosis. We sought to determine whether TAF beliefs are endorsed by individuals with chronic schizophrenia. Twenty-seven adults with chronic schizophrenia completed self-report measures of TAF, magical ideation, delusional beliefs and obsessive–compulsive symptoms. Scores were compared with a gendermatched nonclinical group (n = 27) and associations between self-report measures were investigated for the chronic schizophrenia sample. TAF Likelihood–Others, magical ideation and obsessive–compulsive symptoms were endorsed to a greater extent by those with chronic schizophrenia than by controls. The participants with chronic schizophrenia however, did not generally endorse TAF statements at level greater than ‘neutral’. TAF Moral, magical ideation and obsessive– compulsive symptoms were associated with scores on the delusional beliefs measure. We conclude that TAF beliefs may not especially characterise the thinking styles of those with schizophrenia. These findings await replication using a larger sample.

Prevalence and Associated Factors for Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 771-778 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albina Rodrigues Torres ◽  
Ana Teresa de Abreu Ramos-Cerqueira ◽  
Ricardo Cezar Torresan ◽  
Mariana de Souza Domingues ◽  
Ana Carolina R. Hercos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Beck Depression Inventory ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Worth Living ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Suicidal Thoughts ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Suicidal Plans

ABSTRACTIntroductionPatients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have historically been considered at low risk for suicide, but recent studies are controversial.ObjectiveTo study the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts in OCD patients and to compare those with and without suicidality according to demographic and clinical variables.MethodsFifty outpatients with primary OCD (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) from a Brazilian public university were evaluated. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was used to assess OCD severity, the Beck Depression Inventory to evaluate depressive symptoms and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test to assess alcohol problems.ResultsAll patients had obsessions and compulsions, 64% a chronic fluctuating course and 62% a minimum Y-BOCS score of 16. Half of the patients presented relevant depressive symptoms, but only three had a history of alcohol problems. Seventy percent reported having already thought that life was not worth living, 56% had wished to be dead, 46% had suicidal ideation, 20% had made suicidal plans, and 10% had already attempted suicide. Current suicidal ideation occurred in 14% of the sample and was significantly associated with a Y-BOCS score ≥16. Previous suicidal thoughts were associated with a Beck Depression Inventory score ≥19.ConclusionSuicidality has been underestimated in OCD and should be investigated in every patient, so that appropriate preventive measures can be taken.

Changes in appearance and schizotypy in normal subjects

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 138-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joost à Campo ◽  
Henk Nijman ◽  
Harald Merckelbach
Keyword(s):  
Beck Depression Inventory ◽  
Physical Appearance ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
The Other ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Systematic Fashion ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
Symptom Measures

Background:Anecdotal reports suggest that drastic changes in physical appearance may signal psychotic decompensation in schizophrenic patients.Objective:The current study sought to explore the association between changes in appearance and psychotic vulnerability in a more systematic fashion.Methods:A sample of undergraduates (n = 171) completed the Changes in Appearance Scale (CAS), which assesses frequency and nature of changes in outlook, along with a Schizotypy Scale (STA), the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI), the Fear Questionnaire (FQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).Results:A modest but significant correlation was found between the CAS and STA scores. For the other symptom measures (MOCI, FQ, and BDI), no association with self-reported changes in physical appearance emerged.Conclusions:Changes in physical appearance are found to be significantly associated to mild (pre)psychotic symptoms.

Depressive Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: A Comparison With Disabled Control Subjects

1990 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas S. Ehmann ◽  
Richard J. Beninger ◽  
Merek J. Gawel ◽  
Richard J. Riopelle
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Beck Depression Inventory ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Geriatr Psychiatry ◽  
Medical Problems ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
High Incidence

A high incidence of depressive symptoms has been observed in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). PD involves a loss of central monoamines, and a decrease of monoamines has been implicated in depression; therefore, it is possible that depressive symptoms in PD result from the loss of endogenous neurotransmitters. However, it is equally possible that depressive symptoms represent a reaction to the chronic disabling course of PD. By comparing depressive symptoms in PD patients to those in matched patients with other chronic disabling diseases not involving a loss of central monoamines, it may be possible to decide between these alternatives. Thus, depressive symptoms were assessed in 45 patients with PD and 24 disabled controls that did not differ from the PD subjects on a measure of functional disability. Results showed that PD subjects obtained significantly higher total scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) than controls. PD subjects scored significantly higher than controls on BDI items grouped to reflect cognitive-affective and somatic depressive symptoms. The BDI scores of PD subjects were not reliably related to age, sex, duration of PD, or clinical ratings of PD symptom severity or functional disability. Self-rated disability and the number of recent medical problems were the greatest predictors of depressive symptoms. These findings supported the hypothesis that depressive symptoms in PD may not represent solely a reaction to disability. ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 1989; 2:3-9).

scholarly journals Subtyping Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Neuropsychological Correlates

2003 ◽  
Vol 14 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 75-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine L. Harris ◽  
Wayne M. Dinn
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Performance Deficits ◽  
Schizotypal Personality ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Control Subjects ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Personality Features ◽  
The Impact

We administered neuropsychological measures considered sensitive to prefrontal dysfunction (both orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal neocortex) to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and control subjects. OCD subjects exhibited performance deficits, in comparison to community controls, on three measures sensitive to orbitofrontal neocortex dysfunction. Contrary to expectation, OCD patients also exhibited performance deficits on measures sensitive to dorsolateral prefrontal neocortex dysfunction. However, distinct neurocognitive profiles emerged when we examined the impact of comorbid schizotypal personality features on neuropsychological test performance. Primary OCD patients displayed impaired performance on measures sensitive to orbitofrontal dysfunction; however, they did not differ from control subjects on tests of dorsolateral function. OCD subjects presenting with schizotypal personality features performed poorly not only on tests sensitive to orbitofrontal dysfunction, but also on tests sensitive to dorsolateral dysfunction. Findings suggest that OCD can be subdivided into clinical subtypes, and distinct prefrontal subsystems may be differentially involved in these subtypes.

scholarly journals Mindfulness-based and acceptance-based programmes in the treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder: a study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. e050329
Author(s):  
Johannes Julian Bürkle ◽  
Johannes Caspar Fendel ◽  
Stefan Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder

IntroductionCognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention is the recommended standard for the treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). However, a high proportion of patients refuse this treatment, do not respond or relapse shortly after treatment. Growing evidence suggests that mindfulness-based and acceptance-based programmes (MABPs) are an effective option for the treatment of OCD. This systematic review and meta-analysis will examine the effectiveness of MABPs in treating OCD. We also aimed to explore potential moderators of the programmes’ effectiveness.Methods and analysisWe will systematically search MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, PSYINDEX, Web of Science, CINAHL and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials (no language restrictions) for studies that evaluate the effect of MABPs on patients with OCD. We will conduct backward and forward citation searches of included studies and relevant reviews and contact corresponding authors. The primary outcome will be pre-post intervention change in symptom severity. A secondary outcome will be change in depressive symptoms. Two reviewers will independently screen the records, extract the data and rate the methodological quality of the studies. We will include both controlled and uncontrolled trials. Randomised controlled trials will be meta-analysed, separately assessing between-group effects. A second meta-analysis will assess the within-group effect of all eligible studies. We will explore moderators and sources of heterogeneity such as the specific programme, study design, changes in depressive symptoms, hours of guided treatment, control condition and prior therapy (eg, CBT) using metaregression and subgroup analyses. We will perform sensitivity analyses using follow-up data. A narrative synthesis will also be pursued. We will use the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the quality of the evidence.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences.

scholarly journals Sex-Specific Associations of Trimethylamine-N-Oxide and Zonulin with Signs of Depression in Carbohydrate Malabsorbers and Nonmalabsorbers

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Meinitzer ◽  
Andreas Baranyi ◽  
Sandra Holasek ◽  
Wolfgang J. Schnedl ◽  
Sieglinde Zelzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Beck Depression Inventory ◽  
Intestinal Permeability ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Carbohydrate Malabsorption ◽  
Specific Relationship ◽  
Breath Testing ◽  
Lactase Gene ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Gender Specific

Background. The microbiome-derived trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and the intestinal permeability marker zonulin are considered to be linked with depression. Moreover, carbohydrate malabsorption (CMA) was shown to be associated with signs of depression. This study is aimed at investigating possible sex-specific associations between TMAO and zonulin and the presence of depressive signs in individuals with and without CMA. Methods. Serum concentrations of TMAO and zonulin were determined in 115 and 136 individuals with the presence or absence of CMA. All 251 study participants underwent lactase gene C/T-13910 polymorphism genotyping and fructose H2/CH4 breath testing. Additionally, they filled in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) questionnaire. Results. The median TMAO and zonulin serum concentrations were 2.66 (1.93–4.14) μmol/L and 40.83 (34.73–47.48) ng/mL. Serum TMAO levels were positively correlated with depressive symptoms (P=0.011, ρ=0.160). The strongest correlations were observed in 87 females (P=0.010, ρ=0.274) and 49 males (P=0.027, ρ=0.315) without CMA, whereas 115 patients with CMA showed no significant correlations. Zonulin tended to be negatively correlated with the BDI-II score in 49 males without CMA (P=0.062, ρ=−0.269). Conclusion. This study demonstrates a positive correlationship between the serum TMAO concentrations and the severity of depressive symptoms in females and males without CMA. Serum zonulin levels were negatively correlated with signs of depression in males without CMA. These findings suggest a gender-specific relationship between the serum TMAO and zonulin concentrations, depression, and CMA.

The treatment of magical ideation in two individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle A. Einstein ◽  
Ross G. Menzies ◽  
Tamsen St Clare ◽  
Juliette Drobny ◽  
Fjola Dogg Helgadottir
Keyword(s):  
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Video Clip ◽  
Magical Thinking ◽  
Behaviour Therapy ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Magical Ideation ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Pre Treatment

AbstractData collected from clinical populations indicate that magical ideation (MI) may play a causal or a mediating role in the expression of obsessive compulsive symptoms. If this is the case then when targeted in treatment, symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) should be altered. Two individuals diagnosed with OCD received a trial treatment targeting magical thinking. The intervention consisted of a series of procedures designed to undermine superstitious/MI without targeting obsessions or compulsions. The procedures involved critical analysis of the following material: (1) a free astrology offer; (2) a horoscope prediction exercise; (3) a description of four different cultural explanations of the origin of fire; (4) an instructive guide for Tarot card readers; (5) a report of a UFO sighting; (6) a video-clip describing a cult festival; (7) a description of a ‘hoax’ channeler and (8) a superstition exercise. Measures of obsessive compulsive symptoms, superstition, MI and thought–action fusion were administered pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 3 months’ follow-up. According to the twofold criterion of Jacobson et al. (Behaviour Therapy 1984, 15, 336–352), following treatment the patients were identified as being recovered on measures of magical and superstitious thinking and on the Padua Inventory.

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