scholarly journals Alcohol and the dysregulation of cognitive control: Exploring the role of emotion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Thomas Allen Scott-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Skin Conductance ◽  
Empirical Test ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Affective Processing ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Rate Deceleration

<p>Alcohol consumption attenuates both the behavioural adjustments and the heightened activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) which are normally observed following errors, leading to the hypothesis that alcohol disrupts the ability to effectively regulate the use of cognitive control. It has furthermore been theorized that these deficits may occur because alcohol reduces the negative affect elicited by unfavourable events, such as errors, thereby weakening the motivation to utilize cognitive control to improve performance. The aim of the current thesis was to provide an empirical test of this model. I carried out two studies in which I examined changes in two physiological indices of affective processing, skin conductance and heart rate, as well as behavioural and EEG responses, following errors on a flanker task. The first study was conducted on sober participants, in order to validate my experimental paradigm, while the second compared the physiological and behavioural effects of errors in participants given either alcohol or a placebo. In both experiments in both experiments, errors produced increased skin conductance responses and heart rate deceleration, and a typical error-related negativity in EEG. However, contrary to what would be expected if alcohol reduced the negative affect generated by errors, no difference in skin conductance or heart rate responses to errors were observed between alcohol and placebo participants in the second study. Furthermore, although intoxicated participants displayed an overall reduction in the use of cognitive control, based on both behavioural (flanker interference) and EEG (occipital alpha power) measures, groups did not differ in the degree to which this control was upregulated immediately after task errors. However, exploratory analyses of EEG indices (the feedback-related negativity and midfrontal theta power) of ACC activity following errors were significantly diminished in intoxicated participants. Overall, these findings suggest that alcohol does not reduce the immediate negative emotional consequences of errors but may instead disrupt brain networks needed for the sustained engagement of cognitive control and attention to task performance.</p>

scholarly journals Alcohol and the dysregulation of cognitive control: Exploring the role of emotion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Thomas Allen Scott-Smith
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Skin Conductance ◽  
Empirical Test ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Affective Processing ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Rate Deceleration

<p>Alcohol consumption attenuates both the behavioural adjustments and the heightened activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) which are normally observed following errors, leading to the hypothesis that alcohol disrupts the ability to effectively regulate the use of cognitive control. It has furthermore been theorized that these deficits may occur because alcohol reduces the negative affect elicited by unfavourable events, such as errors, thereby weakening the motivation to utilize cognitive control to improve performance. The aim of the current thesis was to provide an empirical test of this model. I carried out two studies in which I examined changes in two physiological indices of affective processing, skin conductance and heart rate, as well as behavioural and EEG responses, following errors on a flanker task. The first study was conducted on sober participants, in order to validate my experimental paradigm, while the second compared the physiological and behavioural effects of errors in participants given either alcohol or a placebo. In both experiments in both experiments, errors produced increased skin conductance responses and heart rate deceleration, and a typical error-related negativity in EEG. However, contrary to what would be expected if alcohol reduced the negative affect generated by errors, no difference in skin conductance or heart rate responses to errors were observed between alcohol and placebo participants in the second study. Furthermore, although intoxicated participants displayed an overall reduction in the use of cognitive control, based on both behavioural (flanker interference) and EEG (occipital alpha power) measures, groups did not differ in the degree to which this control was upregulated immediately after task errors. However, exploratory analyses of EEG indices (the feedback-related negativity and midfrontal theta power) of ACC activity following errors were significantly diminished in intoxicated participants. Overall, these findings suggest that alcohol does not reduce the immediate negative emotional consequences of errors but may instead disrupt brain networks needed for the sustained engagement of cognitive control and attention to task performance.</p>

scholarly journals Nicotine dependence (trait) and acute nicotinic stimulation (state) modulate attention but not cognitive control: converging fMRI evidence from Go-Nogo and Flanker tasks

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Lesage ◽  
M.T. Sutherland ◽  
T.J. Ross ◽  
B.J. Salmeron ◽  
E.A. Stein
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Nicotine Dependence ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Cognitive Demand ◽  
Nicotine Withdrawal ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Related Activity ◽  
Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Pharmacological Manipulations

ABSTRACTCognitive deficits during nicotine withdrawal may contribute to smoking relapse. However, interacting effects of chronic nicotine dependence and acute nicotine withdrawal on cognitive control are poorly understood. Here, we examine the effects of nicotine dependence (trait; smokers versus non-smoking controls), and acute nicotinic stimulation (state; administration of nicotine and varenicline, two FDA-approved smoking cessation aids, during abstinence), on two well-established tests of cognitive control, the Go-Nogo task and the Flanker task, during fMRI scanning. We compared performance and neural responses between these four pharmacological manipulations in a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. As expected, performance in both tasks was modulated by nicotine dependence, abstinence and pharmacological manipulation. However, effects were driven entirely by conditions that required less cognitive control. When demand for cognitive control was high, abstinent smokers showed no deficits. By contrast, acutely abstinent smokers showed performance deficits in easier conditions and missed more trials. Go-Nogo fMRI results showed decreased inhibition-related neural activity in right anterior insula and right putamen in smokers and decreased dorsal anterior cingulate cortex activity on nicotine across groups. No effects were found on inhibition-related activity during the Flanker task, or on error-related activity in either task. Given robust nicotinic effects on physiology and behavioral deficits in attention, we are confident that pharmacological manipulations were effective. Thus, findings fit a recent proposal that abstinent smokers show decreased ability to divert cognitive resources at low or intermediate cognitive demand, while performance at high cognitive demand remains relatively unaffected, suggesting a primary attentional deficit during acute abstinence.

scholarly journals Functional Brain Alterations Associated With Cognitive Control in Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 662-672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle R. Sullivan ◽  
Jasmeet P. Hayes ◽  
Ginette Lafleche ◽  
David H. Salat ◽  
Mieke Verfaellie
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Default Mode Network ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Compensatory Mechanism ◽  
Default Mode

AbstractObjectives: Research on the cognitive sequelae of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) suggests that, despite generally rapid recovery, difficulties may persist in the domain of cognitive control. The goal of this study was to examine whether individuals with chronic blast-related mTBI show behavioral or neural alterations associated with cognitive control. Methods: We collected event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data during a flanker task in 17 individuals with blast-related mTBI and 16 individuals with blast-exposure without TBI (control). Results: Groups did not significantly differ in behavioral measures of cognitive control. Relative to the control group, the mTBI group showed greater deactivation of regions associated with the default mode network during the processing of errors. Additionally, error processing in the mTBI group was associated with enhanced negative coupling between the default mode network and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex as well as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, regions of the salience and central executive networks that are associated with cognitive control. Conclusions: These results suggest that deactivation of default mode network regions and associated enhancements of connectivity with cognitive control regions may act as a compensatory mechanism for successful cognitive control task performance in mTBI. (JINS, 2018, 24, 1–11)

scholarly journals Spontaneous Alpha and Theta Oscillations Are Related to Complementary Aspects of Cognitive Control in Younger and Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace M. Clements ◽  
Daniel C. Bowie ◽  
Mate Gyurkovics ◽  
Kathy A. Low ◽  
Monica Fabiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Proactive Control ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Task Sets ◽  
Task Representations

The resting-state human electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum is dominated by alpha (8–12 Hz) and theta (4–8 Hz) oscillations, and also includes non-oscillatory broadband activity inversely related to frequency (1/f activity). Gratton proposed that alpha and theta oscillations are both related to cognitive control function, though in a complementary manner. Alpha activity is hypothesized to facilitate the maintenance of representations, such as task sets in preparation for expected task conditions. In contrast, theta activity would facilitate changes in representations, such as the updating of task sets in response to unpredicted task demands. Therefore, theta should be related to reactive control (which may prompt changes in task representations), while alpha may be more relevant to proactive control (which implies the maintenance of current task representations). Less is known about the possible relationship between 1/f activity and cognitive control, which was analyzed here in an exploratory fashion. To investigate these hypothesized relationships, we recorded eyes-open and eyes-closed resting-state EEG from younger and older adults and subsequently tested their performance on a cued flanker task, expected to elicit both proactive and reactive control processes. Results showed that alpha power and 1/f offset were smaller in older than younger adults, whereas theta power did not show age-related reductions. Resting alpha power and 1/f offset were associated with proactive control processes, whereas theta power was related to reactive control as measured by the cued flanker task. All associations were present over and above the effect of age, suggesting that these resting-state EEG correlates could be indicative of trait-like individual differences in cognitive control performance, which may be already evident in younger adults, and are still similarly present in healthy older adults.

Psychophysiological Response Patterns of High and Low Alexithymics Under Mental and Emotional Load Conditions

2003 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 203-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Franz ◽  
Ralf Schaefer ◽  
Christine Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Skin Conductance ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Electrodermal Activity ◽  
Load Condition ◽  
Continuous Performance Test ◽  
Response Patterns ◽  
Mental Load ◽  
Rate Deceleration ◽  
Load Conditions

Abstract Compared to normals or low alexithymics, high alexithymic subjects show a modified psychophysiological reactivity under experimental stress. This study aims to differentiate these effects under different load conditions (mental vs. emotional load, 5min each). High (N = 33) and low (N = 33) alexithymic subjects were identified by the German version of the Toronto-Alexithymia-Scale (TAS-20). Subjects were exposed to two tasks of the continuous performance test as a mental load condition and two unpleasant movie sequences as an emotional load condition. Heart rate and electrodermal activity (nonspecific skin conductance reactions) were continuously recorded during stimuli presentation. High alexithymic subjects showed a decreased number of nonspecific skin conductance reactions under all load conditions compared to low alexithymics. Initial heart rate acceleration of high alexithymic subjects under mental load was stronger, whereas under emotional load high alexithymic subjects showed a stronger initial heart rate deceleration. Results are discussed with respect to a modified processing of emotionally qualified information in alexithymics.

The role of child maltreatment in early deviations in cognitive and affective processing abilities and later peer relationship problems

1995 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 591-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred A. Rogosch ◽  
Dante Cicchetti ◽  
J. Lawrence Aber
Keyword(s):  
Child Maltreatment ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Peer Relations ◽  
Low Income ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Affective Processing ◽  
Social Effectiveness ◽  
Maltreated Children ◽  
Teacher Assessments

AbstractDespite considerable research demonstrating the adverse consequences of child maltreatment, including a heightened risk for adaptational failures and psychopathology, longitudinal evaluations of processes contributing to negative outcomes have been limited. Problems in peer relations constitute a critical developmental risk for future maladaptation among maltreated children, transferring relationship disturbance from the family to new interpersonal contexts. The linkages of a history of child maltreatment to early deviations in cognitive/affective processes, which subsequently lead to difficulties in peer relations were examined. Specifically, in a sample of 46 maltreated and 43 nonmaltreated low-income children, laboratory assessments of affect understanding and cognitive control functioning were conducted, followed by later peer and teacher assessments of peer relations in the school setting. Maltreated children were shown to evidence early deviations in their understanding of negative affect as well as immaturity in their cognitive controls. Maltreated children also were shown to have lower social effectiveness and higher levels of undercontrolled and aggressive behavior in the school setting. Physically abused children were found to be more rejected by their peers. Cognitive control functioning partially mediated the effect of maltreatment on later social effectiveness. Negative affect understanding mediated both the relation of maltreatment on later dysregulated behavior in the peer setting and the effect of physical abuse on later rejection by peers. The results are discussed in terms of their support for organizational/transactional theory and the implications they have for prevention and intervention.

scholarly journals Dynamic Adjustments of Midfrontal Control Signals in Adults and Adolescents

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mate Gyurkovics ◽  
Liat Levita
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Early Adolescents ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Temporal Consistency ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Age Related

Abstract During task performance, our level of cognitive control is dynamically adjusted to task demands as reflected, for example, by the congruency sequence effect (CSE) in conflict tasks. Although brain areas related to cognitive control show protracted maturation across adolescence, previous studies found that adolescents show similar behavioral CSEs to adults. In the present study, we investigated whether there are age-related changes in the neural underpinnings of dynamic control adjustments using electroencephalography. Early adolescents (ages 12–14, N = 30) and young adults (ages 25–27, N = 29) completed a confound-minimized flanker task optimized for the detection of sequential control adjustments. The CSE was observed in midfrontal theta power thought to capture anterior cingulate cortex-mediated monitoring processes but was not modulated significantly by age. Adolescents, however, showed a smaller congruency effect in the power and cross-trial temporal consistency of midfrontal theta oscillations than adults. No age differences were observed in phase-based connectivity between midfrontal and lateral frontal regions in the theta band. These findings provide strong support for the role of midfrontal theta oscillations in conflict monitoring and reactive control and suggest that the cognitive system of early adolescents initially responds less reliably to the occurrence of conflict than that of adults.

scholarly journals Spontaneous alpha and theta oscillations are related to complementary aspects of cognitive control in younger and older adults

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace M. Clements ◽  
Daniel C. Bowie ◽  
Mate Gyurkovics ◽  
Kathy A. Low ◽  
Monica Fabiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Flanker Task ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Proactive Control ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Task Sets ◽  
Task Representations

AbstractThe resting-state human EEG power spectrum is dominated by alpha (8-12 Hz) and theta (4-8Hz) oscillations, and also includes non-oscillatory broadband activity inversely related to frequency (1/f activity). Gratton (2018) proposed that alpha and theta oscillations are both related to cognitive control function, though in a complementary manner. Alpha activity is hypothesized to facilitate the maintenance of representations, such as task sets in preparation for expected task conditions. In contrast, theta activity would facilitate changes in representations, such as the updating of task sets in response to unpredicted task demands. Therefore, theta should be related to reactive control (which may prompt changes in task representations), while alpha may be more relevant to proactive control (which implies the maintenance of current task representations). Less is known about the possible relationship between 1/f activity and cognitive control, which was analyzed here in an exploratory fashion. To investigate these hypothesized relationships, we recorded eyes-open and eyes-closed resting-state EEG from younger and older adults and subsequently tested their performance on a cued flanker task, expected to elicit both proactive and reactive control processes. Results showed that alpha power and 1/f slope were smaller in older than younger adults, whereas theta power did not show age-related reductions. Resting alpha power and 1/f slope were predictive of proactive control processes, whereas theta power was related to reactive control as measured by the cued flanker task. All predictive associations were present over and above the effect of age, suggesting that these resting-state EEG correlates could be indicative of trait-like individual differences in cognitive control performance, which may be already evident in younger adults, and are still similarly present in healthy older adults.

scholarly journals The role of the opioid system in decision making and cognitive control: A review

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk van Steenbergen ◽  
Marie Eikemo ◽  
Siri Leknes
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Opioid System ◽  
Affective Processing ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Mu Opioid ◽  
Control Circuits

The opioid system plays a key role in the regulation of affective processing including pain, pleasure, and reward. However, there is also increasing evidence that this system plays a broader role and can modulate cognitive function. In particular, increasing evidence suggests that the mu-opioid system influences how we choose between actions of different values and how we control our behavior in the face of distracting information. The present paper reviews the available evidence from studies that have used pharmacological manipulations of the mu-opioid system in healthy human volunteers. Our review covers experimental paradigms that have investigated reward-based decision making, impulsivity, neuropsychological tests of executive functioning, attention, inhibition and effort. The reviewed findings provide an emerging picture of how the mu-opioid system influences higher-level cognitive function via modulation of valuation, motivation and control circuits dense in mu-opioid receptors, including orbitofrontal cortex, basal ganglia, amygdalae, anterior cingulate cortex, and prefrontal cortex. The working model we put forward proposes that opioids influence decision making and cognitive control by increasing the subjective value of reward and reducing aversive arousal. The review highlights potential mechanisms that might underlie the effects of mu-opioids on decision making and cognitive control and provides important directions for future research.

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