scholarly journals Cognitive Functioning and Schizotypy: A Four-Years Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny Karamaouna ◽  
Chrysoula Zouraraki ◽  
Stella G. Giakoumaki
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Response Inhibition ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Set Shifting ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Over Time

Although there is ample evidence from cross-sectional studies indicating cognitive deficits in high schizotypal individuals that resemble the cognitive profile of schizophrenia-spectrum patients, there is still lack of evidence by longitudinal/follow-up studies. The present study included assessments of schizotypal traits and a wide range of cognitive functions at two time points (baseline and 4-years assessments) in order to examine (a) their stability over time, (b) the predictive value of baseline schizotypy on cognition at follow-up and (c) differences in cognition between the two time points in high negative schizotypal and control individuals. Only high negative schizotypal individuals were compared with controls due to the limited number of participants falling in the other schizotypal groups at follow-up. Seventy participants (mean age: 36.17; 70% females) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Schizotypal traits were evaluated with the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. We found that schizotypal traits decreased over time, except in a sub-group of participants (“schizotypy congruent”) that includes individuals who consistently meet normative criteria of inclusion in either a schizotypal or control group. In these individuals, negative schizotypy and aspects of cognitive-perceptual and disorganized schizotypy remained stable. The stability of cognitive functioning also varied over time: response inhibition, aspects of cued attention switching, set-shifting and phonemic/semantic verbal fluency improved at follow-up. High negative schizotypy at baseline predicted poorer response inhibition and semantic switching at follow-up while high disorganized schizotypy predicted poorer semantic processing and complex processing speed/set-shifting. The between-group analyses revealed that response inhibition, set-shifting and complex processing speed/set-shifting were poorer in negative schizotypals compared with controls at both time points, while maintaining set and semantic switching were poorer only at follow-up. Taken together, the findings show differential stability of the schizotypal traits over time and indicate that different aspects of schizotypy predict a different pattern of neuropsychological task performance during a 4-years time window. These results are of significant use in the formulation of targeted early-intervention strategies for high-risk populations.

The trajectory of cognitive functioning following first episode mania: A 12-month follow-up study

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 1186-1197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rothanthi Daglas ◽  
Kelly Allott ◽  
Murat Yücel ◽  
Christos Pantelis ◽  
Craig A. Macneil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Over Time

Objectives: Cognitive deficits are apparent in the early stages of bipolar disorder; however, the timing and trajectory of cognitive functioning following a first episode of mania remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the trajectory of cognitive functioning in people following a first episode of mania over a 12-month period, relative to healthy controls. Method: The cohort included 61 participants who had recently stabilised from a first treated manic episode, and 21 demographically similar healthy controls. These groups were compared on changes observed over time using an extensive cognitive battery, over a 12-month follow-up period. Results: A significant group by time interaction was observed in one measure of processing speed (Trail Making Test – part A,) and immediate verbal memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test – trial 1), with an improved performance in people following a first episode of mania relative to healthy controls. On the contrary, there was a significant group by time interaction observed on another processing speed task pertaining to focussed reaction time (Go/No-Go, missed go responses), with first episode of mania participants performing significantly slower in comparison with healthy controls. Furthermore, a significant group by time interaction was observed in inhibitory effortful control (Stroop effect), in which healthy controls showed an improvement over time relative to first episode of mania participants. There were no other significant interactions of group by time related to other measures of cognition over the 12-month period. Conclusion: Our findings revealed cognitive change in processing speed, immediate memory and one measure of executive functioning over a 12-month period in first episode of mania participants relative to healthy controls. There was no evidence of change over time for all other cognitive domains. Further studies focussed on the at-risk period, subgroup analysis, and the effects of medication on the cognitive trajectory following first episode of mania are needed.

T3 Are Burns a Chronic Condition: Examining Physical and Mental Functioning up to 20 Years After Injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S2-S3
Author(s):  
Callie Abouzeid ◽  
Audrey E Wolfe ◽  
Gretchen J Carrougher ◽  
Nicole S Gibran ◽  
Radha K Holavanahalli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
National Database ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Burn Survivors ◽  
Population Demographic ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Introduction Burn survivors often face many long-term physical and psychological symptoms associated with their injury. To date, however, few studies have examined the impact of burn injuries on quality of life beyond 2 years post-injury. The purpose of this study is to examine the physical and mental well-being of burn survivors up to 20 years after injury. Methods Data from the Burn Model System National Database (1997–2020) were analyzed. Patient-reported outcome measures were collected at discharge with a recall of preinjury status, and then at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after injury. Outcomes examined were the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the Short Form-12. Trajectories were developed using linear mixed methods model with repeated measures of PCS and MCS scores over time and controlling for demographic and clinical variables. The model fitted score trajectory was generated with 95% confidence intervals to demonstrate score changes over time and associations with covariates. Results The study population included 420 adult burn survivors with a mean age of 42.4 years. The population was mainly male (66%) and white (76.4%) with a mean burn size of 21.5% and length of hospital stay of 31.3 days. Higher PCS scores were associated with follow-up time points closer to injury, shorter hospital stay, and younger age. Similarly, higher MCS scores were associated with earlier follow-up time points, shorter hospital stay, female gender, and non-perineal burns. MCS trajectories are demonstrated in the Figure. Conclusions Burn survivors’ physical and mental health worsened over time. Such a trend is different from previous reported results for mental health in the general population. Demographic and clinical predictors of recovery over time are identified.

Long-Term Reactions to the Loss of a Close Friend in an Extreme Terror Incident

2018 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iren Johnsen ◽  
Kari Dyregrov ◽  
Stig Berge Matthiesen ◽  
Jon Christian Laberg
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Studies ◽  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Close Friend ◽  
Traumatic Death ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Grief Reactions ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Avoidant Behavior

This article presents results from one of the first longitudinal studies exploring the effects of losing a close friend to traumatic death, focusing on complicated grief over time and how this is affected by avoidant behavior and rumination about the loss. The sample consists of 88 persons (76% women and 24% men, mean age = 21) who lost a close friend in the Utøya killings in Norway on July 22, 2011.Quantitative data were collected at three time-points; 18, 28, and 40 months postloss. Main findings are that bereaved friends are heavily impacted by the loss and their grief reactions are affected negatively by avoidant behavior and rumination. This indicates that close bereaved friends are a group to be aware of and that there is a need for better strategies for identifying individuals in need for follow-up.

scholarly journals T55. DETECTING SEMANTIC DISTANCE ABNORMALITIES IN PSYCHOSIS: QUANTIFICATION OF WORD ASSOCIATIONS USING SEMANTIC SPACE MODELING

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S252-S252
Author(s):  
Andrea Pintos ◽  
Charlton Cheung ◽  
Simon De Deyne ◽  
Christy L M Hui ◽  
Eric Y H Chen
Keyword(s):  
Word Association ◽  
Semantic Distance ◽  
Semantic Space ◽  
Psychotic Episode ◽  
Symptom Change ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Association Task ◽  
Cue Words ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Language Disorganisation is central to the conceptualization of psychosis. Disruptions in semantic processing have been observed both as a “state”, and a “trait” phenomena in psychotic disorders. Quantification of semantic abnormalities have been improved with recent advances in semantic modeling. The current study applied such computational methods on a word association task, using immediate response to cue words to explore semantic associations. We employed a longitudinal design to investigate semantic relationships during a psychotic episode compared with the same patients after remission six months later, in order to clarify the state-trait status of the semantic variables, and their relationships with clinical symptoms. We hypothesized that semantic distance would be significantly greater in patients than controls at baseline, and would decrease upon follow-up. Methods A continued word association task (WAT) was employed to elicit three associations per cue from a set of 200 cue-words. The set of cues were previously established as being representative of words in general speech, in terms of valence, concreteness and part-of-speech composition. The task was administered to 47 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and 44 matched healthy control participants. Data was collected at two time points, at baseline when patients were actively psychotic and then at 6-months follow-up. In addition, extensive clinical and cognitive measures were collected at both time points. Patterns of word associations were explored using vector representations, derived from Word2Vec, that encompass semantic meaning. Semantic distance of each cue-response pairing is defined using the cosine angle of their vectors. Changes in semantic distance were further examined on their correlation with symptom change over time. Results There was a significant interaction between group and time point on semantic distance (F = 6.865, p = 0.009), where measures of the semantic distance of patients’ responses were significantly greater than healthy controls at both time-points (p < 0.001).There is a significant time effect: the semantic distance reduced significantly over time (p < 0.001). Within the patient group, a change in semantic distance was correlated with symptom change over time, specifically with general psychopathology (p =0.024), depressive (p = 0.046) and manic symptoms (p < 0.01). Discussion Measures of semantic distance were significantly greater in patients both at baseline during a psychotic episode, and at follow-up upon clinical remission. There is a significant but not full normalization of semantic distance upon remission. Increase in semantic distance is therefore both a state and a trait marker in psychosis. We have employed a novel technique to quantify semantic distance of a word association task using Word2Vec to generate vector representations of responses in a high-dimensional semantic space. The findings illustrate the feasibility of applying Word2Vec to a word association task to detect subtle changes in language. Subsequent research possibilities using this approach includes exploration of the semantic content of responses, by grouping similar meaning responses into conceptual clusters, and its correlation with symptom change.

scholarly journals Changes of trace element status during aging: results of the EPIC-Potsdam cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (7) ◽  
pp. 3045-3058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Baudry ◽  
Johannes F. Kopp ◽  
Heiner Boeing ◽  
Anna P. Kipp ◽  
Tanja Schwerdtle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reference Ranges ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Supplement Use ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Longitudinal Variability ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Purpose We aimed to evaluate age-dependent changes of six trace elements (TE) [manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iodine (I), and selenium (Se)] over a 20-year period. Methods TE concentrations were determined using repeated serum samples taken at baseline and after 20 years of follow-up from 219 healthy participants of the EPIC-Potsdam study, using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry. For each TE, absolute and relative differences were calculated between the two time points, as well as the proportion of individuals within normal reference ranges. Interdependence between age-related TE differences was investigated using principal component analysis (PCA). Relationships between selected factors (lifestyle, sociodemographic, anthropometric factors, and hypertension) and corresponding TE longitudinal variability were examined using multivariable linear regression models. Results Median age of our study sample was 58.32 years (4.42) at baseline and 40% were females. Median Mn, Zn, Se concentrations and Se to Cu ratio significantly decreased during aging while median Fe, Cu, I concentrations and Cu to Zn ratio significantly increased. A substantial percentage of the participants, at both time points, had Zn concentrations below the reference range. The first PCA-extracted factor reflected the correlated decline in both Mn and Zn over time while the second factor reflected the observed (on average) increase in both Cu and I over time. Overall, none of the investigated factors were strong determinants of TE longitudinal variability, except possibly dietary supplement use, and alcohol use for Fe. Conclusions In conclusion, in this population-based study of healthy elderly, decrease in Mn, Zn, and Se concentrations and increase in Fe, Cu, and I concentrations were observed over 20 years of follow-up. Further research is required to investigate dietary determinants and markers of TE status as well as the relationships between TE profiles and the risk of age-related diseases.

scholarly journals B-52 Improvements in Cognitive Functioning in Inactive Professional Fighters

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 998-998
Author(s):  
L Bennett ◽  
C Bernick ◽  
W Ng
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Objective Repetitive head injuries common in combat sports have been associated with increased risk for cognitive dysfunction. Interestingly, the Professional Fighter’s Brain Health Study (PFBHS) team has observed improvements in fighters’ cognitive performance following their transition to inactive fighting status. As this phenomenon was explored, it was hypothesized that fighters’ cognitive performance will initially improve following their discontinuation of fighting. Methods Longitudinal demographic, fighting history, and cognitive functioning data from 31 fighters who discontinued fighting during their participation in the PFBHS. Cognitive functioning was assessed via CNS Vital Signs and C3/iComet computerized batteries. Number of professional fights, as well as inactive fighting status, was determined using published professional online records. Fighters were considered inactive if they had gone two or more years without a professional match. Results Paired-samples t test was conducted to evaluate cognitive functioning in fighters at time 1 (actively fighting) and time 2 (inactive fighting status). When comparing cognitive function at across time points, performance on CNS Vital Signs measures of verbal memory, processing speed, psychomotor speed, and reaction time, as well as C3/iComet measures of set-shifting and complex reaction time, significantly improved at time 2 (all p’s < 0.05). Interestingly, performance did not improve across time points on a C3/iComet measure of processing speed (Trailmaking Test Part A). Conclusions Cognitive performance improved on most measures when fighters transitioned to inactive fighting status. Given the limited sample size, future analysis is necessary to evaluate the relationship between fighting status and cognitive performance in a larger sample size.

Positive youth development related athlete experiences and coach behaviors following a targeted coach education course

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 621-630
Author(s):  
Dany J MacDonald ◽  
Martin Camiré ◽  
Karl Erickson ◽  
Fernando Santos
Keyword(s):  
Youth Development ◽  
Positive Youth Development ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Coach Education ◽  
Developmental Experiences ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Coach Behaviors ◽  
Experimental Group

The purpose of this study was to examine if a positive youth development (PYD) coach education course would (i) result in more positive developmental experiences perceived by athletes of participant coaches and (ii) increase the frequency of PYD-oriented behaviors exhibited by participant coaches. A total of 14 coaches and 270 athletes participated in the study. Eight coaches ( Mage = 38.0 years) overseeing 154 athletes ( Mage = 13.8 years) were in the control group, while six coaches ( Mage = 36.7 years) overseeing 116 athletes ( Mage = 13.9 years) were in the experimental group. The 10-week intervention combined a group-based PYD coach education course with individualized coach meetings. Seven practices per coach were observed and recorded at baseline ( n = 2), intervention ( n = 3), and follow-up ( n = 2). Athletes completed measures of coach-athlete relationships and sport experiences at the three time points. Results of the 2 × 3 (group × time) mixed ANOVAs demonstrated that coaches in the intervention group increased the frequency of their PYD-oriented behaviors during the intervention but returned to levels slightly above baseline at follow-up. Coaches in the control group did not change their behaviors over the same period. Athlete reports of their developmental experiences were high at all time points and did not change over time. Findings suggest PYD coach education has the potential to influence coach behavior, but further research is required to determine how to create sustained changes for coaches and increases in athletes’ perceived positive developmental experiences.

The Chornobyl accident and cognitive functioning: a follow-up study of infant evacuees at age 19 years

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 489-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. P. Taormina ◽  
S. Rozenblatt ◽  
L. T. Guey ◽  
S. F. Gluzman ◽  
G. A. Carlson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Population Based ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Memory Problems

BackgroundThe cognitive and academic outcomes of infants exposed to radiation after the meltdown at Chornobyl have been intensely debated. Western-based investigations indicate that no adverse effects occurred, but local studies reported increased cognitive impairments in exposed compared with non-exposed children. Our initial study found that at age 11 years, school grades and neuropsychological performance were similar in 300 children evacuated to Kiev as infants or in utero compared with 300 classmate controls, yet more evacuee mothers believed that their children had memory problems. This study re-examined the children's performance and academic achievement at age 19 years.MethodIn 2005–2006, we conducted an 8-year follow-up of the evacuees (n=265) and classmate controls (n=261) assessed in Kiev in 1997. Outcomes included university attendance, tests of intelligence, attention, and memory, and subjective appraisals of memory problems. Scores were standardized using a local population-based control group (n=327). Analyses were stratified by parental education.ResultsEvacuees and classmates performed similarly and in the normal range on all tests, and no differential temporal changes were found. The results were comparable for the in utero subsample. The rates of university attendance and self-reported memory problems were also similar. Nevertheless, the evacuee mothers were almost three times as likely to report that their children had memory problems compared with controls.ConclusionsChornobyl did not influence the cognitive functioning of exposed infants although more evacuee mothers still believed that their offspring had memory problems. These lingering worries reflect a wider picture of persistent health concerns as a consequence of the accident.

scholarly journals Effect of Aerobic Training on Cognitive Function and Arterial Stiffness in Sedentary Young Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Asamoah ◽  
Jason Siegler ◽  
Dennis Chang ◽  
Andrew Scholey ◽  
Alan Yeung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Pulse Pressure ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Aerobic Training ◽  
Augmentation Index ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Over Time

This study measured cognitive and vascular responses to aerobic training in sedentary young adults. Ten adults (6 women, 4 men; 18–29 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental or no-treatment control group. The experimental group engaged in a 6-week intervention, performed on exercise cycle and treadmill, 3x/week, 50 min/session; intensity was increased over time. Outcome measures included arterial stiffness (augmentation index, AIx, and pulse pressure), cardiorespiratory fitness (), and cognitive function (attention, processing speed, working memory, episodic memory, and executive function). Participants randomized to aerobic training improved processing speed versus control (, ES = 0.55). However, no group × time effects were noted in other domains of cognitive function. AIx was reduced by approximately 16% from before to after intervention in the experimental group; however, the improvement was not statistically significant versus control (, ES = 0.22). Pulse pressure did not change between groups over time (, ES = 0.0). increased by approximately 10% in the experimental group; however, the change was not significant between groups over time (, ES = 0.27). Vascular and cognitive adaptations to aerobic training may move in parallel. Robust trials simultaneously investigating a broad spectrum of aerobic training interventions and vascular and cognitive outcomes are warranted.

Psychoeducation and cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients with refractory bipolar disorder: A 5-year controlled clinical trial

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. González Isasi ◽  
E. Echeburúa ◽  
J.M. Limiñana ◽  
A. González-Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Pharmacological Treatment ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Combined Treatment ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Evaluation Time ◽  
Experimental Group

AbstractObjective:The aim of this research, which represents an additional and longer follow-up to a previous trial, was to evaluate a 5-year follow-up study of a combined treatment (pharmacological + psychoeducational and cognitive-behavioral therapy) as compared with a standard pharmacological treatment in patients with refractory bipolar disorder.Method:Forty patients were randomly assigned to either an Experimental group–under combined treatment — or a Control group — under pharmacological treatment. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), with repeated measures at different evaluation time points.Results:Between-group differences were significant at all evaluation time points after treatment. Experimental group had less hospitalization events than Control group in the 12-month evaluation (P = 0.015). The Experimental group showed lower depression and anxiety in the 6-month (P = 0.006; P = 0.019), 12-month (P = 0.001; P < 0.001) and 5-year (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) evaluation time points. Significant differences emerged in mania and misadjustment already in the post-treatment evaluation (P = 0.009; P < 0.001) and were sustained throughout the study (6-month: P = 0.006, P < 0.001; 12-month: P < 0.001, P < 0.001; 5-year: P = 0.004, P < 0.001). After 5-year follow-up, 88.9% of patients in the Control group and 20% of patients in the Experimental group showed persistent affective symptoms and/or difficulties in social-occupational functioning.Conclusions:A combined therapy is long-term effective for patients with refractory bipolar disorder. Suggestions for future research are commented.

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