scholarly journals Exposure to Criticism Modulates Left but Not Right Amygdala Functional Connectivity in Healthy Adolescents: Individual Influences of Perceived and Self-Criticism

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Luc Bart Bonduelle ◽  
Qinyuan Chen ◽  
Guo-Rong Wu ◽  
Caroline Braet ◽  
Rudi De Raedt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Mood States ◽  
Brain Maturation ◽  
Seed Region ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Perceived Criticism

Background: Frequent exposure to criticism is a known risk factor for various adult psychiatric disorders. Adolescents may be even more vulnerable to (parental) criticism, as their imbalanced brain maturation makes them prone to stronger mood changes and less effective emotional regulation. Identifying which adolescent subgroups are more vulnerable than others could be of great clinical relevance. Perceived criticism (PC) and self-criticism (SC), two related but distinct traits, could well be crucial vulnerability factors.Hypotheses: After exposure to criticism during fMRI scanning, rapid changes in amygdalar functional connectivity (FC) with other brain areas involved in emotion regulation and social cognitive processing will occur. These changes will depend on trait moderators, such as the adolescents' proneness to (a) perceive others as critical of them (PC) or (b) perceive themselves positively or negatively (SC).Methods: Sixty-four healthy 14–17-year-olds were exposed to a series of auditory comments. Changes in mood states were assessed based on the Profile of Mood States (POMS) prior to and after exposure to these segments. Pre- and post-experiment FC of the left and right amygdalae with other brain areas were also measured. Correlates between FC changes and psychometric measures—including the perceived criticism measure (PCM) and self-perception profile for adolescents (SPPA)—were assessed.Results: First, after being criticized, FC increases of the left amygdala seed region with brain areas related to sustained emotional processing were found, but no right amygdalar FC changes. Second, there was a significant positive partial correlation between individual PCM scores and FC changes between the left amygdala seed region and the left precuneus and left superior parietal cortex, both part of the default mode network.Conclusion: Exposure to criticism resulted in a rapid negative mood change accompanied by an increase in FC between the left amygdala and regions known to be involved in sustained emotional processing, but no right amygdalar FC changes. Furthermore, higher PC but not SC was correlated with stronger left amygdalar FC increases with these regions, suggesting an elevated vulnerability for disturbed emotional processing, as observed in mood disorders, in healthy adolescents with higher PCM scores.

scholarly journals The Lateral and Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Work as a Dynamic Integrated System: Evidence from fMRI Connectivity Analysis

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Longe ◽  
Carl Senior ◽  
Gina Rippon
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Reward Processing ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Reciprocal Relationship ◽  
Anterior Cingulate

Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) investigations of the interaction between cognition and reward processing have found that the lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) areas are preferentially activated to both increasing cognitive demand and reward level. Conversely, ventromedial PFC (VMPFC) areas show decreased activation to the same conditions, indicating a possible reciprocal relationship between cognitive and emotional processing regions. We report an fMRI study of a rewarded working memory task, in which we further explore how the relationship between reward and cognitive processing is mediated. We not only assess the integrity of reciprocal neural connections between the lateral PFC and VMPFC brain regions in different experimental contexts but also test whether additional cortical and subcortical regions influence this relationship. Psychophysiological interaction analyses were used as a measure of functional connectivity in order to characterize the influence of both cognitive and motivational variables on connectivity between the lateral PFC and the VMPFC. Psychophysiological interactions revealed negative functional connectivity between the lateral PFC and the VMPFC in the context of high memory load, and high memory load in tandem with a highly motivating context, but not in the context of reward alone. Physiophysiological interactions further indicated that the dorsal anterior cingulate and the caudate nucleus modulate this pathway. These findings provide evidence for a dynamic interplay between lateral PFC and VMPFC regions and are consistent with an emotional gating role for the VMPFC during cognitively demanding tasks. Our findings also support neuropsychological theories of mood disorders, which have long emphasized a dysfunctional relationship between emotion/motivational and cognitive processes in depression.

scholarly journals Mental Sleep Activity and Disturbing Dreams in the Lifespan

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (19) ◽  
pp. 3658 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Scarpelli ◽  
Chiara Bartolacci ◽  
Aurora D’Atri ◽  
Maurizio Gorgoni ◽  
Luigi De Gennaro
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Stressful Events ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Brain Maturation ◽  
Episodic Memories ◽  
The One ◽  
With Memory

Sleep significantly changes across the lifespan, and several studies underline its crucial role in cognitive functioning. Similarly, mental activity during sleep tends to covary with age. This review aims to analyze the characteristics of dreaming and disturbing dreams at different age brackets. On the one hand, dreams may be considered an expression of brain maturation and cognitive development, showing relations with memory and visuo-spatial abilities. Some investigations reveal that specific electrophysiological patterns, such as frontal theta oscillations, underlie dreams during sleep, as well as episodic memories in the waking state, both in young and older adults. On the other hand, considering the role of dreaming in emotional processing and regulation, the available literature suggests that mental sleep activity could have a beneficial role when stressful events occur at different age ranges. We highlight that nightmares and bad dreams might represent an attempt to cope the adverse events, and the degrees of cognitive-brain maturation could impact on these mechanisms across the lifespan. Future investigations are necessary to clarify these relations. Clinical protocols could be designed to improve cognitive functioning and emotional regulation by modifying the dream contents or the ability to recall/non-recall them.

scholarly journals Post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional processing and Inappropriate Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shocks: clinical consideration by a single case report

2015 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Compare ◽  
Domenico Del Forno ◽  
Edward Callus ◽  
Francesco Giallauria ◽  
Alessandra Vitelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Inappropriate Shocks ◽  
Post Traumatic

Introduction. Even though an overwhelming amount of evidence supports the clinical efficacy and safety of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), inappropriate shocks for atrial arrhythmias with rapid ventricular conduction or for abnormal sensing results in multiple adverse effects Presentation. In this study we present the case of a 59- year-old woman who was admitted to hospital for ICD implantation with a past medical history that was positive for non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure (NYHA class III), atrial fibrillation, essential hypertension and a recent episode of syncope. Since in the 18 months follow-up the patient suffered many inappropriate shocks, we investigated the association of the presence of a PTSD (Post- Traumatic-Stress-Disorder) prior to implantation and a specific profile of cognitive processing emotions, with the effectiveness of the ICD. Emotional distress states and cognitive thoughts preceding ICD shock inappropriate episode were recorded by structured mobile diary (eMotional-ICDiary©). We outlined how the presence of a highly traumatic event which had occurred 6 years previously was related to a recurrence of a combination of moderate distress and cognitive thoughts, associated with episodes of Inappropriate Shock. A psycho-diagnostic examination and the administration of the Emotional Processing Scale (EPS-25) and Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) outlined that the patient presented a profile of cognitive processing of emotions characterized by elevated levels of unprocessed emotions, low appraisal and high suppression emotional regulation strategy. Conclusion. The observations gathered in this single case are a good starting point for further research in order to check if the post-traumatic stress disorder and a specific cognitive profile connected to the processing of emotions are associated with the presence of inappropriate ICD shocks. Further larger sample studies are required in this area.

Emotional Regulation in Male Batterers When Faced With Pictures of Intimate Partner Violence. Do They Have a Problem With Suppressing or Experiencing Emotions?

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052098548
Author(s):  
Agar Marín-Morales ◽  
Miguel Pérez-García ◽  
Andrés Catena-Martínez ◽  
Juan Verdejo-Román
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Emotional Regulation ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Criminal History ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Male Batterers

Emotional regulation is crucial to psychological functioning and mental health. Studies of male batterers indicate the critical role that emotional processing plays in the violence they exert upon their partners or ex-partners. The aim of this study was to investigate the neural bases of emotional regulation in male batterers—both in experiencing and suppressing emotions—when faced with pictures of intimate partner violence (IPV). We conducted a fMRI study to compare brain functioning when emotions were experienced or increased with the case in which emotions were suppressed or reduced in response to IPV pictures and unpleasant pictures. The sample consisted of three groups: Male Batterers Group (MBG, n = 26), that is, men convicted for IPV; Other Offenders Group (OOG, n = 27), men convicted of crimes other than IPV; and a Non-offenders Group ( n = 29), that is, men without a criminal history. The results reveal that in MBG, the brain areas that previous studies have related to suppression and experience processes were activated when faced with unpleasant pictures. However, a different pattern of functioning was found when experiencing IPV pictures. That could be explained by a low capacity to empathize with their partners or ex-partners and by the use of maladaptive emotional regulation strategies. In addition, MBG showed activation in brain areas previously related to suppression but did not modulate their emotions, showing a similar emotional state after suppression and experience. The results of this preliminary study suggest that in psychological treatments for male batterers, it is important to promote empathy towards partners or ex-partners, along with adaptive strategies of emotional regulation.

scholarly journals Decreased Functional Connectivity in the Reward Network and Its Relationship With Negative Emotional Experience After Total Sleep Deprivation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Cimin Dai ◽  
Yongcong Shao ◽  
Jiaxi Peng ◽  
Yan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Seed Region ◽  
Total Sleep Deprivation ◽  
The Right ◽  
Reward Network

Sleep deprivation (SD) induces a negative emotional experience due to a prolonged time spent awake. However, few studies have focused on the mechanism underlying communication within brain networks or alterations during this emotional deterioration. We propose that negative reward judgment is important in poor emotional processing after SD, which will be reflected in functional connectivity in the reward network. We sought to analyze alterations in functional connectivity within the reward network and cerebral cortex. Furthermore, we analyzed changes in functional connectivity correlation with negative emotional experience after SD. Twenty-six healthy volunteers participated in this study. Two resting-state fMRI scans were obtained from the participants, once during resting wakefulness, and once after 36 h of total SD. The bilateral nucleus accumbens (NAc) was selected as a seed region for region of interest (ROI)-to-ROI functional connectivity analysis. Correlation analyses between functional connectivity alterations within the reward network and negative emotional experience were also performed. We found that SD decreased functional connectivity between the left NAc and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) compared with resting wakefulness. There was a decreased functional connectivity with the ACC and right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) after SD in the right NAc. Furthermore, decreased functional connectivity between the right NAc and right IFG, and NAc and ACC was negatively correlated with emotional experience scores. Sleep deprivation decreased functional connectivity within the reward network. This may be associated with the enhanced negative emotional experience that was found after total sleep deprivation.

Functional connectivity reveals altered activation of distinct brain areas in pruritus of cholestasis

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (01) ◽  
pp. E2-E89
Author(s):  
A Kremer ◽  
T Buchwald ◽  
M Vetter ◽  
A Dörfler ◽  
C Forster
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Brain Areas

Engaging regularly with fiction influences connectivity in cortical areas for language and mentalizing

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roel M. Willems ◽  
Franziska Hartung
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Cortical Areas ◽  
Social Abilities ◽  
Behavioral Evidence ◽  
Amount Of Reading

Behavioral evidence suggests that engaging with fiction is positively correlated with social abilities. The rationale behind this link is that engaging with fictional narratives offers a ‘training modus’ for mentalizing and empathizing. We investigated the influence of the amount of reading that participants report doing in their daily lives, on connections between brain areas while they listened to literary narratives. Participants (N=57) listened to two literary narratives while brain activation was measured with fMRI. We computed time-course correlations between brain regions, and compared the correlation values from listening to narratives to listening to reversed speech. The between-region correlations were then related to the amount of fiction that participants read in their daily lives. Our results show that amount of fiction reading is related to functional connectivity in areas known to be involved in language and mentalizing. This suggests that reading fiction influences social cognition as well as language skills.

scholarly journals Neural correlates of memory recovery: Preliminary findings in children and adolescents with acquired brain injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-71
Author(s):  
Anne-Laure Mouthon ◽  
Andreas Meyer-Heim ◽  
Reto Huber ◽  
Hubertus J.A. Van Hedel
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Spectral Power ◽  
Recovery Of Function ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Neural Correlates ◽  
Sleep Eeg ◽  
Brain Maturation ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Memory Recovery ◽  
Posterior Parietal

Background: After acquired brain injury (ABI), patients show various neurological impairments and outcome is difficult to predict. Identifying biomarkers of recovery could provide prognostic information about a patient’s neural potential for recovery and improve our understanding of neural reorganization. In healthy subjects, sleep slow wave activity (SWA, EEG spectral power 1–4.5 Hz) has been linked to neuroplastic processes such as learning and brain maturation. Therefore, we suggest that SWA might be a suitable measure to investigate neural reorganization underlying memory recovery. Objectives: In the present study, we used SWA to investigate neural correlates of recovery of function in ten paediatric patients with ABI (age range 7–15 years). Methods: We recorded high-density EEG (128 electrodes) during sleep at the beginning and end of rehabilitation. We used sleep EEG data of 52 typically developing children to calculate age-normalized values for individual patients. In patients, we also assessed every-day life memory impairment at the beginning and end of rehabilitation. Results: In the course of rehabilitation, memory recovery was paralleled by longitudinal changes in SWA over posterior parietal brain areas. SWA over left prefrontal and occipital brain areas at the beginning of rehabilitation predicted memory recovery. Conclusions: We show that longitudinal sleep-EEG measurements are feasible in the clinical setting. While posterior parietal and prefrontal brain areas are known to belong to the memory “core network”, occipital brain areas have never been related to memory. While we have to remain cautious in interpreting preliminary findings, we suggest that SWA is a promising measure to investigate neural reorganization.

scholarly journals Maternal Depression, Child Temperament, and Early-Life Stress Predict Never-Depressed Preadolescents’ Functional Connectivity During a Negative-Mood Induction

2021 ◽  
pp. 216770262110164
Author(s):  
Pan Liu ◽  
Matthew R. J. Vandermeer ◽  
Ola Mohamed Ali ◽  
Andrew R. Daoust ◽  
Marc F. Joanisse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Maternal Depression ◽  
Life Stress ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Emotion Processing ◽  
Early Life Stress ◽  
Cingulate Cortex

Understanding the development of depression can inform etiology and prevention/intervention. Maternal depression and maladaptive patterns of temperament (e.g., low positive emotionality [PE] or high negative emotionality, especially sadness) are known to predict depression. Although it is unclear how these risks cause depression, altered functional connectivity (FC) during negative-emotion processing may play an important role. We investigated whether maternal depression and age-3 emotionality predicted FC during negative mood reactivity in never-depressed preadolescents and whether these relationships were augmented by early-life stress. Maternal depression predicted decreased medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)–amygdala and mPFC–insula FC but increased mPFC–posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) FC. PE predicted increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex–amygdala FC, whereas sadness predicted increased PCC-based FC in insula, orbitofrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Sadness was more strongly associated with PCC–insula and PCC–ACC FC as early stress increased. Findings indicate that early depression risks may be mediated by FC underlying negative-emotion processing.

Parental Decision-Making for Surgery and Anesthesia in Young Children

2021 ◽  
pp. 019394592110216
Author(s):  
Audrey Rosenblatt ◽  
Michael Kremer ◽  
Olimpia Paun ◽  
Barbara Swanson ◽  
Rebekah Hamilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Theory Analysis ◽  
Parental Decision ◽  
Parental Decision Making ◽  
Health Care Context ◽  
The Relationship

Millions of young children undergo surgery and anesthesia each year, yet there is a lack of scientific consensus about the safety of anesthesia exposure for the developing brain. Also poorly understood is parental anesthesia-related decision-making and how neurotoxicity information influences their choices. The theoretical model of parental decision-making generated in this research explicates this process. Interviews with 24 mothers yielded a theoretical framework based on their narratives developed using a qualitative grounded theory analysis. Five major themes emerged from these interviews: emotional processing, cognitive processing, relationships as resources, the mother/child dyad, and the health care context. Mothers described a non-linear, iterative process; they moved fluidly through emotional and cognitive processing supported by relationships as resources and influenced by the health care context. A key element was the subtheme of the medical translator, an individual who provided context and information. The mother/child dyad grounded the model in the relationship with the child.

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