Self-compassion is associated with the superior longitudinal fasciculus in the mirroring network in healthy individuals.

Self-compassion (SC) involves taking an emotionally positive attitude towards oneself when suffering. Although SC has positive effects on mental well-being as well as a protective role in preventing symptoms in healthy individuals, few studies on white matter (WM) microstructures in neuroimaging studies of SC has been studied. Brain imaging data were acquired from 71 healthy participants. WM regions of mirroring network were analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics. After the WM regions associated with SC were extracted, exploratory correlation analysis with the self-forgiveness scale, the coping scale, and the world health organization quality of life scale abbreviated version was performed. We found that self-compassion scale total scores were negatively correlated with the fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) in healthy individuals. The self-kindness and mindfulness subscale scores were also negatively correlated with FA values of the same regions. These FA values were negatively correlated with the total scores of self-forgiveness scale, and self-control coping strategy and confrontation coping strategy. Our findings suggest levels of SC may be associated with WM microstructural changes of SLF in healthy individuals. These lower WM microstructures may be associated with positive personal attitudes, such as self-forgiveness, self-control and active confrontational strategies.

Initial white matter connectivity differences between remitters and non-remitters of patients with panic disorder after 6 months of pharmacotherapy.

Panic disorder (PD) is a harmful mental condition that causes relapsed and persistent impairment. In the treatment of PD, the prognosis for PD should be considered. However, the relationship between pharmacotherapy and biomarkers, for predicting a better response through neuroimaging, is a little known. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether there would be the initial white matter (WM) regions associated with the remission in 6 months. A total of 104 patients with PD were investigated in the study. After six months, there were 17 remission patients with PD and 81 non-remission patients. The Panic Disorder Severity Scale, Albany Panic and Phobia Questionnaire, Anxiety Sensitivity Inventory-Revised, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory were assessed for all patients at baseline. We compared the diffusion indices between remission and non-remission group at 6 months using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. The results showed that the fractional anisotropy (FA) values were significantly higher in the non-remitter group compared with those in the remitter group in the WM regions, such as the posterior corona radiata and superior longitudinal fasciculus, at the 6 month evaluation. The logistic regression analysis with clinical symptom severity and FA values of the WM regions as covariates showed that FA values in those regions and the Beck Depression Inventory-II predicted poor remission. This study suggests that posterior corona radiata and superior longitudinal fasciculus are related to potential predictive factors of 6-month remission in patients with PD. WM regions associated with the long-term remission should be verified with further investigations.