MMPI-2-RF Profiles of Treatment-Seeking Veterans in a VA Pain Clinic and Associations with Markers of Physical Performance.

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition for many military Veterans and is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study examined the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) in 144 Veterans (88.2% male, mean age = 57.95 years) recruited from a VA outpatient pain clinic and associations with self-reported pain severity, pain-related interference in daily activities, prescription opioid use, and objective metrics of physical performance on tasks impacted by pain (walking, stair climbing, grip strength, indexed by a single latent variable). Among the cohort with valid responses on the MMPI-2-RF (n = 117) and probable PTSD, mean Somatic Complaints (RC1) and Ideas of Persecution (RC6) scores were clinically elevated. All MMPI-2-RF scales were more strongly correlated with self-reported pain interference than severity. Regressions revealed associations between self-rated pain interference (but not pain or PTSD severity) and physical performance scores (ß = .36, p = .001). MMPI-2-RF overreporting Validity and Higher-Order scales contributed incremental variance in predicting physical performance, including Infrequent Psychopathology Responses (ß = .33, p = .002). PTSD severity was associated with prescription opioid use when accounting for the effects of over-reported somatic and cognitive symptoms (odds ratio 1.05, p ≤ .025). Results highlight the role of symptom overreporting and perceptions of functional impairment to observable behaviors among individuals with chronic pain.

Poorer Cognitive Performance Is Associated with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Otherwise Healthy Young Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome are often associated with abdominal discomfort, bloating, and cramping. There is growing evidence that gastrointestinal symptoms are also related to cognitive function, but this association has not been previously examined in young adults. METHODS: We examined cross-sectional relationships between nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms and cognition in 56 healthy young adults (41 female, 15 male) without diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorder. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal symptoms were associated with poorer performance on objective tests of memory (p < 0.01 for all) and greater self-report of cognitive dysfunction (p < 0.01 for all). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that higher gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with greater subjective and objective cognitive difficulty. Future work is needed to clarify underlying mechanisms and the potential functional impact of these cognitive deficits.

Feasibility of Predicting In-Season Mental Health Problems in College Student-Athletes From Pre-season Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether pre-season assessment using a validated assessment tool, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF), could predict college student-athletes identified as experiencing in-season mental health (MH) problems. DESIGN: A prospective study of athletes who completed a pre-season evaluation in August 2018. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 195 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 student-athletes from a large midwestern university in northeast Ohio. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: The MMPI-2-RF, a 338-item self-report measure of constructs relevant to the assessment of psychopathology and personality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mental health problems of student-athletes tracked throughout the competitive season (August 2018-May 2019) by a team of athletic department personnel who met weekly with a licensed clinical psychologist. RESULTS: In pre-season assessment, 71.8% of athletes clinically elevated at least one MMPI-2-RF scale and underreporting was higher in student-athletes than normative controls. Pre-season levels of internalizing psychopathology, diffuse physical symptoms, and unusual thoughts predicted increased likelihood of experiencing MH problems during the competitive season. CONCLUSIONS: The current findings suggest that the MMPI-2-RF may be a promising tool for identifying student-athletes at risk for MH concerns.

Managing Shame: A Grounded Theory of How Stigma Manifests in Families Living With Dementia.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are irreversible, progressive brain disorders that slowly destroy memory, language, problem solving, and cognition. In the United States, dementia is the fifth leading cause of death for people age 65 years and older. Early diagnosis could have important benefits stigma related to dementia remains a significant impediment to diagnosis, treatment, and accessing services. While a growing body of research documents the existence and negative outcomes of stigma, less is known about how dementia-related stigma produces ill effects. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to use qualitative methods to explore how stigma manifests within families from the perspective of family caregivers of people with dementia. METHOD: Using a grounded theory approach, we interviewed 13 family caregivers of people with dementia. RESULTS: Shame emerged as the central theme experienced by family caregivers of people with dementia. Attempting to manage shame, produced three categories of responses: (1) silencing and not calling attention to the symptoms, (2) concealing the diagnosis, and (3) shunning and avoiding contact. CONCLUSIONS: Shame may be an underlying mechanism by which stigma is enacted and perpetuated, resulting in caregivers' isolation and delay in access to diagnostic and supportive services. Efforts to dispel the misconception that dementia is a shameful disease may be one way to diminish stigma.

Standalone Performance Validity Tests May Be Differentially Related to Measures of Working Memory, Processing Speed, and Verbal Memory in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis.

Cognitive functioning may account for minimal levels (i.e., 5%-14%) of variance of performance validity test (PVT) scores in clinical examinees. The present study extended this research twofold: (a) by determining the variance cognitive functioning explains within three distinct PVTs (b) in a sample of patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Seventy-five pwMS (Mage = 48.50, 70.6% female, 80.9% White) completed the Victoria Symptom Validity Test (VSVT), Word Choice Test (WCT), Dot Counting Test (DCT), and three objective measures of working memory, processing speed, and verbal memory as part of clinical neuropsychological assessment. Regression analyses in credible groups (ns ranged from 54 to 63) indicated that cognitive functioning explained 24% to 38% of the variance in logarithmically transformed PVT variables. Variance from cognitive testing differed across PVTs: verbal memory significantly influenced both VSVT and WCT scores; working memory influenced VSVT and DCT scores; and processing speed influenced DCT scores. The WCT appeared least related to cognitive functioning of the included PVTs. Alternative plausible explanations, including the apparent domain/modality specificity hypothesis of PVTs versus the potential sensitivity of these PVTs to neurocognitive dysfunction in pwMS were discussed. Continued psychometric investigations into factors affecting performance validity, especially in multiple sclerosis, are warranted.

Science for behavioral health systems change: evolving research-policy-public partnerships.

Potent partnerships among researchers, policymakers, and community members have potential to produce positive changes in communities on a range of topics, including behavioral health. The paper provides a brief illustrative review of such partnerships and then describes the development and evolution of one partnership in particular in Virginia. The origin of the partnership is traced, along with its founding vision, mission, and values. Some of its several projects are described, including (a) needs assessment for implementation of evidence-based programs (EBPs) pursuant to the Family First Prevention Services Act; (b) statewide fidelity monitoring of key EBPs; and (c) projects to synergize state investments in specific EBPs, like multisystemic therapy, functional family therapy, and high fidelity wraparound. The paper concludes with some themes around which the center has evolved to serve the state and its citizens more effectively.

Lexical Speech Features of Spontaneous Speech in Older Persons With and Without Cognitive Impairment: Reliability Analysis.

Background: Speech analysis data are promising digital biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer disease. However, despite its importance, very few studies in this area have examined whether older adults produce spontaneous speech with characteristics that are sufficiently consistent to be used as proxy markers of cognitive status. Objective: This preliminary study seeks to investigate consistency across lexical characteristics of speech in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Methods: A total of 39 older adults from a larger, ongoing study (age: mean 81.1, SD 5.9 years) were included. Participants completed neuropsychological testing and both picture description tasks and expository tasks to elicit speech. Participants with T-scores of ≤40 on ≥2 cognitive tests were categorized as having mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Speech features were computed automatically by using Python and the Natural Language Toolkit. Results: Reliability indices based on mean correlations for picture description tasks and expository tasks were similar in persons with and without MCI (with r ranging from 0.49 to 0.65 within tasks). Intraindividual variability was generally preserved across lexical speech features. Speech rate and filler rate were the most consistent indices for the cognitively intact group, and speech rate was the most consistent for the MCI group. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that automatically calculated lexical properties of speech are consistent in older adults with varying levels of cognitive impairment. These findings encourage further investigation of the utility of speech analysis and other digital biomarkers for monitoring cognitive status over time.

Considerations regarding noncredible performance in the neuropsychological assessment of patients with multiple sclerosis: A case series.

Determining the validity of data during clinical neuropsychological assessment is crucial for proper interpretation, and extensive literature has emphasized myriad methods of doing so in diverse samples. However, little research has considered noncredible presentation in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). PwMS often experience one or more factors known to impact validity of data, including major neurocognitive impairment, psychological distress/psychogenic interference, and secondary gain. This case series aimed to illustrate the potential relationships between these factors and performance validity testing in pwMS. Six cases from an IRB-approved database containing pwMS referred for neuropsychological assessment at a large, academic medical center involving at least one of the above-stated factors were identified. Backgrounds, neuropsychological test data, and clinical considerations for each were reviewed. Interestingly, no pwMS diagnosed with major neurocognitive impairment was found to have noncredible performance, nor was any patient with noncredible performance in the absence of notable psychological distress. Given the variability of noncredible performance and multiplicity of factors affecting performance validity in pwMS, clinicians are strongly encouraged to consider psychometrically appropriate methods for evaluating validity of cognitive data in pwMS. Additional research aiming to elucidate base rates of, mechanisms begetting, and methods for assessing noncredible performance in pwMS is imperative.

Latent profile analysis of data from the brief inventory of neurocognitive impairment (BINI) to develop neuro-cognitive profiles among opioid-dependent patients in drug treatment.

BACKGROUND: Neurocognitive dysfunction is common among individuals with opioid use disorders (OUD) and can impede a range of treatment outcomes. We developed the 57-item Brief Inventory of Neuro-cognitive Impairment (BINI) to help detect and monitor neurocognitive dysfunction in the context of drug treatment settings. To date, no study has examined the possible presence of BINI subgroups among OUD patients, which could enhance our ability to tailor intervention strategies to meet individual treatment needs. The purpose of this study was to conduct a latent profile analysis to identify BINI subgroups that differ in terms of their reported and objective neurocognitive dysfunction. We hypothesized that subgroups would emerge, suggesting the potential benefit of implementing tailored strategies for optimal treatment outcomes. METHODS: Latent profile analyses included data from opioid-dependent patients (N = 177) enrolled in a methadone maintenance treatment program between July 2018 and October 2019. RESULTS: We found three profiles of self-reported neurocognitive symptoms, including those with 1) minimal concerns 2) moderate concerns, and 3) many concerns across multiple domains. CONCLUSIONS: If these results are confirmed, the BINI may be used to rapidly identify persons who require specific accommodation strategies to improve their drug treatment outcomes.

Neurobiological and genetic correlates of the dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Approximately 10%-30% of individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit a dissociative subtype of the condition defined by symptoms of depersonalization and derealization. This study examined the psychometric evidence for the dissociative subtype of PTSD in a sample of young, primarily male post-9/11-era Veterans (n = 374 at baseline and n = 163 at follow-up) and evaluated its biological correlates with respect to resting state functional connectivity (default mode network [DMN]; n = 275), brain morphology (hippocampal subfield volume and cortical thickness; n = 280), neurocognitive functioning (n = 337), and genetic variation (n = 193). Multivariate analyses of PTSD and dissociation items suggested a class structure was superior to dimensional and hybrid ones, with 7.5% of the sample comprising the dissociative class; this group showed stability over 1.5 years. Covarying for age, sex, and PTSD severity, linear regression models revealed that derealization/depersonalization severity was associated with: decreased DMN connectivity between bilateral posterior cingulate cortex and right isthmus (p = .015; adjusted-p [padj] = .097); increased bilateral whole hippocampal, hippocampal head, and molecular layer head volume (p = .010-.034; padj = .032-.053); worse self-monitoring (p = .018; padj = .079); and a candidate genetic variant (rs263232) in the adenylyl cyclase 8 gene (p = .026), previously associated with dissociation. Results converged on biological structures and systems implicated in sensory integration, the neural representation of spatial awareness, and stress-related spatial learning and memory, suggesting possible mechanisms underlying the dissociative subtype of PTSD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Automated assessment of speech production and prediction of MCI in older adults.

The population of older adults is growing dramatically and, with it comes increased prevalence of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Though existing cognitive screening tests can aid early detection of cognitive decline, these methods are limited in their sensitivity and require trained administrators. The current study sought to determine whether it is possible to identify persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using automated analysis of spontaneous speech. Participants completed a brief neuropsychological test battery and a spontaneous speech task. MCI was classified using established research criteria, and lexical-semantic features were calculated from spontaneous speech. Logistic regression analyses compared the predictive ability of a commonly-used cognitive screening instrument (the Modified Mini Mental Status Exam, 3MS) and speech indices for MCI classification. Testing against constant-only logistic regression models showed that both the 3MS [χ2(1) = 6.18, p = .013; AIC = 41.46] and speech indices [χ2(16) = 32.42, p = .009; AIC = 108.41] were able to predict MCI status. Follow-up testing revealed the full speech model better predicted MCI status than did 3MS (p = .049). In combination, the current findings suggest that spontaneous speech may have value as a potential screening measure for the identification of cognitive deficits, though confirmation is needed in larger, prospective studies.

Examining the cognitive benefits of probiotic supplementation in physically active older adults: A randomized clinical trial.

The prevalence of dementia is projected to increase with the growing older adult population and prevention strategies are urgently needed. Two promising interventions include physical activity (PA) and probiotic supplementation, with initial findings suggesting their combined use may confer greater cognitive benefits than either intervention alone. However, no study has yet examined the effects of probiotic supplementation on cognitive function in healthy, physically active older adults. The present study used archival data from a randomized clinical trial including 127 physically active, middle-aged to older adults (average age 64.3 years) with self-reported PA levels meeting or exceeding recommendations to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG; L.GG) on cognitive outcomes. Repeated measures ANOVAs showed no significant changes in cognitive performance from baseline to follow up as an effect of L.GG consumption. These results suggest that probiotic supplementation may not improve cognitive function in persons already engaged in high levels of PA. Future research should include prospective studies to determine whether long-term use of probiotic supplementation may help prevent cognitive decline. Clinical trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov; study # NCT03080818. Novelty: Initial research shows promising cognitive benefits of combined PA and probiotics consumption. L.GG did not lead to acute cognitive improvements for older adults already meeting PA guidelines. Prospective studies examining prevention of cognitive decline with probiotics in healthy and clinical samples are much needed.

Cognitive profiles in persons with opioid use disorder enrolled in methadone treatment.

Cognitive impairment is common in persons with opioid use disorder and associated with poor treatment outcomes, including elevated risk for relapse. Much less is known about the underlying structure of these deficits and the possible presence of cognitive phenotypes. A total of 177 adults (average 42.2 years of age, 52.0% male, 65.5% Caucasian) enrolled in a methadone maintenance treatment program completed the NIH Toolbox as part of a larger project. Cluster analyses revealed a 2-cluster solution-persons with intact cognitive function in all domains (n = 93; Intact) and those with impairments on tests of attention and executive function (n = 83; Impaired). Follow-up analyses revealed that the Impaired group was slightly older, more likely to self-identify as a racial/ethnic minority, and less likely to report consuming alcohol four or more times per week. These findings suggest the existence of distinct cognitive profiles in persons with opioid use disorder and encourage further examination, particularly studies to examine the possible benefits of routine screening for cognitive impairment as part of substance use treatment.

Feasibility of a Yoga Intervention for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Yoga is a potentially low risk intervention for cognitive impairment that combines mental and physical practice and includes instruction on breathing, stress reduction, and mindfulness meditation. Previous research documents that yoga can target modifiable risk factors for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression. The authors describe a randomized feasibility trial of yoga for individuals with MCI. Methods: Participants were 37 individuals with amnestic MCI who were randomly assigned to receive 12 weeks of twice-weekly yoga intervention (YI) or healthy living education (HLE) classes. Acceptability and feasibility were assessed by tracking adverse events, class attendance, and participant satisfaction. Participants completed neuropsychological and mood measures as well as measures of potential intervention mechanisms at baseline and immediately postintervention. Results: Participants in both conditions reported high levels of satisfaction and reasonable class attendance rates. Home practice rates were low. There were no adverse events deemed related to the YI. Results showed a medium effect size in favor of the YI in visuospatial skills. The yoga group also showed a large effect size indicating decline in perceived stress compared with the HLE group, whereas HLE resulted in greater reductions in depressive symptoms after the intervention (large effect size). Conclusions: Study findings indicated that the YI was safe, modestly feasible, and acceptable to older adults with MCI. The authors found preliminary evidence that yoga may improve visuospatial functioning in individuals with MCI. Results support stress reduction as a possible mechanism for the YI. Future studies should address a YI in a larger sample and include strategies to enhance engagement and home practice.

Association between the brief inventory of neurocognitive impairment (BINI) and objective cognitive testing among persons with opioid use disorders in drug treatment.

The current study examined the association between subjective cognitive dysfunction and objective test performance in persons enrolled in drug treatment and stabilized on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). A total of 177 participants completed the self-reported brief inventory of neurocognitive impairment (BINI) and NIH Toolbox test battery. In participants with neurocognitive dysfunction, scores on all BINI subscales were negatively associated with objective performance on the NIH Toolbox (BINI Global r = -0.26, p = 0.01; BINI Subscales ranging -0.22 to -0.32, all p's < 0.03). Using cutoff scores, results showed participants who scored above the cutoff on the BINI Learning subscale demonstrated significant evidence of objective neurocognitive dysfunction on the NIH Toolbox (65% vs. 35%; χ2 = 6.57, p = 0.02), suggesting possible clinical utility. Future studies are needed to determine the feasibility of using the BINI to inform the accommodation of patients with specific neurocognitive profiles to optimize treatment outcomes.

Developing a cognitive dysfunction risk score for use with opioid-dependent persons in drug treatment.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is common in persons seeking medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and may hinder many addiction-related services. Brief but accurate screening measures are needed to efficiently assess cognitive dysfunction in these resource-limited settings. The study aimed to develop a brief predictive risk score tailored for use among patients in drug treatment. METHODS: The present study examined predictors of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), objectively assessed via the NIH Toolbox, among 173 patients receiving methadone as MOUD at an urban New England drug treatment facility. Predictors of MCI were identified in one subsample using demographic characteristics, medical chart data, and selected items from the Brief Inventory of Neuro-Cognitive Impairment (BINI). Predictors were cross-validated in a second subsample using logistic regression. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses determined an optimal cut-off score for detecting MCI. RESULTS: A cognitive dysfunction risk score (CDRS) was calculated from patient demographics (age 50+, non-White ethnicity, less than high school education), medical and substance use chart data (history of head injury, overdose, psychiatric diagnosis, past year polysubstance use), and selected self-report items (BINI). The CDRS discriminated acceptably well, with a ROC curve area of 70.6 %, and correctly identified 78 % of MCI cases (sensitivity = 87.5 %; specificity = 55.6 %). CONCLUSIONS: The CDRS identified patients with cognitive challenges at a level likely to impede treatment engagement and/or key outcomes. The CDRS may assist in efficiently identifying patients with cognitive dysfunction while requiring minimal training and resources. Larger validation studies are needed in other clinical settings.

Adapting behavioural interventions to compensate for cognitive dysfunction in persons with opioid use disorder.

Treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is often in the context of biobehavioural interventions, consisting of medication for OUD (for example, methadone and buprenorphine), which is accompanied by psychoeducation and/or behavioural therapies. Patients with OUD often display weaknesses in cognitive function that may impact the efficacy of such behavioural interventions. A review of the literature was conducted to: (1) describe common cognitive dysfunction profiles among patients with OUD, (2) outline intervention approaches for patients with OUD, (3) consider the cognitive demands that interventions place on patients with OUD and (4) identify potential accommodation strategies that may be used to optimise treatment outcomes. Cognitive profiles of patients with OUD often include weaknesses in executive function, attention, memory and information processing. Behavioural interventions require the patients' ability to learn, understand and remember information (placing specific cognitive demands on patients). Accommodation strategies are, therefore, needed for patients with challenges in one or more of these areas. Research on accommodation strategies for patients with OUD is very limited. We applied research from populations with similar cognitive profiles to form a comprehensive collection of potential strategies to compensate for cognitive dysfunction among patients with OUD. The cognitive profiles and accommodation strategies included in this review are intended to inform future intervention research aimed at improving outcomes among patients with OUD.

The Potential Mediation of the Effects of Physical Activity on Cognitive Function by the Gut Microbiome.

The population of older adults is growing dramatically worldwide. As older adults are at greater risk of developing disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction (i.e., dementia), healthcare costs are expected to double by 2040. Evidence suggests dementia may be slowed or prevented by lifestyle interventions, including physical activity (PA). PA is associated with improved cognitive function and may reduce risk for dementia by mitigating known risk factors (i.e., cardiovascular diseases) and/or by enhancing neurochemical processes. An emerging area of research suggests the gut microbiome may have similar neuroprotective effects. Altering the gut microbiome has been found to target physiological processes associated with dementia risk, and it influences gut-brain-microbiome axis signaling, impacting cognitive functioning. The gut microbiome can be altered by several means (i.e., disease, diet, prebiotics, probiotics), including PA. As PA and the gut microbiome independently influence cognitive function and PA changes the composition of the gut microbiome, cognitive improvement due to PA may be partially mediated by the gut microbiome. The present article provides an overview of the literature regarding the complex associations among PA, cognitive function, and the gut microbiome, as well as their underlying biological mechanisms. A comprehensive, theoretical model integrating evidence for the potential mediation is proposed.

Cognitive dysfunction is a risk factor for overeating and obesity.

This article introduces the rapidly growing literature linking cognitive dysfunction to overeating and obesity. Though neural responses to food and food cues can predispose individuals to overeating, these processes are moderated by a series of cognitive factors. Deficits in attentional bias, delay discounting, and episodic memory have clear connections to overeating in both laboratory and real-world settings. New weight loss interventions target these deficits through strategies designed to either directly improve cognitive function or circumvent them by tailoring weight management strategies to individuals' specific cognitive profile. Future iterations of these interventions should better account for the influence of obesity-related risk factors such as poor sleep, high stress, socioeconomic burden, and prevalent medical risk factors. In so doing, future work may lead to treatment strategies that promote healthy eating and weight for a lifetime. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and HbA1c in middle age and older adults without type 2 diabetes mellitus: A preliminary randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Probiotic supplementation improves glycemic control in persons with diabetes and the current study examined whether these benefits extend to healthy individuals. METHODS: The current study was a 90-day placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were quantified at baseline and follow up. RESULTS: ANCOVA controlling for baseline values showed group differences in follow up HbA1c [F (1,90) = 8.44, p = 0.005]; HbA1c values increased in the placebo group, though remained stable in the probiotic group. CONCLUSIONS: If replicated, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG may protect against changes in glycemic control.