Anxiety and physical impairment in patients with central vestibular disorders.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence for close interrelations between vestibular and emotional brain networks. A study in patients with bilateral peripheral vestibulopathy (BVP) showed relatively low vertigo-related anxiety (VRA), despite high physical impairment. The current working hypothesis proposes the integrity of the peripheral vestibular system as a prerequisite for development of VRA. Here we contribute by evaluating VRA and vestibular-related handicap in central vestibular disorders. METHODS: Of 6396 patients presenting in a tertiary vertigo centre, 306 were identified with four clear central vestibular disorders: pure cerebellar ocular motor disorder (COD; 61), cerebellar ataxia (CA; 63), atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS; 28), vestibular migraine (VM; 154). Their results of the Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire (VHQ), with its subscales for anxiety and handicapped activity, were compared to those of 65 BVP patients. Postural instability was measured on a force-plate. Multivariate linear regression was used to adjust for patient demographics. RESULTS: Patients with chronic central vestibular disorders (COD, CA, APS) had relatively low VRA levels comparable to those in BVP, independent of increased handicapped activity or postural instability. Only VM patients showed significantly higher VRA, although their activity impairment and postural instability were lowest. No significant differences within chronic central vestibular disorders were found for VRA and subjective activity impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective and objective vestibular-related impairment are not necessarily correlated with vestibular-related anxiety in central vestibular disorders. Our findings rather support the hypothesis that, in addition to an intact peripheral, an intact central vestibular system could also serve as a prerequisite to develop specific VRA.

Perceived illness consequences predict the long-term course of handicap in patients with vertigo and dizziness beyond vestibular abnormality.

OBJECTIVE: Vertigo and dizziness (VD) affect one third of the population during their lifetime. VD patients are oftentimes severely handicapped. One current study showed that illness perceptions, emotional as well as behavioral responses to illness were associated with VD-related handicap at 3-months follow-up. However, no study has yet investigated this association for a period longer than six months. This study aimed to investigate long-term associations of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors with VD-related handicap. METHODS: In a naturalistic longitudinal study design, n = 161 patients with VD were examined at baseline, at 6-months follow-up, and at 12-months follow-up. Participants underwent neurological and psychiatric examinations as well as comprehensive psychological assessments using self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: During the study period VD-related handicap decreased significantly (Cohen's d = .35, p < .001). Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors remained without significant change during the study period. Vestibular testing as well as the type of diagnosis were not associated with changes in VD-related handicap. Changes in perceived illness consequences (ß = .265, p < .001), depression (ß = .257, p < .001), and anxiety (ß = .206, p = .008) significantly predicted the course of VD-related handicap over 12 months, while the presence vs. absence of vestibular abnormality did not. CONCLUSION: Our results extend findings that cognitive and emotional factors including perceived illness consequences, depression, and anxiety are associated with the long-term course of VD-related handicap and may provide therapeutic targets to improve long-term outcomes in patients with VD.

Development and validation of the ambiguous scenario task for perfectionistic concerns for university students.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Interpretation biases (IBs) are found in a range of psychological disorders, and the transdiagnostic role of IBs has gained increasing attention. Among the variants, IBs of perfectionism (e.g., interpreting a trivial error as equivalent to complete failure) are understood to be a central transdiagnostic phenotype. Perfectionism is a multidimensional construct and the dimension of perfectionistic concerns has been found to be most closely related to psychopathology. Therefore, capturing IBs that are specifically related to perfectionistic concerns (not perfectionism in general) is of particular importance in studying pathological IBs. Thus, we developed and validated the Ambiguous Scenario Task for Perfectionistic Concerns (AST-PC) to be used in university students. METHODS: We created two versions of the AST-PC and administered each version to one of two independent student samples (i.e., Version A to n = 108 and Version B to n = 110). We then examined the factor structure and associations with established questionnaires of perfectionism, depression, and anxiety. RESULTS: The AST-PC showed good factorial validity, confirming the hypothesized three-factor structure: perfectionistic concerns, adaptive, and maladaptive (but not perfectionistic) interpretations. The interpretations related to perfectionistic concerns showed good correlations with questionnaires of perfectionistic concerns, depressive symptoms, and trait anxiety. LIMITATIONS: Additional validation studies are required to establish the temporal stability of the task scores and their sensitivity to experimental induction and clinical intervention. Additionally, IBs of perfectionism should be investigated within a broader transdiagnostic context. CONCLUSIONS: The AST-PC demonstrated good psychometric properties. Future applications of the task are discussed.

Somatic symptom distress and gender moderate the effect of integrative group psychotherapy for functional vertigo on vertigo handicap: A moderation analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Psychotherapeutic treatments for functional vertigo have shown promising results in recent years but it is still to be determined for whom these treatments work best. The aim of this study was to run a moderation analysis to identify which baseline factors may moderate the success of integrative psychotherapeutic group treatment (IPGT) as compared to a self-help group (SHG) active control. METHODS: Data from 159 patients included in a 16-week randomised controlled trial were analysed. The outcome was vertigo-related handicap at post-treatment and gender, age, baseline somatisation, depression and anxiety were taken as putative moderators. RESULTS: We found that baseline somatic symptoms (i.e. PHQ-15 score, p = 0.04, ∆R2 = 0.02) and gender (p = 0.04, ∆R2 = 0.02) significantly moderated the effect of treatment type on post-treatment vertigo handicap. Patients with higher PHQ-15 scores at baseline and women reduced their vertigo handicap more in IPGT as compared to in the control condition. CONCLUSION: A possible explanation for this result is that somatic symptom distress is the central aetiopathogenetic factor of functional vertigo, while depressiveness and anxiety are rather epiphenomena in the sense of comorbidity. Although the results are not entirely consistent, according to some studies, female gender seems to be a favourable predictor of better therapy outcome. Given the high impairment and healthcare costs in those with vertigo/dizziness and psychiatric comorbidity, it is important to effectively treat these patients as early as possible. This study provides a prescriptive tool for practitioners, allowing for more patient-tailored treatment decisions.

(When and how) does basic research in clinical psychology lead to more effective psychological treatment for mental disorders?

An important aim of basic research in Clinical Psychology is to improve clinical practice (e.g., by developing novel interventions or improving the efficacy of existing ones) based on an improved understanding of key mechanisms involved in psychopathology. In the first part of this article, we examine how frequently this translation has happened in the past by reviewing all 40 evidence-based psychological interventions recommended in current clinical guidelines for five important (groups of) mental disorders. Results show that only 23% of treatments showed a very strong link between basic research and the development of the intervention, and further 20% showed a strong link. These findings thus suggest that the route from basic research to clinical innovation may not be as strong historically as is commonly assumed. Important challenges for translational research in clinical psychology are reviewed, leading to the introduction of a new framework, and a discussion of possible solutions to overcome these challenges. Suggestions include increased attention to robust and replicable research findings, a stronger focus on experimental psychopathology research to establish causality of psychopathological mechanisms, a more systematic structural integration of basic and applied research in clinical psychology, a stronger emphasis on mechanisms of change and moderators of clinical interventions, increased attention to clinical subgroups, and emphasizing improvements to existing interventions over the development of novel interventions.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Integrative Psychotherapeutic Group Treatment Compared to Self-Help Groups in Functional Vertigo/Dizziness.

We tested the efficacy of an integrative psychotherapeutic group treatment (IPGT) in reducing vertigo/dizziness-related impairment along with depression, anxiety, and somatization by conducting a randomized controlled superiority trial comparing IPGT to self-help groups moderated by a clinical psychologist (SHG). Adult patients with functional vertigo and dizziness symptoms were randomly allocated to either the IPGT or SHG as active control group. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (t0), after treatment lasting 16 weeks (t1), and 12 months after treatment (t2). A total of 81 patients were assigned to IPGT and 78 patients were assigned to SHG. Vertigo-related impairment was reduced in both conditions (IPGT: t0-t1: d = 1.10, t0-t2: d = 1.06; SHG: t0-t1: d = 0.86, t0-t2: d = 1.29), showing the efficiency of both IPGT and SHG. Clinically relevant improvements were also obtained for depression in both groups. Linear mixed model analyses revealed no differences between groups for all outcomes (effect of group for the primary outcome: b = -1.15, SE = 2.13, t = -0.54, p = 0.59). Attrition rates were higher in SHG (52.6%) than in IPGT (28.4%). Both conditions improved primary and secondary outcomes while IPGT was better accepted by patients than SHG. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02320851.

Validity of the compulsive exercise test in regular exercisers.

Measurement of compulsive exercise is important for the study of eating pathology in individuals who regularly participate in sport and exercise. The current study examined the factor structure, internal consistency and validity of the compulsive exercise test (CET) in regular exercisers. Participants were recruited via the internet and from sport clubs (n = 313 adults; M = 32 years; 57% female). A three-factor model for the CET was supported which included the weight control exercise, avoidance and rule-driven behaviour, and mood improvement subscales (fit statistics for the three-factor model: χ2SB = 4.39; CFI = .95; NNFI = .94, RMSEA = .100, 95% CI: .093-.110, AIC = 656.92). The subscales lack of exercise enjoyment and exercise rigidity were not retained. All factors demonstrated acceptable internal consistency with Cronbach's α = .77 to .91. The weight control exercise and avoidance and rule-driven behaviour subscales were significantly related to eating disorder symptoms. Given the association between CET subscales and eating disorder symptoms, the CET three-factor model may be informative when assessing eating pathology in individuals who regularly exercise.

Evaluation of the Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire: The CPQ-D.

Background: The aim was to create a German version of the Clinical Perfectionism Questionnaire (CPQ-D) and to test its factor structure, reliability, and validity in a non-clinical population. Method: We recruited N = 432 participants via an online panel. The factor structure of CPQ-D was examined. The convergent, discriminative, and incremental validity was assessed in relation to the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Results: Exploratory factor analysis resulted in two factors. Factor 1 represented the over evaluation of striving and Factor 2 was associated to concern over mistakes. Internal consistency was acceptable with ω = .81 for the total score, ω = .77 for Factor 1, and ω = .73 for Factor 2. Convergent, discriminative, and incremental validity was demonstrated. Important to note, Item 12 should be used with caution since it showed low communality and a low item-total correlation and should therefore be further evaluated in future research. Conclusion: The results indicate that the German translated version of the CPQ has acceptable internal consistency, convergent, discriminative and incremental validity. Future research should test the CPQ-D scale further in clinical and non-clinical populations and assess a broader variety of scales to determine validity of the scale.

From illness perceptions to illness reality? Perceived consequences and emotional representations relate to handicap in patients with vertigo and dizziness.

OBJECTIVE: Vertigo and dizziness (VD) are frequent symptoms that can occur due to various structural pathologies or due to functional impairment. Independent of their aetiology, the symptoms are often associated with physical and psychological burden which manifests in severe handicap in more than half of the patients. It is suggested that illness perceptions, the patients' cognitive and emotional concept of their disease, most likely impact the degree of handicap. For patients with VD, however, this relation of illness perceptions and handicap is so far not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the relation of illness perceptions and handicap for patients with VD. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study design, n = 419 patients with VD were examined (53.7% female, age 53.5 ± 15.5 years). Participants underwent neurological and psychiatric examinations as well as a comprehensive assessment using self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Illness perceptions, specifically perceived consequences and emotional representations showed a moderate correlation with VD related handicap (r(419) = 0.62, p < .001). Our regression model including symptom severity, psychiatric comorbidity, and aspects of cognitive and emotional illness perceptions accounted for 52% of the variance in VD related handicap. In a moderation analysis, this relation did not differ significantly in patients with functional VD symptoms. CONCLUSION: Findings of the present study provide evidence for the relevance of illness perceptions to handicap in patients with VD symptoms.

Potential effects of multimodal psychosomatic inpatient treatment for patients with functional vertigo and dizziness symptoms - A pilot trial.

OBJECTIVES: Functional vertigo and dizziness (VD) are frequent and severely distressing complaints that are often described as hard to treat. Our aim was to provide preliminary data on potential effects of multimodal psychosomatic inpatient therapy for patients with functional VD symptoms in reducing vertigo-related handicap and related psychopathology, and to evaluate the role of symptom burden and body-related locus of control in predicting vertigo-related handicap at follow-up. DESIGN: We conducted an uncontrolled clinical pilot trial. METHODS: We included data of n = 72 inpatients with functional VD as a primary symptom and various psychopathological and/or physical comorbidities admitted for multimodal psychosomatic inpatient treatment. Patients completed self-report questionnaires assessing vertigo-related handicap (VHQ), somatization (PHQ-15), depression (BDI-II), anxiety (BAI), health-related quality of life (HRQOL; SF-36), and body-related locus of control (KLC) at admission (T0), discharge (T1), and 6 months after discharge (T2). RESULTS: We observed medium effects for the change of vertigo-related handicap (T0-T1: g = -0.60, T0-T2: g = -0.67) and small effects for the change of somatization (T0-T1: g = -0.29, T0-T2: g = -0.24), mental HRQOL (T0-T1: g = 0.43, T0-T2: g = 0.49), and depression (T0-T1: g = -0.41, T0-T2: g = -0.28) from admission to discharge and admission to follow-up. Body-related locus of control did not predict vertigo-related handicap at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide preliminary evidence for the beneficial role of psychosomatic inpatient treatment for patients with functional VD symptoms. Potentially relevant predictors of outcome at follow-up are discussed. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The change of vertigo-related handicap and related variables through multimodal psychosomatic inpatient treatment was evaluated in a clinical pilot trial in patients with functional vertigo and dizziness. We observed medium effects for the change of vertigo-related handicap and small effects for the change of somatization, mental health-related quality of life, and depression. Internal body-related locus of control at admission did not predict vertigo-related handicap at follow-up.

Neurologists' Assessment of Mental Comorbidity in Patients With Vertigo and Dizziness in Routine Clinical Care-Comparison With a Structured Clinical Interview.

Background: Mental health comorbidities are frequent in patients with vertigo and dizziness. The current study was conducted in a specialized interdisciplinary university center for vertigo and dizziness. Clinical routines consist of a structured work-up in which neuro-otological and neurological tests are performed to first detect possible organic vestibular deficits. In addition, psychiatric disorders and comorbidities are considered. The study aimed to evaluate neurologists' awareness of psychiatric next to somatic disorders within patients' first examination in terms of diagnostic congruence between neurologists' diagnoses and structured clinical assessment of mental disorders. Methods: The study involved 392 patients. Diagnostic evaluation included (a) structured history-taking (including psychosocial anamnesis), neurological, and neuro-otological diagnostics conducted by neurologists and (b) a structured clinical interview for mental disorders (SCID-I) conducted by psychologists and final-year medical or psychology students. Cohen's Kappa was calculated to determine agreement rates regarding depression and anxiety disorders; additionally, sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. Results: Neurologists' assessments led to at least one psychiatric diagnosis among the main diagnoses in 40 (10.2 %) patients, whereas the structured clinical interview led to at least one DSM-IV psychiatric diagnosis in 174 (44.4%) of the patients. Agreement was low (κ < 0.2); sensitivity was low (15%) but specificity was high (98%). Conclusions: Agreement between the diagnosis of neurologists and structured clinical interviews for psychiatric disorders is low. Since psychiatric disorders are frequent in vertigo and dizziness and tend to take a chronic course, improving early recognition and implementing appropriate care concepts is vital.

Implications of DSM-5 for the diagnosis of pediatric eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare the DSM-IV, DSM-5, and ICD-10 eating disorders (ED) nomenclatures to assess their value in the classification of pediatric eating disorders. We investigated the prevalence of the disorders in accordance with each system's diagnostic criteria, diagnostic concordance between the systems, and interrater reliability. METHOD: Participants were 1062 children and adolescents assessed at intake to a specialist Eating Disorders Program (91.6% female, mean age 14.5 years, SD = 1.75). Measures were collected from routine intake assessments. RESULTS: DSM-5 categorization led to a lower prevalence of unspecified EDs when compared with DSM-IV. There was almost complete overlap for specified EDs. Kappa values indicated almost excellent agreement between the two coders on all three diagnostic systems, although there was higher interrater reliability for DSM-5 and ICD-10 when compared with DSM-IV. DISCUSSION: DSM-5 nomenclature is useful in classifying eating disorders in pediatric clinical samples.

The Longitudinal Effect of Vertigo and Dizziness Symptoms on Psychological Distress: Symptom-Related Fears and Beliefs as Mediators.

Despite the frequent observation that vertigo and dizziness (VD) disorders may trigger or exacerbate secondary psychiatric comorbidities, there is limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying this development. To address this gap, we investigated whether symptom-related fears and cognitions as indicated by questionnaire-based measures are mediators of the longitudinal effect of VD symptoms on anxiety and depression after 1 year. We analyzed data from a large study with patients of a treatment center specialized in vertigo (N = 210). Simple and multiple parallel mediation models strengthened our hypothesis that fear of bodily sensations and cognitions about these symptoms play a mediating role in the relationship between VD symptoms and psychopathology at follow-up after baseline scores of the outcome were controlled for. Results are discussed within a cognitive theory framework and point to the potential benefits of interventions that modify symptom-related beliefs and fears via cognitive psychotherapy in this therapeutically underserved population.

[Tailored Care for Functional Vertigo/Dizziness - An Integrative Group Psychotherapy Approach]. / Psychotherapie bei Schwindelerkrankungen ­ Eine störungsorientierte Gruppenbehandlung für angst-, depressions- und somatoform betonten Schwindel.

Functional vertigo and dizziness (VD) symptoms are highly prevalent and usually accompanied by a strong impairment of quality in everyday and working life. The complaints are often associated with various psychiatric disorders, particularly phobic and other anxiety disorders, depressive or somatoform disorders. Despite this clinical relevance of VD symptoms, studies towards psychotherapeutic treatment options for patients with functional VD are still rare. Thus, the present study outlines a manual for outpatient group therapy for patients with functional VD symptoms. Our approach aims to assist patients in developing an understanding of the interaction between bodily complaints and psychosocial factors while detracting from a purely symptom based focus. The integrative-psychotherapeutic treatment program consists of 16 weekly sessions and includes a regular vestibular rehabilitation training as well as disorder-oriented modules towards anxiety and panic disorder, depression, and somatisation. We are currently conducting a randomised controlled trial in order to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of the program in reducing VD and further bodily symptoms, vertigo-related social and physical handicap as well as anxiety and depressive complaints. A previously completed pilot trial has led to small to large pre-follow-up-effects on primary and secondary outcome measures. Conclusions regarding acceptance and feasibility of the therapy concept are discussed.

Course and predictors of DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder in patients with vertigo and dizziness symptoms - A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a diagnosis that was newly included in DSM-5. Currently, data on the course of SSD are largely lacking. The present study aimed to evaluate the natural course of SSD in a one-year follow-up study in patients with vertigo and dizziness (VD) symptoms. METHODS: We investigated n=239 outpatients presenting in a tertiary care neurological setting over a one-year period. Patients had a medical examination at baseline and completed self-report questionnaires, which were re-assessed after 12months. DSM-5 SSD was assigned retrospectively. We evaluated the prevalence of SSD at baseline and 12-month follow-up and investigated predictors of the persistence of SSD during the study period. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of SSD was 36% at baseline and 62% at 12-months follow-up. The persistence rate of SSD was 82% and the incidence rate was high, leading to a markedly increased prevalence rate at follow-up. Risk factors for persistent SSD were a self-concept of bodily weakness (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.30-1.78) and an increase of depression during the study period (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02-1.22). Further, the diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (OR: 7.52, 95% CI: 1.17-48.23) or both anxiety and depressive disorder (OR: 23.14, 95% CI: 2.14-249.91) at baseline were significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings point out that SSD is highly prevalent in patients with VD symptoms, the incidence of the disorder widely outweighs its remission. Potential predictors of a persistence of SSD are discussed and can be chosen as a focus in therapy.

Psychological distress longitudinally mediates the effect of vertigo symptoms on vertigo-related handicap.

OBJECTIVE: Vertigo symptoms can lead to more or less vertigo-related handicap. This longitudinal study investigated whether depression, anxiety, and/or somatization mediate the relationship between vertigo symptoms and vertigo-related handicap. METHODS: N=111 patients with vertigo/dizziness provided complete data on the following measures: Vertigo symptoms at baseline, depression at 6-month follow-up, anxiety at 6-month follow-up, somatization at 6-month follow-up, and vertigo handicap at 12-month follow-up. Mediation analyses with bootstrapping were performed to investigate the mediating role of anxiety, depression, and somatization in the relationship between vertigo symptoms and vertigo-related handicap. RESULTS: When the mediating role of anxiety, depression, and somatization was evaluated separately from each other in single mediation models, the effect vertigo symptoms at baseline exerted on vertigo-related handicap at 12-month follow-up was significantly mediated by depression at 6-month follow-up (p<0.05), by anxiety at 6-month follow-up (p<0.05), as well as by somatization at 6-month follow-up (p<0.05). When statistically controlling for the other mediators in a multiple mediator model, only depression at 6-month follow-up mediated the effect of vertigo symptoms at baseline on vertigo-related handicap at 12-month follow-up (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Psychological distress is an important mechanism in the process how vertigo symptoms lead to vertigo-related handicap.

The Relationship Between Perfectionism and Psychopathology: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical significance of 2 main dimensions of perfectionism (perfectionistic strivings and perfectionistic concerns) was examined via a meta-analysis of studies investigating perfectionism in the psychopathology literature. METHOD: We investigated relationships between psychopathology outcomes (clinical diagnoses of depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders; symptoms of these disorders; and outcomes related to psychopathology, such as deliberate self-harm, suicidal ideation, and general distress) and each perfectionism dimension. The relationships were examined by evaluating (a) differences in the magnitude of association of the 2 perfectionism dimensions with psychopathology outcomes and (b) subscales of 2 common measures of perfectionism. RESULTS: A systematic literature search retrieved 284 relevant studies, resulting in 2,047 effect sizes that were analysed with meta-analysis and meta-regression while accounting for data dependencies. CONCLUSION: Findings support the notion of perfectionism as a transdiagnostic factor by demonstrating that both dimensions are associated with various forms of psychopathology.

DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder in patients with vertigo and dizziness symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: DSM-5 somatic symptom disorder (SSD) could potentially be a highly relevant diagnosis for patients with vertigo and dizziness. The criteria of SSD, particularly the B-criterion with its three components (cognitive, affective, behavioral), have however not yet been investigated in this patient group. METHODS: We evaluated a large sample (n=399) of outpatients presenting in a neurological setting. Physical examinations and a psychometric assessment (SCID-I) were conducted; patients completed self-report questionnaires. The diagnosis of SSD was assigned retrospectively. The prevalence of SSD, its diagnostic criteria, and its overlap with former DSM-IV somatoform disorders were evaluated; comparisons were drawn between (1) patients fulfilling different components of the B-criterion and (2) patients with diagnoses after DSM-IV vs. DSM-5. RESULTS: SSD was almost twice as common as DSM-IV somatoform disorders. Patients with all three components of the B-criterion reported the highest impairment levels. Patients with both DSM-IV somatoform disorders and DSM-5 SSD were more impaired compared to groups with one of the diagnoses; patients with DSM-IV somatoform disorders only were more impaired than those with SSD only. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that SSD is highly prevalent in patients with vertigo and dizziness. The classification of severity based on the number of psychological symptoms appears valid and may assist in finding suitable treatment options according to clinical practice guidelines. Future studies should investigate the overlap of SSD and other psychiatric disorders, this may assist in better defining the diagnostic criteria of SSD.

Emotional processing and rTMS: does inhibitory theta burst stimulation affect the human startle reflex?

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) enables the local and non-invasive modulation of cortical activity and has proved to achieve antidepressant effects. To a lesser extent, rTMS is investigated as a treatment option for anxiety disorders. As the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala represent key components of human emotion regulation, we investigated how prefrontally applied rTMS affects the responsiveness of the subcortical amygdala during a fear-relevant study paradigm to examine potential cortico-limbic effects. Sham-controlled, randomised inhibitory rTMS (continuous theta burst stimulation, TBS) was applied to 102 healthy subjects (female = 54) over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Subsequently, the emotion-potentiated (unpleasant, neutral, and pleasant International Affective Picture System pictures) acoustic startle response was investigated. Subjective anxiety ratings (anxiety sensitivity, trait and state anxiety) were considered. Picture category affected the startle magnitude as expected for both TBS intervention groups (highest startle response for unpleasant, lowest for pleasant pictures). However, no modulatory effects of TBS on startle potentiation were discerned. No significant interaction effects of TBS intervention, subjective anxiety ratings, and gender were identified. Interestingly, startle habituation was influenced by TBS intervention on a trend-level, with verum TBS leading to an accelerated habituation. We found no evidence for the hypothesis that prefrontal inhibitory TBS affects the responsiveness of the amygdala during the presentation of emotionally relevant stimuli in healthy subjects. Instead, we found accelerated habituation under verum TBS on a statistical trend-level. Hence, some preliminary hints for modulatory effects of inhibitory TBS on basic learning mechanisms could be found.

Clinical presentation of eating disorders in young males at a tertiary setting.

BACKGROUND: Young males with eating disorders are a neglected study population in eating disorders. The aim of this study was to provide knowledge about the clinical presentation of eating disorders in young males. METHODS: The data source was the Helping to Outline Paediatric Eating Disorders (HOPE) Project (N ~ 1000), a prospective, ongoing registry comprising consecutive paediatric (<18 years) tertiary eating disorder referrals. Young males with DSM-5 eating disorders (n = 53) were compared with young females with eating disorders (n = 704). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the prevalence of diagnosis of bulimia nervosa (2 % vs 11 %, p = 0.26) among sexes. Males had comparable duration of illness (9 months; p = 0.28) and a significantly earlier age of onset (M = 12 years; p <0.001). Shape concern (2.39 vs 3.57, p <0.001) and weight concern (1.97 vs 3.09, p <0.001) were lower in males, and body mass index z score (-1.61 vs -1.42, p = 0.29) and medical compromise (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64, 95 % CI: 0.36, 1.12) were comparable. Males had a two-folder higher odds of being diagnosed with unspecified feeding or eating disorders (40 % vs 22 % for females, p = 0.004). Driven exercise to control weight and shape was common and comparable in prevalence among males and females (51 % vs 47 %, p = 0.79) and males were less likely to present with self-induced vomiting (OR = 0.23, 95 % CI: 0.09, 0.59). CONCLUSION: Boys with eating disorders are an understudied group with similarities and differences in clinical presentation from girls with eating disorders. Parents and physicians are encouraged to consider changes in weight, disturbed vital signs, and driven, frequent exercise for the purposes of controlling weight or shape, as possible signs of eating disorders among male children. Diagnostic classification, assessment instruments, conceptualisation, and treatment methods need to be refined to improve application to young males.