From self-induced to perceived errors - A generalized over-monitoring activity in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Well-functioning error monitoring of the inner and outer environments is essential for adaptively altering behavior, while malfunction characterizes conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The underlying brain processing is manifested as Error-Related Negativity (ERN) signal elicited following error comission, and Perceived Error Related Theta Activity (PERTA) signal elicited following detection of discrepancy in the environment. Yet, while enhanced ERN was repeatedly demonstrated in OCD patients and was found to be potentiated among their unaffected first degree relatives, no comparable observations were reported with regard to PERTA. We recorded EEG activity while OCD patients, OCD patients' siblings (Family), and healthy controls (HC) performed computerized tasks. For the examination of ERN we used the Stroop task and for the examination of PERTA we presented correct and incorrect mathematical equations. Increased ERN (0-120 ms post response) was observed in both the OCD and Family groups, but only the OCD patients' signal significantly differed from that of HC's. Similarly, modified PERTA activity was observed in both the OCD and Family groups in the N1 peak (65-125 ms post perceived error), but only for the OCD group this activity significantly differed from that of HC. Both ERN and PERTA's N1 are fast occurring peaks, which suggests that OCD is associate with a constantly over-activated detection system that monitors the inner and outer environment and reacts promptly following detection of a mistake. Furthermore, the modified but non-significantly different activity of the Family group suggests that the pathological condition evolves in vulnerable individuals with neuronal predisposition.

Manifesto for a European research network into Problematic Usage of the Internet.

The Internet is now all-pervasive across much of the globe. While it has positive uses (e.g. prompt access to information, rapid news dissemination), many individuals develop Problematic Use of the Internet (PUI), an umbrella term incorporating a range of repetitive impairing behaviours. The Internet can act as a conduit for, and may contribute to, functionally impairing behaviours including excessive and compulsive video gaming, compulsive sexual behaviour, buying, gambling, streaming or social networks use. There is growing public and National health authority concern about the health and societal costs of PUI across the lifespan. Gaming Disorder is being considered for inclusion as a mental disorder in diagnostic classification systems, and was listed in the ICD-11 version released for consideration by Member States (http://www.who.int/classifications/icd/revision/timeline/en/). More research is needed into disorder definitions, validation of clinical tools, prevalence, clinical parameters, brain-based biology, socio-health-economic impact, and empirically validated intervention and policy approaches. Potential cultural differences in the magnitudes and natures of types and patterns of PUI need to be better understood, to inform optimal health policy and service development. To this end, the EU under Horizon 2020 has launched a new four-year European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action Programme (CA 16207), bringing together scientists and clinicians from across the fields of impulsive, compulsive, and addictive disorders, to advance networked interdisciplinary research into PUI across Europe and beyond, ultimately seeking to inform regulatory policies and clinical practice. This paper describes nine critical and achievable research priorities identified by the Network, needed in order to advance understanding of PUI, with a view towards identifying vulnerable individuals for early intervention. The network shall enable collaborative research networks, shared multinational databases, multicentre studies and joint publications.

A comparison between print vs. internet methods for a clinical trial recruitment--a pan European OCD study.

Recruitment for clinical studies presents a serious challenge in terms of meeting both time and budget constraints. The internet offers a potentially powerful means for quick and effective recruitment-either as an add-on or as alternative to traditional methods. We developed a Google search based solution which enhances patient recruitment. Recruitment via internet was associated with greater exposure to relevant applicants and better response to treatment as compared to traditional printed ads.