Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder: Recent Experimental, Neurobiological Studies, and Implications for Future Research and Treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review article is to give an overview over recent experimental neurobiological research on dissociation in borderline personality disorder (BPD), in order to inform clinicians and to stimulate further research. First, we introduce basic definitions and models that conceptualize dissociation from a transdiagnostic perspective. Then, we discuss recent findings in BPD. RECENT FINDINGS: Stress-related dissociation is a key symptom of BPD, closely linked to other core domains of the disorder (emotion dysregulation, identity disturbances, and interpersonal disturbances). The understanding of neurobiological correlates of dissociation across different psychiatric disorders (e.g., dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder) is steadily increasing. At the same time, studies explicitly focusing on dissociation in BPD are still scarce. There is evidence for adverse effects of dissociation on affective-cognitive functioning (e.g., interference inhibition), body perception, and psychotherapeutic treatment response in BPD. On the neural level, increased activity in frontal regions (e.g., inferior frontal gyrus) and temporal areas (e.g., inferior and superior temporal gyrus) during symptom provocation tasks and during resting state was observed, although findings are still diverse and need to be replicated. Conceptual differences and methodological differences in study designs and sample characteristics (e.g., comorbidities, trauma history) hinder a straightforward interpretation and comparison of studies. Given the potentially detrimental impact of dissociation in BPD, more research on the topic is strongly needed to deepen the understanding of this complex clinical condition.

Post-migration factors and mental health outcomes in asylum-seeking and refugee populations: a systematic review.

The present systematic review examined post-migration variables impacting upon mental health outcomes among asylum-seeking and refugee populations in Europe. It focuses on the effects of post-settlement stressors (including length of asylum process and duration of stay, residency status and social integration) and their impact upon post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. Twenty-two studies were reviewed in this study. Length of asylum process and duration of stay was found to be the most frequently cited factor for mental health difficulties in 9 out of 22 studies. Contrary to expectation, residency or legal status was posited as a marker for other explanatory variables, including loneliness, discrimination and communication or language problems, rather than being an explanatory variable itself. However, in line with previous findings and as hypothesised in this review, there were statistically significant correlations found between family life, family separation and mental health outcomes.

La presente revisión sistemática examinó las variables posteriores a la migración que afectan los resultados de salud mental entre las poblaciones de refugiados y en búsqueda de asilo en Europa. Ésta se centra principalmente en los efectos de los factores estresantes posteriores al asentamiento (incluyendo la duración del proceso de asilo y la duración de la estadía, el estado de residencia y la integración social) y su impacto sobre el trastorno de estrés postraumático, ansiedad y depresión. Veintidós estudios fueron revisados en este estudio. La duración del proceso de asilo y la duración de la estadía fueron los factores más frecuentemente citados para las dificultades de salud mental en 9 de 22 estudios. Siete estudios reportaron asociaciones significativas entre los factores de riesgo y la salud mental, y éstos fueron moderados por el estado de residencia. Más bien, el efecto del estatus legal estaba más estrechamente ligado a otros factores posteriores a la migración; fue hallado actuando como un marcador de variables adicionales posteriores a la migración, incluyendo la soledad, la discriminación y los problemas de comunicación o idioma. También se encontró que las dificultades relacionadas a la familia estaban asociadas con la duración de la estadía y el estado legal, concurrente con la noción de que otras variables posteriores a la migración son más relevantes para los resultados de salud mental que la residencia y la duración de la estadía.

Revealing what is distinct by recognising what is common: distinguishing between complex PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder symptoms using bifactor modelling.

Background: Despite concerns of conceptual similarity, increasing evidence supports the discriminant validity of Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). However, all studies to date have assumed a categorical model of psychopathology. In contrast, dimensional models of psychopathology, such as the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology model (i.e. HiTOP model), recognise shared vulnerability across supposedly discrete disorders. Accounting for shared vulnerability between CPTSD and BPD symptoms may help to better reveal what is unique about these constructs. Objective: To identify the distinct and shared features of CPTSD and BPD via the application of dimensional modelling procedures. Method: Confirmatory bifactor and confirmatory factor analysis were employed to identify the optimal latent structure of CPTSD and BPD symptoms amongst a convenience sample of Israeli adults (N = 617). Additionally, structural equation modelling was used to identify risk factors associated with these constructs. Results: The latent structure of CPTSD and BPD symptoms was best explained by a bifactor model including one 'general' factor (i.e. vulnerability to all symptoms) and three 'specific' correlated factors (i.e. vulnerability to PTSD, DSO, and BPD symptoms, respectively). CPTSD symptoms were more readily distinguished from the general factor whereas BPD symptoms were not as easily distinguished from the general factor. CPTSD symptoms reflecting a negative self-concept and BPD symptoms reflecting an alternating self-concept were the most distinctive features of CPTSD and BPD relative to the general factor, respectively. Most of the risk factors were associated with the general vulnerability factor, consistent with the predictions of dimensional models of psychopathology regarding shared risk across supposedly distinct psychiatric constructs. Conclusion: Consistent with a dimensional model of psychopathology, CPTSD and BPD shared a common latent structure but were still distinguishable. CPTSD and BPD symptoms may be most effectively distinguished based on the phenomenology of self-concept symptoms.

Antecedentes: A pesar de las consideraciones sobre la similitud conceptual, cada vez hay más pruebas que respaldan la validez para diferenciar el trastorno de estrés postraumático complejo (TEPT-C) del trastorno límite de personalidad (TLP). Sin embargo, todos los estudios hasta la fecha han asumido un modelo categórico de psicopatología. Por el contrario, los modelos dimensionales de psicopatología, como el modelo de taxonomía jerárquica de psicopatología (el modelo HiTOP), reconocen la vulnerabilidad compartida entre trastornos supuestamente distintos. Tener en cuenta la vulnerabilidad compartida entre los síntomas de TEPT-C y TLP puede ayudar a revelar mejor qué es lo particular de estos constructos.Objetivo: Identificar las características distintivas y compartidas de TEPT-C y TPL mediante la aplicación de procedimientos de modelado dimensional.Método: Se emplearon análisis de factores confirmatorios y bifactoriales para identificar la estructura latente óptima de los síntomas de TEPT-C y TLP entre una muestra por conveniencia de adultos israelíes (N = 617). Además, se utilizó el modelado de ecuaciones estructurales para identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con estos constructos.Resultados: La estructura latente de los síntomas de TEPT-C y TLP se explicó mejor mediante un modelo bifactorial que incluye un factor 'general' (es decir, vulnerabilidad a todos los síntomas) y tres factores correlacionados 'específicos' (es decir, vulnerabilidad a los síntomas de TEPT, DSO y TLP respectivamente). Los síntomas de TEPT-C se distinguieron más fácilmente del factor general, mientras que los síntomas de TLP no se distinguieron tan fácilmente del factor general. Los síntomas de TEPT-C que reflejan un autoconcepto negativo y los síntomas de TLP que reflejan un autoconcepto alterno fueron las características más distintivas de TEPT-C y TLP en relación con el factor general, respectivamente. La mayoría de los factores de riesgo se asociaron con el factor de vulnerabilidad general, en consonancia con las predicciones de los modelos dimensionales de psicopatología con respecto al riesgo compartido entre constructos psiquiátricos supuestamente distintos.Conclusión: De acuerdo con un modelo dimensional de psicopatología, el TEPT-C y el TLP compartían una estructura latente común, pero aún eran distinguibles. Los síntomas de TEPT-C y TLP se pueden distinguir de manera más efectiva según la fenomenología de los síntomas del autoconcepto.

The complexity of trauma exposure and response: Profiling PTSD and CPTSD among a refugee sample.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the latent dimensional and categorical structure of ICD-11 complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) within a refugee sample. METHOD: A subsample that identified as refugee (n = 308) was selected from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Factor mixture modeling (FMM) was employed to establish the dimensional structure of CPTSD symptomology and the categorical distribution of these dimensions. It was then evaluated whether trauma history could differentiate between the distribution of trauma response profiles. RESULTS: A correlated 6-factor model with 5 latent classes was the best fitting model. Two classes were characterized by symptom profiles that were consistent with ICD-11 CPTSD and PTSD formulations. The remaining classes were characterized by nonspecific variation across dimensions. CPTSD class membership was predicted by traumas that were predominantly interpersonal in nature (serious neglect, physical assault, and sexual assault), whereas PTSD class membership was predicted by situational traumatic experiences (unarmed civilian in a conflict environment and a serious accident). A distinct dose-response effect was evident between cumulative traumatic exposure and CPTSD class membership. CONCLUSION: FMM class profiles distinguished between PTSD and CPTSD symptom formulations. Moreover, class membership was determined by specific trauma-exposure histories. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Training the next generation of psychotraumatologists: COllaborative Network for Training and EXcellence in psychoTraumatology (CONTEXT).

In this paper we present a description of the Horizon2020, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action funded, research and training programme CONTEXT: COllaborative Network for Training and EXcellence in psychoTraumatology. The three objectives of the programme are put forward, each of which refers to a key component of the CONTEXT programme. First, we summarize the 12 individual research projects that will take place across three priority populations: (i) refugees and asylum seekers, (ii) first responders, and (iii) perpetrators and survivors of childhood and gender-based violence. Second, we detail the mentoring and training programme central to CONTEXT. Finally, we describe how the research, together with the training, will contribute towards better policy, guidelines, and practice within the field of psychotraumatology.

En este artículo presentamos una descripción de un nuevo programa de investigación y formación, Horizon2020, con fondos de Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action, llamado CONTEXT o 'Red coordinadora para la formación y la excelencia en psicotraumatología'. Se presentan los tres objetivos del programa y cada uno de los cuales hace referencia a un componente clave del programa CONTEXT. Primero, resumimos los doce proyectos individuales de investigación que se llevarán a cabo en tres poblaciones prioritarias: (i) refugiados y solicitantes de asilo, (ii) personal de respuesta en emergencias y (iii) perpetradores y sobrevivientes de violencia infantil y de género. En segundo lugar, detallamos el programa de tutoría y formación, eje central de CONTEXT. Finalmente, describimos cómo la investigación, junto con la formación, contribuirá a una mejor política, directrices y práctica en el campo de la psicoterapia.

Dissociation and Alterations in Brain Function and Structure: Implications for Borderline Personality Disorder.

Dissociation involves disruptions of usually integrated functions of consciousness, perception, memory, identity, and affect (e.g., depersonalization, derealization, numbing, amnesia, and analgesia). While the precise neurobiological underpinnings of dissociation remain elusive, neuroimaging studies in disorders, characterized by high dissociation (e.g., depersonalization/derealization disorder (DDD), dissociative identity disorder (DID), dissociative subtype of posttraumatic stress disorder (D-PTSD)), have provided valuable insight into brain alterations possibly underlying dissociation. Neuroimaging studies in borderline personality disorder (BPD), investigating links between altered brain function/structure and dissociation, are still relatively rare. In this article, we provide an overview of neurobiological models of dissociation, primarily based on research in DDD, DID, and D-PTSD. Based on this background, we review recent neuroimaging studies on associations between dissociation and altered brain function and structure in BPD. These studies are discussed in the context of earlier findings regarding methodological differences and limitations and concerning possible implications for future research and the clinical setting.