Article
Neurosciences
Trevor T. -J. Chong, Erika Fortunato, Mark A. Bellgrove
Summary: This study found that individuals with ADHD have lower motivation in both cognitive and physical domains, and amphetamine-based medication can increase their motivation. The results also showed that amphetamine treatment effectively restores motivation in ADHD individuals, bringing it to levels similar to healthy controls. These findings provide clear evidence for increased sensitivity to effort in individuals with ADHD and demonstrate the domain-general role of catecholamines in motivating effortful behavior.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lin Zhang, Deirdre M. McCarthy, Karen L. Eskow Jaunarajs, Joseph Biederman, Thomas J. Spencer, Pradeep G. Bhide
Summary: The study indicates that the KOR antagonist norbinaltorphimine (norBNI) and methylphenidate can improve attention and working memory in the PNE mouse model by increasing dopamine and noradrenaline release.
Article
Neurosciences
Gunasingh Jeyaraj Masilamoni, Allison Weinkle, Stella M. Papa, Yoland Smith
Summary: This study found decreased serotonergic and catecholaminergic innervation in the frontal cortex at early stages of Parkinson's disease. The use of MPTP-treated monkeys as animal models revealed that these changes may contribute to early non-motor symptoms in PD.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Isabel Perez-Santos, Miguel Angel Garcia-Cabezas, Carmen Cavada
Summary: Neuromodulatory afferents to the thalamus are important for information transmission, but the descriptions of these inputs in primates have methodological divergences, making them less comparable. This article proposes reproducible methodologies and terminologies for mapping the primate thalamus and suggests the use of standardized planes and terminology for consistent identification of thalamic nuclei.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Daniela Senior, Rania Ahmed, Eliz Arnavut, Alexandra Carvalho, Wen Xuan Lee, Kenneth Blum, David E. Komatsu, Michael Hadjiargyrou, Rajendra D. Badgaiyan, Panayotis K. Thanos
Summary: The majority of animal studies on methylphenidate (MP) use methods such as intraperitoneal injections, subcutaneous injections, or the oral gavage route. However, the most clinically relevant route is oral administration. Intraperitoneal injections provide an immediate and maximum dose, but only represent a limited window of the drug's effects. Subcutaneous injections do not accurately reflect oral exposure, and the oral-gavage method has adverse effects and may be stressful for animals. The use of a two-bottle drinking method allows for free consumption of MP and more accurately mirrors human treatment, enabling the study of MP's effects on development, behavior, neurochemistry, and brain function.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Arianna D. Cascone, Finnegan Calabro, William Foran, Bart Larsen, Tehila Nugiel, Ashley C. Parr, Brenden Tervo-Clemmens, Beatriz Luna, Jessica R. Cohen
Summary: Children with ADHD show impairments in response inhibition, which can be improved by modulating dopamine using rewards or medication like methylphenidate. This study investigates the impact of intrinsic dopamine availability on response inhibition in children with ADHD. The results suggest that higher tissue iron levels in certain brain regions are associated with worse response inhibition in all participants, but also with greater responsiveness to methylphenidate in children with ADHD.
DEVELOPMENTAL COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jolyon A. Jones, Katharina Zuhlsdorff, Jeffrey W. Dalley
Summary: Drug addiction is manifested in some individuals and involves multifaceted processes such as cognitive control failures. Impulsivity, which includes reckless behavior without foresight, underlies most drug-taking behavior. While the neural substrates of the relationship between trait impulsivity and drug compulsion are poorly understood, advances have been made in studying limbic cortico-striatal circuits and neuromodulatory influences.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Christopher H. van Dyck, Amy F. T. Arnsten, Prasad R. Padala, Olga Brawman-Mintzer, Alan J. Lerner, Anton P. Porsteinsson, Roberta W. Scherer, Allan I. Levey, Nathan Herrmann, Nimra Jamil, Jacobo E. Mintzer, Krista L. Lanctot, Paul B. Rosenberg
Summary: Apathy is a common symptom in patients with Alzheimer's disease, and previous treatment methods have been ineffective. Methylphenidate has shown promising results in initial trials for treating apathy, possibly by boosting norepinephrine and dopamine actions in brain circuits. Understanding the role of neuronal circuits and neurotransmitters in motivated behavior may provide insight into developing more effective treatments for apathy in Alzheimer's disease.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu Liu, Changhong Yang, Yingxue Meng, Yonghui Dang, Lin Yang
Summary: This study investigates the potential use of a ketogenic diet (KD) in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by altering gut microbiota. The results indicate that KD can regulate gut microbiota and alleviate behavioral symptoms in ADHD. The findings provide novel insights into the use of KD as an alternative therapy for ADHD.
Article
Psychiatry
Sevim Berrin Inci Izmir, Melis Ipci, Eyup Sabri Ercan
Summary: This study investigated the effects of methylphenidate (MPH) on neurocognitive test scores in individuals with different presentations of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as the impact of comorbidities on executive function. The results showed that MPH treatment improved neurocognitive test scores in patients with different presentations of ADHD, and the treatment was effective even in the presence of comorbidities.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Cecilia Mazzetti, Christienne Gonzales Damatac, Emma Sprooten, Niels ter Huurne, Jan K. Buitelaar, Ole Jensen
Summary: This study aimed to identify the white matter tracts that mediate the effect of methylphenidate (MPH) on ADHD patients. The results showed that the anterior thalamic radiation (ATR), superior longitudinal fasciculus (parietal endings) (SLFp), and superior longitudinal fasciculus (temporal endings) (SLFt) were significantly associated with the effects of MPH. In addition, ADHD symptom severity was related to lower fractional anisotropy (FA) within the ATR, and individuals with higher FA in SLFp compared to SLFt exhibited stronger behavioral effects of MPH and beta power modulation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Magda Dubois, Tobias U. Hauser
Summary: Deciding whether to give up a good choice to explore a potentially more rewarding alternative is a challenging arbitration in human reasoning and artificial intelligence. This study tests theories on excessive exploration being a critical mechanism underlying the psychiatric dimension of impulsivity using large online samples, dimensional analyses, and computational modeling. The findings demonstrate a link between impulsivity and a specific form of exploration-value-free random exploration- and explore connections between exploration and other psychiatric dimensions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Paula Trujillo, Megan A. Aumann, Daniel O. Claassen
Summary: Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI is a non-invasive method that can be used for the diagnosis and quantification of various neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders associated with disruptions in the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems. This review focuses on the biological and physical contrast mechanisms of NM-MRI and discusses its potential clinical applications, as well as the challenges and limitations.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Claudia Sagheddu, Enzo Cancedda, Farshid Bagheri, Predrag Kalaba, Anna Lisa Muntoni, Jana Lubec, Gert Lubec, Fabrizio Sanna, Marco Pistis
Summary: CE-158 potentiates dopamine neurotransmission, promotes behavioral flexibility, and restores learning and memory in rats. Chronic administration of CE-158 does not induce abuse potential or pro-psychotic-like effects. These findings provide important evidence for the clinical application of CE-158.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Darwin Contreras, Ricardo Pina, Claudia Carvallo, Felipe Godoy, Gonzalo Ugarte, Marc Zeise, Carlos Rozas, Bernardo Morales
Summary: This study demonstrates that methylphenidate can restore behavioral impairments and neuroplasticity in an ADHD mouse model induced by prenatal nicotine exposure. The restoration is achieved through changes in AMPAR subunit composition and distribution, as well as the maturation of dendritic spines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
David Baumeister, Emmanuelle Peters, Jens Pruessner, Oliver Howes, Paul Chadwick
Summary: Negative voice content is more associated with increased subjective stress-reactivity compared to other voices or auditory stimuli. Mindful voice-appraisals may partially moderate this effect. These findings highlight the importance of voice content for the impact of voice-hearing and the potential value of mindfulness training in treating voice distress in psychosis.
SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Annika B. E. Benz, Liliane Vanessa Kloker, Tim Kuhlmann, Maria Meier, Eva Unternaehrer, Ulrike U. Bentele, Stephanie J. Dimitroff, Bernadette F. Denk, Ulf-Dietrich Reips, Jens C. Pruessner
Summary: The German translation of the PBI showed good psychometric properties and demonstrated significant differences in reported parenting styles among different groups of individuals. The use of a 3-factor structure provided additional value, such as improved differentiation between normal-weight and overweight individuals.
PSYCHOTHERAPIE PSYCHOSOMATIK MEDIZINISCHE PSYCHOLOGIE
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Xi Ren, Xiaolin Zhao, Jiwen Li, Yadong Liu, Yipeng Ren, Jens C. Pruessner, Juan Yang
Summary: Higher daily stress levels are associated with lower salivary cortisol secretion and lower activation of the left hippocampus in response to a stress task. In addition, higher daily stress levels are associated with stronger functional connectivity between the left hippocampus and the ventral medial prefrontal cortex.
PSYCHOSOMATIC MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Katja Hoehne, Pascal Vrticka, Veronika Engert, Tania Singer
Summary: This study examined the relationship between plasma oxytocin levels, cortisol, and subjective stress reactivity to explore the impact of mental training on stress reduction. While stress triggered acute oxytocin release, a single Loving-kindness Meditation did not affect oxytocin release. Compassion-based affect training decreased overall oxytocin levels during stress, but increased levels during meditation, regardless of cortisol and subjective stress reactivity. The findings suggest that changes in peripheral oxytocin release do not mediate stress reduction after mental training, highlighting the potential importance of an allostatic concept of oxytocin.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Cherie Strikwerda-Brown, Diana A. Hobbs, Julie Gonneaud, Frederic St-Onge, Alexa Pichet Binette, Hazal Ozlen, Karine Provost, Jean-Paul Soucy, Rachel F. Buckley, Tammie L. S. Benzinger, John C. Morris, Victor L. Villemagne, Vincent Dore, Reisa A. Sperling, Keith A. Johnson, Christopher C. Rowe, Brian A. Gordon, Judes Poirier, John C. S. Breitner, Sylvia Villeneuve
Summary: The study confirmed the clinical value of NIA-AA biological research criteria in predicting whether older individuals with no cognitive impairment will develop AD symptoms in the near future, with most A+T+(N+) individuals developing AD symptoms within 2 to 3 years.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Annika B. E. Benz, Raphaela J. Gaertner, Maria Meier, Eva Unternaehrer, Simona Scharndke, Clara Jupe, Maya Wenzel, Ulrike U. Bentele, Stephanie J. Dimitroff, Bernadette F. Denk, Jens C. Pruessner
Summary: Growing evidence suggests that natural environments contribute to psychological health and physiological relaxation. This study investigates the effects of nature-based relaxation videos on heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR), revealing a decrease in HR and an increase in HRV during video interventions. The findings suggest that aspects of early life adversity and trait mindfulness may influence individual responses to relaxation videos.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Sophie Koehne, Veronika Engert, Jenny Rosendahl
Summary: There is a debate among researchers about whether resilience is a dynamic state or stable trait. This study aimed to investigate the stability and construct validity of commonly used resilience scales and assess their predictive validity. The results showed strong correlations between resilience scales and Big Five personality traits. Most scales showed high test-retest correlations, and experiencing additional significant life events during the pandemic led to an increase in resilience. Associations between resilience and psychological distress were weak when controlling for personality and baseline distress. However, resilience explained additional variance in distress change beyond personality traits. Overall, the results suggest both high stability and dynamic features of resilience in the face of significant adversity.
PERSONALITY AND MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Alexandra Barnabe, Karine Gamache, Joao Vitor Paes de Camargo, Erin Allen-Flanagan, Mathilde Rioux, Jens Pruessner, Marco Leyton, Karim Nader
Summary: Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable death globally. This study examined the potential of stress to enhance the effects of a memory updating intervention on smoking cessation. The findings showed that individuals exposed to stress had greater psychophysiological responses during the intervention and experienced greater reductions in cigarette use.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Jonas P. Nitschke, Jens C. Pruessner, Jennifer A. Bartz
Summary: This study suggests that acute psychosocial stress enhances empathic accuracy in men, related to their glucocorticoid response, while it has no effect on women, who also show a smaller cortisol response to stress.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Tobias Stalder, Sonia J. Lupien, Brigitte M. Kudielka, Emma K. Adam, Jens C. Pruessner, Stefan Wuest, Samantha Dockray, Nina Smyth, Phil Evans, Clemens Kirschbaum, Robert Miller, Mark A. Wetherell, Johannes B. Finke, Tim Klucken, Angela Clow
Summary: This article reports a critical evaluation and update of current cortisol awakening response (CAR) methodology, presenting an updated and streamlined version of the CAR consensus guidelines. A quantitative evaluation of CAR research shows limited improvement in implementing core recommendations, but evidence confirms the accuracy of the original guidelines. Furthermore, recent technological advances offer potential cost-saving methods for CAR assessment in future research.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Veronika Engert, Katja Hoehne, Tania Singer
Summary: Regular contemplative mental practices, such as meditation and thinking, can help reduce stress. Specifically, compassion- and care-based training is more effective in reducing stress compared to attention and meta-cognitive skill-focused training.
Article
Psychology, Experimental
Jost Ulrich Blasberg, Joana Jost, Philipp Kanske, Veronika Engert
Summary: The closeness of the parent-child relationship determines the likelihood of children spontaneously reproducing the emotional and physiological stress response of their mothers. This study investigated whether psychosocial stress in mothers is causally linked to empathic stress in children. The findings showed that children in the stress group were more likely to exhibit significant cortisol release, particularly boys. Watching stressed mothers also triggered stronger subjective and physiological stress responses in children, with the latter being influenced by cognitive empathy. Only in stressed parent-child pairs did the children's physiological responses resonate with those of their mothers. In conclusion, young children are capable of spontaneously reproducing their mother's stress response, even when mildly stressed.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY-GENERAL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Magdalena Degering, Roman Linz, Lara M. C. Puhlmann, Tania Singer, Veronika Engert
Summary: Exposure to excessive and long-term stress may lead to dysregulation of the stress system, including acute stress response. The contribution of altered acute cortisol recovery to chronic stress and associated health impairments has been neglected in research.
BRAIN, BEHAVIOR, & IMMUNITY - HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Ruth Marheinecke, Bernhard Strauss, Veronika Engert
Summary: Exposure to psychological trauma and chronic stressors can both have negative health consequences, but the harmful impact of chronic stressors is often not recognized in clinical, political, and societal settings. Victims of political repression in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) experienced covert methods that caused significant psychological and social harm. Understanding the psychological and biological effects of political repression is crucial for the healthcare of victims and those currently experiencing similar forms of repression.
PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA-THEORY RESEARCH PRACTICE AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah E. M. Stoll, Leonie Mack, Jean P. P. Scheib, Jens Pruessner, Jennifer Randerath
Summary: Efficient movement selection is crucial in everyday activities. This study suggests that our stress system might influence this function, particularly for plan-based approaches. Variations in parasympathetic activity appear to be disadvantageous for improving plan-based movement selection, while performance in rule-based movement selection tasks remains relatively unaffected.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
