Article
Psychology, Biological
Yuanquan Ma, Huini Peng, Hongtao Liu, Ruolei Gu, Xiaohu Peng, Jianhui Wu
Summary: Individuals vary in their responses to stress, with higher right-frontal activity during the resting state predicting stronger physiological stress response in men. This suggests that alpha frontal asymmetry can serve as a biological predictor of acute stress responses in males.
Article
Psychology, Mathematical
Jenny T. Le, Poppy Watson, Denovan Begg, Lucy Albertella, Mike E. Le Pelley
Summary: The Simple Singing Stress Procedure (SSSP) has been found to be effective in inducing stress in participants, leading to physiological and psychological changes that are consistent with stress responses. This novel stress induction procedure shows promise as an alternative to existing protocols for studying stress.
BEHAVIOR RESEARCH METHODS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
V Bonapersona, F. J. Born, P. Bakvis, S. Branje, B. Elzinga, A. W. M. Evers, M. van Eysden, G. Fernandez, P. C. Habets, C. A. Hartman, E. J. Hermans, W. Meeus, H. van Middendorp, S. Nelemans, N. Y. Oei, A. J. Oldehinkel, K. Roelofs, S. R. de Rooij, T. Smeets, M. S. Tollenaar, M. Joels, C. H. Vinkers
Summary: Stress initiates (neuro)biological, physiological, and behavioral changes that allow us to respond to challenging environments. A database called STRESS-NL has been established in the Netherlands to combine and analyze data from various acute stress studies, aiming to accelerate our understanding of human acute stress response in both health and disease. This database provides a framework for explorative and hypothesis-driven data analyses in stress research, with high statistical power.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Experimental
Ethan R. Fischer, Cosette Fox, K. Lira Yoon
Summary: Individuals with high levels of growth mindsets believe that attributes are malleable. However, the links between acute stress responses and growth mindsets have yet to be examined. This study found that higher growth mindset of behavior was associated with lower cortisol levels in men, but not in women.
COGNITION & EMOTION
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Social
Javier I. Borraz-Leon, Nora Nickels McLean, JohnMichael Jurgensen, Dario Maestripieri
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between impulsivity, cortisol, and testosterone in a mixed-sex sample of college students. The results showed positive correlations between impulsivity and testosterone levels, and a negative correlation between impulsivity and cortisol changes. Sex differences were observed in the association between steroid hormones and impulsivity, as well as in the effects of impulsivity dimensions on cortisol and testosterone levels.
PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Esther Garcia Pages, Adriana Arza, Jesus Lazaro, Carlos Puig, Thais Castro, Manuel Ottaviano, Maria Teresa Arredondo, Maria Luisa Bernal, Raul Lopez-Anton, Concepcion De La Camara, Eduardo Gil, Pablo Laguna, Raquel Bailon, Jordi Aguilo, Jorge Mario Garzon-Rey
Summary: This article presents an experimental study that aimed to find a unique biomarker among physiological variables related to acute emotional stress. A group of 120 university students between 20 and 30 years old, with healthy habits and without chronic or psychiatric illnesses, participated in the study. The correct synchronous measurement of psychometric tests, biochemical variables, and physiological features related to stress confirmed the experimental results. Based on these variables, a Stress Reference Scale is proposed. Additionally, an Acute Stress Model correlated to the reference scale, based solely on physiological signals, is suggested. Preliminary results support the feasibility of measuring and quantifying stress levels, although the findings are limited to the studied population and stimulus type.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Weiyu Hu, Yadong Liu, Jiwen Li, Xiaolin Zhao, Juan Yang
Summary: Reward anticipation has been found to reduce acute stress responses, with a more pronounced effect in individuals with low early life stress (ELS). This anticipation also improves heart rate variability, highlighting its potential role in fostering resilience under stress.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
M. Buckert, M. Hartmann, N. Monzer, K. Wolff, P. Nawroth, T. Fleming, C. Streibel, N. Henningsen, B. Wild
Summary: This study found that patients with type 2 diabetes showed an exaggerated cortisol response to acute psychosocial stress compared to a control group. This suggests that alterations in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis are a plausible link between psychological stress and type 2 diabetes and its complications.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ildiko Katalin Pribek, Kalman Ferenc Szucs, Miklos Sule, Gyorgy Grosz, Eszter Ducza, Dora Vigh, Erika Toth, Zoltan Janka, Janos Kalman, Zsolt Laszlo Datki, Robert Gaspar, Balint Ando
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the non-invasive simultaneous recording of gastrointestinal activity during stress induction in rats and humans. The findings showed that myoelectric waves of the stomach, cecum, and ileum increased during stress, while the colon showed no change. The study highlights the important role of the GI tract in stress response and underscores the robustness of the findings across different species.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Qian Liu, Jianhui Wu, Liang Zhang, Xiaofang Sun, Qing Guan, Zhuxi Yao
Summary: This study found that, for the same level of stress, the subjective perceived level of control in young adults can influence the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Bernadette von Dawans, Julia Strojny, Gregor Domes
Summary: Research has shown that stress can cause psychological and physiological changes, affecting human social cognition and behavior. Current studies focus on the effects of acute stress induction or pharmacological interventions on stress-related neural circuits and their impact on social cognition and behavior. Future research needs to address methodological challenges to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between psychological and biological stress variables and their effects on health and social deficits in disorders.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Robyn A. Husa, Tony W. Buchanan, Brenda A. Kirchhoff
Summary: This study investigated the effects of acute stress on the use of systematic spatial working memory search strategy. The results suggest that acute stress does not impair the self-generation or execution of this strategy.
STRESS-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON THE BIOLOGY OF STRESS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Megan R. Gunnar, Brie M. Reid, Bonny Donzella, Zachary R. Miller, Samantha Gardow, Nikola C. Tsakonas, Kathleen M. Thomas, Meriah DeJoseph, Jason Jose Bendezu
Summary: The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a widely used protocol for activating stress responses, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made in-person assessments difficult. This study validated a completely remote, online version of the TSST for children, showing that it is consistent with in-person responses and can effectively assess reactivity of the HPA axis and other stress systems in a remote environment.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Hagar Azulay, Nitzan Guy, Yoni Pertzov, Salomon Israel
Summary: Research on the effects of acute stress on social decision-making has found that acute stress can lead to seemingly contradictory egocentric or prosocial behaviors. Individual differences in trait empathy may moderate the impact of stress on behavior, with high empathetic individuals exhibiting more generous behavior under stress, while low empathy individuals display more selfish behaviors.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Jeong Ha (Steph) Choi, Calvin D. O'Donnel, Vivian N. Phan, Christopher L. Coe, Yuri Miyamoto
Summary: How people perceive and value negative affective states is associated with physiological responses to stressful events and moderates the association between negative feelings and physiological and behavioral outcomes. Different cultural backgrounds shape how people view negative emotions and how people attend to internal emotional states, which may change the effects of valuing negative emotions. The present study examined whether valuation of nervousness was associated with cortisol responses to a stressor and task performance in East Asian and European American students. Valuing nervousness was associated with lower cortisol reactivity and better speech performance, and the strength of this association was moderated by cortisol level. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the valuation of negative emotions and cultural context in responding to demanding and threatening situations.
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Kathryne Van Hedger, Sarah K. Keedy, Kathryn E. Schertz, Marc G. Berman, Harriet de Wit
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Harriet de Wit, Anya K. Bershad, Charles Grob
Summary: There are substantial methodological differences between clinical studies and laboratory studies investigating psychiatric drug treatment, such as in expectancies, social and physical context, participant characteristics, pharmacological factors, and outcome measures. Translating findings from laboratory studies to clinical practice faces challenges but also presents opportunities for bridging the gap between these approaches.
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jessica Weafer, Stephanie M. Gorka, Mario Dzemidzic, David A. Kareken, K. Luan Phan, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Poor inhibitory control and heightened feelings of stimulation are two well-established risk factors for AUD, and recent evidence suggests they are related and may share common neurobiological mechanisms. Subjective reports of stimulation following alcohol were inversely associated with brain activity during inhibition, while feelings of sedation did not correlate with brain activation.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Harriet de Wit, Hanna M. Molla, Anya Bershad, Michael Bremmer, Royce Lee
Summary: The resurgence of interest in using psychedelic drugs, including LSD, has drawn attention to the medically unsupervised practice of 'microdosing'. However, few controlled studies have described the effects of microdosing LSD. A double-blind controlled study found that repeated low doses of LSD had negligible effects on mood and cognition in healthy volunteers.
Article
Neurosciences
Conor H. Murray, Zhengyi Huang, Royce Lee, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Increased availability of cannabis has led to increased usage and the occurrence of adverse effects. Adolescents may be more susceptible to adverse drug reactions, particularly the acute effects of THC. This study found that compared to adults, adolescents showed greater sensitivity to the cognitive and behavioral effects of THC, but not to cardiovascular effects or subjective measures.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
James Glazer, Conor H. Murray, Robin Nusslock, Royce Lee, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Renewed interest in classic psychedelics as treatments for psychiatric disorders warrants a deeper understanding of their neural mechanisms. This study found that low doses of LSD increased reward-related brain activity, which may have important implications for the treatment of depressive disorders.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Harriet de Wit
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jiaxu Han, Sarah Keedy, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Individual differences in subjective, stimulant-like effects of alcohol are associated with the risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
E. L. Nurmi, C. P. Laughlin, H. de Wit, A. A. Palmer, J. MacKillop, T. D. Cannon, R. M. Bilder, E. Congdon, F. W. Sabb, L. C. Seaman, J. J. McElroy, M. R. Libowitz, J. Weafer, J. Gray, A. C. Dean, G. S. Hellemann, E. D. London
Summary: The study explores the genetic architecture of risky decision-making in psychiatric disorders and its correlation with cannabis use. The results indicate a polygenic nature of risky decision-making and its overlap with cannabis use.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
H. de Wit, M. Heilig, A. K. Bershad
Summary: Psychedelic drugs used in psychotherapy can create long-lasting memories with enduring benefits, and the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. This study suggests that the acute stress responses induced by psychedelic drugs may mediate the quality and durability of drug-facilitated therapeutic memories. The stress-inducing effect of these drugs may enhance the meaning and durability of the drug experience. Further research is needed to determine the role of acute stress in the emotional significance and lasting effects of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Anya K. Bershad, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Diminished social motivation in schizophrenia has severe consequences, but there are no effective medications for treatment. However, studies have been conducted on healthy volunteers that show the effects of certain drugs on social motivation. This review aims to synthesize these findings to develop new medications for reduced social motivation in schizophrenia.
SCHIZOPHRENIA BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanna Molla, Royce Lee, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Harriet de Wit
Summary: This study demonstrates that both MDMA and MA can increase feelings of connectedness with an unfamiliar partner during casual conversations. These findings extend our understanding of the social effects of these drugs and highlight a sensitive method for assessing pro-social effects during face-to-face interactions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Hanna Molla, Royce Lee, Ilaria Tare, Harriet de Wit
Summary: Recent studies suggest that even low doses of psychedelics can improve mood states. This study found that a low dose of LSD had stronger positive mood and stimulant-like effects, as well as stronger altered states of consciousness, in individuals with mild depressed mood compared to non-depressed individuals.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Neurosciences
Harriet de Wit, Anya K. Bershad, William Hutchison, Michael Bremmer
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Anya K. Bershad, Katrin H. Preller, Royce Lee, Sarah Keedy, Jamie Wren-Jarvis, Michael P. Bremmer, Harriet de Wit
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY-COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING
(2020)