Beyond the HPA-axis: exploring maternal prenatal influences on birth outcomes and stress reactivity
Mounting evidence indicates that maternal prenatal stress is associated with an increased risk of altered physiological, behavioral, emotional and cognitive outcomes in offspring (Van den Bergh et al., 2017). Maternal depressive or anxiety symptoms have been the most common measures of prenatal stress (e.g. Talge et al., 2007) and findings from many community samples have shown that they might have a detectable impact even at subclinical levels(reviewed in Talge et al., 2007; Van den Bergh et al., 2017; Madigan et al., 2018), thus broadening scientific and public health implications. (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 14, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: S. Nazzari, P. Fearon, F. Rice, N. Dottori, F. Ciceri, M. Molteni, A. Frigerio Source Type: research
Long-term glucocorticoid levels measured in hair in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders
Dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may result in increased or decreased levels of its end-product, cortisol. A disproportionate change in cortisol levels is one of the main hypothesized pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depressive and anxiety disorders (Casper et al., 1988; Elnazer and Baldwin, 2014; Hilbert et al., 2014; Vreeburg et al., 2009, 2010). However, findings have been inconsistent regarding relative hyper- or hypocortisolism in different (subtypes of) disorders. (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 14, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Lotte Gerritsen, Sabine M. Staufenbiel, Brenda W.J.H Penninx, Albert M. van Hemert, Gerard Noppe, Yolanda B. de Rijke, Elisabeth F.C. van Rossum Source Type: research
Foot massage evokes oxytocin release and activation of orbitofrontal cortex and superior temporal sulcus
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) plays an important role in influencing both social bonds and a number of different aspects of social cognition in a variety of different species, including humans (Kendrick et al., 2017). There is increasing evidence across cultures that basal plasma OXT concentrations are reduced in disorders with social dysfunction, such as autism, and by early life social neglect which can also lead to social dysfunction (Green et al., 2001; Oztan et al., 2018; Parker et al., 2014; Zhang et al., 2016). (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 14, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Qin Li, Benjamin Becker, Jennifer Wernicke, Yuanshu Chen, Yingying Zhang, Rui Li, Jiao Le, Juan Kou, Weihua Zhao, Keith M Kendrick Source Type: research
Abnormal postural behavior in patients with functional movement disorders during exposure to stress
Functional (psychogenic) neurological disorders or conversion disorders consist of neurological symptoms that occur in the absence of visible lesions of the nervous system (Espay et al., 2018). Up to 18% of the neurological patients presenting with “unexplained” symptoms are currently diagnosed with functional neurological disorders (Stone et al., 2009b). One of the most common clinical presentations is functional movement disorders (FMD), characterized by motor symptoms such as paralysis or paresis, tremor or dystonia (Stone and Carson, 2 015; Voon et al., 2010). (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 14, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Giuseppe Angelo Zito, Kallia Apazoglou, Anisoara Paraschiv-Ionescu, Kamiar Aminian, Selma Aybek Source Type: research
Hippocampal volume modulates salivary oxytocin level increases after intranasal oxytocin administration
Adverse childhood experiences have protracted neurobiological effects and have been associated with changes in the oxytocinergic system (Meaney, 2001). Research indicates that individuals with a history of childhood adversity show lower oxytocin levels in cerebrospinal fluid (Heim et al., 2009), plasma (Opacka-Juffry& Mohiyeddini, 2012), and saliva (Riem et al., 2017, but see Bhandari et al., 2014), and attenuated sensitivity to intranasal oxytocin administration. For example, stress-reducing effects of intranasal oxytocin, as reflected by cortisol decreases, are impeded in individuals with a history of childhood adversity...
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 12, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Madelon Riem, Marinus van IJzendoorn, Marian Bakermans-Kranenburg Source Type: research
Low neuroticism and cognitive performance are differently associated to overweight and obesity: a cross-sectional and longitudinal UK Biobank study
Personality traits can be used to identify the appropriate weight loss treatment and management strategies for obese patients (Munro et al., 2011). The outcome of different weight loss interventions in obese people seems to be influenced by their underlying personality traits (Gerlach et al., 2015). For example, obese people with high reward dependence and cooperativeness are more willing to participate in behavioral group therapies (Sullivan et al., 2007). Moreover, patients with lower novelty seeking are more likely to effectively lose gain with this type of intervention (Sullivan et al., 2007). (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 12, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Gaia Olivo, Shaili Gour, Helgi B. Schi öth Source Type: research
Short- and long-term alterations of FKBP5-GR and specific microRNAs in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of male rats induced by adolescent stress contribute to depression susceptibility
Depression is a highly prevalent mood disorder with different population risks. Exposure to early life adversities is considered a major risk factor for the onset and development of affective disorders (Heim and Binder, 2012; Heim and Nemeroff, 2001). In particular, adolescence is a critical window of brain development; during this stage, the brain is sensitive to stress reactivity, which heightens vulnerability to psychiatric disorders later in life (Lo Iacono and Carola, 2017; Yohn and Blendy, 2017). (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 11, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Jingjing Xu, Rui Wang, Yuan Liu, Wei Wang, Dexiang Liu, Hong Jiang, Fang Pan Source Type: research
The endogenous oxytocin system in depressive disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Depressive disorders are characterized by affective symptoms such as depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment, reduced energy, increased fatiguability, and diminished activity (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). They are complex disorders, as they comprise various subtypes, characterized by co-occuring symptoms and chronicity, and are often accompanied by comorbidities. Furthermore, depressive disorders are influenced by multiple psychological, social and biological factors (Kendler et al., 2006, 2002) which has implications for their treatment. (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 11, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Sinha Engel, Sebastian Laufer, Christine Knaevelsrud, Sarah Schumacher Source Type: research
Chronic Histamine 3 Receptor Antagonism Alleviates Depression like Conditions in mice via Modulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Hypothalamus-Pituitary Adrenal Axis
Modulation of histaminergic activity has been shown to be involved in several physiological functions, such as circadian rhythm, energy homeostasis, sensory and motor functions, cognition, and attention, which are affected in several central nervous system(CNS) disorders (Haas and Panula, 2003; Leurs et al., 2005). All actions of histamine (HA) are orchestrated by four HA receptors, H1-H4R, which are members of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family (Haas and Panula, 2003). Out of four HA receptors, H3R is of particular interest concerning CNS functions. (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 11, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Ajeet Kumar, Shalini Dogra, Chandan Sona, Deepmala Umrao, Mamunur Rashid, Sandeep K Singh, Muhammad Wahajuddin, Prem N Yadav Source Type: research
Basal testosterone ’s relationship with dictator game decision-making depends on cortisol reactivity to acute stress: A dual-hormone perspective on dominant behavior during resource allocation
As a species, we have evolved in social hierarchies, and the stratification of individuals within human groups helps organize us and maintain social order (Anderson et al., 2015; Ellis, 1994; Sapolsky, 2000). Within a social hierarchy, having higher status - respect or deference that is based on an individual ’s perceived social value (Anderson et al., 2015; Magee and Galinsky, 2008) - grants several benefits, such as access to limited resources and social influence over others (Cheng et al., 2013; Sapolsky, 2000). (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 10, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Smrithi Prasad, Erik L. Knight, Pranjal H. Mehta Source Type: research
Epigenetics of the Molecular Clock and Bacterial Diversity in Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a mood disorder, which is characterized by recurrent manic, depressive or mixed episodes. Even though many potential pathomechanisms of BD have been identified over the last decades, it is still largely unknown how these disease mechanisms interact with each other. Neurotransmitter dysbalances, neurotrophic factor imbalances, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and disturbed circadian rhythms have been put forward as putative underlying mechanisms (Boland et al., 2012; Andreazza et al., 2008; Berk et al., 2011; Bengesser and Reininghaus, 2013; Tsai et al., 2012; Soczynska et al., 2011; Kapczinsk...
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 10, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: S.A. Bengesser, S. M örkl, A. Painold, N. Dalkner, A. Birner, F.T. Fellendorf, M. Platzer, R. Queissner, C. Hamm, A. Maget, R. Pilz, A. Rieger, J. Wagner-Skacel, B. Reininghaus, H.P. Kapfhammer, E. Petek, K. Kashofer, B. Halwachs, P. Holzer, A. Waha, E.Z Source Type: research
Virtually Stressed? A refined virtual reality adaptation of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) induces robust endocrine responses
Over the last decades a number of highly standardized laboratory stressors have been developed to induce psychosocial stress in the laboratory (e.g. the Socially-Evaluated Cold Pressor Test, SECPT, (Schwabe et al., 2013); Maastricht Acute Stress Test, MAST, (Smeets et al., 2012). Among these protocols, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST; Kirschbaum et al., 1993) has become widely used in psychobiological stress research as it has been proven to evoke robust endocrine and cardiovascular responses in the majority of participants. (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 10, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Patrick Zimmer, Benjamin Buttlar, Georg Halbeisen, Eva Walther, Gregor Domes Source Type: research
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Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 9, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research
Increased frequency of mind wandering in healthy women using oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives (OC) are the most common type of contraceptive method used in industrialized countries (Daniels et al., 2015). It is estimated that 26% of women who are of reproductive age currently use OC and 82% of women report using it at some point in their lives (Daniels and Mosher, 2013). Around 10% of OC users report experiencing mood side effects (e.g., depressive symptoms, irritability (Kelly et al., 2010), which are common reasons for OC cessation (Rosenberg and Waugh, 1998; Westhoff et al., 2007). (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 8, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Catherine Raymond, Marie-France Marin, Robert-Paul Juster, Sarah Leclaire, Olivier Bourdon, Sophia Cayer-Falardeau, Sonia J. Lupien Source Type: research
Stress reactivity in preschool-aged children: Evaluation of a social stress paradigm and investigation of the impact of prenatal maternal stress
In animals and humans, prenatal maternal stress (PS) has impact on birth outcomes, development and stress regulation as well as disease in the offspring (e.g., Stein et al., 2014; Van den Bergh et al., 2017). The intrauterine environment contributes to long-term consequences particularly via epigenetic modifications —a process referred to as prenatal programming (Sosnowski et al., 2018). While the importance of PS is well-established, its precise mechanisms and the timing of its effects are still within the scope of current research. (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - November 5, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Authors: T.S. Send, S. Bardtke, M. Gilles, I.A.C. Wolf, M.W. S ütterlin, C. Kirschbaum, M. Laucht, S.H. Witt, M. Rietschel, F. Streit, M. Deuschle Source Type: research
