Psychopathy Research Articles

It's not just a movie: Perceived impact of misportrayals of dissociative identity disorder in the media on self and treatment

BackgroundHollywood has demonstrated an interest in dissociative identity disorder (DID), but unfortunately, films and television series have portrayed DID in captivating storylines at the expense of individuals living with DID. These representations of DID are often stigmatizing, stereotypical, and inaccurate. ObjectiveThe present study aimed to explore the impact of media portrayals on patients’ views of themselves and their treatment. MethodA total of 377 individuals with DID completed an online survey about their perceptions of the impact of DID representations in the media, and 151 of those participants reported that media portrayals of DID had an impact on their mental health treatment. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. ResultsOf those participants who reported an impact on their treatment, an overwhelming majority (n = 129) reported the impact to be negative. Five superordinate themes emerged: 1.) portrayals are inaccurate and perpetuate myths among clinicians, 2.) portrayals impact patients’ experiences of themselves and access to treatment, 3.) lack of clinical training and influence of media portrayals lead to negative outcomes, 4.) portrayals lead to maltreatment by clinicians, and 5.) importance of specialty treatment not based on media portrayals. ConclusionsThe present study found that inaccurate, stigmatizing media depictions of DID perpetuate misconceptions about DID and contribute to delays in seeking treatment and getting accurately diagnosed, and increased shame and self-loathing among individuals with DID.

Perinatal Care for Persons with Dissociative Disorders.

Caring for persons with mental health diagnoses can be daunting, especially when the conditions are rare, and there is little evidence to guide nursing practice. There is minimal information about caring for persons with dissociative disorders beyond the behavioral health literature, much less as in obstetric context. Women are more likely to experience dissociative disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders than men. Severe maternal morbidity is significantly more common in women with a history of stress and trauma-related conditions, highlighting the importance of providing guidance for clinicians caring for them. It is imperative that nurses caring for women who may dissociate understand the complexities of the disorders and advocate for early, interdisciplinary care. Dissociative disorders, including dissociative identity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder with dissociation, dissociative amnesia, depersonalization-derealization disorder, other specified dissociative disorders, and the care of pregnant persons with these conditions are presented.

“Here’s Dissociative Identity Disorder, and we’re not that”: a constructivist grounded theory exploration of multiplicity experiences

ABSTRACT Background People who identify as “multiple” are people who share a singular body with other individual selves. Whilst there are similarities to clinically defined criteria of dissociative and psychosis diagnoses, people with multiplicity lack an impairment in functioning due to being a multiple self, and often lack amnesia. Methods Six areas of focus (identified via an online consultation with members of the multiplicity community) were explored with 34 individuals: experts-by-experience (10 semi-structured interviews, 15 surveys), support networks (two interviews, four surveys), and professionals (one interview, two surveys). Constructivist grounded theory was used to examine the qualitative data collected. Results An emerging model was constructed to conceptualise the experience of being multiple. “(Mis)understanding”, “Media”, “Language”, and “Recognition and Regulation” were identified as core, reciprocally influential processes. Discussion The findings support the notion that the experience of being multiple is experientially distinct from a clinical understanding of dissociative and psychosis experiences. Positive processes can allow experts-by-experience to live well as a multiple self. Tailored support, understanding, and language is required to allow for validation of experiences and specific support to be accessed, both formally and via peer networks. Further research is necessary to elaborate our ever-growing understanding of this under-researched area.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies in Antisocial Personality Disorder: A Narrative Literature Review.

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) are characterized by impulsive behaviorand a lack of empathy, which can eventually lead to criminal behavior. In our narrative review, we are investigating the neurological differences in the function, structure, and connectivity of those with ASPD in comparison to those without, with a major focus on psychopathic cluster B populations of ASPD individuals. We reviewed 86 published articles, and five of these met the inclusion criteria for distinct psychopathic and non-psychopathic groups. After reviewing these sources, we found deficits in function and structure leading to a lack of empathy and adherence to social norms in individuals with ASPD. Currently, there are very few treatment options for those living with ASPD. It is our opinion that with a better understanding of the structural and functional differences in those with ASPD, we might see more efficacious treatment therapies for this population group in the medical community.

The Effect of the Team Members Teaching Design vs. Regular Lectures method on the Self-efficacy of the Multiple sclerosis Patients in Iran. Randomised Controlled Trial.

This study was conducted with the aim of the effect of team members teaching design (TMTD) vs. regular Lectures method on the self-efficacy of the multiple sclerosis patients. This research is a randomized controlled trial study. In this study, 48 multiple sclerosis persons of members of Jahrom MS Society participated. The persons were selected by simple random sampling and then divided into three groups of: TMTD (n=16), regular lecture method (n=16), and control (n=16), by random allocation method. In the intervention groups, six training sessions were held twice a week; control group did not receive education. Data was collected by the MS self-efficacy questionnaire of Rigby et al. in the before, immediately and one month after the intervention. Patients in three intervention and control groups were similar in terms of demographic variables. The results of the repeated measurement test before, immediately and one month after the intervention showed that the mean of the all dimensions of self-efficacy in two intervention groups had increased significantly (p<0.05). While these changes were not significant in the control group (p ≥ 0.05). Also, there was a significant difference in the mean of the all dimensions of self-efficacy between the intervention groups of TMTD and regular lectures. Based on the findings, TMTD compared to regular lectures method had a more significant effect on improving the self-efficacy of multiple sclerosis patients. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing use this educational approach to increase patients' self-efficacy.

Framework for multiple person identification using YOLOv8 detector: a transfer learning approach

Video surveillance extensively uses person detection and tracking technology based on video. The majority of person detection and classification techniques currently in use encounter challenges in video sequences brought on by occlusion, ambient lighting, and variations in human facial position. This paper proposed an effective person identification and classification system based on deep learning, which comprises a you only look once at version 8 (YOLOv8) detection and classification model, to classify human faces in video sequences accurately. This work proposes a new staff-detection and classification (S-DEC) dataset for comprehensive performance evaluation. visual tracker benchmark (VTB) standard database is used for performance comparison with the proposed S-DEC dataset. The proposed technique achieved 98.67% precision accuracy. For the S-DEC dataset, the system gave 94.67% accuracy in identifying facial images from a video sequence of 38 people addressing the pose variation occlusion challenge. Earlier methods used to provide approximately 85% to 90% results taking more execution time. Many existing techniques were successful in detecting people only-identification of the detected person has been done in limited papers. The proposed method uses the cross-stage partial connections (CSPDarknet53) model, integrated with YOLOv8, to achieve faster results. The proposed framework took 35 minutes to train a deep learning model. A testing time of 2 minutes ensured that the proposed framework outplayed other existing methodologies and successfully identified extra information about the detected person.

A cross-sectional survey on French psychiatrists’ knowledge and perceptions of dissociative identity disorder

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine French psychiatrists’ level of general knowledge about dissociative identity disorder and to evaluate their perceptions of this condition. MethodsIn this study, French psychiatrists were invited by e-mail to answer an online survey. The questionnaire asked about their general knowledge and perceptions of dissociative identity disorder. ResultsWe received 924 answers including 582 complete questionnaires. The survey revealed that almost two-thirds (60.8%) of psychiatrists working in France had never received any training on dissociative disorders and 62% had never managed patients suffering from dissociative identity disorder. Only 19.5% of them claimed to believe unreservedly in the existence of the diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder. The psychiatrists’ confidence in diagnosing or treating dissociative identity disorder was low (mean confidence in diagnosis: 3.32 out of 10 (SD 1.89), mean confidence in treatment: 3.1 out of 10 (SD 1.68)). Fifty percent believed that dissociative identity disorder is an entity created by cinema, medias or social networks. Seventy-seven point seven percent thought that confusion with borderline personality disorder is possible, and 41.3% with schizophrenia. ConclusionIn France, there is a lack of training and knowledge about dissociative identity disorder, as well as persistent skepticism about the validity of the diagnosis. Specific training seems essential for a better understanding of dissociative identity disorder.

Dampak Hukum dan Psikologis Bagi Pelaku Pembunuhan Berencana

Premeditated murder is a serious crime that has received great attention in the fields of law and criminal psychology. This research focuses on the legal and psychological impacts faced by perpetrators of premeditated murder, with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of the consequences of these acts and finding more effective solutions in terms of punishment and rehabilitation. This research uses a qualitative approach with literature analysis and case studies. Data sources include academic literature, journal articles, and legal documentation. This analysis process will involve categorizing, interpreting, and synthesizing information from various sources to build a comprehensive understanding of the topic. This analysis will allow researchers to identify common themes, trends, and patterns in the literature, as well as reveal new insights or contradictions in current understanding of the legal and psychological impact of premeditated murder. The research results show that the legal consequences for perpetrators of premeditated murder are often very severe, including the death penalty or life imprisonment. But the research also revealed that many perpetrators experienced serious psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder and antisocial personality disorder. Factors such as socioeconomic background, history of trauma, and exposure to violence contribute to the commission of these crimes. This research emphasizes that the legal approach to premeditated murder must consider the psychological impact and social background of the perpetrator. The importance of an interdisciplinary approach in dealing with cases stands out, and the results of this research can provide insights for the development of more effective legal policies and rehabilitation programs.

The dark side of personality functioning: associations between antisocial cognitions, personality functioning (AMPD), empathy and mentalisation.

With the introduction of the new psychiatric diagnostic manuals, personality functioning has gained new prominence. Several studies have reported consistent findings that individual showing high levels of antisocial features are associated with alterations in interpersonal functioning domains such as empathy and mentalisation. The focus of the current study (N = 198) is to examine antisocial cognitions, as measured by the Scrambled Sentences Task (SST), and to what extent this approach can help to better understand the relationship between antisocial traits and personality functioning/empathy. We implemented a hypothesis-driven approach using logistic regression and a data-driven approach using machine learning to examine distinct but related measures of personality functioning as predictors of antisocial cognitions. Antisocial cognitions were associated with low interpersonal functioning as expected, but only when not adjusting for antisocial traits, which accounted for almost all the association. The data-driven analysis revealed that individual items assessing empathic concern in personality functioning scales (as opposed to the whole scores) explained low antisocial cognitions even when adjusting for antisocial traits. Antisocial cognitions appear to be associated to two distinct traits, the antisocial and a specific type of personality functioning. This finding is discussed in terms of the possible distinction between two motivational forces: to harm others/prioritize one's advantage, and to help suffering others.

Experience Matters: Turning Psychopathy into Self-Efficacy and Job Performance

Using the tenets of social cognitive theory, this study diverges significantly from the conventional research paradigm by shedding light on the pivotal role of job experience and self-efficacy in predicting psychopath's job performance. In the scholarly discourse where positive associations between psychopathy and performance metrics have received minimal attention, this study introduces a validated model proposing a constructive influence of psychopathy on job performance. While acknowledging job experience as a moderator, this study accentuates the pivotal role of self-efficacy as a mediator, challenging the traditionally hostile psychopathy- job performance relationship. We employ an experimental research design on the MBA executive class of 68 students of GC University Faisalabad. The results reveal the causal solid effect of psychopathic personality on self-efficacy in manipulated job experience conditions and a slight impact on no job experience control conditions. Meanwhile, at low values of psychopathy, the effect is diminished in both job experience conditions. Notably, job experience emerges as an indispensable agent, significantly shaping the impact of psychopathy on self-efficacy and subsequent employee performance.

Analysis of writing in personality disorders in prison population

AbstractWriting involves the activation of different processing modes than reading comprehension, and therefore the level of activation varies depending on the moment and the task.Objectivesto analyze the profiles in terms of the proposed coding from the PROESC in terms of personality disorders [Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) with drugs possession and consumption crimes (DPCC) and Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)] with gender violence crimes (GVC) in the prisoners.DesignThe sample was composed of 194 men. The participants were divided into two groups. Group 1 (ASPD; DPCC) consisted of 81 men, and Group 2 (OCPD; GVC) consisted of 113 men.Main outcome measuresThey completed the Demographic, Offense, and Behavioral Interview in Institutions, the International Personality Disorders Examination (IPDE), and Writing Processes Evaluation Battery (PROESC).ResultsGroup 2 made more mistake than Group 1 in narratives tasks.ConclusionParticipants know phoneme-grapheme correspondence rules, language disturbances of a reiterative and persistent nature may appear in those who show compulsive behavior.

The impact of psychopathic traits on anxiety-related behaviors in a mixed reality environment

There is an ongoing debate about anxiety deficits in psychopathy and their possible impact on individual behavior. Data on actual anxiety- and threat-related behavior associated with psychopathy is still limited. We performed a mixed reality study using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) in a non-clinical sample (N = 160) to test anxiety-related behavior in relation to psychopathic personality traits measured through the Brief Questionnaire of Psychopathic Personality Traits (FPP). The psychopathy sum score correlated significantly with all measures of anxiety-related behavior on the EPM. Sensation seeking, but not general levels of acrophobia was moreover associated with psychopathic traits. Multivariate analyses revealed that the subscales Fearlessness and Lack of Empathy of the FPP predicted anxious behavior. Our findings are the first to demonstrate the relationship between psychopathic traits and actual behavior in an anxiety-inducing environment. This supports the low-anxiety hypothesis in psychopathy research. Implications for potentially harmful or risky behavior are discussed.

Clinical features of auto-aggressive behavior in borderline personality disorder: a review of current research

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by severe auto-aggression (AA) in the form of suicide attempts (SA) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The purpose of this review was to describe the current knowledge about the clinical features of self-harming behavior in borderline personality disorder. Materials and methods: The eLibrary, PubMed, CNKI, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles on the relevant search query for the last 11 years. As a result, 28 articles were selected and summarized (a total of 7,284 BPD patients and 134 controls were included). Results: Suicidal attempts occur in 75 % of BPD patients, and NSSIs — in 90 %. AA behavior varies with age: adolescents tend to NSSIs, while adults more often undertake SAs. Depending on the type of clinical dynamics, AA in BPD may be impulsive, demonstrative, associated with comorbid addiction, or occur in the context of depersonalization. Among BPD symptoms, feelings of chronic emptiness, avoidance of abandonment, emotional instability, and identity disturbance are most commonly associated with auto-aggression. Risk factors for self-harming behavior in BPD include traumatic childhood events, especially physical and sexual abuse, and stress caused by microsocial conflict. Men with BPD and AA more often have comorbid narcissistic, antisocial, paranoid, and schizotypal personality disorders, as well as substance use disorders. Women with borderline personality disorder and AA tend to suffer more from addictive and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, as well as eating disorders, particularly bulimia nervosa. In conclusion, self-harming behavior in BPD has many clinical features and can manifest in different forms. It is always necessary to study the predominant clinical manifestations, risk factors, and comorbid disorders to be able to assess the severity of AA.

Dysregulation of Plasma Growth Factors and Chemokines in Cocaine Use Disorder: Implications for Dual Diagnosis with Schizophrenia and Antisocial Personality Disorder in an Exploratory Study

Introduction: Dual diagnosis in individuals with cocaine use disorders (CUDs) presents a mental health challenge marked by an increased susceptibility to disabling morbidities and premature mortality. Despite extensive research on depression and anxiety, other prevalent comorbidities, such as psychotic and personality disorders, have received less attention. This study explores inflammation-related mediators as potential biomarkers for CUD and dual diagnosis with schizophrenia (SCZ) or antisocial personality disorder (APD). Methods: This exploratory study included 95 participants, comprising 40 healthy subjects and 55 abstinent patients with CUD. Lifetime CUD was diagnosed either as single diagnosis (CUD group, N = 25) or as a dual diagnosis (DD group. N = 30) with SCZ (CUD+SCZ subgroup) or APD (CUD+APD subgroup). Participants were clinically assessed, and the plasma concentrations of growth factors (i.e., G-CSF, BDNF, and VEGF-A) and chemokines (i.e., CCL11/eotaxin-1, CCL2/MCP-1, and CXCL12/SDF-1) were determined and log(10)-transformed for analysis. Results: Growth factors and chemokines were dysregulated by CUD and psychiatric diagnoses. Specifically, patients in the CUD group exhibited significantly lower concentrations of G-CSF and CCL11/eotaxin-1 than the control group. In contrast, the DD group showed significantly higher concentrations of all analytes than both the CUD and control groups. Additionally, no differences in these analytes were observed between the CUD+SCZ and CUD+APD subgroups within the DD group. Regarding cocaine-related variables, significant associations were identified in the CUD group: an inverse correlation between the age at first cocaine use and the concentrations of BDNF and CCL2/MCP-1; and a positive correlation between the duration of the cocaine abstinence and the concentrations of BDNF and CCL11/eotaxin-1. Lastly, a logistic regression model incorporating all these analytes demonstrated high discriminatory power in distinguishing patients with CUD alone from those with dual diagnosis. Conclusions: Individuals with dual diagnosis of CUD exhibit elevated concentrations of growth factors and chemokines, distinguishing them from those with CUD alone. It is unclear whether the differences in these inflammatory mediators are specific to the presence of SCZ and APD. The study highlights potential biomarkers and associations, providing valuable insights into the intricate interplay of CUD and psychiatric disorders to enhance clinical diagnosis and therapeutics.

КӨРКЕМ ШЫҒАРМАЛАРДАҒЫ ПСИХОЛОГИЗМНІҢ КӨРІНІСІ

The article discusses in detail the concept of "psychologism", which has not yet been fully studied in Kazakh literature. Psychologism is closely related to literature, because since the main object of a work of art is a person, it is obvious that human activity and psychology are also reflected in the work. Consequently, psychologism is the connecting link between literature and psychology. The article reveals the concept of psychologizm, its types, characteristic artistic and stylistic features, scienttifically systematized and analyzed on the basis of the works of scientists contributing to Razakh literary criticism. Based on the research works of Bakytzhan Maitanov "Kazakh novels and psychological analysis", "The spiritual world of Kaharman", Gulziya Prali "Problems of psychologism in fiction", aspects of psychologism in Kazakh prose are differentiated. Excerpts from the works of Mukhtar Auezov, Zhusupbek Aimautov, Magzhan Zhumabayev, Sherkhan Murtaza, Tolen Abdikov, Askar Altai are given, the ways of manifestation and transmission of psychology in a work of art are systematized. At the same time, using examples from specific works, the means of representing psychologism in a literary work are demonstrated, namely, the function of internal monologue and dialogue in revealing the charachter and mental state of the character. The proctssts of formation and development of literary psychologism are highlighted, its festhetic expression in a work of art is determined. The main features characteristic of psyhologichal prost are considered, and the issue of psyhological style in depictions of the hero's personality is also explored. The unique place of the dream motif, which takes its origins from folklore samples, in literary prose and the innovation of tradition is highlited. The issues of the flow of consciousness, psychological analysis, and split personality in a work of art are considered.

The Effect of Undesirable Internet Information on the Formation of Antisocial Personality among Adolescents

The impact of mixed messages on the Internet on the mental health status of adolescents needs to be taken seriously. In this article, a study is conducted to investigate the influence of online information and antisocial personality disorder among adolescents. Firstly, the definitions of bad information and antisocial personality disorder are explained, and the seven diagnostic criteria for antisocial personality according to the DSM-5 and the categorisation of bad information are described. Secondly, the paper explains why adolescents are more vulnerable to the influence of bad information on the Internet. The paper also explains the possible adverse behaviours of adolescents that may be caused by bad information. These behaviours are similar to some of the behavioural characteristics of antisocial personality. Since antisocial personality disorder can only be diagnosed in adulthood, and other disorders may produce similar symptoms. Therefore, it does not follow that Internet malinformation has a significant contributory effect on the development of antisocial personality disorder. Finally, this article describes what the state, society, and the family can do to reduce adolescents' exposure to online maladaptive behaviours, and what psychological concerns should be raised.

Genetically predicted fatty liver disease and risk of psychiatric disorders: A mendelian randomization study.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD) constitute the primary forms of chronic liver disease, and their incidence is progressively increasing with changes in lifestyle habits. Earlier studies have documented a correlation between the occurrence and development of prevalent mental disorders and fatty liver. To investigate the correlation between fatty liver and mental disorders, thus necessitating the implementation of a mendelian randomization (MR) study to elucidate this association. Data on NAFLD and ArLD were retrieved from the genome-wide association studies catalog, while information on mental disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, multiple personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and schizophrenia was acquired from the psychiatric genomics consortium. A two-sample MR method was applied to investigate mediators in significant associations. After excluding weak instrumental variables, a causal relationship was identified between fatty liver disease and the occurrence and development of some psychiatric disorders. Specifically, the findings indicated that ArLD was associated with a significantly elevated risk of developing ADHD (OR: 5.81, 95%CI: 5.59-6.03, P < 0.01), bipolar disorder (OR: 5.73, 95%CI: 5.42-6.05, P = 0.03), OCD (OR: 6.42, 95%CI: 5.60-7.36, P < 0.01), and PTSD (OR: 5.66, 95%CI: 5.33-6.01, P < 0.01). Meanwhile, NAFLD significantly increased the risk of developing bipolar disorder (OR: 55.08, 95%CI: 3.59-845.51, P < 0.01), OCD (OR: 61.50, 95%CI: 6.69-565.45, P < 0.01), and PTSD (OR: 52.09, 95%CI: 4.24-639.32, P < 0.01). Associations were found between genetic predisposition to fatty liver disease and an increased risk of a broad range of psychiatric disorders, namely bipolar disorder, OCD, and PTSD, highlighting the significance of preventive measures against psychiatric disorders in patients with fatty liver disease.

Doubling down on dosage: exploring the interplay between dosage effects, antisocial traits, treatment attitudes, and recidivism-related therapy outcomes

PurposeStudies evaluating the external validity of theoretically informed (risk-need-responsivity [RNR]) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs have not systematically assessed antisocial personality traits as a source of variability in outcomes. The purpose of this brief report is to examine antisocial traits as a potential source of variability in outcomes.Design/methodology/approachUsing longitudinal, program-evaluation data (a sample of incarcerated men who were exposed to RNR-informed CBT), the authors examined how antisocial personality traits, attitudes toward treatment and dosage impacted treatment outcomes. A linear regression assessed the relationship between antisocial personality traits and attitudes toward treatment. A latent profile analysis identified participants with elevated antisocial traits and negative attitudes toward treatment. Treatment dosage groups (0, 5, 10 and 15 weeks) were used to assess treatment response per pro-criminal attitudes, skills and rates of recidivism.FindingsAntisocial traits predicted negative attitudes toward treatment. Elevated antisocial traits and negative treatment attitudes predicted less change in criminal attitudes among those who completed 15 weeks of treatment; higher dosage did not significantly improve rates of recidivism. Variable-centered post hoc analyses largely corroborated these findings. These results suggest RNR-informed CBT may need to be modified for justice-involved persons with elevated antisocial traits.Originality/valueFew studies have empirically examined the sources of variability in treatment effects for justice-involved persons with antisocial personality traits. This brief report provides a structured examination of factors that may impact treatment outcomes in this population, and therefore aims to inform future research on the effectiveness of empirically supported interventions for people in the legal system.

Differential constellations of dissociative symptoms and their association with childhood trauma – a latent profile analysis

ABSTRACT Background: While several studies documented a positive correlation between childhood maltreatment severity and dissociation severity, it is currently unknown whether specific dissociative symptoms cluster together among individuals with childhood trauma histories ranging from none to severe. Objective: We aimed to explore symptom constellations across the whole spectrum of dissociative processing from patients with severe dissociative disorders to healthy controls and relate these to maltreatment severity and sociodemographic characteristics. Methods: We employed latent profile analysis to explore symptom profiles based on five subscales, measuring absorption, depersonalization, derealization, somatoform and identity alteration, based on the 20 items of the German short version of the Dissociative Experiences Scale-II (Fragebogen zu Dissoziativen Symptomen-20) in a large aggregate sample (n = 3,128) overrepresenting patients with trauma-related disorders. We then related these profiles to maltreatment severity as measured by the five subscales of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire as well as sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Based on the five FDS subscales, six clusters differentiated by symptom severity, but not symptom constellations, were identified. Somatoform dissociation varied in accordance with the remaining symptom clusters. The cluster with the highest overall symptom severity entailed nearly all subjects diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder and was characterized by extreme levels of childhood maltreatment. Both abuse and neglect were predictive of cluster membership throughout. Conclusions: The higher the severity of dissociative processing in a cluster, the more subjects reported high severity and multiplicity of childhood maltreatment. However, some subjects remain resilient to the development of dissociative processing although they experience extreme childhood maltreatment.

Familial aggregation of seizure outcomes in four familial epilepsy cohorts.

To assess the possible effects of genetics on seizure outcome by estimating the familial aggregation of three outcome measures: seizure remission, history of ≥4 tonic-clonic seizures, and seizure control for individuals taking antiseizure medication. We analyzed families containing multiple persons with epilepsy in four previously collected retrospective cohorts. Seizure remission was defined as being 5 and 10 years seizure-free at last observation. Total number of tonic-clonic seizures was dichotomized at <4 and ≥4 seizures. Seizure control in patients taking antiseizure medication was defined as no seizures for 1, 2, and 3 years. We used Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) to estimate the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the family-specific random effect, controlling for epilepsy type, age at epilepsy onset, and age at last data collection as fixed effects. We analyzed each cohort separately and performed meta-analysis using GLMMs. The combined cohorts included 3644 individuals with epilepsy from 1463 families. A history of ≥4 tonic-clonic seizures showed strong familial aggregation in three separate cohorts and meta-analysis (ICC .28, 95% confidence interval [CI] .21-.35, Bayes factor 8 × 1016). Meta-analyses did not reveal significant familial aggregation of seizure remission (ICC .08, 95% CI .01-.17, Bayes factor 1.46) or seizure control for individuals taking antiseizure medication (ICC .13, 95% CI 0-.35, Bayes factor 0.94), with heterogeneity among cohorts. A history of ≥4 tonic-clonic seizures aggregated strongly in families, suggesting a genetic influence, whereas seizure remission and seizure control for individuals taking antiseizure medications did not aggregate consistently in families. Different seizure outcomes may have different underlying biology and risk factors. These findings should inform the future molecular genetic studies of seizure outcomes.