Personality Changes Research Articles

Once upon a time: Narrative storytelling, hypnosis, and the brain

ABSTRACT The article explores the nature of narrative, its impact on key neural circuits in the brain, and the role of those activated circuits as drivers of hypnotically guided personal change. The author views clinical hypnosis as a form of interactive reciprocity that engages clients’ neuroplastic potential (i.e. trance). This emergent potential is evoked during the therapeutic interaction between a client and clinician. Furthermore, the author describes clinical hypnosis as using forms of suggestion to facilitate change to the self-reinforcing narratives to which clients subscribe. Suggestions themselves are viewed as activating non-consciously mediated aspects of the self, which are perceived by the conscious mind as non-volitionally facilitating the desired change. The author draws on research supporting the view of the self as a construct maintained by an internalized narrative that remains capable of revision, though not always easily or without external assistance. That self-narrative revision entails the change that hypnosis seeks to enable and enact. The article concludes that deliberate incorporation of forms of narrative, including the use of metaphors, for example, constitutes the essential fuel without which the engine of hypnotic change efforts can languish. This is because narrative processes occupy an indispensable role in energizing – neurologically, psychologically, and socially – the outcomes that hypnosis is intended to evoke. The article uses excerpts from different fictional narrative sources to illustrate the article’s main thesis.

How COVID-19 Affected the Italian Personal Protective Equipment Supply Chain: An Empirical Analysis

Background: Personal Protective Equipment supply chains encountered severe shortages during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Many manufacturers are located in China, the first country that issued lockdowns, and Personal Protective Equipment inventories, managed by the Just in Time policy, were unprepared for such a demand surge. The existing literature examines the impacts of COVID-19 on the global Personal Protective Equipment supply chain. However, five years after the onset of COVID-19, there is still a lack of studies focusing on Personal Protective Equipment supply chain behavior in Italy. Italy is a particularly significant case study, as it was the first Western country to be severely impacted by the pandemic. This work develops an empirical analysis to answer the following research questions. How did the main variables in the Italian Personal Protective Equipment supply chain change during the early stages of the pandemic? How can we explain such changes? Methods: A questionnaire survey was carried out among producers, importers, and distributors of Personal Protective Equipment operating in Italy. The responses to the questionnaire were analyzed by applying both descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The findings indicate that importers and distributors experienced more significant increases in orders than producers after the first lockdown, due to the new manufacturer’s setup period before full-scale operations. Conclusions: The study might encourage examinations of how material management strategies aimed at reducing inventory can impact situations involving unanticipated increases in demand. Moreover, it offers insights into the causes and consequences of the criticalities faced by the Italian Personal Protective Equipment supply chain during the first pandemic phases, contributing to creating knowledge that might be useful to define strategies to enhance supply chain resilience.

Do Personal Changes to Sleep, Mindfulness, and Gratitude Predict Changes in Burnout? Longitudinal Results From the Coping Survey

Do Personal Changes to Sleep, Mindfulness, and Gratitude Predict Changes in Burnout? Longitudinal Results From the Coping Survey

Clinical Reasoning: A 35-Year-Old Woman With Personality Change and Gait Impairment.

A 35-year-old woman presented with a progressive 3-year history of personality changes and gait impairment. Neurologic examination revealed bilateral optic atrophy, spastic paraparesis, and impaired vibratory sensation in all limbs, and neuropsychological evaluation identified a frontotemporal cognitive impairment. In this article, we review the differential diagnosis for a young woman with chronic frontotemporal dysfunction, optic atrophy, and dorsolateral myelopathy in a stepwise multidisciplinary approach. Critical information obtained from the medical history led to a final diagnosis.

Mild Behavioral Impairment and cognitive functions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) represents a recently introduced diagnostic concept that focuses on behavioral and personality changes occurring in late life and associated with cognitive decline. Nevertheless, the relationship between these dimensions remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to analyze the relationship between MBI and cognitive functioning. The review process was conducted according to the PRISMA-Statement. Restrictions were made, selecting the studies published in peer-review journals, including at least one cognitive measure and presenting the measurement of MBI. Studies that included participants with neurological disorders, dementia, or psychiatric disorders or that only did a neuroimaging or genetic study were excluded. Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review, while in the meta-analysis seventeen studies featured data to be included in the analyses. The results were classified according to the following cognitive domains: global cognitive functioning, memory, language, attention executive functions, visuospatial skills, and processing speed. In the quantitative analysis, only global cognitive functioning, executive function, attention, and memory were evaluated. The results of both qualitative and quantitative analysis indicate that individuals with MBI exhibited diminished performance on cognitive tasks when compared to those without MBI symptoms. These results are stronger when evaluating the various domains individually (particularly memory and executive functions) than when a global assessment was made. These findings highlight the potential role of MBI symptoms as early indicators of neurodegenerative processes, reinforcing the necessity for comprehensive assessments that encompass both behavioral and cognitive evaluations. The early detection of these symptoms in prodromal phases can be very useful for the development of non-pharmacological interventions and may provide relevant guidelines for clinicians in the management and diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders.

Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy misdiagnosed as intracranial infectious diseases: case reports and literature review

BackgroundAutoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy (A-GFAP-A) is an autoimmune central nervous system(CNS) disease characterized by GFAP IgG as a biomarker. Several cases of individuals with A-GFAP-A initially misdiagnosed as infectious diseases of the central nervous system have been reported in research. We report three cases of A-GFAP-A misdiagnosed as viral meningitis or tuberculous meningitis (TBM). We summarize recent cases of A-GFAP-A misdiagnosed as central nervous system infections through a literature review.Materials and methodsThree cases of A-GFAP-A were initially misdiagnosed as tuberculous or viral meningitis. Their diagnoses of A-GFAP-A were confirmed with positive GFAP-IgG in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We searched the PubMed database with the key words of “GFAP astrocytopathy”, “GFAP autoimmunity”, “GFAP autoantibody”, “intracranial infection”, “meningitis”, “misdiagnose”, and within the literature from Jan 1, 2015 to Mar 15, 2024, 40 cases with A-GFAP-A with positive GFAP-IgG in CSF who were previously misdiagnosed with intracranial infection were reported. The causes of misdiagnoses were summarized and analyzed.ResultsCase 1 was a 41-year-old female, presenting with headache, fever, diplopia, and altered consciousness level. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was ineffective. Finally, with positive GFAP IgG in CSF, she was diagnosed with A-GFAP-A. Case 2 was a 74-year-old male, presenting with fever, excessive sweating, fatigue, and memory loss. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was ineffective. With positive GFAP IgG in CSF, he was diagnosed with A-GFAP-A. Case 3 was a 54-year-old male, presenting with fever, personality changes, and memory decline. Antiviral treatment was ineffective. His diagnosis was revised to A-GFAP-A after testing positive for GFAP IgG in CSF. Our study summarized a total of 40 patients with A-GFAP-A who were initially misdiagnosed as intracranial infections. The most common clinical phenotypes among 40 patients were mimicked meningitis, meningoencephalitis, meningoencephalomyelitis, encephalitis and encephalomyelitis.ConclusionA-GFAP-A is a specific autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis associated with GFAP-IgG, with lesions involved the brain, meninges, and spinal cord. It commonly presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, altered consciousness, tremor, seizures, and autonomic dysfunction. Brain MRI often shows characteristic linear perivascular radial enhancement perpendicular to the ventricles or nonspecific leptomeningeal enhancement. Early detection of GFAP-IgG in serum and CSF is essential for differential diagnosis.

Az erőszakos szexuális bűncselekmények pszichotraumatológiája

Aim: Traumatic life events result in serious psychological dysfunctions in the life of the victims, which can often be fixed for a life-long period, result in a permanent loss of personality. This is especially true for victims of sexual violence. The memory of the abuse, the traumatic life event experienced, is fixed in the victims, and very often they try to overcome the horrors they experienced with inadequate coping mechanisms. At the same time, these events result in serious mental disorders and personality changes in them, for which both the investigative authorities and health professionals must be prepared. The purpose of this study is to review and summarize these psychotraumatic phenomena in order to know more about the victims of sexual violence, which knowledge will come in handy when working with them. Methodology: Through a review of the literature and a case report, I present the main mental disorders that develop as a result of a traumatic life event. Findings: Sexual violence is a serious trauma. Not only physical, but also psychological. Accordingly, we must treat traumatized persons carefully, but for this we must be aware of the psychodynamic changes that appear in the daily life of the victims. Value: There is a lot of talk about the perpetrators of sexual violence, but not enough about the victims. With this study, I am trying to contribute to getting to know the psychological dynamics of the victims, and I am trying to come up with formulations that can be used during the execution of individual investigative actions.

“I know she’s there” meanings of continuing bonds for bereaved Costa Rican men: a qualitative study

This qualitative study addresses a gap in knowledge regarding men’s experience of the grieving process. Our limited understanding of the topic hinders the development of targeted support services. The study analyzes the meanings of continuing bonds for bereaved men in Costa Rica. It conducted semi-structured interviews with twelve participants; these were guided by a framework focusing on three key areas: mediators of mourning, continuing bonds, and meaning reconstruction. An analysis revealed five themes: loss emblems, mourners’ ecology, memory landscapes, sense-based realities, and symbolic images. These themes suggest that the meanings attributed to continuing bonds facilitated the participants’ personal growth, including the adoption of new values and personality changes, ultimately aiding adaptation to loss. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of men’s grieving process, provide information on the development of gender-specific interventions for men and highlight the need for further research.

‘What is this brain’s story?’ Healthcare professionals’ perspectives of managing brain tumour related personality and behaviour changes

‘What is this brain’s story?’ Healthcare professionals’ perspectives of managing brain tumour related personality and behaviour changes

Participatory Action Research for Educational and Social Inclusion. Experiences in scenarios of social segregation and unwanted isolation

The article compiles the knowledge generated in various areas of social exclusion such as social segregation and unwanted isolation, through participatory action research processes carried out in the context of the internships of the Master’s degree in Community Participation and Development of the University of the Basque Country. It is the relationship networks that are established that give rise to new knowledge, based on the analysis of the feedback that arises between the most socially vulnerable, the associations in which they participate and university students and academics. Social and tangible challenges are set out on which to strengthen individual and collective competences and promote an awareness that has an impact on both personal change and the environment. The systematization of the experiences and the critique of the process, carried out by the tutors with the role of researchers, allows us to identify the characteristics of the spaces from which values are developed and consensus on common interests, rights and needs is reached. An assessment of their own and common learning, by the different participating agents (educational, professional and community) highlights the weaknesses, strengths and opportunities that need to be faced in order to be competent in the development of social cohesion dynamics. The aim is to contribute to greater participation of people in vulnerable situations.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease: a key frontier for future targeted therapies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, accounting for approximately 70% of dementia cases worldwide. Patients gradually exhibit cognitive decline, such as memory loss, aphasia, and changes in personality and behavior. Research has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in the onset and progression of AD. Mitochondrial dysfunction primarily leads to increased oxidative stress, imbalances in mitochondrial dynamics, impaired mitophagy, and mitochondrial genome abnormalities. These mitochondrial abnormalities are closely associated with amyloid-beta and tau protein pathology, collectively accelerating the neurodegenerative process. This review summarizes the role of mitochondria in the development of AD, the latest research progress, and explores the potential of mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies for AD. Targeting mitochondria-related pathways may significantly improve the quality of life for AD patients in the future.

Associations of personality trait level and change with mortality risk in 11 longitudinal studies.

People who are higher in conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness and lower in neuroticism tend to live longer. The present research tested the hypothesis that personality trait change in middle and older adulthood would also be associated with mortality risk, above and beyond personality trait level. Personality trait change may causally influence mortality risk through corresponding changes in health behaviors, social processes, and stress experience. Alternatively, personality trait change may be a marker of successful or unsuccessful adaptation to life circumstances, which in turn influences mortality risk, or shared risk factors may impact personality trait change and mortality risk. In the latter case, personality trait change may serve as a "psychosocial vital sign" pointing toward increased risk. In 11 samples of middle-aged and older adults (combined N = 32,348), we used multilevel growth curve models to estimate personality trait level and personality trait change across three to 11 measurement occasions spanning 6-43 years. Next, we used Cox proportional hazards models to test whether personality trait level and personality trait change were associated with mortality risk. Higher conscientiousness (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.83), extraversion (HR = 0.93), and agreeableness (HR = 0.88) were associated with longer survival while higher neuroticism was associated with shorter survival (HR = 1.22). In contrast to personality trait level, we found limited evidence for associations between personality trait change and mortality risk. We discuss conceptual and methodological implications of the present findings that may guide future research on associations between personality trait change, health, and mortality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

The experience of "at-risk" status for familial frontotemporal dementia (fFTD) and its impact on reproductive decision-making: A qualitative study.

Familial frontotemporal dementia (fFTD) is an autosomal dominant heritable form of FTD, onsetting in mid-life, characterized by behavioral and personality changes. Children of an affected parent are at 50% risk of inheriting the relevant fFTD gene variant and developing FTD. Genetic testing means a growing group of people are aware of or considering learning their risk status. This knowledge, combined with witnessing parents' symptoms, has implications for reproduction. This study explores attitudes and approaches to reproductive decision-making among those at risk for fFTD. Thirteen qualitative interviews were conducted with at-risk individuals, including parents and non-parents, and analyzed using Thematic Analysis to explore experiences of at-risk relatives of people with symptomatic FTD, attitudes toward reproductive decision-making, and, among parents, influences of genetic risk status on parenting. The themes identified were: (1) Fear of repetition of own experience with symptomatic relatives; (2) Approaches to mitigating repetition; (3) Responses to genetic risk in reproductive decision-making; (4) Accounting for timing in reproductive decision-making; (5) Challenges of disclosing genetic risk to children; (6) Other mitigating factors in reproductive decision-making. Findings highlight the key role of previous experiences with symptomatic relatives in shaping attitudes toward genetic risk status and approaches to managing it in reproductive decision-making. Findings highlight a need for responsive genetic counseling focused on exploring options alongside providing information and signposting to practical legal and financial support. Future research should specifically compare experiences in fFTD with experiences in other heritable neurodegenerative disorders and explore reproductive decision-making for couples where one partner is at risk of fFTD.

The Role of Neuropsychology in the Management of Spinal Cord Injury: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) poses a complex set of physiological, psychological, and cognitive challenges that significantly affect an individual's quality of life. Analysis of longitudinal studies reveals that cognitive changes following SCI are often underestimated yet significantly impact patient's ability to adapt to their new circumstances. However, the role of neuropsychology in SCI management and rehabilitation is yet to be elucidated. This article offers an in-depth review of the role of neuropsychology in understanding and addressing the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of SCI. Additionally, we delve into the emotional and psychological consequences of SCI, which can include increased stress, depression, anxiety, and potential changes in personality and social functioning. Neuropsychological assessment tools are highlighted as essential for diagnosing and monitoring these psychological shifts, aiding in the creation of personalized rehabilitation interventions. We also explore the role of neuroplasticity in cognitive rehabilitation post-SCI, emphasizing the potential of targeted cognitive training to alleviate cognitive deficits and improve adaptive functioning. The paper further investigates the interplay between physical and cognitive recovery, underscoring the reciprocal relationship between motor function and cognitive improvement. In conclusion, this review emphasizes the crucial role of neuropsychology in understanding the multifaceted impact of SCI. By enhancing our comprehension of the intricate connections between neural integrity, cognitive function, and psychological well-being, neuropsychology provides valuable insights for developing holistic rehabilitation strategies that address both the cognitive and emotional challenges faced by individuals with SCI. As neurorehabilitation continues to advance, integrating neuropsychological principles offers promise for improving the overall recovery and quality of life for those affected by spinal cord injury.

Зарубежные и отечественные исследования психологических особенностей экстремальных условий службы

The current reality dictates the conditions for prioritization. Military conflicts in the world increase the level of tension in society. In such an environment, increased responsibility is assigned to employees who perform official tasks in extreme conditions. Now many people understand that the methodology of military affairs has changed dramatically, an employee may not be a participant in the actual fighting, but the expectation itself can harm human health. The problem is that extreme conditions in every person's life are already becoming an element of life activity. However, not everyone has the skills to recognize personality changes due to the development of negative situations. Purpose: to analyze the experience of various studies, the results of which contribute to the definition and identification of psychological characteristics that manifest themselves in extreme conditions. Compare studies from different years in this field. Methods: the study of scientific publications. Conclusions: after analyzing studies from different countries, it can be concluded that despite ethnic, linguistic, and value differences, extreme conditions have an identical negative effect on a person. However, a number of authors say that the more prepared an employee is (able to recognize emotions, use various techniques, have a sufficient level of neuropsychiatric stability, etc.), the less they are exposed to extreme conditions.

Occupational Exposure to Mercury at an Electronics Waste and Lamp Recycling Facility - Ohio, 2023.

Workers in electronics waste and lamp recycling facilities are at risk of exposure to elemental mercury through inhalation of mercury vapor and mercury-containing dust. Employers at an electronics waste and lamp recycling facility in Ohio that crushes mercury-containing lamps expressed concerns about mercury exposure from work processes and requested a health hazard evaluation by CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In April 2023, NIOSH conducted a multidisciplinary investigation to assess elemental and inorganic mercury exposures, including epidemiologic, environmental, and ventilation assessments. Results indicated that mercury vapor was detected throughout the facility, with six of 14 workers having elevated urine mercury levels. These workers had a median job tenure of 8 months; four did not speak English, and five reported symptoms consistent with mercury toxicity, such as metallic or bitter taste, difficulty thinking, and changes in personality. Recommendations included improving the ventilation system, changing work practices to reduce mercury exposure, and providing training and communication tailored to the worker. As the electronic waste recycling industry continues to grow, it is important for employers to evaluate mercury exposure and safeguard employees using a hierarchy of controls. Health departments should consider monitoring occupational mercury exposure in recycling facilities, and clinicians should be aware of the potential for mercury toxicity among workers in these settings.

IDENTIFICATION OF QUINOLONE-TRAIZOLE HYBRIDS AS POTENTIAL INHIBITORS USING IN SILICO APPROACH

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a most common form of dementia and results in memory loss, disorientation, impaired thinking and changes in personality as well as mood. The dementia cases mostly turn into the Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Another disease, the Parkinson’s disease (PD), mainly affects dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. A series of previously synthesized quinolone-triazole hybrids were investigated and evaluated for their anti-acetyl cholinesterase and against monoamine oxidase reactive properties through in silico characterization. The ground state electronic properties were determined by electron density of the compounds through DFTs (density functional theory) calculation. The geometries of all compounds were optimized using Becke-3-parameter-Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) method and 6-311g basis set. Docking studies were conducted using the AutoDock and Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software and the results of the potent derivatives found to be encouraging. The data confirmed that all the compounds have drug-like properties and was further confirmed by ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) properties.

An investigation of acute physiological and psychological moderators of psychedelic-induced personality change among healthy volunteers

An investigation of acute physiological and psychological moderators of psychedelic-induced personality change among healthy volunteers

DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS OF THE BIAŁYSTOK PTTK BRANCH IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE 1960s

Purpose. The article is focused on showing the development prospects of the Białystok Branch of the Polish Tourist and Sightseeing Society (Polskie Towarzystwo Turystyczno Krajoznawcze – PTTK) in the first half of the 1960s through the prism of: (a) the relationship of this institution with state authorities; (b) revaluations of management structures; (c) determination of action objectives; and (d) premise capabilities.Method. The research was carried out via an analysis of the content of archival source materials.Findings. Despite the availability of natural assets, in confrontation with the reality, the development prospects of the Białystok Branch of PTTK in the early sixties of the 20th century did not prove to be significant. The analysis on the functioning conditionality of this tourist institution undertaken in this article (given the naturalness regarding the process of personal change of management staff) should be assessed as at least partly hindering development. However, external and internal constraints did not cause organisational paralysis, and could even become an indirect cause of a continually reviving programme initiative.Research and conclusion limitations. A possible research limitation is the high selectivity of data resulting from previous selecting of archival material, often making it difficult to evaluate the broader context of the information obtained.Practical implications. The conclusions resulting from the analysis of the article content may assume the existence of a constant need: (a) for clear interpretation of the legal framework in which tourism organisations operate; (b) for the constant evaluation of a single, long-term development line.Originality. The article is completely original in terms of the presentation of the obtained data and their conclusive-generalising description.Type of work: The results of archival research are presented in this article.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid: a diagnostic approach for varicella zoster virus-related encephalitis.

Varicella zoster virus-related encephalitis (VZV-RE) is a rare and often misdiagnosed condition caused by an infection with the VZV. It leads to meningitis or encephalitis, with patients frequently experiencing poor prognosis. In this study, we used metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to rapidly and accurately detect and identify the VZV pathogen directly from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, aiming to achieve a definitive diagnosis for encephalitis patients. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the clinical characteristics and laboratory evaluations of 28 patients at the Harrison International Peace Hospital in Hebei, China, between 2018 and 2024. These patients were diagnosed with neurological disorders using mNGS techniques applied to CSF. In this cohort of 28 patients, 11 were females and 17 males, with a median age of 65 (IQR: 42.3-70). VZV-RE presented with a range of clinical manifestations, the most common being headaches (81.2%), fever>38°C (42.9%), and vomiting (42.9%). Less frequent symptoms include personality changes (10.7%), speech impairments (21.4%), cranial nerve involvement (21.4%), altered consciousness (17.9%) and convulsions (3.6%). Herpes zoster rash was observed in 35.7% of the cases. Neurological examination revealed nuchal rigidity in only 5 patients. CSF analysis indicated mild pressure and protein levels increase, with all patients having negative bacterial cultures. Abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) findings were noted in 10.7% (N=3), and encephalorrhagia on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was observed in 3.6%. VZV-RE was confirmed through mNGS analysis of CSF within three days of admission. All patients received empiric treatment with acyclovir or valacyclovir, with 21.4% receiving hormonotherapy, and 7.14% receiving immunoglobulin therapy. At the three-month follow-up, 10.7% of the patients had persistent neurologic sequelae, and the mortality rate was 3.6%. Performing mNGS on CSF offers a rapidly and precisely diagnostic method for identifying causative pathogens in patients with VZV central nervous system (CNS) infections, especially when traditional CNS examination results are negative. Furthermore, the cases reported highlight the positive therapeutic effect of ganciclovir in treating VZV infections.