Social Functioning Research Articles

Multiclass classification of Autism Spectrum Disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and typically developed individuals using fMRI functional connectivity analysis.

Neurodevelopmental conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), present unique challenges due to overlapping symptoms, making an accurate diagnosis and targeted intervention difficult. Our study employs advanced machine learning techniques to analyze functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from individuals with ASD, ADHD, and typically developed (TD) controls, totaling 120 subjects in the study. Leveraging multiclass classification (ML) algorithms, we achieve superior accuracy in distinguishing between ASD, ADHD, and TD groups, surpassing existing benchmarks with an area under the ROC curve near 98%. Our analysis reveals distinct neural signatures associated with ASD and ADHD: individuals with ADHD exhibit altered connectivity patterns of regions involved in attention and impulse control, whereas those with ASD show disruptions in brain regions critical for social and cognitive functions. The observed connectivity patterns, on which the ML classification rests, agree with established diagnostic approaches based on clinical symptoms. Furthermore, complex network analyses highlight differences in brain network integration and segregation among the three groups. Our findings pave the way for refined, ML-enhanced diagnostics in accordance with established practices, offering a promising avenue for developing trustworthy clinical decision-support systems.

The Practical and Social Functioning (PSF) scale: development and measurement properties of an instrument for assessing activity and social participation among people with serious mental illness

BackgroundParticipation in society and the ability to perform various activities are crucial aspects of everyday functioning. The intertwined relationship between functioning, disability, and health is emphasized in the “International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)” framework. In recent decades, mental health care units have increasingly focused on this aspect. The Practical and Social Functioning scale (PSF) was developed and validated in Norwegian as an easy-to-administer instrument to assess practical and social functioning among patients with serious mental illness in different clinical settings.MethodsThe PSF was developed and revised using data from different Norwegian studies. Data from a total of 562 patients with serious mental illness in different clinical settings were included. The validation process included the evaluation of items into categories by 25 professionals. Development and revision took place in three different stages, and factor analyses were conducted. The quality of the PSF was assessed according to the COSMIN standards for systematic reviews on patient-reported outcome measures.ResultsThe final version of the PSF comprises seven subscales, each consisting of four items, resulting in a total of 28 items. These subscales, along with their corresponding items, are loaded onto two factors representing the main dimensions of functioning: activity and participation. Content validity comprises three domains: relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility. Relevance and comprehensibility were found to be adequate, whereas comprehensiveness was doubtful. Structural validity was adequate, internal consistency was very good, and construct validity was adequate compared to the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. Responsiveness was found to be doubtful in our study with data from an 18-month observation period. Nearly 60% of the items showed a ceiling effect. No items showed a floor effect.ConclusionThe development and validation of the Norwegian version of the PSF resulted in an instrument consisting of seven subscales and a total of 28 items. The items and subscales assess functioning related to two key factors according to the ICF framework: activity and participation. Our results show that the PSF is an easy-to-administer instrument that may be particularly sensitive for detecting variation among persons with severely impaired functioning.Trial registrationThe study Implementation of Guidelines for the Treatment of Psychoses was registered retrospectively on 31 August 2017 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03271242).

Reducing Learning and Psychosocial Disparities in Latino Children with Cancer: A Randomized Intervention Trial.

We developed a high-intensity parenting intervention (HIP) to help parents support the academic success of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs), who often face post-treatment challenges affecting their school-related functioning. This randomized controlled trial (NCT03178617) evaluated HIP's efficacy compared to lower-intensity, single-session, treatment-as-usual services (LIP) in Latino families. Primary outcomes were parenting efficacy and CCSs' school functioning; secondary outcomes included parenting knowledge and measures of CCSs' academic performance, attention, and functioning outside of school. 106 Latino survivors of childhood leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma (aged 6-12 years) and their parents were randomly assigned to HIP (n = 54) or LIP (n = 52). Linear mixed-effects models evaluated group differences across baseline, 6-month (T2), and 12-month (T3) assessments. Parenting efficacy and knowledge improved significantly in the HIP arm, resulting in higher scores vs LIP at T2 and T3 (P ≤ .01). No significant between-group differences were found in child school functioning; however, HIP children showed significantly better social functioning and performance on one measure of attention (CPT-3 commissions) at T3 (P < .05). While HIP adherence challenges were observed, with only 33 (61%) completing the intervention, exploratory analyses suggest that benefits were most evident among those who fully engaged. Satisfaction and perceived benefit were greater for HIP vs LIP at both time points (P < .05). Our results suggest the potential value of parent-directed behavioral interventions like HIP for CCSs and their families. Further studies are needed to address participation barriers and enhance engagement to maximize and sustain benefits.

Factors influencing health-related quality of life of children with overweight and obesity in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Overweight and obesity among children may have psychological consequences, with potentially lasting effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aims of this study were to compare HRQOL across weight status among children and to determine the factors influencing HRQOL among children with overweight and obesity. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved school children aged 9–16 years that were recruited from eight randomly selected primary and secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur. The validated Malay version of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was used to measure HRQOL. Complex sample general linear model was used to determine the significant factors associated with HRQOL among children with overweight and obesity. Results: From 928 students, 41.2% (n = 375) of them had either overweight or obesity. Children with obesity reported lower overall HRQOL, physical functioning, social functioning, and psychosocial health summary, compared to normal weight children. In the final model, children with obesity had significantly lower HRQOL and physical functioning compared to children who were overweight, while those who lived with a single parent reported poorer HRQOL compared to children who lived with both parents. Children with history of being bullied had lower HRQOL and psychosocial health. Whereas those with lower self-esteem reported significantly lower scores in all three domains. Conclusion: Overweight and obesity have negative impacts on HRQOL of children. Among children with overweight and obesity, factors such as degree of obesity, family structure, history of being bullied, and self-esteem were found to be significantly associated with HRQOL. Therefore, assessing and managing HRQOL should be included as a part of the obesity prevention programme.

Genesis of Music Video Clip as a Popular Form of Modern Audiovisual Culture: Experiments with Music Visualisation

The purpose of the article is to reveal the peculiarities of the development of the music video clip in the context of the historical interaction of musical and audiovisual culture. Research methodology. General scientific methods of cognition were applied, in particular analysis and synthesis, systematisation of theoretical data, the method of structural-functional analysis, which made it possible to reveal specific aspects of the interaction of music and various forms of artistic practices in the space of audiovisual culture; a typological method, with the help of which various features of the music video clip in the structure of modern audiovisual culture are revealed. Scientific novelty. The genesis of the music video clip as a popular form of modern audiovisual culture is studied; the problem of integration of visual images and music as part of artistic practices in historical retrospect is considered. Little-known works of foreign scientists, the problems of which are correlated with the subject area of research were introduced into scientific circulation. Conclusions. The genesis of the music video clip testifies to the significant role of artistic practices in the process of image and music interaction at the early stages, which contributed to the invention of new creative ways of representing the imaginary – animation and montage proposed by avant-garde artists; videos and video installations created by mastering the television image; music videos that opened a new dimension for experimentation, becoming an influential form of modern culture. Artistic history of analogue interactions between cinema and music during the 20th century demonstrates the antecedent conditions of production, perception, and socio-political context that were necessary for the mass popularization of the music video as an established form. Thanks to the early experiments in the formation of visualised music, the music video as a new form of audiovisual art gained cultural value, which allowed it to play a significant role at the modern stage. The music video played and continues to play a key role in the socio-cultural space. The technological evolution from analogue to digital means of production and display has accelerated the development of both the form and the aesthetics of the music video, which emphasises one of the most important roles of art in society – to provoke thought and encourage a rethinking of social, political and cultural conditions and surroundings, using this is the main means of communication, including popular music.

Post-traumatic reactions and quality of life after pelvic exenteration for gynecologic cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

We examined post-traumatic reactions and quality of life in women with recurrent gynecologic cancer who underwent a pelvic exenteration (PE), a potentially life-saving radical surgery associated with life-altering sequelae. Twenty-one women who had completed PE at least 6months prior completed the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, a measure of post-traumatic stress, the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, a measure of post-traumatic growth, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-item core Quality of Life Questionnaire. We examined the associations between these outcome variables, and quality of life scores were compared to normative values for the general and gynecologic cancer populations. Thirty percent of women reported clinically significant post-traumatic stress symptoms and 71% endorsed clinically significant depressive symptoms. More post-traumatic stress was associated with less post-traumatic growth, more depressive symptoms, and worse quality of life. In general, women's quality of life was worse than the general population but comparable to women with stage III-IV ovarian cancer and women with cervical cancer. Social functioning was markedly lower in our sample and women reported more pain, diarrhea, and financial difficulties post-PE compared to published norms for the general population and women with ovarian or cervical cancer. There were no differences in quality of life based on age, type of PE, type of urinary diversion, or cancer type. Findings support long-term continued symptom management and the ongoing rehabilitation of patients to optimize physical, psychological, and social well-being in PE survivorship.

Bodily pain and vitality are the key factors in the disability of chronic low back pain patients under Short Form 36 base study: a five-year cohort study

BackgroundChronic low back pain (CLBP), a significant cause of disability, is expected to increase with aging. Short Form 36 (SF-36) indicated higher baseline component scores predict CLBP disability at shorter follow-ups, with unexplored five-year associations. The study aimed to test the associations of the physical and mental subscales of the SF-36 at baseline with disability at the five-year follow-up point among patients with CLBP.MethodsPatients aged between 20 and 65 years with CLBP were enrolled at baseline and followed at the five-year point. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the physical functioning (PF) subscale of the SF-36, and self-reported total months of disability (TMOD) over the past five years were used as the indices of disability. The four physical and mental subscales of the SF-36 were used as independent factors, respectively. Multiple linear regression was used to compare the associations of the physical and mental subscales at baseline with disability at follow-up.ResultsTwo hundred twenty-five patients with CLBP were enrolled at baseline and 111 participated in followed at the five-year point. Among the SF-36 subscales, the scores of bodily pain (BP), vitality (VT), and social functioning (SocF) at baseline were significantly correlated with the three indices of disability at follow-up. After controlling for demographic and clinical variables, BP and VT at baseline were most strongly associated with the ODI and TMOD at follow-up among the four physical and mental subscales, respectively. PF at baseline was most strongly associated with itself at follow-up among the four physical subscales.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that both the physical and mental subscales of the SF-36 at baseline could predict disability at the five-year follow-up point among patients with CLBP. The BP and VT subscales were independent factors associated with disability among the physical and mental subscales, respectively.

ACHIEVING BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH THE PROVISION OF SUPPLEMENTS, MEDICAL AIDS, AND COUNSELLING OF SLE PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AT RSSA MALANG

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children can interfere with their growth and social functioning and the treatment process is often hampered by low compliance and the unmet secondary needs of the patient. The aim of this community service activity is to improve the quality of life of patients by fulfilling their secondary needs and providing free consultation and education. Methods: This community service was carried out by educating and provide free consultation for 38 SLE pediatric patients accompanied by their parents directly at RSSA, monthly for 6 months, and we emphasise topics on management and healthy lifestyle for SLE patients. We also make this opportunity as a means of monitoring patient's condition which includes disease activity through SLEDAI Score, clinical symptoms, and psychosocial support, and we complete it by providing vitamin D supplements, sunblock, and wheelchairs. Results: All the subjects in this community service were 100% girls and 50% of them had active SLE status with various clinical manifestations. 79% of patients never took vitamin D supplements and all patients did not use sunblock. There were 3 patients with neurological disorders who needed a wheelchair. We provide their secondary needs to maximize the standard therapy we have been doing. After 6 months, there was a decrease in the number of patients who missed monthly controls, and a decrease in patients SLEDAI Score indicating that their lupus activity was appropriately controlled. Conclusion: Although rarely considered, the fulfillment of secondary needs in SLE patients such as vitamin D, sunblock, and wheelchairs for patients with mobility problems is very meaningful to them, which can optimize the main therapy given and make patients routinely attend monthly controls, because they find it helpful in terms of mobility. In addition, they do not need to buy vitamin D and sunblock themselves.

Development of an evaluation list for older adult community-based rehabilitation needs through a Delphi method

Older adults’ functional and intrinsic abilities may decline with increasing age. The positive effects of comprehensive community-based rehabilitation services to maintain physical, mental, and social function are essential. Nevertheless, few tools are available to assess the community-based rehabilitation needs of older adults. Therefore, we aimed to construct a list for the comprehensive evaluation of community-based rehabilitation needs of older adults. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) was used to construct a first draft of the assessment list. From September to November 2023, 18 experts from five provinces and nine tertiary hospitals and institutions of higher education in China participated in this Delphi study. The older adult community-based rehabilitation needs evaluation list included six dimensions and 29 items. The weights of the six dimensions, from high to low, included mental function rehabilitation need (0.30), body function rehabilitation need (0.24), social participation need (0.18), individual activity rehabilitation need (0.14), environmental rehabilitation need (0.09) and rehabilitation information need (0.05). Using the Delphi method, an assessment list of older adult community-based rehabilitation needs based on ICF was developed. Future work should evaluate the list’s reliability and validity and its application in managing community-based rehabilitation for older adults.

Pertanggungjawaban Pidana Pelaku yang Memiliki Riwayat Gangguan Jiwa pada Perkara Pembunuhan di Kabupaten Kebumen

The problem faced is What is the criminal responsibility of the perpetrators of the crime of murder if the perpetrator has a history of psychiatric disorders in decision number 174/Pid.B/2018/PN.Kbm, and what factors are the cause of the murder case committed by the perpetrator who has a history of psychiatric disorders in decision number 174/Pid.B/2018/PN.Kbm, as well as how the judge's legal considerations in imposing a crime on the perpetrator murder criminal who has a history of mental disorders in decision number 174/Pid.B/2018/PN.Kbm? offender with a history of mental disorders. This type of research is normative legal research with the approach method used is normative juridical (normative legal research method). The research findings based on psychiatric examination and observation by specialist doctors at RSJ Prof. Dr. Soerojo Magelang on the suspect Sumudi bin Sodali include laboratory results within normal limits and for psychological examinations, intelligence level (IQ) is 75-79 /borderline and anti-social personality disorder with paranoia. As for other diagnoses, namely: Axis I (aspect I): F60.2 Anti-social personality disorder, meaning that the patient has a behavioral disorder characterized by not caring about social norms, cheating or lying, often committing criminal acts, and no sense of guilt and regret.; Axis II (aspect II): Paranoid personality trait meaning that the patient is easily suspicious.; Axis III (aspect III): No diagnosis, meaning no physical illness is found; Axis IV (aspect IV): Problems related to law /criminal means that the patient often violates the law/criminal.; Axis V (aspect V): Global function assessment 70-61, meaning some difficulties in social and work functioning, but in general functioning well, having a significant relationship. The conclusion is that based on the expert's statement that for cases of law violations that have been committed by a patient named Mr. SUMUDI bin SODALI towards his own biological mother is part of a mental disorder, but not a severe mental disorder (psychotic) so that the patient can still direct his will consciously.

Feeling lonely and dissatisfied – understanding social network functioning in stroke survivors

BackgroundPost-stroke social networks are associated with functional recovery. However, there is little information on the social networks of stroke survivors and whether institutionalised and community-dwelling stroke survivors view their social relationships differently.PurposeTo i) examine social networks of stroke survivors and any influencing sociodemographic factors, as well as to ii) compare differences between institutionalised and community-dwelling stroke survivors.MethodsStroke survivors were recruited from eight healthcare institutions in Singapore. Stroke Social Network Scale (SSNS) was administered to assess the social network functioning. Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) was used to evaluate state boredom levels.Results160 stroke survivors completed the study. Stroke survivors reported a mean (SD) of 53.7(17.2) on the SSNS total score. Institutionalised stroke survivors reported significantly lower SSNS scores than community-dwelling stroke survivors, (U = 1856.5, z=-4.234, p < .001). Nearly a third (30.6%, n = 49) of the stroke survivors reported feeling lonely. Only 28.1% (n = 45) stroke survivors reported being ‘Very Satisfied’ with their overall social network. Compared to community-dwelling stroke survivors, institutionalised stroke survivors felt more lonely (40.7%) and only 25% were very satisfied with their social network with all p < .05. A moderate correlation was found between SSNS ‘Satisfaction’ subdomain score and MSBS total score, r=-.401, p < .001.ConclusionsStroke survivors had poor functioning social relationships. This study found that the perceived social support of institutionalised stroke survivors was poorer than community dwelling stroke survivors. A large proportion of stroke survivors reported feeling lonely and were not satisfied with their social networks. Identifying those at risk may be a means to prevent loneliness, increase social network satisfaction to improve well-being and quality of life.

Multifunctionality, social benefits, and engagement: insights for forest restoration success from a study case in Brazil

Social, economic, and ecological aspects must be considered for ecological restoration projects to be successful. Multifunctionality, achieved when restored ecosystems have multiple uses, is the desired goal for these projects. Understanding people's perceptions of forest restoration is essential to advance the debate on stakeholder acceptance and engagement. Based on a 30‐year case study of forest restoration on a university campus in Brazil, we assessed (1) how project objectives relate to contemporary multifunctionality and social attributes; (2) how the current state of the forest meets social goals; and (3) how stakeholders perceive the importance of the forest and the project itself. We used documents, interviews, and questionnaires, applying content analysis and narrative interpretation with the “social benefits wheel” and the “five‐star social system” to assess how the initial project objectives corresponded to contemporary social development goals and its progress toward social goals. The results revealed that socioecological goals were incorporated from the beginning of the project, ensuring a multifunctional approach. Respondents highlighted ecological, social, and cultural functions, with 84% expressing positive feelings toward the forest. Ecosystem services, especially regulatory and cultural benefits, were recognized as the most valuable. Although academic use was significant, nonmaterial values, such as cultural and emotional connections, were more prominent. The study concludes that a well‐planned restoration project involving the local community generates lasting support for ecological restoration. This information strongly supports Brazil's voluntary reforestation targets proposed in the Paris Agreement.

Stroking and Leaning: The Give and Take of Social Touch Between Humans and Their Pets

ABSTRACT Affectionate interpersonal touch serves important social and affective functions. In this study, we asked whether the same holds for the physical contact between pet owners and their pets. An international sample of pet owners (n = 443) rated the typicality of different human and pet touch behaviors. They then provided body contact maps for typical behaviors and reported the duration of behaviors, probability across different situations, and associated affect. Human–pet touch was characterized by a range of tactile behaviors, especially stroking by owners and leaning by pets. Touching took substantial time (∼42 min/day) and occurred most often when owners were resting, after separation, and during joint activities with the pet. Some forms of touch entailed physically intimate contact and were followed by positive affect. Although the touch behaviors showed some differences, overall, owner touching and pet touching were similar and reciprocal. Together, our data identify parallels between interpersonal and human–pet touch and establish human–pet interactions as an important source of affectionate touch experiences.

Évolution des rôles sociaux des traducteurs et son impact sur la recherche et sur la formation universitaire

The article discusses the evolution of translator training through the experience of both a trainer and professional translator. It examines the historical and scientific perspectives of social roles and functions of translators. These serve as a starting point for analysing the current state of translation and its future. The profession of translation is currently in the process of change due to rapid technological and social advancements. The translators-to-be must possess new skills to adapt to these changes. To achieve this, universities should adapt their teaching methods and content to enable learners to cope with the new technical, social and communicational developments. These should equip translators-to-be with the necessary skills to meet the demands of today and tomorrow’s markets. Revision of the field history, past and contemporary research as well as practical professional experience provided in this article point to the training needs that must be fulfilled to meet the requirements of our time.

Characterizing genetic pathways unique to autism spectrum disorder at multiple levels of biological analysis

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by atypical patterns of social functioning and repetitive/restricted behaviors. ASD commonly co-occurs with ADHD and, despite their clinical distinctiveness, the two share considerable genetic overlap. Given their shared genetic liability, it is unclear which genetic pathways increase the likelihood of ASD independently of ADHD.MethodsWe applied Genomic Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to GWAS summary statistics for ASD and childhood-diagnosed ADHD, decomposing the genetic variance for ASD into that which is unique to ASD (uASD) and that which is shared with ADHD. We computed genetic correlations between uASD and 83 external traits to estimate genetic overlap between uASD and other clinically relevant phenotypes. We went on to apply Stratified Genomic SEM to identify classes of genes enriched for uASD. Finally, we implemented Transcriptome-Wide SEM (T-SEM) to explore patterns of gene-expression associated with uASD.ResultsWe observed positive genetic correlations between uASD and several external traits, most notably those relating to cognitive/educational outcomes and internalizing psychiatric traits. Stratified Genomic SEM showed that heritability for uASD was significantly enriched in genes involved in evolutionarily conserved processes, as well as for a histone mark in the germinal matrix. T-SEM revealed 83 unique genes with expression associated with uASD, 34 of which were novel with respect to univariate analyses. These genes were overrepresented in skin-related pathologies.LimitationsOur study was limited by summary statistics derived exclusively from individuals of European ancestry. Additionally, using data based on a general ASD diagnosis limits our ability to understand genetic factors contributing to the pronounced clinical heterogeneity in ASD.ConclusionsOur findings delineate the unique genetic underpinnings of ASD that are independent of ADHD at the genome-wide, functional, and gene expression level of analysis. In addition, we identify novel associations previously masked by their diametric effects on ADHD. Collectively, these results provide insight into the processes that make ASD biologically unique.

Diversity in perceptual, social, and executive functions in preschoolers from Germany and Iran

The cultural background and age shape the cognitive and social development of children. This study aimed to compare perceptual, executive, and social functioning in two age groups of preschoolers from Germany and Iran. One hundred sixty-five children (83 Iranian and 82 German) participated in the study, with 87 children aged three years and 78 children aged four years. The participants completed a series of tasks to assess different cognitive functions, including the theory of mind as a measure of social cognition, picture mental rotation test to evaluate spatial ability, and several tests including digit span, Corsi block tapping, day-night, grass-snow, dimensional change card sort, and active and passive vocabulary tests to assess executive functions. The findings revealed that German children performed better than their Iranian peers regarding spatial ability and theory of mind. Additionally, German children outperformed Iranian children in working memory, cognitive flexibility, and verbal fluency, while Iranian children demonstrated better inhibitory control. Furthermore, the correlational analysis indicated that in German children, executive function correlated with the theory of mind, whereas in Iranian children, executive function was associated with perceptual functions. Age impacted the results. These results highlight the role of cultural factors in shaping cognitive functioning and emphasize the need to consider cultural influences when examining cognitive development in different populations.

From antidepressants and psychotherapy to oxytocin, vagus nerve stimulation, ketamine and psychedelics: how established and novel treatments can improve social functioning in major depression.

Social cognitive deficits and social behavior impairments are common in major depressive disorder (MDD) and affect the quality of life and recovery of patients. This review summarizes the impact of standard and novel treatments on social functioning in MDD and highlights the potential of combining different approaches to enhance their effectiveness. Standard treatments, such as antidepressants, psychotherapies, and brain stimulation, have shown mixed results in improving social functioning, with some limitations and side effects. Newer treatments, such as intranasal oxytocin, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, have demonstrated positive effects on social cognition and behavior by modulating self-referential processing, empathy, and emotion regulation and through enhancement of neuroplasticity. Animal models have provided insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these treatments, such as the role of neuroplasticity. Future research should explore the synergistic effects of combining different treatments and investigate the long-term outcomes and individual differences in response to these promising interventions.

Psychiatry and sensation: the epigenetic links.

A complex interaction among sensory, social and epigenetic determinants in psychiatric conditions was described across all age strata. The high prevalence of mental disorders in individuals with sensory deficits might be attributed to the interaction among social isolation, cognitive functioning and sensory processing. The epigenetic implications of such interactions were examined: environmental and social factors can affect gene expression and impact the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders also through sensory processing. This article discussed the role of social determinants, in other words, social isolation, loneliness and chronic stress, in promoting psychiatric disorders and, in a vicious circle, sensory deficits (vision, hearing, olfaction and somatosensation). We emphasized the importance of integrating social, sensory and epigenetic factors to target different treatments for psychiatric conditions.

Intensity dependence of auditory evoked potentials distinguish participants with unmedicated depression from non-depressed controls.

Depression is a heterogeneous syndrome that impacts an individual's emotional, social, cognitive and bodily functioning. Depression is associated with biases in emotional processing, but alterations in basic sensory processing have received less attention in depression research. Here, we measured event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to changes in the intensity of auditory stimuli and the location of somatosensory stimuli in participants with depression and in non-depressed control participants. We tested whether auditory mismatch negativity, P3a or N1 intensity dependence response or somatosensory mismatch response, P3a, P50 or N80 can dissociate depressed participants and non-depressed controls, and we also analysed the effects of depression medication and age in this sample. N1 intensity dependence response was increased in unmedicated depressed participants relative to non-depressed controls. When age was controlled for in the analysis, the effect of depression was only at a trend level. N1 intensity dependence response correlated with depression severity at the whole sample level. We did not observe any depression-related alterations in auditory mismatch negativity or P3a or somatosensory ERPs. Our results may reflect an association between the N1 intensity dependence response and altered neurotransmitter activity in depression, but this should be confirmed in future studies.

High vs. Low Intensity Behavior Therapy Delivered to Adolescents with ADHD: Potential Adverse Long-Term Effects on Substance Use Outcomes.

Individuals with ADHD are at risk for substance use initiation in adolescence and escalation to problematic use in adulthood. Little is known about the impact of psychosocial ADHD treatment on substance use. Based on existing theory, both therapeutic (i.e., through reducing symptoms and impairments) and iatrogenic effects (i.e., through improved social functioning) of psychosocial treatment for ADHD on adolescent substance use initiation are plausible. A primarily ethnic/racial minority sample (~ 95% Latinx or Black) of rising ninth grade students with ADHD (n = 106) were randomly assigned to receive high intensity (i.e., Summer Treatment Program-Adolescent, parent training, and school consultation) or lower intensity (parent training, organization skills training, and school consultation) intervention the summer before entering high school. Participants were followed four-years post-baseline and substance use was documented. Analyses tested treatment effects on substance use initiation (alcohol and/or marijuana) and mediators of main effects. After controlling for covariates, participants assigned to HI (37.5%) were significantly more likely than LI (18.6%) to initiate substance use by end of high school, indicating an iatrogenic effect of HI treatment. No significant mediators were detected. Post-hoc exploration of moderators suggested that youth with elevated Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms may have experienced a benefit of HI treatment on substance use whereas youth without elevated PTSD symptoms experienced iatrogenic effects. Large, well-powered, samples should examine moderated mediational models to better understand who is most risk for iatrogenic effects of ADHD psychosocial treatment and why. Clinicians delivering psychosocial treatment to adolescents with ADHD should monitor for potential iatrogenic effects.