Social Functioning In Individuals Research Articles

Brain Metabolite Changes After Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

ObjectivesPrevious research has provided evidence that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can reduce severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the exact mechanism of this effect is still unknown. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy has demonstrated low levels of brain metabolites in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), amygdala, and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in individuals with ASD. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of anodal tDCS on social functioning of individuals with ASD, as measured by the social subscale of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), through correlations between pretreatment and posttreatment concentrations of brain metabolites in the areas of interest (DLPFC, ACC, amygdala, and locus coeruleus) and scores on the ATEC social subscale.MethodsTen participants with ASD were administered 1 mA anodal tDCS to the left DLPFC for 20 min over five consecutive days. Measures of the ATEC social subscale and the concentrations of brain metabolites were performed before and immediately after the treatment.ResultsThe results showed a significant decrease between pretreatment and immediately posttreatment in the ATEC social subscale scores, significant increases in N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/creatine (Cr) and myoinositol (mI)/Cr concentrations, and a decrease in choline (Cho)/Cr concentrations in the left DLPFC and locus coeruleus after tDCS treatment. Significant associations between decreased ATEC social subscale scores and changed concentrations in NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and mI/Cr in the locus coeruleus were positive.ConclusionFindings suggest that beneficial effects of tDCS in ASD may be due to changes in neuronal and glia cell activity and synaptogenesis in the brain network of individuals with ASD. Further studies with larger sample sizes and control groups are warranted.

M56. ASSORTATIVE MATING IN SCHIZOPHRENIA AND BIPOLAR DISORDER: A NATIONWIDE COHORT STUDY EXPLORING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE CHILDREN BY PARTNERS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA OR BIPOLAR DISORDER

BackgroundAssortative mating is common in patients with mental disorders, both for specific disorders and across the spectrum of mental disorders. Assortative mating may play a key role in mental disorders because the person with the close relation to an individual with a mental disorder is also likely to have mental disorders, poorer cognitive abilities or lower social functioning, which may further intensify problems for both partners and their offspring. When one parent is ill, the care for the child will often depend on the other parent. Thus, assortative mating will most likely contribute to outcomes in the offspring. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate possible diagnoses of a mental illness, cognitive ability and social functioning in individuals who have biological children by partners with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Further, we also aimed to explore differences in polygenic risk scores derived from genome-wide association studies for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.MethodsThis study was based on data from The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study - VIA7, a population-based cohort study conducted in Denmark between 2013 and 2016. Subjects were identified through the Danish Civil registration System and the Danish Psychiatric Central Research register. The VIA7 cohort consists of 522 children aged 7 years with parents diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in the Danish registries (index parents) and their partners (non-index parents). This study focuses on the non-index parents (N = 492) without schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in the Danish registries. All participants were interviewed with a diagnostic interview (SCAN 2.0). Main outcomes were intelligence, processing speed, verbal working memory, and social functioning. A linear mixed effect model was applied for each of the outcomes, including parent status (index parent or non-index parent), group (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and control), and interaction between parent status and group.ResultsNon-index parents having children by a partner with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder more often fulfilled the criteria for a mental disorder compared to non-index parents in the control group. Non-index parents having children by a partner with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder had lower levels of social functioning compared to non-index parents in the control group and performed poorer on intelligence and processing speed.DiscussionIndividuals who have children by partners with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are more likely to have a mental disorder and to have lower levels of cognitive and social functioning compared to individuals who have children by partners without schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Assortative mating may have important implications for our understanding of the familial transmission of these disorders. The findings presented in this study should be considered in future genetic research in psychiatry, specifically in the investigation of potential risk factors for children with a parent with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Edukacja międzykulturowa jako element kształcenia pracowników służb społecznych

<p class="Standard"><span>Celem opracowania było uzasadnienie włączenia problematyki z zakresu edukacji międzykulturowej do procesu kształcenia pracowników służb społecznych. Przedstawiciele zawodów pomocowych przyczyniają się do poprawy funkcjonowania społecznego jednostek i grup poprzez szeroki wachlarz działań służących rozwiązywaniu ich problemów. Do nowych grup wymagających interwencji pomocowych w naszym kraju należą migranci. Jest to szeroka kategoria obejmująca osoby z doświadczeniem migracyjnym, a specyfika pracy z migrantem jest istotnym wyzwaniem współczesności. Oprócz rozwiązań systemowych praca z osobą pochodzącą z innego kraju, kultury, będącą innego wyznania czy mówiącą w innym języku wymaga posiadania dodatkowych kompetencji. Edukacja międzykulturowa oraz jej dotychczasowy dorobek teoretyczny i praktyczny umożliwiają przygotowanie do właściwego zrozumienia kontekstu problemu i niesienia skutecznej pomocy.</span></p>

Social farming as an innovative approach to promote mental health, social inclusion and community engagement.

Nature-based contextual factors are being recognized as fundamental for mental health prevention and promotion. Rural areas, indeed, are increasingly recognized as an elective place for the promotion of mental health. In recent years there has been a surge of rurally-based hybrid governance models in which public bodies, local communities and economic actors join forces to create innovative welfare solutions to facilitate the financial (and organizational) challenges faced by the National Health Systems. Using agricultural resources, such as animals and plants, social farming is able to address specific social needs, including rehabilitation, sheltered employment, life-long education and other activities that contribute to social inclusion. At the same time social farming is able to strengthen the economic and social viability of rural communities. We have been studying the factors underlying the potentiality of social farms to provide job placement programs and rehabilitation for people with mental disorders. Using novel methodologies and appropriate tools, we have been collecting data indicating the positive effects of farming activities on individual's social functioning, as well as the impact of farms' networking on system's sustainability.

The Outcome of Two Occupational Therapy Group Programs on the Social Functioning of Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder

Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) frequently experience interpersonal difficulties. This study compared two occupational therapy group programs, an existing discussion/activity program and a new activity-based group program, on the social functioning of individuals with MDD. A concurrent embedded mixed methods intervention advanced design was employed. One hundred voluntary individuals, 50 in each group, were pre- and post-tested with the Social Interaction Scale and participants’ experiences were documented with self-report questionnaires and focus group interviews. The new activity-based program showed significant (p < 0.004) improvement on the total outcome compared to the existing program. Participants of both programs experienced improved social interaction.

C-56 Predictors of Social Outcomes for Individuals with RASopathies: A Systematic Literature Review with Implications for Assessment, Intervention and Education

Abstract Objective This review sought to provide a better understanding of the factors that contribute to social functioning outcomes in individuals with these RASopathies (i.e., genetic syndromes caused by disruption to the RAS-MAPK cellular signaling pathway). Data Selection A systematic literature search in the PubMed electronic database yielded 462 articles on social functioning in individuals with RASopathies. An additional five articles were identified through hand searches. Two researchers reviewed each article abstract, resulting in 58 full-text articles to be assessed for eligibility. Thirty-one articles met full criteria for inclusion in the review. For inclusion, studies were required to include at least three participants with a common RASopathy and had to examine the relationship between an aspect of social functioning and a factor that might influence social functioning. Data Synthesis The 31 articles meeting inclusion criteria were classified based on the predictors studied. Components examined during full review included: the syndrome(s) studied, participants, the aspect of social functioning assessed, the factor(s) studied in relation to social functioning, study measures, and key findings and limitations. Predictor variables were classified into the following categories: cognitive, affective, communicative, medical, and environmental. Conclusions Individuals with RASopathies are at higher risk of social functioning deficits. The majority of studies examined social functioning in NF1. Though a number of neuropsychological, medical, and environmental risk factors correlate with social deficits in this population, the majority of research has focused on cognitive and affective predictors. Symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and social processing difficulties had the most evidence as predictors of social outcomes.

WITHDRAWN: Gluten- and casein-free diets for autistic spectrum disorder.

It has been suggested that peptides from gluten and casein may have a role in the origins of autism and that the physiology and psychology of autism might be explained by excessive opioid activity linked to these peptides. Research has reported abnormal levels of peptides in the urine and cerebrospinal fluid of people with autism. To determine the efficacy of gluten and/or casein free diets as an intervention to improve behaviour, cognitive and social functioning in individuals with autism. The following electronic databases were searched: CENTRAL(The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2007), MEDLINE (1966 to April 2007), PsycINFO (1971 to April 2007), EMBASE (1974 to April 2007), CINAHL (1982 to April 2007), ERIC (1965 to 2007), LILACS (1982 to April 2007), and the National Research register 2007 (Issue1). Review bibliographies were also examined to identify potential trials. All randomised controlled trials (RCT) involving programmes which eliminated gluten, casein or both gluten and casein from the diets of individuals diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder. Abstracts of studies identified in searches of electronic databases were assessed to determine inclusion by two independent authors The included trials did not share common outcome measures and therefore no meta-analysis was possible. Data are presented in narrative form. Two small RCTs were identified (n = 35). No meta-analysis was possible. There were only three significant treatment effects in favour of the diet intervention: overall autistic traits, mean difference (MD) = -5.60 (95% CI -9.02 to -2.18), z = 3.21, p=0.001 (Knivsberg 2002) ; social isolation, MD = -3.20 (95% CI -5.20 to 1.20), z = 3.14, p = 0.002) and overall ability to communicate and interact, MD = 1.70 (95% CI 0.50 to 2.90), z = 2.77, p = 0.006) (Knivsberg 2003). In addition three outcomes showed no significant difference between the treatment and control group and we were unable to calculate mean differences for ten outcomes because the data were skewed. No outcomes were reported for disbenefits including harms. Research has shown of high rates of use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) for children with autism including gluten and/or casein exclusion diets. Current evidence for efficacy of these diets is poor. Large scale, good quality randomised controlled trials are needed.

Personal Social Capital and Socio-occupational Function of Persons with Schizophrenia: A Comparative Study

Background: Personal social capital is an individual’s networks and connections between individuals that can provide support which is characterized by reciprocity, trustworthiness and resources. Individuals who are excluded from accessing social capital have a higher risk of schizophrenia and may have informal social control. Social functioning of individuals with schizophrenia gets disturbed therefore improving the functioning levels is considered to be an important goal in treating schizophrenia. Aim: To assess and compare personal social capital and socio-occupational functioning of patients with schizophrenia and normal controls. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 60 individuals (30 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 30 normal population) selected from the outpatient department (OPD) of the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi by using purposive sampling method. Positive and negative syndrome scale (for study group) and General health questionnaire (for normal population) applied for screening. Participants who fulfilled inclusion criteria were informed about study and consent was obtained. Socio-demographic and clinical datasheet, Personal Social Capital Scale and socio-occupational functioning scale were administered. Results: Present study shows a significant difference in personal social capital and socio-occupational functioning of persons with schizophrenia and normal controls. Conclusion: The patients with schizophrenia hold lower personal social capital and socio-occupational functioning than the normal population. Personal social capital and socio-occupational functioning showed a significant positive correlation, therefore, improvement in socio-occupational functioning can help to enhance personal social capital.&#x0D; Keywords: Schizophrenia, personal social capital, socio-occupational functioning

Социально-психологические последствия современного терроризма

One of the serious social and psychological aftermaths of the terrorist threat is the formation of various mental disorders in the population of countries been exposed to terrorist attacks. The variety of mental impacts of the terrorist threat aftermath is extremely wide - from frustration and mental responses to some serious mental disorders. Long-term emotional tension, uncertainty, fear of death often lead to a decrease in the social functioning of individuals, and as a result, the whole society. At the same time, specific symptoms occur not only in the early stages of experiencing the terrorist threat, but also, often, progress in the delayed period, mainly in the form of affective disorders, psychosomatic pathology, chronic post-stress changes in the personality. The article reviews and analyzes the nature of the response of society as a whole and its individual groups, the impact of professional and national factors on the perception of the terrorist threat in various countries of the world over the past twenty years.

Social functioning in individuals with first episode psychosis: One-year follow-up study.

Improvement in social functioning is important for recovery in first episode psychosis (FEP). 51 individuals diagnosed with first episode psychosis were assessed for social functioning at baseline and one year follow-up. Significant improvement was seen in certain domains of social functioning measured by LSP scale such as communication and non-turbulence while no significant changes were observed in self-care and social contact. At one year follow-up, partial improvement in social functioning is observed in individuals with first episode psychosis. This warrants inclusion of specific interventions to improve social functioning in the management plan of individuals with FEP.

"Default mode functional connectivity is associated with social functioning in schizophrenia": Correction to Fox et al. (2017).

Reports an error in "Default mode functional connectivity is associated with social functioning in schizophrenia" by Jaclyn M. Fox, Samantha V. Abram, James L. Reilly, Shaun Eack, Morris B. Goldman, John G. Csernansky, Lei Wang and Matthew J. Smith (Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 2017[May], Vol 126[4], 392-405). In the article, the email address of corresponding author Matthew J. Smith was set as matthewsmith@northwestern.edu. It should have been mattjsmi@umich.edu. The online version of this article has been corrected. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2017-14073-001.) Individuals with schizophrenia display notable deficits in social functioning. Research indicates that neural connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) is related to social cognition and social functioning in healthy and clinical populations. However, the association between DMN connectivity, social cognition, and social functioning has not been studied in schizophrenia. For the present study, the authors used resting-state neuroimaging data to evaluate connectivity between the main DMN hubs (i.e., the medial prefrontal cortex [mPFC] and the posterior cingulate cortex-anterior precuneus [PPC]) in individuals with schizophrenia (n = 28) and controls (n = 32). The authors also examined whether DMN connectivity was associated with social functioning via social attainment (measured by the Specific Levels of Functioning Scale) and social competence (measured by the Social Skills Performance Assessment), and if social cognition mediates the association between DMN connectivity and these measures of social functioning. Results revealed that DMN connectivity did not differ between individuals with schizophrenia and controls. However, connectivity between the mPFC and PCC hubs was significantly associated with social competence and social attainment in individuals with schizophrenia but not in controls as reflected by a significant group-by-connectivity interaction. Social cognition did not mediate the association between DMN connectivity and social functioning in individuals with schizophrenia. The findings suggest that fronto-parietal DMN connectivity in particular may be differentially associated with social functioning in schizophrenia and controls. As a result, DMN connectivity may be used as a neuroimaging marker to monitor treatment response or as a potential target for interventions that aim to enhance social functioning in schizophrenia. (PsycINFO Database Record

Default mode functional connectivity is associated with social functioning in schizophrenia.

Individuals with schizophrenia display notable deficits in social functioning. Research indicates that neural connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) is related to social cognition and social functioning in healthy and clinical populations. However, the association between DMN connectivity, social cognition, and social functioning has not been studied in schizophrenia. For the present study, the authors used resting-state neuroimaging data to evaluate connectivity between the main DMN hubs (i.e., the medial prefrontal cortex [mPFC] and the posterior cingulate cortex-anterior precuneus [PPC]) in individuals with schizophrenia (n = 28) and controls (n = 32). The authors also examined whether DMN connectivity was associated with social functioning via social attainment (measured by the Specific Levels of Functioning Scale) and social competence (measured by the Social Skills Performance Assessment), and if social cognition mediates the association between DMN connectivity and these measures of social functioning. Results revealed that DMN connectivity did not differ between individuals with schizophrenia and controls. However, connectivity between the mPFC and PCC hubs was significantly associated with social competence and social attainment in individuals with schizophrenia but not in controls as reflected by a significant group-by-connectivity interaction. Social cognition did not mediate the association between DMN connectivity and social functioning in individuals with schizophrenia. The findings suggest that fronto-parietal DMN connectivity in particular may be differentially associated with social functioning in schizophrenia and controls. As a result, DMN connectivity may be used as a neuroimaging marker to monitor treatment response or as a potential target for interventions that aim to enhance social functioning in schizophrenia. (PsycINFO Database Record

Pupillometer-based neurofeedback cognitive training to improve processing speed and social functioning in individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis.

Among individuals at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis, processing speed (PS) has been related to social and role functioning regardless of conversion to schizophrenia. This information processing dysfunction is a gateway to broader behavioral deficits such as difficulty executing social behaviors. We examined the feasibility of improving information processing relevant to social situations in CHR, including its sustainability at 2-month follow-up, and its association with concurrent social function. This was a double-blind RCT in which 62 CHR participants were randomized to Processing Speed Training (PST) or an active control matched for training format and the same dose and duration of treatment. PST is a tablet-based program that uses pupillometry-based neurofeedback to continually adjust training parameters for an optimal neurocognitive load and to improve visual scanning efficiency by inhibiting selection of nonessential targets and discriminating figure-ground details. The PST group showed faster motoric and nonmotoric PS at post training and 2-month follow-up. At 2 month follow-up, the PST group reported better overall social adjustment. Changes in PS from baseline to 2 months were correlated with overall social adjustment and social avoidance in the entire sample. This is the first study to test focal neurofeedback-based cognitive training for PS deficits in the putatively prodromal phase of schizophrenia to address associated social morbidity. Targeting PS appears to be a promising pathway to decreasing comorbidity and mitigating a risk factor for psychosis. (PsycINFO Database Record

Social outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder: a review of music therapy outcomes.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects approximately one in 68 children, substantially affecting the child’s ability to acquire social skills. The application of effective interventions to facilitate and develop social skills is essential due to the lifelong impact that social skills may have on independence and functioning. Research indicates that music therapy can improve social outcomes in children with ASD. Outcome measures are primarily assessed using standardized nonmusical scales of social functioning from the parent or clinician perspective. Certified music therapists may also assess musical engagement and outcomes as a part of the individual’s profile. These measures provide an assessment of the individual’s social functioning within the music therapy session and generalizability to nonmusical settings.

Age and social functioning in individuals with MPS I, II, and VI

Age and social functioning in individuals with MPS I, II, and VI

Correlates of social functioning in autism spectrum disorder: The role of social cognition

BackgroundIndividuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience marked challenges with social function by definition, but few modifiable predictors of social functioning in ASD have been identified in extant research. This study hypothesized that deficits in social cognition and motor function may help to explain poor social functioning in individuals with ASD. MethodCross-sectional data from 108 individuals with ASD and without intellectual disability ages 9 through 27.5 were used to assess the relationship between social cognition and motor function, and social functioning. ResultsResults of hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that greater social cognition, but not motor function, was significantly associated with better social functioning when controlling for sex, age, and intelligence quotient. Post-hoc analyses revealed that better performance on second-order false belief tasks was associated with higher levels of socially adaptive behavior and lower levels of social problems. ConclusionsOur findings support the development and testing of interventions that target social cognition in order to improve social functioning in individuals with ASD. Interventions that teach generalizable skills to help people with ASD better understand social situations and develop competency in advanced perspective taking have the potential to create more durable change because their effects can be applied to a wide and varied set of situations and not simply a prescribed set of rehearsed situations.

Neurocognitive performance, psychopathology and social functioning in individuals at high risk for schizophrenia or psychotic bipolar disorder

IntroductionAlthough cognitive deficits are consistent endophenotypes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, findings in psychotic bipolar disorder (BDP) are inconsistent. In this study we compared adult unaffected first-degree relatives of schizophrenia and BDP patients on cognition, psychopathology, social functioning and quality of life. MethodsSixty-six unaffected first-degree relatives of schizophrenia patients (SUnR), 36 unaffected first-degree relatives of BDP patients (BDPUnR) and 102 controls participated in the study. Between-group differences were examined and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) predicted group membership. ResultsVisual memory, control inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility and abstract reasoning were linearly impaired in the relatives’ groups. Poorer verbal fluency and processing speed were evident only in the SUnR group. The SUnR group had higher depressive and somatization symptoms while the BDPUnR group had higher anxiety and lower social functioning compared with the controls. Individuals with superior cognition were more likely to be classified as controls; those with higher social functioning, prolonged processing speed and lower anxiety were more likely to be classified as SUnR. LimitationsThe relatives’ sample is quite heterogeneous; the effects of genetic or environmental risk-factors were not examined. ConclusionsCognitive functions mediated by a fronto-parietal network, show linear impairments in unaffected relatives of BDP and schizophrenia patients; processing speed and verbal fluency impairments were evident only in schizophrenia relatives. Self-perceived symptomatology and social functioning also differ between schizophrenia and BDP relatives. The continuum seen in patients in several indices was also seen in the cognitive impairments in unaffected relatives of schizophrenia and BDP patients.

Does Loneliness Necessarily Lead to a Decrease in Prosocial Behavior? The Roles of Gender and Situation.

Although, previous studies show overwhelming evidence that loneliness is negatively correlated with prosocial behavior, some theories and research have implied that under certain situations, loneliness plays a positive role in an individual's social functioning. The two studies reported in this article examined loneliness and its associations with prosocial behavior in Chinese adults using subjective reporting and experimental design. Study 1 examined 305 Chinese adults (175 males) using the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults and the Prosocial Tendencies Measure to evaluate their loneliness and prosocial tendencies. The results showed that loneliness was negatively associated with all prosocial tendencies except the public prosocial tendency. Study 2 examined 177 Chinese adults (61 males) using an experimental design and found that only lonely women in public situations expressed a greater willingness to help. The results also suggest that loneliness may play a positive role in the social functioning of individuals under certain conditions. The function of loneliness and the implications of the association between loneliness and prosocial behavior are discussed.

Understanding and Remediating Social-Cognitive Dysfunctions in Patients with Serious Mental Illness Using Relational Frame Theory.

Impairments in social cognition and perspective-taking play an important role in the psychopathology and social functioning of individuals with social anxiety, autism, or schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, among other clinical presentations. Perspective-taking has mostly been studied using the concept of Theory of Mind (ToM), which describes the sequential development of these skills in young children, as well as clinical populations experiencing perspective-taking difficulties. Several studies mention positive results of ToM based training programs; however, the precise processes involved in the achievement of these improvements are difficult to determine. Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is a modern behavioral account of complex cognitive functions, and is argued to provide a more precise approach to the assessment and training of perspective-taking, among other relational skills. Results of RFT-based studies of perspective-taking in developmental and clinical settings are discussed. The development of training methods targeting perspective-taking deficits from an RFT point of view appears to provide promising applications for the enhancement of current treatments of people with social-cognitive dysfunctions.

A transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy-based intervention in a secondary-care mental health service

AbstractDue to the growing evidence base supporting the hypothesis of common processes across different mental health problems, transdiagnostic interventions are receiving increased research attention. Transdiagnostic approaches have the potential to produce better outcomes, to reduce waiting times and to increase cost-effectiveness in stretched mental health services. Research into transdiagnostic cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in group format has demonstrated positive results in participants with anxiety disorders, with some studies extending the inclusion criteria to secondary and comorbid symptoms. This study evaluates a transdiagnostic CBT-based intervention, delivered by a secondary-care mental health team and includes participants with a range of diagnoses typical of this population. The real-world setting and lack of exclusion criteria based upon diagnosis provides an ecologically valid evaluation of a transdiagnostic CBT-based intervention. The results suggest that the intervention was associated with reductions in self-reported symptomatology and improvements in social functioning of individuals who attended in a secondary-care mental health service.