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Abstract
Background
Research on individual differences in brain structural features of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and established addictions such as tobacco use disorder (TUD) is currently limited. This study utilized normative modeling to analyze the cortical thickness (CT) development patterns of male patients with IGD and TUD, aiming to provide further insights into whether IGD qualifies as an addiction.
Methods
Surface-based brain morphometry (SBM) was used to calculate CT from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging data of 804 male participants (665 healthy individuals, 68 IGD and 71 TUD). Gaussian process regression was employed to generate normative models of CT development. Deviation maps were produced to depict deviations of IGD and TUD participants from the typical developmental patterns.
Results
Both addiction groups exhibited widespread cortical thinning, particularly in regions such as the bilateral temporal pole and medial orbitofrontal cortex. The TUD group demonstrated a higher degree of individualization and limited spatial overlap compared to the IGD group. Opposite trends in CT changes were observed between the two groups in the bilateral pericalcarine cortex and pars triangularis.
Conclusions
These findings regarding the similarities and differences between IGD and TUD provide support for the idea that IGD shares common features with substance-related addictions and contribute to a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying IGD.
Abstract
Background and Aims
This naturalistic mixed methods field study, aimed to assess the potential of a psilocybin induced experience, to help Emergency Medical Service Workers (EMSW) to address psychological and stress related symptoms stemming from a challenging working environment, known to contribute to occupational burnout (OB).
Methods
This exploration was conducted with an intentional sample of five participants, recruited through an online survey who self-administered a therapeutic dose of psilocybin mushrooms to manage psychological symptoms resulting from their work as EMSW, allowing the authors to assess the outcome. To measure the impact of the experience, changes in OB measures were assessed with psychometric instruments previously used in this population at three timepoints, before and after the session. The subjective impact of the psychedelic experience, through psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs, was also assessed, and two follow-up interviews were conducted to collect further data.
Results
The results showed that, two weeks after the session, a visible improvement was noticed in several measures of pre-existent OB, that remained stable after two months. Additionally, most participants reported a strong subjective impact, that they perceived as fundamental for the positive outcome.
Conclusions
After one therapeutic psylocibin session, several measures of OB showed an encouraging level of improvement and may constitute an important step towards finding alternative and innovative solutions to address high rates of psychological distress experienced by EMSWs, also benefiting the organization and the quality of patient care. The limitations and implications of the study and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Abstract
A key issue that teacher training programmes need to address is how well the contents of various methodology courses translate to in-class uses for pre-service teachers to use during their teaching practices. The paper addresses the problem from multiple angles in a longitudinal project that collected quantitative and qualitative data regarding fourth-year Hungarian pre-service English teachers' views about the practicality and applicability of various EFL methodology course contents. The study found that the key needs pre-service teachers have in connection to the applicability of their course contents corresponds to their developing identities as future teachers. Conclusions are drawn regarding a possible support model utilizing semi-open ended teaching material support and the application possibilities of blended learning.
Abstract
As instructors in higher education, we are responsible for student learning whether in undergraduate, master's or PhD programs. The extent to which we are successful in this responsibility depends on our ability to design and enact effective instruction. This paper draws on research about learning, particularly the notion of significant learning, as well as a research-based model for designing instruction to propose a range of ways to ensure students actively engage in embedding the knowledge we hope they will.
Abstract
Background
The introduction of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD) into the 11th International Classification of Diseases has raised expectations for better treatment options for CSBD. Furthermore, the treatment demand has increased, particularly for pornography use disorder (PUD), a subtype of CSBD. Presumably due to the easy access to Internet pornography an increasing prevalence of PUD is observed. Consequently, providing tailored and effective treatment is essential.
Methods
This article provides an overview of the manualized short-term PornLoS Treatment Program (Pornografienutzungsstörung effektiv behandeln– Leben ohne Suchtdruck; translation: Treating pornography use disorder effectively - life without craving). The program combines 24 individual and 6 group psychotherapy sessions with an interdisciplinary approach by offering a novel treatment framework. This includes, e.g., a mobile app, establishment of self-help groups, and access to other social services such as couple counseling. The cognitive-behavioral treatment program contains interventions addressing psychoeducation, cue exposure, impulse control, cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, and relapse management.
We here also describe the study protocol of an ongoing four-arm randomized controlled trial. The aim is to test two variants of the PornLoS Treatment Program differing with respect to their treatment goal (abstinence or reduced pornography use) against cognitive-behavioral treatment as usual and against a waitlist control group. The primary outcome is the absence of a PUD diagnosis at the end of therapy. The total target sample size will comprise n = 316 patients with PUD across eight study sites.
Results
The results will be presented at international conferences and published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal.
Abstract
Background and aims
Gambling activity evolves along a continuum from recreational to Gambling Disorder (GD) and a particular challenge is to identify whether there are some neurophysiological particularities already present in gamblers at an early stage. Our main goal was to determine whether, in the gamblers' population, neural responses generated during uncertain decisions were different depending on problematic gambling risk defined by the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI). We tested the following hypothesis, that the Problem Gambling group would show a different brain activity related to outcomes processing than people with low risk.
Methods
For this purpose, we established a relatively homogeneous population of Online Poker Players divided into two groups according to the CPGI (Low Risk and Problem Gambling). By means of high-density EEG, we compared the spatio-temporal dynamics generated during the completion of the Iowa Gambling Task.
Results
One specific topographic map was observed between 150–175 ms after a negative outcome for both groups, whereas it was displayed in the win condition only for the Problem Gambling group. We found that the Global Field Power of this map was negatively correlated with participants' adherence to a strategy. Source localization identified Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Temporal regions as generators of this map.
Discussion and conclusions
Reward hypersensitivity EEG responses identified in the early outcome process could constitute a potential biomarker of problematic gambling.
Abstract
Eyespots are found across many taxa, usually for predator intimidation. In human artefacts, eye designs have been presumed to have an apotropaic function (warding off supernatural evil and envy) rather than an evolutionary function related to protection from agonistic interactions. We hypothesised that, instead, eyespot designs may have been used in human cultures for intimidation of opponents (deimatic display). We examined 1,070 objects from Papua New Guinea, where eyespots are frequently displayed on various objects. We predicted that objects used for guarding or protection would be more likely to have eyespots than domestic objects. Chi-square tests of independence showed that significantly more canoe prows and shields and fewer domestic objects had eyespots than expected. Furthermore, we surveyed 81 respondents, showing objects with and without eyespot patterns. Chi-square tests showed that objects with eyespots elicited significantly more fear and anxiety related emotions, and non-eyespot designs elicited more calm and relaxed emotions than expected. Thus, objects with eyespots were considered more intimidating than those displaying geometric, or plain designs. This research provides empirical evidence for the use of eyespot designs for deimatic display in humans and possible convergent evolution of eyespots due to gene – culture coevolution.
Abstract
Error Management Theory (EMT) suggests that cognitive adaptations evolved to minimize the cost of false negative and false positive errors in detections of consequential environmental conditions. These adaptations manifest as biases tailored to specific environmental conditions. This paper proposes that the same selection pressure fostered the evolution of a self-biasing ability, allowing us to minimize such costs based on experience and culturally transmitted information. The research indicates that this ability specifically applies to productions of belief or doubt about the existence of an environmental condition that is not adequately perceptible to the senses, e.g., doubt that the man is being honest. A model of this self-biasing process, rooted in signal detection theory, is developed and its explanatory reach is demonstrated through many diverse examples from epistemological and social psychological literatures. These examples feature an evidentiary standard for belief that appears too high or low, or seems to have modulated. This study aims to correct and to significantly enhance EMT by introducing this evolved self-biasing ability.
Abstract
There is a developing dialogue between the psychoanalytic and psychedelic fields of psychotherapy. This paper contributes to this emerging collaboration by applying Winnicott's concept of transitional experience to psychedelic clinical work. By analyzing two Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) cases, we explore in depth how transitional experience facilitates psychedelic transformation. We review clinical touch and introduce hand-holding as a transformational experience that can occur in the amplified relational field of the psychedelic space. Applying these ideas will deepen clinicians' theoretical understanding and experiential practice of KAP.
A diabétesz okozta distressz és az életminőség összefüggései 2-es típusú cukorbetegséggel élők körében – szisztematikus irodalmi áttekintés
Associations between diabetes distress and quality of life in type 2 diabetes patients – a systematic literature review
Háttér: Cukorbetegséggel élni megterhelő. Ezért, nem meglepő módon, ez a betegség nagyon gyakran érzelmi distresszt okoz, amelyet betegségre specifikusan diabétesz okozta distressznek hívunk. A cukorbetegséggel élők esetében a negatív érzelmi tünetek azonban nemcsak a pszichés jóllétre hatnak negatívan, hanem a magasabb distresszt megélő betegek alacsonyabb adherenciával jellemezhetőek, rosszabb glikémiás kontrollal rendelkeznek, és körükben magasabb a mortalitás is. A krónikus betegségek, így a cukorbetegség is nagymértékben rontja a szubjektív életminőséget, ráadásul a vonatkozó kutatások eredményei alapján a diabétesz okozta magasabb distressz rosszabb észlelt életminőséggel is együtt jár, és e két tényező külön-külön is, de együttesen is prediktora egyéb, a cukorbetegség önmenedzselésével kapcsolatos változóknak, mint amilyen például a glikémiás kontroll vagy az adherencia. Célkitűzés: Azonosítani néhány tényezőt és rizikófaktort amelyek a 2-es típusú cukorbetegséggel élő felnőttek körében befolyásolják a diabétesz okozta distresszt és az életminőséget. Módszerek: Tanulmányunkat a szisztematikus irodalomkutatás módszerével készítettük, angol nyelvű cikkeket keresve az EBSCO és az Embase adatbázisokban. Eredmények: A diabétesz distresszt és a betegséggel kapcsolatos életminőséget befolyásoló tényezők és rizikófaktorok egy része az ismertetett kutatások alapján beazonosítható, és általuk pontosabban meghatározhatók olyan beavatkozási pontok, amelyekkel a diabétesszel összefüggő distressz és annak következményei eredményesen csökkenthetőek.
