Affective modulation of emotional reactivity in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder

Özer S.

Presentation, pp.1-2, 2024

  • Publication Type: Other Publication / Presentation
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-2
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Affective modulation of emotional reactivity in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder

Aim:

 

Emotional dysregulation is a hallmark feature of bipolar disorder (BD), contributing to impairments in emotional processing. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the disruption of emotional reactivity (ER) in BD is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study aims to compare subjective and objective emotional responses between euthymic BD patients and healthy controls, focusing on the affective modulation of the acoustic startle response (AMSR).

 

Method:

Euthymic BP (n=33) and healthy controls (n=35) were compared using both subjective and objective measures. Subjective experiences, valence, and arousal scores were assessed using the Self-Assessment Manikin. SR parameters were recorded from the orbicularis oculi muscle via electromyography. To assess the AMSR, pictures of varying emotional valences from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) were used during acoustic stimulation.

 

Results:

 

Patients and controls did not differ significantly in mean age, education years, chronic diseases, marital status, and vascular risk factors. A significant valence effect was observed in the subjective picture evaluation; however, no significant group effect or picture category-group interaction effect was detected. In the controls, picture categories had a significant effect on both amplitude and area measurements, but did not in euthymic BP. A linear pattern of startle amplitude across different picture categories was evident in the control group but not in patients. No difference was found between the two groups regarding latency, and valence did not affect it. Mean Tamplitude Tarea, Tlatency values across picture categories and groups are presented in Figure 1.

 

 

Conclusion:

 

Subjective responses did not significantly differ between groups, objective AMSR was found to be blunted in euthymic BD patients compared to controls, evidenced by reduced affective modulation in both SR amplitude and area. The study highlights the importance of utilizing both amplitude and area measurements in assessing AMSR, with area measurements providing complementary information less susceptible to electrode placement variability. Large-scale studies with longitudinal designs are needed to explore the impact of recurrent episodes and pharmacological interventions on ER patterns.

 

Keywords: Bipolar disorder, emotion, startle blink, EMG

 

 

FIGURE 1

 

 

Figure 1: Mean Tamplitude (sub-figure (a)), Tarea (sub-figure (b)), Tlatency (sub-figure (c)) values across picture categories and groups. *Significant difference between the mean T values of picture conditions with indicated valences P<0.05.