• Molecules and Cells
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.259-271
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• 2007

Investigation of molecular and cellular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity is the major focus of many neuroscientists. There are two major reasons for searching new genes and molecules contributing to central plasticity: first, it provides basic neural mechanism for learning and memory, a key function of the brain; second, it provides new targets for treating brain-related disease. Long-term potentiation (LTP), mostly intensely studies in the hippocampus and amygdala, is proposed to be a cellular model for learning and memory. Although it remains difficult to understand the roles of LTP in hippocampus-related memory, a role of LTP in fear, a simplified form of memory, has been established. Here, I will review recent cellular studies of LTP in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and then compare studies in vivo and in vitro LTP by genetic/pharmacological approaches. I propose that ACC LTP may serve as a cellular model for studying central sensitization that related to chronic pain, as well as pain-related cognitive emotional disorders. Understanding signaling pathways related to ACC LTP may help us to identify novel drug target for various mental disorders.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.3-9
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• 2010

Even experienced clinicians have difficulties in diagnosing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exactly, due to its diverse clinical features, which vary according to individuals, traumas, and various comorbid psychopathologies, and its related compensation issues. It is usually mandatory for clinicians and researchers to use screening and assessment tools when diagnosing and evaluating PTSD. To date, research has developed numerous PTSD screening and assessment tools ; therefore one of the cardinal issues is to select the best of the various tools, the one most suitable for the clinician's or researcher's purposes. This article reviews several currently-available subjective and objective instruments for the diagnosis and evaluation of PTSD and groups them according to whether they are Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-Correspondent Measures ; PTSD-Focused, Non-DSM-Correspondent Measures ; or Empirically Derived Measures. We present the instruments' psychometric properties and scoring methods and describe their merits and weak points, focusing on their practical usage.

• Psychiatry investigation
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• v.15 no.12
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• pp.1144-1153
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• 2018

Objective One of the areas of social cognition is Theory of Mind (ToM) is defined as the capacity to interpret, infer and explain mental states underlying the behavior of others. When social cognition studies on neurodevelopmental disorders are examined, it can be seen that this skill has not been studied sufficiently in children with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD). Methods In this study, social cognition skills in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), SLD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluated before puberty and compared with controls. To evaluate the ToM skills, the first and second-order false belief tasks, the Hinting Task, the Faux Pas Test and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task were used. Results We found that children with neurodevelopmental disorders as ADHD, ASD, and SLD had ToM deficits independent of intelligence and language development. There was a significant correlation between social cognition deficits and problems experienced in many areas such as social communication and interaction, attention, behavior, and learning. Conclusion Social cognition is an important area of impairment in SLD and there is a strong relationship between clinical symptoms and impaired functionality.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.16-29
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• 2019

Background: Sex influences is important to understand behavioral manifestations in a large number of neuropsychiatric disorders. We found electrophysiological differences specifically related to the influence of sex on psychopathic traits. Methods: The resting electroencephalography (EEG) activity and low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) for the EEG spectral bands were evaluated in 38 teenagers with conduct disorder (CD). The 25 male and 13 female subjects had psychopathic traits as diagnosed using the Antisocial Process Screening Device. All of the included adolescents were assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria. The visually inspected EEG characteristics and the use of frequency-domain quantitative analysis techniques are described. Results: Quantitative EEG (QEEG) analysis showed that the slow-wave activities in the right frontal and left central regions were higher and the alpha-band powers in the left central and bitemporal regions were lower in the male than the female psychopathic traits group. The current source density showed increases in paralimbic areas at 2.73 Hz and decreases in the frontoparietal area at 9.37 Hz in male psychopathics relative to female psychopathics. Conclusions: These findings indicate that QEEG analysis and techniques of source localization can reveal sex differences in brain electrical activity between teenagers with CD and psychopathic traits that are not obvious in visual inspections.

• BMB Reports
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.304-311
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• 2019

The cytoplasmic FMR1-interacting protein family (CYFIP1 and CYFIP2) are evolutionarily conserved proteins originally identified as binding partners of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), a messenger RNA (mRNA)-binding protein whose loss causes the fragile X syndrome. Moreover, CYFIP is a key component of the heteropentameric WAVE regulatory complex (WRC), a critical regulator of neuronal actin dynamics. Therefore, CYFIP may play key roles in regulating both mRNA translation and actin polymerization, which are critically involved in proper neuronal development and function. Nevertheless, compared to CYFIP1, neuronal function and dysfunction of CYFIP2 remain largely unknown, possibly due to the relatively less well established association between CYFIP2 and brain disorders. Despite high amino acid sequence homology between CYFIP1 and CYFIP2, several in vitro and animal model studies have suggested that CYFIP2 has some unique neuronal functions distinct from those of CYFIP1. Furthermore, recent whole-exome sequencing studies identified de novo hot spot variants of CYFIP2 in patients with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE), clearly implicating CYFIP2 dysfunction in neurological disorders. In this review, we highlight these recent investigations into the neuronal function and dysfunction of CYFIP2, and also discuss several key questions remaining about this intriguing neuronal protein.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2022

Learning disabilities (LD), also known as learning disorders, refers to cases in which an individual experiences lower academic ability as compared to the normal range of intelligence, visual or hearing impairment, or an inability to peform learning. Children and adolescents with learning disabilities often have emotional or behavioral problems or co-existing conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, difficulties with peer relationships, family conflicts, and low self-esteem. In most cases, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder coexists. As learning disabilities have the characteristics of a difficult heterogeneous disease group that cannot be attributed to a single root cause, they are diagnosed based on an interdisciplinary approach through medicine and education, such as mental health medicine, education, psychology, special education, and neurology. In addition, for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of learning disabilities, the diagnosis, prescription, treatment, and educational intervention should be conducted in cooperation with doctors, teachers, and psychologists. The treatment of learning disabilities requires a multimodal approach, including medical and educational intervention. It is suggested that educational interventions such as the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and the Response to Invention (RTI) should be implemented.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.10
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• pp.527-536
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• 2023

Serotonin receptors, also known as 5-HT receptors, belong to the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily. They mediate the effects of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in a wide range of functions including mood regulation, cognition and appetite. The functions of serotonin are mediated by a family of 5-HT receptors including 12 GPCRs belonging to six major families: 5-HT₁, 5-HT₂, 5-HT₄, 5-HT₅, 5-HT₆ and 5-HT₇. Despite their distinct characteristics and functions, these receptors' subtypes share common structural features and signaling mechanisms. Understanding the structure, functions and pharmacology of the serotonin receptor family is essential for unraveling the complexities of serotonin signaling and developing targeted therapeutics for neuropsychiatric disorders. However, developing drugs that selectively target specific receptor subtypes is challenging due to the structural similarities in their orthosteric binding sites. This review focuses on the recent advancements in the structural studies of 5-HT receptors, highlighting the key structural features of each subtype and shedding light on their potential as targets for mental health and neurological disorders (such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and migraine) drugs.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.192-196
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• 2024

Objectives: Borderline intelligence has been excluded from formal diagnostic systems and not included in disability diagnoses, leaving gaps in treatment, education, and social welfare despite various functional impairments. Therefore, we aimed to shed light on ways to enhance the intelligence and functioning of individuals with borderline intelligence by reviewing research on its progression, education, and treatment. Methods: Ten studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the final literature review and analyzed according to detailed topics (participant characteristics, design, and results). Results: Borderline intelligence is associated with various comorbid conditions, such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and addictive disorders, which negatively impact its course and prognosis. Individuals with borderline intelligence often face challenges in academics, employment, interpersonal relationships, and health owing to lifelong cognitive impairments. The treatment of borderline intelligence necessitates addressing environmental factors, such as neglect and abuse, as well as treating comorbid mental disorders, which are crucial for prognosis. Tailoring treatment programs for cognitive profile characteristics have been proposed, and studies have reported the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy, working memory training, and intensive rehabilitation training. Therefore, early intervention during childhood brain development is necessary. Risk factors, such as lack of parental education, and their impact on treatment outcomes have also been reported. Conclusion: Extensive research is needed on education, treatment, and prognosis related to borderline intelligence. Active intervention for children with borderline intelligence is essential to improve their functioning and quality of life.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.53-56
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• 2015

Good sleepers tend to more resilient than poor sleepers. As sleep and resilience may have a bidirectional relationship, it is important to explore the relationship between healthy sleep and resilience. Objectively and subjectively measured sleep quality showed positive association with resiliency. In one study, more resilient adolescents had higher sleep efficiency, less light sleep, more slow-wave sleep, and a smaller number of awakenings after sleep onset. Circadian typology, jetlag and circadian misalignment may be associated with the capacity to deal with adversity. Eveningness, exposure to chronic jetlag and circadian misalignment might be risk factors for development of psychological problems and mental disorders. Additional studies are needed to evaluate whether promoting healthy sleep behaviors results in increased resilience.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.214-227
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the socio-demographic factors, the disaster related factors, the physical health related factors and the psychological factors of older adults exposed to natural disaster and these factors may possibly cause the occurrence of PTSD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed using the secondary data from the 3rd Disaster Victims Panel Survey (2012-2017). The data from 1,397 disaster victims were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. Results: Compared with the younger adult disaster victims, the elderly were more likely to have symptoms of PTSD (15.0% vs. 12.1%). Factors such as the number of years since being exposed to the disaster, anxiety, depression and social adjustment were significantly associated with occurrence of PTSD for both older and younger adults. Female gender was the additional risk factors for the older adults, while marital status, income, having witnessed another person's injury or death, and having lost a home were associated with the occurrence of PTSD. Conclusion: The elderly were more likely to develop PTSD as compared with younger adults. More targeted post-disaster mental health services to the elderly with the symptoms of depressive, anxiety and impaired social adjustments, should be provided to improve their mental health.