Average is good, extremes are bad - Non-linear inverted U-shaped relationship between neural mechanisms and functionality of mental features

NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS

卷:104

Review

Northoff', Georg^1,2,3  Tumati, Shankar² 

[1] Hangzhou Normal Univ, Dept Psychol, Hangzhou 310013, Zhejiang, Peoples R China

[2] Univ Ottawa, Inst Mental Hlth Res, Mind Brain Imaging & Neuroeth, Ottawa, ON, Canada

[3] Uppsala Univ, Ctr Res Eth & Bioeth, Uppsala, Sweden

关键词: Optimal;    Neuro-mental relationship;    Inverted-U shape model;    Psychiatric diagnosis;    RDoC;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.06.030

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Traditionally, studies emphasize differences in neural measures between pathological and healthy groups, assuming a binary distinction between the groups, and a linear relationship between neural measures and symptoms. Here, we present four examples that show a continuous relation across the divide of normal and pathological states between neural measures and mental functions. This relation can be characterized by a nonlinear inverted-U shaped curve. Along this curve, mid-range or average expression of a neural measure is associated with optimal function of a mental feature (in healthy states), whereas extreme expression, either high or low, is associated with sub-optimal function, and occurs in different neural disorders. Neural expression between the optimal or intermediate and pathological or extreme values is associated with sub-optimal function and atrisk mental states. Thus, this model of neuro-mental relationship can be summarized as average is good, extremes are bad. By focussing on neuro-mental relationships, this model can facilitate the transition of psychiatry from a categorical to a dimensional and individualized approach needed in the era of precision medicine.

【 授权许可】

Free