田中 佑樹

Introduction Intrusive thoughts occurring independently of intention are symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD). However, they also appear in various other disorders, including substance use disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety disorders, as well as in healthy individuals. Despite this, the diversity of intrusive thoughts remains largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to (1) classify the factors causing intrusive thoughts as identified in previous research and (2) elucidate differences in the psychological states of intrusive thoughts. Methods We investigated 298 participants over 20 years old using a questionnaire that includes scales such as “obsessive-compulsive belief,” “stress responses,” “thought suppression,” and “evaluation of intrusive thoughts.” To analyze data, we applied co-clustering, a machine-learning technique, to the data obtained from the investigation. Results We identified three factors that affect the occurrence of intrusive thoughts: “Negative Evaluation of Intrusive Thoughts,” “Stress Responses,” and “Excessive Control of Intrusive Thoughts.” Furthermore, based on the scoring patterns of these three factors, participants were classified into five subtypes characterized by their degree of OCD tendencies. Further analysis revealed that the three factors could not be explained by OCD tendencies. Additionally, it was found that the five subtypes employed different coping strategies. Discussion These findings suggest that intrusive thoughts cannot be fully explained solely by the degree of OCD tendencies, which could provide valuable insights into cognitive-behavioral support targeting the various psychological states associated with intrusive thoughts.

Background: In this study, we examined the relationships between reward-based decision-making in terms of learning rate, memory rate, exploration rate, and depression-related subjective emotional experience, in terms of interoception and feelings, to understand how reward-based decision-making is impaired in depression. Methods: In all, 52 university students were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. To manipulate interoception, the participants in the experimental group were instructed to tune their internal somatic sense to the skin-conductance-response waveform presented on a display. The participants in the control group were only instructed to stay relaxed. Before and after the manipulation, the participants completed a probabilistic reversal-learning task to assess reward-based decision-making using reinforcement learning modeling. Similarly, participants completed a probe-detection task, a heartbeat-detection task, and self-rated scales. Results: The experimental manipulation of interoception was not successful. In the baseline testing, reinforcement learning modeling indicated a marginally-significant correlation between the exploration rate and depressive symptoms. However, the exploration rate was significantly associated with lower interoceptive attention and higher depressive feeling. Conclusions: The findings suggest that situational characteristics may be closely involved in reward exploration and highlight the clinically-meaningful possibility that intervention for affective processes may impact reward-based decision-making in those with depression.

<p>In Japan, legalized casinos have been developed through the enactment of the Integrated Resort Promotion Bill. In this review, previous findings on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for gambling disorder are discussed as an established treatment available in Japan. Results of the review suggested that there are three CBT agendas for case formulation and intervention in gambling disorders. It would be important for future studies to (i) set intervention goals by focusing on improving adaptation, (ii) develop subtypes of gambling disorder based on descriptions of the function of gambling behaviors, and (iii) develop intervention techniques to modify the influence of risk situations. It is expected that findings of health psychology, which emphasizes the importance of adaptive behaviors would contribute to future CBT research and practice for gambling disorders.</p>

<p>Research trends on eating behaviors in young, healthy, girls in Japan were reviewed, and key perspectives and well-designed analog research aimed at developing clinical techniques for preventing eating disorders were examined. Many studies conducted in Japan have examined problems related to eating behaviors in young girls who are considered to be at high risk. However, conventional studies have not sufficiently contributed to improving the treatment of eating disorders. This could be because problems related to eating behavior are diverse, and studies that are unrelated to eating disorders have been reviewed. Moreover, treatment targets investigated to date have been inappropriate, and research methods have been limited. It is suggested that future studies should clarify the causal relationships of factors causing eating disorders through experimental methods. Furthermore, consideration of the quality of life, which is important in the treatment of eating disorders, should be considered.</p>

<p>The purpose of this study was to examine psychological changes of school absentees who participated in camp programs incorporating the buddy system, a procedure for support tailored to individuals. Thirty-seven school absentees participated for seven days in camp programs. They were provided support on a one-to-one basis by staff as a buddy, to receive positive reinforcement in interpersonal situations. The outcome measures included interpersonal self-efficacy and stress responses that affect their adaptive behaviors, such as restarting their attendance at school. Results showed improvements in the interpersonal self-efficacy and stress responses of school absentees from the beginning of camp programs to the end. Findings suggest that psychological changes, which would affect the adaptive behaviors of school absentees, came from camp programs incorporating the buddy system.</p>