Gender Differences in the Association Between Anxiety and Interoceptive Insight

European Journal of Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 61(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Anxiety is one of the most common and debilitating mental health disorders, related to changes in interoception (perception bodily states). While anxiety more prevalent women than men, gender differences interoception-anxiety associations are often overlooked. Here, we examined gender-specific relationships between breathing domain, utilising multicentre data pooled from four study sites (N = 175; 51% women). State scores were quantified via Spielberger State-Trait Inventory, breathing-related interoceptive dimensions an inspiratory load task quantify sensitivity, decision bias, metacognitive bias (confidence decisions), insight (congruency performance confidence). Regression analyses revealed a significant negative relationship state (β -0.28; p 0.01) -0.09; 95% highest density interval [HDI] hierarchical Bayesian regression [-0.18, -0.004]) across whole sample, while did not relate sensitivity nor bias. no mean effects relating observed, towards was driven by (women: β -0.18; HDI [-0.31, -0.05]; men: 0.02; [-0.12, 0.15]) with interaction effect difference -0.20; [-0.37, -0.01]), which hold for trait depression measures. In summary, associated decreased all participants, only but men. Therefore, treatment programmes focusing on may be useful patients, might represent specific target anxiety.

Language: Английский

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The pupillary respiratory‐phase response: pupil size is smallest around inhalation onset and largest during exhalation

The Journal of Physiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 21, 2025

Abstract Respiration shapes brain activity and synchronizes sensory exploratory motor actions, with some evidence suggesting that it also affects pupil size. However, for a coupling between respiration size remains scarce inconclusive, hindered by small sample sizes limited controls. Given the importance of in visual perception as reflection state, understanding its relationship is essential. In five experiments using pre‐registered protocol, we systematically investigated how respiratory phase across different conditions. Experiment 1 ( n = 50), examined nasal oral breathing at rest under dim lighting nearby fixation points, then replicated these results identical conditions 2 53). 3 112) extended this to active tasks, while 4 57) controlled paces ambient distant fixation. Finally, 5 34), individuals isolated congenital anosmia (born without olfactory bulbs) were used lesion‐type model during visual–auditory tasks assess whether respiratory–pupil link depends on bulb‐driven oscillations. Across all – free breathing; distances; bulbs consistently found smallest around inhalation onset largest exhalation. We term effect pupillary respiratory‐phase response, fourth known mechanism influencing size, alongside light, near psychosensory responses. image Key points The influence dynamics has long been debated. study, changes cycle through series experiments, varying lighting, distance region involvement. show exhalation, dilatation occurring most early constriction primarily latter part This pattern was consistent experimental conditions, demonstrating robust likely brainstem circuits.

Language: Английский

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The Frequency and State-Dependent Relationship between Pupil Size and Respiration

Journal of Neuroscience, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 45(12), P. e2410242025 - e2410242025

Published: March 19, 2025

Language: Английский

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