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Background Hypotheses
Although clinically useful, categorical classification systems of 1. Connection strength and connection variability between
mental illness are not very helpful in understanding the true mental states differ in the hypothesized direction with
nature and development of psychopathology. increasing levels of psychopathology.
It has been proposed that psychopathology is better repre- 2. The network connectivity of mental states is increased in
sented as a network of symptoms, where symptoms individuals with mental disorder compared to network
exist per se, as causal, independent actors. connectivity in individuals without mental disorder.
A clinical staging model predicts that in earlier stages of 3. Networks of mental states differ between individuals with
illness, symptom expression is both non-specific and diffuse. different types of mental disorder.
With illness progression, more specific syndromes emerge.
Methods
In several large samples of healthy individuals, individuals Dynamics between mental states
with depression or psychosis and their siblings, longitudinal
networks of moment-to-moment dynamics between affective
states were visualized. Different aspects of network connectivity
were explored.
Results
Persistence of momentary anomalous experience was highest in
individuals with psychosis, intermediate in their siblings and
lowest in healthy controls. Persistence of momentary anomalous
experience was moderated by higher levels of negative affect,
daily stressors and childhood trauma, and by lower levels of
positive affect.
Conclusions
A network approach to mental disorder may prove valuable to complement current diagnostic practice and may help
us to better understand both phenomenology and development of psychopathology. These studies represent first
explorations of the network approach to mental state connectivity in the field of psychopathology.
Contact J.T.W.Wigman@umcg.nl
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