Anticipating the direction of symptom progression using critical slowing down: a proof-of-concept study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As complex dynamic systems approach a transition, their dynamics change. This process, called critical slowing down (CSD), may precede transitions in psychopathology as well. This study investigated whether CSD may also indicate the direction of future symptom transitions, i.e., whether they involve an increase or decrease in symptoms.

Methods

In study 1, a patient with a history of major depression monitored their mental states ten times a day for almost eight months. Study 2 used data from the TRAILS TRANS-ID study, where 122 young adults at increased risk of psychopathology (mean age 23.64±0.67 years, 56.6% males) monitored their mental states daily for six consecutive months. Symptom transitions were inferred from semi-structured diagnostic interviews. In both

SUBMITTER: Schreuder MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8781362 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature