New Advancement in Network and Path-analysis Approaches for the Study of Disorders within the Impulse-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders

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Background

Impulse-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders (ICSD) groups multiple psychiatric conditions characterized by maladaptive impulse-control behaviors (repetitive action with strong associated urges), leading to severe negative consequences and impairment. The reference taxonomies in the research and clinical settings (such as the DSM-5 and the ICD-11) define each disorder within the ICSD as a differentiate nosological entity, under the assumption of a latent underlying process considered as the main reason of the constellation of the symptoms included in the criteria list. But controversies regarding the conceptualization exist, and it is not clear whether the diverse endophenotypes could be better interpreted as multifaceted phenomena with patterns of inter-connected symptoms, where boundaries between diagnostic categories are fuzzy. Network analysis is a promising challenge for visualizing the complex system of reciprocal interacting symptoms considered within the continuum from impulsivity to compulsivity, and it can provide a useful alternative for circumvent the limitations of the classical classification systems through the identification of the “central” symptoms (explaining each clinical condition) and the “transition” (bridge) symptoms (facilitating the paths between sub-groups of symptoms, the comorbid conditions).

In the psychiatric area, network structures are visualized through diagrams with nodes (representing the symptoms) and edges (representing the underlying symptom-to-symptom relationships, through connector-lines). Path-analysis also represents a useful approach to examine the impact of a set of predictor variables that impact on multiple dependent variables, modeling a set of simultaneous relationships between variables estimating direct and indirect effects (including mediational links). Both network and path-analysis can be used to analyze complex models in a more realistic way than classical procedures such as the regression procedures.

Based on the conceptualization of ICSD as complex processes that involve multiple interactions among multiple contributing factors (symptoms and other features) with different roles, weights and paths, this Research Topic aims to use network analysis and path-analysis to examine the underlying architecture of the continuum from impulsivity to compulsivity.

The specific objectives of the Research Topic are identifying the most salient aspects, centrality, linkage, and clustering structure for the symptoms and other features (such as personality traits or contextual variables) considered as potential contributors of the endophenotypes related to ICSD.

The scope of the Research Topic is using network analysis for these. We welcome submissions on, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Neurobiology of ICSD

• Genetics of ICSD

• Structure of symptoms of ICSD

• Identification of the endophenotypes of ICSD

• Study of the co-morbidity of ICSD

• Study of the treatment outcomes for ICSD

• Systematic reviews for the correlates of ICSD

Keywords: Network approach for the study of disorders within the impulsive-compulsive spectrum

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