Ascending-Descending Threshold Difference and Internal Subjective Judgment in CFF Measurements of Depressed Patients before and after Clinical Improvement

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to measure, using the method of limits, the ascending-descending threshold difference, delta = fa-fd, in subjects with major depression. 28 patients were given two sessions, one before treatment and the other after recovery. Mean values of delta measured in the second session were significantly smaller than those scored before treatment. The two sets of values were positively correlated. The ascending-descending threshold difference was suggested previously as likely related to the internal subjective judgment of subjects. The present results are consistent with the hypothesis of a more conservative response criterion in depressed patients before than after clinical improvement.

Cortical arousal and central nervous system fatigue after a mountain marathon

“…The decrease of SS values after the mountain marathon shows that this type of effort seems to affect negatively the cortical arousal and generate symptoms of fatigue of the CNS (Li et al, 2004). In addition, the decrease in SC values suggests that the change observed after mountain marathon was linked to a cautious strategy of athletes (Ghozlan & Widlocher, 1993). The decrease in SS after the mountain marathon was also evaluated after completed a RSA (repeated sprint ability) maximum speed test (Clemente et al, 2011a), after performed an exercise cycling test to exhaustion in triathletes (Godefroy et al, 2002) and in rowers after complete a marathon race (Douchamps-Riboux, 1989).…”

Modulation of the Critical Flicker Fusion effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitors by concomitant pupillary changes

“…CFF shifts, however, may also occur as a result of changes in a subjects' response criterion, particularly when CFF is determined by the method of limits paradigm (Clark 1966). In short, a more conservative response strategy may lead to a CFF reduction, whereas a riskier response strategy can result in CFF elevations (see Ghozlan 1990;Ghozlan and Widlöcher 1993;MacNab et al 1985). To exclude effects of response bias, a forced-choice paradigm may be employed (Swets et al 1961).…”

“…Triangles denote the time points of assessments (days 1, 8 and 15) and descending thresholds (ƒ b ) was calculated. The ascending-descending threshold difference (∆=ƒ a -ƒ b ) is thought to reflect the internal subjective judgement of subjects; a more conservative response criterion will result in a larger value of ∆ (Ghozlan 1990;Ghozlan and Widlöcher 1993).…”

Perception Threshold of Locomotor Symmetry While Walking on a Split-Belt Treadmill in Healthy Elderly Individuals

“…The order of the two conditions was randomized across participants. To identify the perception threshold of locomotor symmetry, the method of limits with ascending and descending series was used for each speed condition ( Ghozlan & Widlocher, 1993 ;Ehrenstein & Ehrenstein, 1999 ). The ascending series consisted of an initial stimulus (i.e., belt-speed diff erence) too weak to be detected; the stimulus was then gradually increased until the participants reported that they were aware of it.…”