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In response to shortcomings of the current classification system in translating discoveries from basic science to clinical applications, NIMH offers a new framework for studying mental health disorders called Research Domain Criteria (RDoC). This framework holds a multidimensional outlook on psychopathologies focusing on functional domains of behavior and their implementing neural circuits. In parallel, the Predictive Processing (PP) framework stands as a leading theory of human brain function, offering a unified explanation for various types of information processing in the brain. While both frameworks share an interest in studying psychopathologies based on pathophysiology, their integration still needs to be explored. Here, we argued in favor of the explanatory power of PP to be a groundwork for the RDoC matrix in validating its constructs and creating testable hypotheses about mechanistic interactions between molecular biomarkers and clinical traits. Together, predictive processing may serve as a foundation for achieving the goals of the RDoC framework.

Aim and Background: There are claims regarding the fact that the damages caused by using social media are rather similar to those caused by using drugs. Researchers think that although the behavioral symptoms and consequences of using drugs vary by type of substance, there are several common aspects regarding drug symptoms in all types; which are hence in line with social media harms. Furthermore, during recent years, neuroscientists have examined the structures in the brain that are associated with addiction to social media and have discovered several similarities and differences about drug addiction. The main purpose of the present study was to compare addiction to drugs with addiction to social media. Methods and Materials: In this paper, we will initially describe the behavioral components of addiction to drugs and addiction to social media and then indicate the difference between "addiction" and "dependence". Findings: We will later support the hypothesis that addiction to social media is not to be considered as a dependence. Hence, we will discuss the areas of the brain which are involved in recent addiction to social media and addiction to drugs along with providing neuroimaging and experiments regarding these two fields. Conclusions: In the end, as well as enumerating the neurological similarities and differences between addiction in both fields, we suggest that instead of dividing people into the two categories of "addicted" and "non-addicted", it is better to consider "various degrees of addiction". This being the case, we can accept the addiction to social media as a special type of addiction and as a degree of addiction and thus, categorize the common characteristics and differences between this type of addiction and other types of addiction and present treatment approaches which are ideally appropriate for this certain degree of addiction

BackgroundTo the best of our knowledge, no specialized research has been conducted to address ailurophobia (fear of cats) in Iran or globally. This has driven our project, along with the prevalence of ailurophobia and the absence of a gamified virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) that incorporates affordable and easily accessible biofeedback (BF) tools. We hypothesize that a gamified VRET augmented with BF will yield more positive effects than a similar device lacking BF. ObjectiveThis study primarily focuses on the development and preliminary evaluation of a smartphone-gamified VRET integrated with BF, targeting animal phobia, with a specific case study on ailurophobia. The secondary objectives are using affordable and readily available BF found in devices such as smart bands and smartwatches and creating a mobile virtual reality gamified app to improve patients’ adherence to treatments while simultaneously enhancing the app’s accessibility, scalability, and outreach. MethodsEvaluations encompassed 3 methods. First, we identified the tool’s potential positive effects on phobia interventions, exploring 4 effects: intrinsic motivation, simulation of fearful situations, management of stressful circumstances without therapists’ presence and mitigation of catastrophic thoughts, and preliminary effects on ailurophobia treatment. Participants were divided into BF and non-BF groups. Second, we gathered user preferences and opinions about the treatment. Third, we conducted heuristic evaluations using 44 heuristics from existing system usability scales assessing user interfaces, virtual reality platforms, and video games’ playability. To interpret the data, mean scores; ANOVA, single factor; and ANOVA, 2-factor with replication were used. A total of 29 individuals were identified, of which 10 met the eligibility criteria or were accessible. ResultsThe smartphone-gamified VRET augmented with BF exhibited better results on the identified effects compared with the non-BF version and contributed to normalizing encounters with cats. Moreover, 41 of the 44 heuristics achieved a percentage above 62%, indicating its potential as a therapeutic product and its ability to enhance patient adherence to treatments. Patient preferences on the treatment and its strengths and weaknesses were provided for further improvement. ConclusionsThe tool has the potential to evolve into a comprehensive solution by incorporating various types of cats and their behaviors, simulating environments in which they are commonly found, and enhancing its appeal through an increased sense of adventure without inducing unrealistic fears. By adapting fear elements, the game can be tailored to treat various animal phobias. Phobia-focused games should avoid action and combat scenarios to prevent reinforcement of fear responses. After rigorous evaluation, further exploration is required to provide remote use beyond clinical settings.