JNBS
Üsküdar Üniversitesi

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ARTICLES

Original Article

Alcohol, Substance and Nicotine Use in Adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Comorbid Tic Disorder

Turkish Title : Alcohol, Substance and Nicotine Use in Adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Comorbid Tic Disorder

Tan Oğuz,Çoban Deniz Adnan
JNBS, 2026, 13(1), p:25-29

DOI : 10.32739/jnbs.13.1.285

Aim: Few studies have investigated the effect of tic disorder (TD) co-occurring with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on smoking, alcohol use disorders (AUD) and substance use disorders (SUD). The present study aimed to investigate whether the presence of TD in adults with OCD is associated with differences in AUD/SUD, smoking, and adult-life variables including education, unemployment, marital status, and suicide attempts. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, we examined 559 adults with OCD, with or without TD, in terms of smoking, alcohol and substance use disorders (AUD/SUD) and adult-life variables including education, unemployment, marital status and suicide attempts (SA). Results: Fifty-four patients (9.66%) had current or past TD. Individuals with and without TD had similar prevalence of AUD/SUD and smoking and similar severity of OCD, anxiety and depressive symptoms. OCD+TD group was characterized by earlier OCD onset, male predominance, and low marriage prevalence. Educational attainment, unemployment rate and history of SA did not show any difference. Conclusion: TD accompanying OCD in adults does not worsen OCD severity, predisposition to harmful substances, educational attainment, unemployment rate or history of SA, although it appears to influence marital status.

Aim: Few studies have investigated the effect of tic disorder (TD) co-occurring with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) on smoking, alcohol use disorders (AUD) and substance use disorders (SUD). The present study aimed to investigate whether the presence of TD in adults with OCD is associated with differences in AUD/SUD, smoking, and adult-life variables including education, unemployment, marital status, and suicide attempts. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, we examined 559 adults with OCD, with or without TD, in terms of smoking, alcohol and substance use disorders (AUD/SUD) and adult-life variables including education, unemployment, marital status and suicide attempts (SA). Results: Fifty-four patients (9.66%) had current or past TD. Individuals with and without TD had similar prevalence of AUD/SUD and smoking and similar severity of OCD, anxiety and depressive symptoms. OCD+TD group was characterized by earlier OCD onset, male predominance, and low marriage prevalence. Educational attainment, unemployment rate and history of SA did not show any difference. Conclusion: TD accompanying OCD in adults does not worsen OCD severity, predisposition to harmful substances, educational attainment, unemployment rate or history of SA, although it appears to influence marital status.


Review Article

Investigation of the Effects of the Gut-Brain Axis on Brain and Mental Health

Turkish Title : Investigation of the Effects of the Gut-Brain Axis on Brain and Mental Health

Balcı Feride Nihal
JNBS, 2026, 13(1), p:30-39

DOI : 10.32739/jnbs.13.1.286

There is a bidirectional and continuous relationship and communication between the brain and the gut. The gut-brain axis communicates not only through the microbiota but also via the autonomic nervous system. Microorganisms in the gut microbiota are known to contribute to the production of certain neurotransmitters that play roles in brain function, which may, in turn, influence mental health. Through this interaction, the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal system components play significant roles in human health. A healthy functioning of the gut-brain axis is essential for supporting the immune system, regulating mood, and maintaining cognitive and immune health. Recent studies highlight a connection and causality between the gut-brain-microbiota axis and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and autism spectrum disorder, as well as psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. This paper reviews the impact of the gut-brain-microbiota axis on brain and mental health, emotion-thought-behavior systems, and its effects on neurological and psychiatric disorders.

There is a bidirectional and continuous relationship and communication between the brain and the gut. The gut-brain axis communicates not only through the microbiota but also via the autonomic nervous system. Microorganisms in the gut microbiota are known to contribute to the production of certain neurotransmitters that play roles in brain function, which may, in turn, influence mental health. Through this interaction, the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal system components play significant roles in human health. A healthy functioning of the gut-brain axis is essential for supporting the immune system, regulating mood, and maintaining cognitive and immune health. Recent studies highlight a connection and causality between the gut-brain-microbiota axis and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and autism spectrum disorder, as well as psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. This paper reviews the impact of the gut-brain-microbiota axis on brain and mental health, emotion-thought-behavior systems, and its effects on neurological and psychiatric disorders.


Original Article

Electrophysiological Features of Hypnotic State in Healthy Volunteers

Turkish Title : Electrophysiological Features of Hypnotic State in Healthy Volunteers

Metin Cınaroglu,Tas Cumhur
JNBS, 2026, 13(1), p:40-40

DOI : 10.4103/jnbs.jnbs_25_21

Aim: Hypnosis is treated as a state of mind. An individual depending on his/her social and psychological features follows suggestions and applies the requirements concerning time and space. With the advancement in brain-imagining techniques, viewing neuropsychological features of hypnosis has become a possibility. This article investigates the neuropsychological properties of hypnosis. The present study examines the electrophysiological features of the hypnotic minds of healthy individuals. This study aims to detect whether there is a change in and, if yes, in what region of suggestible individuals' minds during hypnosis. Materials and Methods: In this study, 34 highly suggestive individuals were selected out of 150 healthy individuals and were subjected to multidimensional Iowa suggestibility scale inventory and electroencephalogram (EEG). Due to technical problems during EEG, 24 data could be used cleanly. Using a correlational design, 34 healthy, suggestive individuals between the ages of 18–55 were included in the study. These participants have gone through an EEG procedure using the oddball paradigm. EEG and oddball were administered to 17 participants with and without hypnosis. Seventeen participants were administered without and with hypnosis. Twenty-four participants whose data was clear were included in the analyses. Results: When the groups were compared, it was seen that there was no significant difference in P300, P200, and P100 activities. There was also no significant difference in N200 and N100 activities. Conclusions: In this study the authors administered oddball paradigm with hypnosis and without hypnosis. The authors do not report any differences between conditions in terms of enterprise resource plannings. Although there was no statistically significant difference in this experimental design, studies with new and different designs should be continued.

Aim: Hypnosis is treated as a state of mind. An individual depending on his/her social and psychological features follows suggestions and applies the requirements concerning time and space. With the advancement in brain-imagining techniques, viewing neuropsychological features of hypnosis has become a possibility. This article investigates the neuropsychological properties of hypnosis. The present study examines the electrophysiological features of the hypnotic minds of healthy individuals. This study aims to detect whether there is a change in and, if yes, in what region of suggestible individuals' minds during hypnosis. Materials and Methods: In this study, 34 highly suggestive individuals were selected out of 150 healthy individuals and were subjected to multidimensional Iowa suggestibility scale inventory and electroencephalogram (EEG). Due to technical problems during EEG, 24 data could be used cleanly. Using a correlational design, 34 healthy, suggestive individuals between the ages of 18–55 were included in the study. These participants have gone through an EEG procedure using the oddball paradigm. EEG and oddball were administered to 17 participants with and without hypnosis. Seventeen participants were administered without and with hypnosis. Twenty-four participants whose data was clear were included in the analyses. Results: When the groups were compared, it was seen that there was no significant difference in P300, P200, and P100 activities. There was also no significant difference in N200 and N100 activities. Conclusions: In this study the authors administered oddball paradigm with hypnosis and without hypnosis. The authors do not report any differences between conditions in terms of enterprise resource plannings. Although there was no statistically significant difference in this experimental design, studies with new and different designs should be continued.


Original Article

Detecting Discriminative Biomarkers For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Deep Learning Algorithms

Turkish Title : Detecting Discriminative Biomarkers For Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Deep Learning Algorithms

Güneş NAZİK
JNBS, 2025, 12(3), p:75-80

DOI : 10.32739/jnbs.12.3.277

Aim: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric disorder that usually begins in adolescence. The fact that it is frequently seen together with other psychiatric disorders, its symptoms overlap with different mental illnesses, and the diagnosis is primarily based on clinical interviews and psychometric scales makes it difficult to diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder. In this context, it is aimed to contribute to the objective diagnostic processes of OCD with biomarker and artificial intelligencesupported approaches. Materials and Methods: In this study, individuals diagnosed with OCD were classified from healthy individuals using two different hybrid deep learning models: Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Transformer Encoder (TE) with one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1DCNN), respectively. Results: In the 1DCNN-TE model, false negatives (11) and false positives (1) remain at low levels, while in the 1DCNN-GRU model, these values are 30 and 95, respectively. While the training and test accuracy of the 1DCNN-TE model is over 95%, the accuracy of the 1DCNN-GRU model has reached over 90%. While the training and test losses tend to decrease in both models, the fluctuations in the test loss are more pronounced in the 1DCNN-TE model. Conclusion: The results indicate that both deep learning models could classify OCD with high accuracy based on EEG signals and successfully learn discriminative features. However, the fluctuations observed in the test data and errors in detecting the control group have indicated limitations regarding the models’ generalizability and reliability on new data.

Aim: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric disorder that usually begins in adolescence. The fact that it is frequently seen together with other psychiatric disorders, its symptoms overlap with different mental illnesses, and the diagnosis is primarily based on clinical interviews and psychometric scales makes it difficult to diagnose obsessive-compulsive disorder. In this context, it is aimed to contribute to the objective diagnostic processes of OCD with biomarker and artificial intelligencesupported approaches. Materials and Methods: In this study, individuals diagnosed with OCD were classified from healthy individuals using two different hybrid deep learning models: Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) and Transformer Encoder (TE) with one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1DCNN), respectively. Results: In the 1DCNN-TE model, false negatives (11) and false positives (1) remain at low levels, while in the 1DCNN-GRU model, these values are 30 and 95, respectively. While the training and test accuracy of the 1DCNN-TE model is over 95%, the accuracy of the 1DCNN-GRU model has reached over 90%. While the training and test losses tend to decrease in both models, the fluctuations in the test loss are more pronounced in the 1DCNN-TE model. Conclusion: The results indicate that both deep learning models could classify OCD with high accuracy based on EEG signals and successfully learn discriminative features. However, the fluctuations observed in the test data and errors in detecting the control group have indicated limitations regarding the models’ generalizability and reliability on new data.


Original Article

Institutional Context, Triggers and Symptoms of Mass Psychogenic Illness: A Literature-Based Content Analysis

Turkish Title : Institutional Context, Triggers and Symptoms of Mass Psychogenic Illness: A Literature-Based Content Analysis

Burak Yılmazer Cem,Dinçer Cekin Murat,Mumtaz Korkutan
JNBS, 2025, 12(3), p:81-86

DOI : 10.32739/jnbs.12.3.278

Aim: This study aimed to investigate mass psychogenic illness (MPI) across various institutional settings worldwide, identifying its triggering factors and symptom profiles. Additionally, it sought to analyze the organizational and psychosocial factors contributing to MPI outbreaks and to propose recommendations for their prevention. Method: The research was based on a dataset comprising peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025, written in English and documenting MPI cases within specific institutional contexts. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Employing qualitative content analysis, 14 case studies were evaluated through descriptive and thematic approaches, focusing on institutional categories, triggering factors and symptom profiles. Results: The analysis revealed that 85.7% (12/14) of MPI cases occurred in school settings, while 7.1% (1/14) was reported to occur in a hospital and 7.1% (1/14) in an office environment. In schools, emotional vulnerability among adolescents, academic stress, misinformation dissemination and group interactions emerged as primary triggers. In contrast, environmental perceptions and dramatic interventions were prominent in hospital and office cases. The most frequently reported physical symptoms included nausea, headaches and dizziness, while psychical symptoms such as anxiety and panic were less common. Notably, MPI cases were more prevalent among female students. Conclusion: MPI is predominantly observed in school environments, driven by stress, misinformation and social contagion. Being less frequent in adult-oriented settings, its presence reflects distinct dynamics rather than immunity. The study highlights the critical role of organizational culture and leadership in preventing MPI. Strengthening psychosocial support systems, implementing stress management and fostering transparent communication within institutions can mitigate MPI risks.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate mass psychogenic illness (MPI) across various institutional settings worldwide, identifying its triggering factors and symptom profiles. Additionally, it sought to analyze the organizational and psychosocial factors contributing to MPI outbreaks and to propose recommendations for their prevention. Method: The research was based on a dataset comprising peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025, written in English and documenting MPI cases within specific institutional contexts. A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Employing qualitative content analysis, 14 case studies were evaluated through descriptive and thematic approaches, focusing on institutional categories, triggering factors and symptom profiles. Results: The analysis revealed that 85.7% (12/14) of MPI cases occurred in school settings, while 7.1% (1/14) was reported to occur in a hospital and 7.1% (1/14) in an office environment. In schools, emotional vulnerability among adolescents, academic stress, misinformation dissemination and group interactions emerged as primary triggers. In contrast, environmental perceptions and dramatic interventions were prominent in hospital and office cases. The most frequently reported physical symptoms included nausea, headaches and dizziness, while psychical symptoms such as anxiety and panic were less common. Notably, MPI cases were more prevalent among female students. Conclusion: MPI is predominantly observed in school environments, driven by stress, misinformation and social contagion. Being less frequent in adult-oriented settings, its presence reflects distinct dynamics rather than immunity. The study highlights the critical role of organizational culture and leadership in preventing MPI. Strengthening psychosocial support systems, implementing stress management and fostering transparent communication within institutions can mitigate MPI risks.


Original Article

Evaluation of Glymphatic System Activity Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging Analysis Along the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS) in Alzheimer’s Disease

Turkish Title : Evaluation of Glymphatic System Activity Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging Analysis Along the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS) in Alzheimer’s Disease

Aslı BİLSEL Beyza,Barış METİN,Murat AŞIK
JNBS, 2025, 12(3), p:87-93

DOI : 10.32739/jnbs.12.3.279

Aim: The glymphatic system is a recently discovered waste drainage system that facilitates the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the brain’s perivascular spaces and aids in removing soluble proteins. The Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI-ALPS) index analysis is a modern method used to evaluate the movement of water molecules in these spaces by measuring the diffusion coefficient. This study aimed to examine glymphatic system function in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients compared to healthy controls (HC) using the DTI-ALPS method and to analyze its relationship with cognitive disorders. Methods:DTI data from 59 AD patients and 59 HC were obtained by downloading medical data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) platform. Using DSI Studio software, the diffusivities of the DTI data were extracted, and DTI-ALPS indices were calculated. Correlation analysis evaluated the relationship between the DTI-ALPS index and clinical features. Results:The findings indicated that the DTI-ALPS index was significantly lower in AD patients compared to HC (p = 0.042). Furthermore, the DTI-ALPS index showed a significant correlation with the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) (r = -0.214, p = 0.020) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (r = 0.225, p = 0.014). Conclusions:The study demonstrated that AD individuals have impaired glymphatic system function, as indicated by the DTIALPS index, which correlates with worse cognitive performance. These findings support early diagnosis methods for AD. A better understanding of glymphatic system function may provide new perspectives for monitoring AD progression.

Aim: The glymphatic system is a recently discovered waste drainage system that facilitates the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the brain’s perivascular spaces and aids in removing soluble proteins. The Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI-ALPS) index analysis is a modern method used to evaluate the movement of water molecules in these spaces by measuring the diffusion coefficient. This study aimed to examine glymphatic system function in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients compared to healthy controls (HC) using the DTI-ALPS method and to analyze its relationship with cognitive disorders. Methods:DTI data from 59 AD patients and 59 HC were obtained by downloading medical data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) platform. Using DSI Studio software, the diffusivities of the DTI data were extracted, and DTI-ALPS indices were calculated. Correlation analysis evaluated the relationship between the DTI-ALPS index and clinical features. Results:The findings indicated that the DTI-ALPS index was significantly lower in AD patients compared to HC (p = 0.042). Furthermore, the DTI-ALPS index showed a significant correlation with the Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) (r = -0.214, p = 0.020) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (r = 0.225, p = 0.014). Conclusions:The study demonstrated that AD individuals have impaired glymphatic system function, as indicated by the DTIALPS index, which correlates with worse cognitive performance. These findings support early diagnosis methods for AD. A better understanding of glymphatic system function may provide new perspectives for monitoring AD progression.


Review Article

Structural, Functional and Cognitive Differences Between Female and Male Brains: A Neuroscientific Review

Turkish Title : Structural, Functional and Cognitive Differences Between Female and Male Brains: A Neuroscientific Review

Sibel TAMKAFA Yamaç,Rıdvan EKMEKÇİ
JNBS, 2025, 12(3), p:94-97

DOI : 10.32739/jnbs.12.3.280

This review aims to systematically examine the structural, functional, and cognitive differences between male and female brains through neuroscientific findings. The process of sexual differentiation begins prenatally under hormonal influences and continues to be shaped by environmental stimuli after birth. Based on an extensive literature review, the study discusses neuroanatomical structures (e.g., corpus callosum, hippocampus, amygdalae), neural connectivity patterns, and cognitive performance variations. It also explores the influence hormones on neurodevelopmental processes and the relationship between sexbased cognitive tendencies and individual differences. The findings indicate that gender-based distinctions should be interpreted within the framework of functional complementarity and neurodiversity, rather than superiority. Differences between male and female brains arise from a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors. These distinctions should be viewed as part of a broader spectrum of neurodiversity.

This review aims to systematically examine the structural, functional, and cognitive differences between male and female brains through neuroscientific findings. The process of sexual differentiation begins prenatally under hormonal influences and continues to be shaped by environmental stimuli after birth. Based on an extensive literature review, the study discusses neuroanatomical structures (e.g., corpus callosum, hippocampus, amygdalae), neural connectivity patterns, and cognitive performance variations. It also explores the influence hormones on neurodevelopmental processes and the relationship between sexbased cognitive tendencies and individual differences. The findings indicate that gender-based distinctions should be interpreted within the framework of functional complementarity and neurodiversity, rather than superiority. Differences between male and female brains arise from a complex interplay of biological and environmental factors. These distinctions should be viewed as part of a broader spectrum of neurodiversity.


Review Article

Investigation of Coaching Process in terms of Neuroplasticity: A Brain-Based Approach to Restructuring Thought Patterns

Turkish Title : Investigation of Coaching Process in terms of Neuroplasticity: A Brain-Based Approach to Restructuring Thought Patterns

BASARANOGLU Kemal,UNALDI Karaer Hatice,YAMAN Komitoğlu Özlem
JNBS, 2025, 12(3), p:98-105

DOI : 10.32739/jnbs.12.3.281

Neuroplasticity is a fundamental neuroscientific principle demonstrating that the brain can be structurally and functionally reshaped throughout life via experience, learning, and repetition. This concept plays a critical role in understanding the potential for change at the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral levels. Coaching, on the other hand, is a goal-oriented developmental process that enables individuals to question their current thought patterns, enhance self-awareness, and develop cognitive flexibility. This literaturebased review highlights how elements known to facilitate neuroplasticity-such as attention, emotional arousal, relational interaction, and experiential repetition-are inherently present in the coaching process. It is argued that coaching conversations provide a fertile ground for neuroplastic change, facilitating the formation of new synaptic connections, the weakening of outdated neural pathways, and the restructuring of cognitive maps. In this regard, coaching is proposed not only as a psychosocial intervention but also as a practice with the potential to induce change at the neurobiological level. This study aims to establish a theoretical framework for the intersection between coaching and neuroplasticity, while also offering a foundation for future experimental research in this field.

Neuroplasticity is a fundamental neuroscientific principle demonstrating that the brain can be structurally and functionally reshaped throughout life via experience, learning, and repetition. This concept plays a critical role in understanding the potential for change at the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral levels. Coaching, on the other hand, is a goal-oriented developmental process that enables individuals to question their current thought patterns, enhance self-awareness, and develop cognitive flexibility. This literaturebased review highlights how elements known to facilitate neuroplasticity-such as attention, emotional arousal, relational interaction, and experiential repetition-are inherently present in the coaching process. It is argued that coaching conversations provide a fertile ground for neuroplastic change, facilitating the formation of new synaptic connections, the weakening of outdated neural pathways, and the restructuring of cognitive maps. In this regard, coaching is proposed not only as a psychosocial intervention but also as a practice with the potential to induce change at the neurobiological level. This study aims to establish a theoretical framework for the intersection between coaching and neuroplasticity, while also offering a foundation for future experimental research in this field.


Original Article

Turkish Title : The Impact of Respiratory Biofeedback Use on Symptom Severity in Panic Disorder

Burkovik Hatice Yıldız,Göçmen Buse Sıdıka,Metin Barış
JNBS, 2025, 12(1), p:1-7

DOI : 10.32739/jnbs.12.1.1

Aim: This study aimed to enhance conscious awareness of respiratory control in panic disorder patients to prevent panic attacks. Materials and Method: Thirty participants (aged 18–65) diagnosed with panic disorder were recruited from NP Istanbul Brain Hospital and NP Istanbul Medical Center. They were divided into two groups: one received only psychoeducation on breathing techniques, while the other received psychoeducation combined with visual biofeedback (Galvanic Skin Resistance, heart rate, respiratory depth, and skin temperature). Breathing training was conducted over four weeks, and outcomes were assessed using the Panic Agoraphobia Scale, State and Trait Anxiety Scale, and biofeedback metrics. Result: Both groups showed significant improvements in Panic Agoraphobia Scale scores and reductions in State and Trait Anxiety scores. The biofeedback group demonstrated more pronounced improvements in respiratory control, with significantly lower breathing rates in the final assessment. Conclusion: Respiratory biofeedback combined with psychoeducation effectively improves respiratory control and reduces anxiety symptoms in panic disorder patients.


Original Article

Turkish Title : The Mediating Role of Body Image in the Relationship Between Rejection Sensitivity and Social Anxiety in Emerging Adults

Yılmazer Eda,Kocaman Nisan İlayda
JNBS, 2025, 12(1), p:8-15

DOI : 10.32739/jnbs.12.1.2

Aim: Social anxiety is a prevalent concern during emerging adulthood and is often associated with heightened sensitivity to rejection and negative self-perceptions. This study examines the mediating role of body image in the relationship between rejection sensitivity and social anxiety among emerging adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 participants aged 18-29 completed measures assessing rejection sensitivity, body image, and social anxiety. Results: Findings suggest that individuals with high rejection sensitivity are more likely to experience negative body image, which in turn increases their levels of social anxiety. Body image emerged as a significant mediator, indicating that emerging adults who are more sensitive to social rejection may internalize these experiences as negative self-evaluations, particularly regarding their physical appearance. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of addressing body image concerns in interventions aimed at reducing social anxiety, particularly for individuals prone to rejection sensitivity. Understanding this mediation pathway may provide insights for developing more targeted approaches to support mental health during the transition to adulthood.


ISSN (Print) 2149-1909
ISSN (Online) 2148-4325

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