“Average is good, extremes are bad” – Non-linear inverted U-shaped relationship between neural mechanisms and functionality of mental features

Georg Northoff, Shankar Tumati

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

61 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Traditionally, studies emphasize differences in neural measures between pathological and healthy groups, assuming a binary distinction between the groups, and a linear relationship between neural measures and symptoms. Here, we present four examples that show a continuous relation across the divide of normal and pathological states between neural measures and mental functions. This relation can be characterized by a non-linear inverted-U shaped curve. Along this curve, mid-range or average expression of a neural measure is associated with optimal function of a mental feature (in healthy states), whereas extreme expression, either high or low, is associated with sub-optimal function, and occurs in different neural disorders. Neural expression between the optimal or intermediate and pathological or extreme values is associated with sub-optimal function and at-risk mental states. Thus, this model of neuro-mental relationship can be summarized as “average is good, extremes are bad”. By focussing on neuro-mental relationships, this model can facilitate the transition of psychiatry from a categorical to a dimensional and individualized approach needed in the era of precision medicine.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11-25
Number of pages15
JournalNeuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
Volume104
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Inverted-U shape model
  • Neuro-mental relationship
  • Optimal
  • Psychiatric diagnosis
  • RDoC

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • Cognitive Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Neuroscience

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