In functional neuroimaging, a local decrease in blood flow during an active task, relative to a "resting" baseline, is referred to as task-induced deactivation (TID). TID may occur when resources shift from ongoing, internally generated processing typical of "resting" states to processing required by an exogenous task. We previously found specific brain regions in which TID increased as task processing demands increased. When engaged in an exogenous cognitive task, reallocation of resources from areas involved in internal processing should result in suspension of that processing. Self-reported thought content has been used as an indicator of the extent of internal processing activity. We investigated the relationship between TID and task-unrelated thought (TUT) frequency using an auditory target detection task with seven levels of task difficulty. At varied intervals during task performance, subjects indicated whether they were experiencing a TUT. We expected TUT frequency to decrease as task demands increased and for this pattern to correlate with TID magnitude across conditions. Generally, fewer TUTs were reported during difficult task conditions than during easier conditions. As TID magnitude increased across task conditions, the frequency of TUTs declined (r = 0.90, P = 0.005). Four left hemisphere regions (posterior parieto-occipital cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, fusiform gyrus, and middle frontal gyrus) showed strong relationships between TUTs and TID (r > 0.79, P < 0.05 corrected). As these regions have been implicated in semantic processing and self-referential thought, the findings support the suspension of internal cognitive processing as one mechanism for TID.

Treatment underutilization by persons with alcohol use disorder is well-documented. This study examined barriers to treatment at the latter stages of the treatment-seeking process, which was conceptualized as recognizing the problem, deciding that change is necessary, deciding that professional help is required, and seeking care. All participants identified themselves as having a drinking problem that was severe enough to warrant treatment. Differences between those who had (Treatment Seekers) and those who had not (Comparison Controls) sought treatment were evaluated, including the experience of person-related (e.g., shame) and treatment-related (e.g., cost) barriers. Person-related barriers were more commonly endorsed by both groups than treatment-related barriers. Comparison Controls were more likely to endorse both types of barriers, especially the preference for handling the problem without treatment. Treatment-related barriers were less relevant than person-related barriers at the latter stage of help seeking. The significance of barriers endured after accounting for other differences, such as drinking-related negative consequences. Treatment implications are discussed.

Stressful life experiences have been related to emotional distress, but whether different classes of stressful events are associated with different emotional reactions has not been assessed. In this study, 34 college students completed the Inventory of College Students' Recent Life Experiences, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. Consistent with previous research, most classes of daily hassles were significantly related to both depression and anxiety. The nonsignificant difference for one class of life experience, Friendship Problems, to be more strongly associated with anxiety than depression should be studied carefully.

Stressful life experiences have been related to emotional distress, but whether different classes of stressful events are associated with different emotional reactions has not been assessed. In this study, 34 college students completed the Inventory of College Students' Recent Life Experiences, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. Consistent with previous research, most classes of daily hassles were significantly related to both depression and anxiety. The nonsignificant difference for one class of life experience, Friendship Problems, to be more strongly associated with anxiety than depression should be studied carefully.

No abstract