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Nelson CA, Sullivan E, Engelstad AM. Annual Research Review: Early intervention viewed through the lens of developmental neuroscience. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:435-455. [PMID: 37438865 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The overarching goal of this paper is to examine the efficacy of early intervention when viewed through the lens of developmental neuroscience. We begin by briefly summarizing neural development from conception through the first few postnatal years. We emphasize the role of experience during the postnatal period, and consistent with decades of research on critical periods, we argue that experience can represent both a period of opportunity and a period of vulnerability. Because plasticity is at the heart of early intervention, we next turn our attention to the efficacy of early intervention drawing from two distinct literatures: early intervention services for children growing up in disadvantaged environments, and children at elevated likelihood of developing a neurodevelopmental delay or disorder. In the case of the former, we single out interventions that target caregiving and in the case of the latter, we highlight recent work on autism. A consistent theme throughout our review is a discussion of how early intervention is embedded in the developing brain. We conclude our article by discussing the implications our review has for policy, and we then offer recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eileen Sullivan
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anne-Michelle Engelstad
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA
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2
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Hernandez A, Sania A, Bowers ME, Leach SC, McSweeney M, Yoder L, Fifer W, Elliott AJ, Shuffrey L, Rauh V, Him DA, Fox NA, Morales S. Examining the impact of prenatal maternal internalizing symptoms and socioeconomic status on children's frontal alpha asymmetry and psychopathology. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22476. [PMID: 38433442 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal maternal internalizing psychopathology (depression and anxiety) and socioeconomic status (SES) have been independently associated with higher risk for internalizing and externalizing problems in children. However, the pathways behind these associations are not well understood. Numerous studies have linked greater right frontal alpha asymmetry to internalizing problems; however, findings have been mixed. Several studies have also linked maternal internalizing psychopathology to children's frontal alpha asymmetry. Additionally, emerging studies have linked SES to children's frontal alpha asymmetry. To date, only a limited number of studies have examined these associations within a longitudinal design, and the majority have utilized relatively small samples. The current preregistered study utilizes data from a large prospective study of young children (N = 415; Meanage = 7.27 years; Rangeage = 5-11 years) to examine the association between prenatal maternal internalizing symptoms, children's frontal alpha asymmetry, and behavior problems. Prenatal maternal internalizing symptoms did not predict children's frontal alpha asymmetry, and there was no association between frontal alpha asymmetry and behavior problems. However, mothers' internalizing symptoms during pregnancy predicted children's internalizing and externalizing outcomes. Non-preregistered analyses showed that lower prenatal maternal SES predicted greater child right frontal alpha asymmetry and internalizing problems. Additional non-preregistered analyses did not find evidence for frontal alpha asymmetry as a moderator of the relation between prenatal maternal internalizing psychopathology and SES to children's behavior problems. Future research should examine the impact of SES on children's frontal alpha asymmetry in high-risk samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Hernandez
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ayesha Sania
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maureen E Bowers
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland - College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie C Leach
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Marco McSweeney
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland - College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Lydia Yoder
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland - College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - William Fifer
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amy J Elliott
- Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
| | - Lauren Shuffrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Virginia Rauh
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland - College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Santiago Morales
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Gee DG, Cohodes EM. Leveraging the developmental neuroscience of caregiving to promote resilience among youth exposed to adversity. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2168-2185. [PMID: 37929292 PMCID: PMC10872788 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Early adversity is a major risk factor for the emergence of psychopathology across development. Identifying mechanisms that support resilience, or favorable mental health outcomes despite exposure to adversity, is critical for informing clinical intervention and guiding policy to promote youth mental health. Here we propose that caregivers play a central role in fostering resilience among children exposed to adversity via caregiving influences on children's corticolimbic circuitry and emotional functioning. We first delineate the numerous ways that caregivers support youth emotional learning and regulation and describe how early attachment lays the foundation for optimal caregiver support of youth emotional functioning in a developmental stage-specific manner. Second, we outline neural mechanisms by which caregivers foster resilience-namely, by modulating offspring corticolimbic circuitry to support emotion regulation and buffer stress reactivity. Next, we highlight the importance of developmental timing and sensitive periods in understanding caregiving-related mechanisms of resilience. Finally, we discuss clinical implications of this line of research and how findings can be translated to guide policy that promotes the well-being of youth and families.
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McDermott CL, Norton ES, Mackey AP. A systematic review of interventions to ameliorate the impact of adversity on brain development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105391. [PMID: 37708920 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Adversity, including abuse, neglect, and poverty, impacts child brain development. However, the developing brain is highly plastic, and some of the impacts of childhood adversity may be mitigated by psychosocial interventions. The purpose of this review is to synthesize literature on neural outcomes of childhood interventions among individuals exposed to adversity. A systematic literature search identified 36 reports of 13 interventions. Overall, these studies provide evidence for experience-dependent plasticity in the developing brain. We synthesize studies in light of three themes. First, there was mixed evidence for a benefit of a younger age at intervention. Second, interventions tended to accelerate functional brain development, but the impact of interventions on the pace of structural brain development was less clear. Third, individual differences in intervention response were difficult to predict, in part due to small samples. However, there was significant variability in intervention type and timing, neuroimaging outcomes, and follow-up timing. Together, the studies reviewed here hold promise for the role of psychosocial interventions in ameliorating the neurodevelopmental consequences of childhood adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy L McDermott
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Elizabeth S Norton
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Department of Medical Social Sciences, and Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Allyson P Mackey
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Tan E, Tang A, Debnath R, Humphreys KL, Zeanah CH, Nelson CA, Fox NA. Resting brain activity in early childhood predicts IQ at 18 years. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2023; 63:101287. [PMID: 37531865 PMCID: PMC10407667 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Resting brain activity has been widely used as an index of brain development in neuroscience and clinical research. However, it remains unclear whether early differences in resting brain activity have meaningful implications for predicting long-term cognitive outcomes. Using data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (Zeanah et al., 2003), we examined the impact of institutional rearing and the consequences of early foster care intervention on 18-year IQ. We found that higher resting theta electroencephalogram (EEG) power, reflecting atypical neurodevelopment, across three assessments from 22 to 42 months predicted lower full-scale IQ at 18 years, providing the first evidence that brain activity in early childhood predicts cognitive outcomes into adulthood. In addition, both institutional rearing and later (vs. earlier) foster care intervention predicted higher resting theta power in early childhood, which in turn predicted lower IQ at 18 years. These findings demonstrate that experientially-induced changes in brain activity early in life have profound impact on long-term cognitive development, highlighting the importance of early intervention for promoting healthy development among children living in disadvantaged environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enda Tan
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park 20740, USA; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park 20740, USA.
| | - Alva Tang
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson 75080, USA.
| | - Ranjan Debnath
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg 39118, Germany.
| | - Kathryn L Humphreys
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville 37203, USA.
| | - Charles H Zeanah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans 70118, USA.
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Boston Children's Hospital of Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, USA; Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge 02138, USA.
| | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park 20740, USA; Neuroscience and Cognitive Science Program, University of Maryland, College Park 20740, USA.
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Sadeghzadeh Z, Bagheri F. Comparison of behavioral activation/inhibition systems, emotional regulation difficulties, and selective attention in adolescents with and without parents. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1212187. [PMID: 37720652 PMCID: PMC10503436 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1212187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Existing literature has established a relationship between adverse childhood experiences and negative outcomes in cognitive and affective functioning. However, further research is needed to thoroughly understand and validate these findings. In this regard, the current study aimed to compare behavioral activation/inhibition systems, emotional regulation difficulties, and selective attention in adolescents with and without parents. A sample of 70 adolescents (M age = 16.36, SD = 1.09, 48.57% female) with caretakers from schools and 55 parentless adolescents (M age = 16.58, SD = 1.28, 52.00% female) from orphanage centers in Tehran were recruited and completed the measures tapping behavioral activation/inhibition systems, emotion dysregulation difficulties, and selective attention. The results revealed that parentless adolescents exhibited significantly higher levels of behavioral activation/inhibition scores, emotion regulation difficulties, and impaired selective attention. These findings suggest that the absence of parents during the early years of life may have detrimental effects on behavioral inhibition and activation systems, emotional regulation abilities, and selective attention capabilities. The implications of these findings are further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Sadeghzadeh
- Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
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Butler LB, Nooner KB. The Link between Suicidality and Electroencephalography Asymmetry: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 21:419-428. [PMID: 37424411 PMCID: PMC10335909 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.22.1043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
As one of the leading causes of death globally, suicide has been researched extensively to better understand factors that confer risk or resilience for suicidality. Promising areas of the literature have focused on brain-based factors that might indicate susceptibility to suicide. Some studies have investigated the link between electroencephalography (EEG) asymmetry, referring to differences in electrical activity in the brain from the left to right hemisphere, and suicidality. The present study is a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of the literature to see if certain patterns in EEG asymmetry serve as a diathesis for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The results of the current investigation found that EEG asymmetry was not systematically related to suicide based on the literature reviewed. While the present review does not rule out all brain-based factors, the findings suggest that EEG asymmetry may not be a biomarker for suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laine B. Butler
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Kate B. Nooner
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA
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Nooner KB, Meiers G, Treadwell T, Butler LB. Changes in Electroencephalography Alpha Associated With Childhood Neglect and Adolescent Alcohol Use. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:297-306. [PMID: 35503002 PMCID: PMC10826886 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221098029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The present pilot study is interested in the relationship between childhood neglect, brain function, and alcohol use in adolescence. The goal is to guide future prevention and intervention efforts related to alcohol use following childhood neglect. This pilot study comprised 53 adolescents (12-14 years at baseline) recruited from the Department of Social Services (DSS). Self- and DSS-reported neglect, electroencephalography (EEG) alpha power, and alcohol use behaviors were measured over 1 year. Higher DSS neglect severity in year 1 was related to lower self-efficacy to alcohol use temptation in year 2. Lower EEG alpha power in the parietal region in year 1 was linked to lower self-efficacy to the temptation of alcohol use in year 2. This pilot project has value for using tools, such as EEG, in child maltreatment and alcohol use studies, including with underrepresented adolescents, to better understand brain-related mechanisms in home-based research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate B. Nooner
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Gloria Meiers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tamera Treadwell
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Laine B. Butler
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC, USA
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Krantz MF, Hjorthøj C, Brandt JM, Prøsch ÅK, Rohd SB, Wilms M, Veddum L, Steffensen NL, Knudsen CB, Andreasen AK, Stadsgaard H, Hemager N, Burton BK, Gregersen M, Søndergaard A, Greve A, Gantriis DL, Melau M, Ohland J, Mortensen PB, Bliksted V, Mors O, Thorup AAE, Nordentoft M. Home environment of 11-year-old children born to parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder - a controlled, 4-year follow-up study: The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study - VIA 11. Psychol Med 2023; 53:2563-2573. [PMID: 37310315 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The home environment has a major impact on child development. Parental severe mental illness can pose a challenge to the home environment of a child. We aimed to examine the home environment of children of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and controls longitudinally through at-home assessments. METHODS Assessments were conducted within The Danish High Risk and Resilience Study, a nationwide multi-center cohort study of children of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and population-based controls. The level of at-home stimulation and support was measured at age 7 (N = 508 children) and age 11 (N = 430 children) with the semi-structured HOME Inventory. Results from the 11-year follow-up study were analyzed and compared with 7-year baseline results to examine change across groups. RESULTS At age 11, children of parents with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder had lower levels of stimulation and support than controls (mean (s.d.) = 46.16 (5.56), 46.87 (5.34) and 49.25 (4.37) respectively, p < 0.001). A higher proportion of children with parental schizophrenia or bipolar disorder lived in inadequate home environments at age 11, compared with controls (N (%) = 24 (15.0), 12 (12.2) and 6 (3.5) respectively, p < 0.003). The changes in home environment scores did not differ across groups from age 7 to age 11. CONCLUSIONS Assessed longitudinally from the children's age of 7 to 11, children of parents with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder had lower levels of stimulation and support in their homes than controls. Integrated support which can target practical, economic, social and health issues to improve the home environment is indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Falkenberg Krantz
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Carsten Hjorthøj
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Marie Brandt
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Åsa Kremer Prøsch
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sinnika Birkehøj Rohd
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Martin Wilms
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lotte Veddum
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Services, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nanna Lawaetz Steffensen
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Services, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christina Bruun Knudsen
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Services, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna Krogh Andreasen
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Services, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henriette Stadsgaard
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Services, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nicoline Hemager
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- Research Unit at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgitte Klee Burton
- Research Unit at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maja Gregersen
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Søndergaard
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Aja Greve
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Services, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ditte Lou Gantriis
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Melau
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Unit at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jessica Ohland
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Preben Bo Mortensen
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- National Center for Register-based Research, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Bliksted
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Services, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ole Mors
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Services, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne A E Thorup
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- Research Unit at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- CORE- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark
- iPSYCH -The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
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10
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Gee DG. Neurodevelopmental mechanisms linking early experiences and mental health: Translating science to promote well-being among youth. AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2022; 77:1033-1045. [PMID: 36595400 PMCID: PMC9875304 DOI: 10.1037/amp0001107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Early experiences can have profound and lasting effects on mental health. Delineating neurodevelopmental pathways related to risk and resilience following adversity exposure is critical for promoting well-being and targeting interventions. A rapidly growing cross-species literature has facilitated advances in identifying neural and behavioral mechanisms linking early experiences with mental health, highlighting a central role of corticolimbic circuitry involved in learning and emotion regulation. Building upon knowledge of corticolimbic development related to stress and buffering factors, we describe the importance of the developmental timing and experiential elements of adversity in mental health outcomes. Finally, we discuss opportunities to translate knowledge of the developing brain and early experiences to optimize interventions for youth with psychopathology and to inform policy that promotes healthy development at the societal level. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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11
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Perinatal and early childhood biomarkers of psychosocial stress and adverse experiences. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:956-965. [PMID: 35091705 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-01933-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The human brain develops through a complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences. During critical periods of development, experiences shape brain architecture, often with long-lasting effects. If experiences are adverse, the effects may include the risk of mental and physical disease, whereas positive environments may increase the likelihood of healthy outcomes. Understanding how psychosocial stress and adverse experiences are embedded in biological systems and how we can identify markers of risk may lead to discovering new approaches to improve patient care and outcomes. Biomarkers can be used to identify specific intervention targets and at-risk children early when physiological system malleability increases the likelihood of intervention success. However, identifying reliable biomarkers has been challenging, particularly in the perinatal period and the first years of life, including in preterm infants. This review explores the landscape of psychosocial stress and adverse experience biomarkers. We highlight potential benefits and challenges of identifying risk clinically and different sub-signatures of stress, and in their ability to inform targeted interventions. Finally, we propose that the combination of preterm birth and adversity amplifies the risk for abnormal development and calls for a focus on this group of infants within the field of psychosocial stress and adverse experience biomarkers. IMPACT: Reviews the landscape of biomarkers of psychosocial stress and adverse experiences in the perinatal period and early childhood and highlights the potential benefits and challenges of their clinical utility in identifying risk status in children, and in developing targeted interventions. Explores associations between psychosocial stress and adverse experiences in childhood with prematurity and identifies potential areas of assessment and intervention to improve outcomes in this at-risk group.
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12
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Bosch-Bayard J, Razzaq FA, Lopez-Naranjo C, Wang Y, Li M, Galan-Garcia L, Calzada-Reyes A, Virues-Alba T, Rabinowitz AG, Suarez-Murias C, Guo Y, Sanchez-Castillo M, Rogers K, Gallagher A, Prichep L, Anderson SG, Michel CM, Evans AC, Bringas-Vega ML, Galler JR, Valdes-Sosa PA. Early protein energy malnutrition impacts life-long developmental trajectories of the sources of EEG rhythmic activity. Neuroimage 2022; 254:119144. [PMID: 35342003 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) has lifelong consequences on brain development and cognitive function. We studied the lifelong developmental trajectories of resting-state EEG source activity in 66 individuals with histories of Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) limited to the first year of life and in 83 matched classmate controls (CON) who are all participants of the 49 years longitudinal Barbados Nutrition Study (BNS). qEEGt source z-spectra measured deviation from normative values of EEG rhythmic activity sources at 5-11 years of age and 40 years later at 45-51 years of age. The PEM group showed qEEGt abnormalities in childhood, including a developmental delay in alpha rhythm maturation and an insufficient decrease in beta activity. These profiles may be correlated with accelerated cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Bosch-Bayard
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; McGill Center for Integrative Neuroscience Center MCIN. Ludmer Center for Mental Health. Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fuleah Abdul Razzaq
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Carlos Lopez-Naranjo
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Li
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | | | | | | | - Arielle G Rabinowitz
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Yanbo Guo
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Kassandra Rogers
- LION Lab, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anne Gallagher
- LION Lab, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Simon G Anderson
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research, University of the West Indies, Barbados
| | | | - Alan C Evans
- McGill Center for Integrative Neuroscience Center MCIN. Ludmer Center for Mental Health. Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Maria L Bringas-Vega
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Cuban Neuroscience Center, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Janina R Galler
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pedro A Valdes-Sosa
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; McGill Center for Integrative Neuroscience Center MCIN. Ludmer Center for Mental Health. Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Cuban Neuroscience Center, La Habana, Cuba.
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13
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Schmidt LA, Poole KL, Krzeczkowski J, Van Lieshout RJ, Saigal S, Mathewson KJ. Long‐term stability of frontal electroencephalogram alpha power and asymmetry at rest in adults born at extremely low or normal birth weight: A 10‐year longitudinal study. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22256. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.22256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Louis A. Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Kristie L. Poole
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - John Krzeczkowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behaviour Neurosciences McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Ryan J. Van Lieshout
- Department of Psychiatry and Behaviour Neurosciences McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Saroj Saigal
- Department of Pediatrics McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Karen J. Mathewson
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour McMaster University Hamilton Ontario Canada
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14
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Mukerji CE, Wade M, Fox NA, Zeanah CH, Nelson CA. Growth in self-regulation over the course of adolescence mediates the effects of foster care on psychopathology in post-institutionalized children: a randomized clinical trial. Clin Psychol Sci 2021; 9:810-822. [PMID: 34888125 DOI: 10.1177/2167702621993887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Children reared in institutions experience severe psychosocial deprivation, with lasting consequences for social and emotional development. This study evaluated growth trajectories of self-regulation from ages 8 to 16 among institutionally-reared children randomized to foster care (foster care group; FCG) or to remain in institutional care (care as usual group; CAUG), compared to a never-institutionalized group (NIG). We then tested a developmental pathway by which growth in self-regulation reduces general psychopathology at 16 for FCG versus CAUG. FCG experienced modest growth in self-regulation over adolescence and "caught up" to NIG by age 16. The beneficial effect of foster care on psychopathology operated through growth in self-regulation; part of this effect was further mediated by reduced peer difficulties for FCG. Findings reveal that the effects of foster care on self-regulation emerge over adolescence and that growth in self-regulation is a mechanism by which foster care mitigates the impact of institutionalization on psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora E Mukerji
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.,Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Mark Wade
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON MS5 1V6, Canada
| | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Charles H Zeanah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.,Harvard Graduate School of Education, 13 Appian Way, Cambridge, MA 02138
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15
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Roubinov D, Meaney MJ, Boyce WT. Change of pace: How developmental tempo varies to accommodate failed provision of early needs. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:120-134. [PMID: 34547365 PMCID: PMC8648258 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The interplay of genes and environments (GxE) is a fundamental source of variation in behavioral and developmental outcomes. Although the role of developmental time (T) in the unfolding of such interactions has yet to be fully considered, GxE operates within a temporal frame of reference across multiple timescales and degrees of biological complexity. Here, we consider GxExT interactions to understand adversity-induced developmental acceleration or deceleration whereby environmental conditions hasten or hinder children's development. To date, developmental pace changes have been largely explained through a focus on the individual: for example, how adversity "wears down" aging biological systems or how adversity accelerates or decelerates maturation to optimize reproductive fitness. We broaden such theories by positing shifts in developmental pace in response to the parent-child dyad's capacity or incapacity for meeting children's early, physiological and safety needs. We describe empirical evidence and potential neurobiological mechanisms supporting this new conceptualization of developmental acceleration and deceleration. We conclude with suggestions for future research on the developmental consequences of early adverse exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Roubinov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Department of Psychiatry and Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3H 1R4, Canada; Child and Brain Development Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1M1, Canada; Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A ⁎STAR), 117609, Singapore; Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - W Thomas Boyce
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Child and Brain Development Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1M1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, United States
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16
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Gee DG. Early Adversity and Development: Parsing Heterogeneity and Identifying Pathways of Risk and Resilience. Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:998-1013. [PMID: 34734741 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21090944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adversity early in life is common and is a major risk factor for the onset of psychopathology. Delineating the neurodevelopmental pathways by which early adversity affects mental health is critical for early risk identification and targeted treatment approaches. A rapidly growing cross-species literature has facilitated advances in identifying the mechanisms linking adversity with psychopathology, specific dimensions of adversity and timing-related factors that differentially relate to outcomes, and protective factors that buffer against the effects of adversity. Yet, vast complexity and heterogeneity in early environments and neurodevelopmental trajectories contribute to the challenges of understanding risk and resilience in the context of early adversity. In this overview, the author highlights progress in four major areas-mechanisms, heterogeneity, developmental timing, and protective factors; synthesizes key challenges; and provides recommendations for future research that can facilitate progress in the field. Translation across species and ongoing refinement of conceptual models have strong potential to inform prevention and intervention strategies that can reduce the immense burden of psychopathology associated with early adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan G Gee
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn
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17
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Influence of Maternal Autonomy Support on Social Withdrawal in Young Children: The Moderated Mediation Effect of Executive Function and Behavioral Inhibition. ADONGHAKOEJI 2021. [DOI: 10.5723/kjcs.2021.42.5.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between maternal autonomy support and social withdrawal, executive function, and behavioral inhibition in young children. Specifically, it examined how behavioral inhibition moderates the mediating effect of executive function on the relationship between maternal autonomy support and social withdrawal in young children.Methods: Participants were 273 3-to 4-year-old children and their mothers. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, Cronbach’s α, and Pearson correlation analysis with SPSS 20.0. Meanwhile, the PROCESS Macro 3.5 software was used for analyzing the moderating effect, mediating effect, and moderated mediation effect.Results: Our findings indicated that, first, maternal autonomy support and executive function, social withdrawal, and behavioral inhibition in young children were significantly correlated. Second, executive function had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between maternal autonomy support and social withdrawal in young children. Third, the behavioral inhibition had a moderating effect on the relationship between maternal autonomy support and executive function. Last, the findings verified that the mediating effect of executive function on the relationship between maternal autonomy support and social withdrawal was moderated by behavioral inhibition.Conclusion: These results indicate that improving executive function and reducing social withdrawal through maternal autonomy support can promote positive development in young children, even when behavioral inhibition is high. Thus, they can be used to highlight the importance of parenting behaviors in shaping young children’s temperament. Furthermore, the results could provide a framework for parental education programs and early intervention programs for reducing social withdrawal in children.
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18
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Goldstein BL, Grasso DJ, McCarthy KJ, DiVietro S, Briggs-Gowan MJ. Neurophysiological patterns associated with blunted emotional face processing and withdrawal tendencies in young children exposed to intimate partner violence. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:e22154. [PMID: 34196402 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Studies linking child maltreatment to abnormal neurophysiological responses to emotional stimuli and mental health impairment have not specifically explored these patterns in young children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). The present study examined two neurophysiological indicators, resting-state electroencephalography and an emotion event-related potential (ERP) in 21 IPV exposed and 30 nonexposed children ages 4-6 years recruited from the community and domestic violence shelters. Frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) was assessed while at rest. FAA is often associated with avoidant/withdrawn behavior and increased risk of IPV-related mental health conditions (e.g., depression). Additionally, the late positive potential (LPP) ERP component, reflecting motivated attention, was acquired in the context of an age-appropriate affective oddball paradigm with low probability animal pictures as targets and human facial expressions (angry, happy, neutral) as distracters. Results demonstrated that IPV-exposed children, compared with nonexposed children, exhibited lower left FAA during resting state and reduced LPPs to oddball targets and affective faces relative to neutral faces in the oddball task. Together, these results suggest neural patterns associated with a blunted response to emotional stimuli and withdrawal tendencies, respectively, in young children exposed to IPV. Implications for emotional socialization in this vulnerable population are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon L Goldstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Damion J Grasso
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kimberly J McCarthy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Susie DiVietro
- Injury Prevention Center, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Margaret J Briggs-Gowan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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19
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Bauer A, Hammerton G, Fraser A, Fairchild G, Halligan SL. Associations between developmental timing of child abuse and conduct problem trajectories in a UK birth cohort. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:89. [PMID: 33722209 PMCID: PMC7962332 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although there is strong evidence for a relationship between child abuse and neglect and conduct problems, associations between child abuse experienced at different developmental stages and developmental trajectories of conduct problems have not been examined. We sought to investigate effects of timing of child abuse on conduct problem trajectories in a large UK birth cohort study. METHODS We applied latent class growth analysis to identify conduct problem trajectories in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, using parent-rated conduct problems from ages 4-17 years (N = 10,648). Childhood-only and adolescence-only abuse, in addition to abuse in both developmental periods ('persistent' abuse), were assessed by retrospective self-report at age 22 years (N = 3172). RESULTS We identified four developmental trajectories: early-onset persistent (4.8%), adolescence-onset (4.5%), childhood-limited (15.4%), and low (75.3%) conduct problems. Childhood-only abuse and 'persistent' abuse were associated with increased odds of being on the early-onset persistent and adolescence-onset conduct problem trajectories compared to the low conduct problems trajectory. Adolescence-only abuse was not predictive of trajectory membership. There were no associations between abuse and childhood-limited trajectory membership. CONCLUSIONS Early-onset persistent and adolescence-onset conduct problems showed similar patterns of association with abuse exposure, challenging developmental theories that propose qualitative, as opposed to quantitative, differences in environmental risk factors between these trajectories. The results also highlight that childhood-only and 'persistent' abuse were more strongly linked to elevated conduct problem trajectories than adolescence-only abuse, and that 'persistent' abuse is particularly detrimental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Bauer
- Department of Psychology, 10 West, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Gemma Hammerton
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Abigail Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Graeme Fairchild
- Department of Psychology, 10 West, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Sarah L Halligan
- Department of Psychology, 10 West, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
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20
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Abstract
The majority of children living in foster care in the United States have a history of maltreatment and/or disrupted caregiving. Maltreatment in early childhood adversely affects development at many levels, including neurobiology and behavior. One neurobiological measure associated with maltreatment is alpha electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry. Prior research has found greater right frontal asymmetry among children with a history of maltreatment. However, little research has been extended developmentally downward to examine alpha asymmetry and its behavioral correlates among toddlers in foster care; this was the purpose of the present study. Differences in EEG asymmetry were examined between a sample of foster toddlers (mean age = 3.21 years, n = 38) and a community comparison, low-income sample without a history of foster care (mean age = 3.04 years, n = 16). The toddlers in the foster care group exhibited greater right alpha asymmetry, primarily driven by differences in parietal asymmetry. Neither frontal nor parietal asymmetry were clearly related to internalizing or externalizing behaviors, measured concurrently or at previous time points. These findings reveal differences in alpha EEG asymmetry among toddlers in foster care, and highlight the need to better understand associations between neurobiological and behavioral functioning following early adversity.
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21
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Karatzias T, Shevlin M, Fyvie C, Grandison G, Garozi M, Latham E, Sinclair M, Ho GWK, McAnee G, Ford JD, Hyland P. Adverse and benevolent childhood experiences in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (CPTSD): implications for trauma-focused therapies. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1793599. [PMID: 33029328 PMCID: PMC7473238 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1793599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is very little work on the role of positive or benevolent childhood experiences and how such events might offer protection from the insidious effects of adverse experiences in childhood or later in life. OBJECTIVES We set out to test, using latent variable modelling, whether adverse and benevolent childhood experiences could be best described as a single continuum or two correlated constructs. We also modelled the relationship between adverse and benevolent childhood experiences and ICD-11 PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) symptoms and explored if these associations were indirect via psychological trauma. METHODS Data were collected from a trauma-exposed sample (N = 275) attending a specialist trauma care centre in the UK. Participants completed measures of childhood adverse and benevolent experiences, traumatic exposure, and PTSD and CPTSD symptoms. RESULTS Findings suggested that adverse childhood experiences operate only indirectly on PTSD and CPTSD symptoms through lifetime trauma exposure, and with a stronger effect for PTSD. Benevolent childhood experiences directly predicted only CPTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Benevolent and traumatic experiences seem to form unique associations with PTSD and CPTSD symptoms. Future research is needed to explore how benevolent experiences can be integrated within existing psychological interventions to maximise recovery from traumatic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health & Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
- Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mark Shevlin
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Derry, Northern Ireland
| | - Claire Fyvie
- Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Maria Garozi
- Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emma Latham
- Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Grace Wing Ka Ho
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Grainne McAnee
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Derry, Northern Ireland
| | - Julian D. Ford
- Schools of Medicine and Law, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland
- Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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22
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Vargas T, Damme KSF, Mittal VA. Neighborhood deprivation, prefrontal morphology and neurocognition in late childhood to early adolescence. Neuroimage 2020; 220:117086. [PMID: 32593800 PMCID: PMC7572635 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neighborhood deprivation adversely effects neurodevelopment and cognitive function; however, mechanisms remain unexplored. Neighborhood deprivation could be particularly impactful in late childhood/early adolescence, in neural regions with protracted developmental trajectories, e.g., prefrontal cortex (PFC). Methods: The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study recruited 10,205 youth. Geocoded residential history was used to extract individual neighborhood characteristics. A general cognitive ability index and MRI scans were completed. Associations with neurocognition were examined. The relation of PFC surface area and cortical thickness to neighborhood deprivation was tested. PFC subregions and asymmetry, with putative differential environmental susceptibility during key developmental periods, were explored. Analyses tested PFC area as a possible mediating mechanism. Results: Neighborhood deprivation predicted neurocognitive performance (β = −0.11), even after accounting for parental education and household income (β = −0.07). Higher neighborhood deprivation related to greater overall PFC surface area (η2p = 0.003), and differences in leftward asymmetry were observed for area (η2p = 0.001), and thickness (η2p = 0.003). Subregion analyses highlighted differences among critical areas that are actively developing in late childhood/early adolescence and are essential to modulating high order cognitive function. These included orbitofrontal, superior frontal, rostral middle frontal, and frontal pole regions (Cohen’s d = 0.03–0.09). PFC surface area partially mediated the relation between neighborhood deprivation and neurocognition. Discussion: Neighborhood deprivation related to cognitive function (a foundational skill tied to a range of lifetime outcomes) and PFC morphology, with evidence found for partial mediation of PFC on neurocognitive function. Results inform public health conceptualizations of development and environmental vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Vargas
- Northwestern University Department of Psychology, United States.
| | | | - Vijay A Mittal
- Northwestern University Department of Psychology, Northwestern University Department of Psychiatry, Northwestern University Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Institute for Innovations in Developmental Sciences, Northwestern University Institute for Policy Research, United States
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23
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Positive and Negative Emotionality at Age 3 Predicts Change in Frontal EEG Asymmetry across Early Childhood. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 47:209-219. [PMID: 29687430 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-018-0433-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Depression is characterized by low positive emotionality (PE) and high negative emotionality (NE), as well as asymmetries in resting electroencephalography (EEG) alpha power. Moreover, frontal asymmetry has itself been linked to PE, NE, and related constructs. However, little is known about associations of temperamental PE and NE with resting EEG asymmetries in young children and whether this association changes as a function of development. In a longitudinal study of 254 three-year old children, we assessed PE and NE at age 3 using a standard laboratory observation procedure. Frontal EEG asymmetries were assessed at age 3 and three years later at age 6. We observed a significant three-way interaction of preschool PE and NE and age at assessment for asymmetry at F3-F4 electrode sites, such that children with both low PE and high NE developed a pattern of increasingly lower relative left-frontal cortical activity over time. In addition, F7-F8 asymmetry was predicted by a PE by time interaction, such that the frontal asymmetry in children with high PE virtually disappeared by age 6. Overall, these findings suggest that early temperament is associated with developmental changes in frontal asymmetry, and that the combination of low PE and high NE predicts the development of the pattern of frontal symmetry that is associated with depression.
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24
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van de Ven MCJ, van den Heuvel MI, Bhogal A, Lewis T, Thomason ME. Impact of maternal childhood trauma on child behavioral problems: The role of child frontal alpha asymmetry. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 62:154-169. [PMID: 31372993 PMCID: PMC6994323 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Childhood trauma is associated with many long-term negative outcomes, and is not limited to the individual experiencing the trauma, but extends to subsequent generations. However, mechanisms underlying the association between maternal childhood trauma and child psychopathology are not well understood. Here, we targeted frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) as a potential underlying factor of the relationship between maternal childhood trauma and child behavioral problems. Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded from (N = 45) children (Mean age = 57.9 months, SD = 3.13) during an eyes-closed paradigm in order to evaluate FAA. Mothers reported on their childhood trauma experiences using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and on their child's behavior using the child behavior checklist (CBCL). We found that maternal childhood trauma significantly predicted child total, internalizing, and externalizing behavior at age 5 years. We also observed a role for FAA such that it acted as a moderator, but not mediator, for behavioral problems. We found that children with relative more right/less left frontal activity were more at risk to develop behavioral problems when their mother had been exposed to trauma in her childhood. These results indicate that child frontal asymmetry may serve as a susceptibility marker for child behavioral problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. J. van de Ven
- Cognitive Neuropsychology, Behavioral and Movement SciencesVrije UniversiteitAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Toni Lewis
- Department of PsychologyWayne State UniversityDetroitMichigan
| | - Moriah E. Thomason
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryNew York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew York
- Department of Population HealthNew York University School of Medicine, NYU Langone Medical CenterNew YorkNew York
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25
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Meiers G, Nooner K, De Bellis MD, Debnath R, Tang A. Alpha EEG asymmetry, childhood maltreatment, and problem behaviors: A pilot home-based study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 101:104358. [PMID: 31958695 PMCID: PMC7024668 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child maltreatment, trauma symptoms, and alpha electroencephalography (EEG) asymmetry have been linked to problem behaviors and alcohol use disorders. OBJECTIVE The goal of this pilot study was to clarify the role of alpha EEG asymmetry in the relation of maltreatment and problem behaviors. It was hypothesized that adolescents with more maltreatment, trauma symptoms, and right alpha EEG asymmetry would have more problem behaviors and alcohol use. It was also hypothesized that alpha EEG asymmetry would moderate the association between maltreatment/trauma symptoms and problem behaviors. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were 52 adolescents aged 12-14 years. Resting-state alpha EEG asymmetry was measured in this home-based study as a potential moderator in the association of child maltreatment and trauma symptoms to problem behaviors including alcohol use. RESULTS Child maltreatment reports and trauma symptoms were significantly associated with problem behaviors (β = 0.259, p = 0.037 and β = 0.594, p < 0.001, respectively). Trauma symptoms were associated with alcohol-use (Incidence Rate Ratio = 1.048, p = 0.032). Right alpha EEG asymmetry moderated the positive association of trauma symptoms and problem behaviors (β = -0.383, p = 0.024). However, this was not the case for left alpha EEG asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS Neural correlates associated with individuals' affective-behavioral profiles may play a role in the susceptibility for problem behaviors among adolescents exposed to higher levels of childhood trauma. This could be useful in developing targeted assessments and interventions to prevent or treat these problems in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Meiers
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, US.
| | - Kate Nooner
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, US.
| | - Michael D De Bellis
- Healthy Childhood Brain Development/Developmental Traumatology Research Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 104360, Durham, NC 27710, US.
| | - Ranjan Debnath
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, US.
| | - Alva Tang
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, US.
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Intergenerational Transmission of Frontal Alpha Asymmetry Among Mother-Infant Dyads. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 5:420-428. [PMID: 32107166 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) is a well-established neurobiological indicator of depression risk. Reduced FAA relates to current and remitted depression in adults and is seen in offspring of mothers with depression as young as 3 months of age, suggesting a potentially transmittable mechanism of depression risk. It is unclear, however, whether direct familial associations exist for FAA. To address this gap, we evaluated the intergenerational transmission of FAA in a nonclinical cohort of mother-infant dyads. METHODS Mothers and their 12-month-old infants (n = 34 dyads) completed parallel resting-state tasks while electroencephalography was recorded. We measured FAA across a range of putative frequency bands and calculated its reliability in mothers and infants. Finally, we evaluated the heritability of FAA based on the parent-offspring correlation. RESULTS Mother and infant FAA convergence was strongest in the high alpha range for mothers (11-13 Hz) and broad alpha range for infants (6-9 Hz). Mother high FAA exhibited excellent split-half reliability (rSB = .99) and internal consistency after 80 seconds (α = .90); infant FAA exhibited good split-half reliability (rSB = .81) and fair internal consistency after 70 seconds (α = .74). Mother-infant FAA were moderately correlated (r = .41), which indicates narrow-sense heritability of up to 82%. CONCLUSIONS FAA can be assessed reliably and relatively quickly in both adults and infants. There is a robust association of FAA between mothers and their infants, supporting intergenerational transmission. This finding is consistent with the possibility that reduced FAA may directly confer depression risk at the individual-family level.
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Dunn EC, Nishimi K, Neumann A, Renaud A, Cecil CAM, Susser ES, Tiemeier H. Time-Dependent Effects of Exposure to Physical and Sexual Violence on Psychopathology Symptoms in Late Childhood: In Search of Sensitive Periods in Development. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 59:283-295.e4. [PMID: 31078631 PMCID: PMC7448802 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2019.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to interpersonal violence is a known risk factor for psychopathology. However, it is unclear whether there are sensitive periods when exposure is most deleterious. We aimed to determine whether there were time periods when physical or sexual violence exposure was associated with greater child psychopathology. METHOD This study (N = 4,580) was embedded in Generation R, a population-based prospective birth cohort. Timing of violence exposure, reported through maternal reports (child age, 10 years) was categorized by age at first exposure, defined as: very early (0-3 years), early (4-5 years), middle (6-7 years), and late (8+ years) childhood. Using Poisson regression, we assessed the association between timing of first exposure and levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms, using the Child Behavior Checklist at age 10 years. RESULTS Violence exposure at any age was associated with higher internalizing (physical violence: risk ratio [RR] = 1.46, p < 0.0001; sexual violence: RR = 1.30, p < .0001) and externalizing symptoms (physical violence: RR = 1.52, p < 0.0001; sexual violence: RR = 1.31, p = 0.0005). However, the effects of violence were time dependent: compared to children exposed at older ages, children first exposed during very early childhood had greater externalizing symptoms. Sensitivity analyses suggested that these time-based differences emerged slowly across ages 1.5, 3, 6, and 10 years, showing a latency between onset of violence exposure and emergence of symptoms, and were unlikely to be explained by co-occurring adversities. CONCLUSION Interpersonal violence is harmful to childhood mental health regardless of when it occurs. However, very early childhood may be a particularly sensitive period when exposure results in worse psychopathology outcomes. Results should be replicated in fully prospective designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C Dunn
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School and the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.
| | - Kristen Nishimi
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | | | - Alice Renaud
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Charlotte A M Cecil
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; King's College London, UK
| | - Ezra S Susser
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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Gartstein MA, Hancock GR, Potapova NV, Calkins SD, Bell MA. Modeling development of frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry: Sex differences and links with temperament. Dev Sci 2020; 23:e12891. [PMID: 31359565 PMCID: PMC6893078 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Asymmetric patterns of frontal brain electrical activity reflect approach and avoidance tendencies, with stability of relative right activation associated with withdrawal emotions/motivation and left hemisphere activation linked with approach and positive affect. However, considerable shifts in approach/avoidance-related lateralization have been reported for children not targeted because of extreme temperament. In this study, dynamic effects of frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) power within and across hemispheres were examined throughout early childhood. Specifically, EEG indicators at 5, 10, 24, 36, 48, and 72 months-of-age (n = 410) were analyzed via a hybrid of difference score and panel design models, with baseline measures and subsequent time-to-time differences modeled as potentially influencing all subsequent amounts of time-to-time change (i.e., predictively saturated). Infant sex was considered as a moderator of dynamic developmental effects, with temperament attributes measured at 5 months examined as predictors of EEG hemisphere development. Overall, change in left and right frontal EEG power predicted declining subsequent change in the same hemisphere, with effects on the opposing neurobehavioral system enhancing later growth. Infant sex moderated the pattern of within and across-hemisphere effects, wherein for girls more prominent left hemisphere influences on the right hemisphere EEG changes were noted and right hemisphere effects were more salient for boys. Largely similar patterns of temperament prediction were observed for the left and the right EEG power changes, with limited sex differences in links between temperament and growth parameters. Results were interpreted in the context of comparable analyses using parietal power values, which provided evidence for unique frontal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Gartstein
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Gregory R Hancock
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, Measurement, Statistics and Evaluation (EDMS), College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - Susan D Calkins
- Department of Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Li ET, Carracher E, Bird T. Linking childhood emotional abuse and adult depressive symptoms: The role of mentalizing incapacity. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 99:104253. [PMID: 31812024 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulated evidence suggests that childhood emotional abuse is particularly related to adulthood depression. However, this connection demands further explanation regarding potential intermediate factors. OBJECTIVE This study aims to disentangle the independent effects of emotional abuse on adulthood depressive symptoms by statistically controlling for other forms of childhood maltreatment, and to examine mentalizing incapacity (i.e., hypermentalizing, hypomentalizing) as a potential mediator in this relationship. PARTICIPANTS A general sample of 205 adults were assessed online. METHOD Participants completed a set of self-report measures assessing childhood maltreatment history, mentalizing and depression symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression was employed to assess the independent effect of emotional abuse on depression. Bootstrap analysis was used to test mediation models. RESULTS Emotional abuse continued to exert a significant effect on adulthood depression after controlling for other forms of childhood maltreatment and mentalizing incapacity. A mediation effect between childhood emotional abuse and adulthood depression symptoms via mentalizing incapacity, both hypermentalizing (b = 2.02, 95 % CI [0.96, 3.25]) and hypomentalizing, (b = 1.26, 95 % CI [0.59, 1.99]), was established. CONCLUSIONS This study provided preliminary evidence for hypermentalizing and hypomentalizing as mechanisms whereby early emotional abuse can lead to later depression. A normal to high level of mentalizing capacity might serve as a protective factor to suspend the pathway from childhood maltreatment to subsequent depression and become a promising target in psychological treatments. As cross-sectional data does not allow conclusions to be drawn on causal relationships, longitudinal data in a more representative sample is needed to capture relevant context and further examine our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Tianyu Li
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen Carracher
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Timothy Bird
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Dickinson A, Varcin KJ, Sahin M, Nelson CA, Jeste SS. Early patterns of functional brain development associated with autism spectrum disorder in tuberous sclerosis complex. Autism Res 2019; 12:1758-1773. [PMID: 31419043 PMCID: PMC6898751 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder that confers a high risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), with behavioral predictors of ASD emerging early in life. Deviations in structural and functional neural connectivity are highly implicated in both TSC and ASD. For the first time, we explore whether electroencephalographic (EEG) measures of neural network function precede or predict the emergence of ASD in TSC. We determine whether altered brain function (a) is present in infancy in TSC, (b) differentiates infants with TSC based on ASD diagnostic status, and (c) is associated with later cognitive function. We studied 35 infants with TSC (N = 35), and a group of typically developing infants (N = 20) at 12 and 24 months of age. Infants with TSC were later subdivided into ASD and non-ASD groups based on clinical evaluation. We measured features of spontaneous alpha oscillations (6-12 Hz) that are closely associated with neural network development: alpha power, alpha phase coherence (APC), and peak alpha frequency (PAF). Infants with TSC demonstrated reduced interhemispheric APC compared to controls at 12 months of age, and these differences were found to be most pronounced at 24 months in the infants who later developed ASD. Across all infants, PAF at 24 months was associated with verbal and nonverbal cognition at 36 months. Associations between early network function and later neurodevelopmental and cognitive outcomes highlight the potential utility of early scalable EEG markers to identify infants with TSC requiring additional targeted intervention initiated very early in life. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1758-1773. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Approximately half of infants with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) develop autism. Here, using EEG, we find that there is a reduction in communication between brain regions during infancy in TSC, and that the infants who show the largest reductions are those who later develop autism. Being able to identify infants who show early signs of disrupted brain development may improve the timing of early prediction and interventions in TSC, and also help us to understand how early brain changes lead to autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dickinson
- UCLA Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kandice J Varcin
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Shafali S Jeste
- UCLA Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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31
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Karatzias T, Hyland P, Bradley A, Cloitre M, Roberts NP, Bisson JI, Shevlin M. Risk factors and comorbidity of ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD: Findings from a trauma-exposed population based sample of adults in the United Kingdom. Depress Anxiety 2019; 36:887-894. [PMID: 31268218 DOI: 10.1002/da.22934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the recently published 11th version of the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), we sought to examine the risk factors and comorbidities associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD). METHOD Cross-sectional and retrospective design. The sample consisted of 1,051 trauma-exposed participants from a nationally representative panel of the UK adult population. RESULTS A total of 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.0-6.7%) met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and 12.9% (95% CI = 10.9-15.0%) for CPTSD. Diagnosis of PTSD was independently associated with being female, being in a relationship, and the recency of traumatic exposure. CPTSD was independently associated with younger age, interpersonal trauma in childhood, and interpersonal trauma in adulthood. Growing up in an urban environment was associated with the diagnosis of PTSD and CPTSD. High rates of physical and mental health comorbidity were observed for PTSD and CPTSD. Those with CPTSD were more likely to endorse symptoms reflecting major depressive disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 21.85, 95 CI = 12.51-38.04) and generalized anxiety disorder (OR = 24.63, 95 CI = 14.77-41.07). Presence of PTSD (OR = 3.13, 95 CI = 1.81-5.41) and CPTSD (OR = 3.43, 95 CI = 2.37-4.70) increased the likelihood of suicidality by more than three times. Nearly half the participants with PTSD and CPTSD reported the presence of a chronic illness. CONCLUSIONS CPTSD is a more common, comorbid, debilitating condition compared to PTSD. Further research is now required to identify effective interventions for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanos Karatzias
- School of Health & Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK.,NHS Lothian, Rivers Centre for Traumatic Stress, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philip Hyland
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Kildare, Ireland.,Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife Bradley
- School of Health & Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marylène Cloitre
- National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Neil P Roberts
- Psychology and Psychological Therapies Directorate, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK.,Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Mark Shevlin
- Ulster University, School of Psychology, Derry, Northern Ireland
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Pierce LJ, Thompson BL, Gharib A, Schlueter L, Reilly E, Valdes V, Roberts S, Conroy K, Levitt P, Nelson CA. Association of Perceived Maternal Stress During the Perinatal Period With Electroencephalography Patterns in 2-Month-Old Infants. JAMA Pediatr 2019; 173:561-570. [PMID: 30958515 PMCID: PMC6547221 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.0492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Variation in child responses to adversity creates a clinical challenge to identify children most resilient or susceptible to later risk for disturbances in cognition and health. Advances in establishing scalable biomarkers can lead to early identification and mechanistic understanding of the association of early adversity with neurodevelopment. OBJECTIVES To examine whether maternal reports of stress are associated with patterns in resting electroencephalography at 2 months of age and whether unique electroencephalographic profiles associated with risk and resiliency factors can be identified. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS For this cohort study, a population-based sample of 113 mother-infant dyads was recruited from January 1, 2016, to March 1, 2018, during regularly scheduled pediatric visits before infants were 2 months of age from 2 primary care clinics in Boston, Massachusetts, and Los Angeles, California, that predominantly serve families from low-income backgrounds. Data are reported from a single time point, when infants were aged 2 months, of an ongoing cohort study longitudinally following the mother-infant dyads. EXPOSURES Maternal reported exposure to stressful life events and perceived stress. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Spectral power (absolute and relative) in different frequency bands (Δ, θ, low and high α, β, and γ) from infant resting electroencephalography (EEG) and EEG profiles across frequency bands determined by latent profile analysis. RESULTS Of 113 enrolled infants, 70 (mean [SD] age, 2.42 [0.37] months; 35 girls [50%]) provided usable EEG data. In multivariable hierarchical linear regressions, maternal perceived stress was significantly and negatively associated with absolute β (β = -0.007; 95% CI, -0.01 to -0.001; semipartial r = -0.25) and γ power (β = -0.008; 95% CI, -0.01 to -0.002; semipartial r = -0.28). Maternal educational level was significantly and positively associated with power in high α, β, and γ bands after adjusting for covariates (high school: γ: β = 0.108; 95% CI, 0.014-0.203; semipartial r = -0.236; associate's degree or higher: high α: β = 0.133; 95% CI, 0.018-0.248; semipartial r = 0.241; β: β = 0.167; 95% CI, 0.055-0.279; semipartial r = 0.309; and γ: β = 0.183; 95% CI, 0.066-0.299; semipartial r = 0.323). Latent profile analysis identified 2 unique profiles for absolute and relative power. Maternal perceived stress (β = 0.13; 95% CI, 0.01-0.25; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.28) and maternal educational level (high school: β = 3.00; 95% CI, 0.35-5.65; AOR, 20.09; 95% CI, 1.42-283.16; associate's degree or higher: β = 4.12; 95% CI, 1.45-6.79; AOR, 61.56; 95% CI, 4.28-885.01) were each associated with unique profile membership. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings suggest that unique contributions of caregiver stress and maternal educational level on infant neurodevelopment are detectable at 2 months; EEG might be a promising tool to identify infants most susceptible to parental stress and to reveal mechanisms by which neurodevelopment is associated with adversity. Additional studies validating subgroups across larger cohorts with different stressors and at different ages are required before use at the individual level in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara J. Pierce
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Barbara L. Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles,Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Alma Gharib
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Lisa Schlueter
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Emily Reilly
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Viviane Valdes
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Suzanne Roberts
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Kathleen Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pat Levitt
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California,Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Charles A. Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Stevens JS, van Rooij SJH, Jovanovic T. Developmental Contributors to Trauma Response: The Importance of Sensitive Periods, Early Environment, and Sex Differences. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2019; 38:1-22. [PMID: 27830573 PMCID: PMC5425320 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review considers early factors that interact with development to contribute to later trauma responses, including developmental sensitive periods, the effects of early environment, and the emergence of sex differences. We also describe development of neural substrates that have been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder and specifically focus on fear behavior and circuitry. Emerging evidence suggests that there may be developmental shifts around age 10 in these underlying circuits that may contribute to vulnerability. We also discuss age-related changes in the importance of caregiver availability as positive buffering factors. Hormonal changes later in development with onset during puberty appear to further shape development trajectories toward risk or resilience. We highlight these recent findings as well as the great need for further longitudinal research from middle childhood through early adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Dr, Suite 331, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Sanne J H van Rooij
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Dr, Suite 331, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Dr, Suite 331, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
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Meyers J, McCutcheon VV, Pandey AK, Kamarajan C, Subbie S, Chorlian D, Salvatore J, Pandey G, Almasy L, Anokhin A, Bauer L, Bender A, Dick DM, Edenberg HJ, Hesselbrock V, Kramer J, Kuperman S, Agrawal A, Bucholz K, Porjesz B. Early Sexual Trauma Exposure and Neural Response Inhibition in Adolescence and Young Adults: Trajectories of Frontal Theta Oscillations During a Go/No-Go Task. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2019; 58:242-255.e2. [PMID: 30738551 PMCID: PMC6537865 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2018.07.905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Trauma, particularly when experienced early in life, can alter neurophysiologic and behavioral development, thereby increasing risk for substance use disorders and related psychopathology. However, few studies have empirically examined trauma using well-characterized developmental samples that are followed longitudinally. METHOD The association of assaultive, non-assaultive, and sexual assaultive experiences before 10 years of age with developmental trajectories of brain function during response inhibition was examined by measuring electrophysiologic theta and delta oscillations during no-go and go conditions in an equal probability go/no-go task. Data were drawn from the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) prospective cohort, composed of offspring who were aged 12 through 22 years at enrollment from high-risk and comparison families, with follow-ups at 2-year intervals since 2004. In addition, other important predictors of neurophysiologic functioning (eg, substance use, impulsivity, and parental alcohol use disorders) were investigated. Moreover, associations of neurophysiologic functioning with alcohol and cannabis use disorder symptom counts and externalizing and internalizing psychopathology were examined. RESULTS Individuals exposed to sexual assaultive trauma before 10 years of age had slower rates of change in developmental trajectories of no-go frontal theta during response inhibition. Importantly, effects remained significant after accounting for exposure to other traumatic exposures, such as parental history of alcohol use disorder and participants' substance use, but not measures of impulsivity. Further, slower rates of change in no-go frontal theta adolescent and young adult development were associated with increased risk for alcohol use disorder symptoms and internalizing psychopathology, but not for cannabis use disorder symptoms or externalizing psychopathology. CONCLUSION Childhood sexual assault is associated with atypical frontal neurophysiologic development during response inhibition. This could reflect alterations in frontal lobe development, synaptic pruning, and/or cortical maturation involving neural circuits for inhibitory control. These same areas could be associated with increased risk for young adult alcohol use disorder symptoms and internalizing psychopathology. These findings support the hypothesis that changes in neurocognitive development related to early sexual trauma exposure could increase the risk for mental health and substance use problems in young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn Meyers
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.
| | | | | | - Chella Kamarajan
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Stacey Subbie
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - David Chorlian
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Jessica Salvatore
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.,Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics,Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Gayathri Pandey
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | | | | | - Lance Bauer
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bernice Porjesz
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
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Dickinson A, DiStefano C, Lin YY, Scheffler AW, Senturk D, Jeste SS. Interhemispheric alpha-band hypoconnectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder. Behav Brain Res 2018; 348:227-234. [PMID: 29689375 PMCID: PMC5993636 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Diverse genetic and environmental etiologies converge onto circuit level brain dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), manifesting at a macroscopic level as aberrant neural connectivity. Previous studies have described atypical patterns of decreased short range and increased long range connectivity in ASD [1 ]. However, it remains unclear whether group level features of circuit dysfunction are consistently present across the range of cognitive function seen in the autism spectrum. The dynamics of neural oscillations in the alpha range (6-12 Hz) are exquisitely sensitive to healthy development of functional and structural connectivity. Alpha-band coherence, measured with high temporal-precision electroencephalography (EEG) therefore represents an ideal tool for studying neural connectivity in developmental populations. Here we examined spontaneous alpha phase coherence in a heterogeneous sample of 59 children with ASD and 39 age matched typically developing children. Using a data driven approach, we conducted an unbiased examination of all possible atypical connectivity patterns across all cortical regions. Long-range hypoconnectivity was present in children with ASD compared to typically developing children, with temporal interhemispheric connectivity showing the largest difference between the two groups. Decreased long range alpha coherence distinguishes a heterogeneous group of ASD children from typically developing children. Interhemispheric temporal hypoconnectivity represents a fundamental functional difference in children with ASD across a wide cognitive and age range that may reflect white matter disturbances or increased signal variability at temporal sites in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dickinson
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite A7-452 Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States.
| | - Charlotte DiStefano
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite A7-452 Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
| | - Yin-Ying Lin
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite A7-452 Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
| | - Aaron Wolfe Scheffler
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA School of Public Health, Room 21-254C, CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
| | - Damla Senturk
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA School of Public Health, Room 21-254C, CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
| | - Shafali Spurling Jeste
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite A7-452 Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
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36
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Purewal Boparai SK, Au V, Koita K, Oh DL, Briner S, Burke Harris N, Bucci M. Ameliorating the biological impacts of childhood adversity: A review of intervention programs. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2018; 81:82-105. [PMID: 29727766 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Childhood adversity negatively impacts the biological development of children and has been linked to poor health outcomes across the life course. The purpose of this literature review is to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that have addressed an array of biological markers and physical health outcomes in children and adolescents affected by adversity. PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Sociological Abstracts databases and additional sources (Cochrane, WHO, NIH trial registries) were searched for English language studies published between January 2007 and September 2017. Articles with a childhood adversity exposure, biological health outcome, and evaluation of intervention using a randomized controlled trial study design were selected. The resulting 40 intervention studies addressed cortisol outcomes (n = 20) and a range of neurological, epigenetic, immune, and other outcomes (n = 22). Across institutional, foster care, and community settings, intervention programs demonstrated success overall for improving or normalizing morning and diurnal cortisol levels, and ameliorating the impacts of adversity on brain development, epigenetic regulation, and additional outcomes in children. Factors such as earlier timing of intervention, high quality and nurturant parenting traits, and greater intervention engagement played a role in intervention success. This study underlines progress and promise in addressing the health impacts of adversity in children. Ongoing research efforts should collect baseline data, improve retention, replicate studies in additional samples and settings, and evaluate additional variables, resilience factors, mediators, and long-term implications of results. Clinicians should integrate lessons from the intervention sciences for preventing and treating the health effects of adversity in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhdip K Purewal Boparai
- Center for Youth Wellness, 3450 Third Street, Building 2, Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA; Human Impact Partners, 304 12th Street, Suite 2B, Oakland, CA 94607, USA.
| | | | - Kadiatou Koita
- Center for Youth Wellness, 3450 Third Street, Building 2, Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA.
| | - Debora Lee Oh
- Center for Youth Wellness, 3450 Third Street, Building 2, Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA.
| | - Susan Briner
- Center for Youth Wellness, 3450 Third Street, Building 2, Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA.
| | - Nadine Burke Harris
- Center for Youth Wellness, 3450 Third Street, Building 2, Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA.
| | - Monica Bucci
- Center for Youth Wellness, 3450 Third Street, Building 2, Suite 201, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA.
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37
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ADHD Symptoms in Post-Institutionalized Children Are Partially Mediated by Altered Frontal EEG Asymmetry. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 45:857-869. [PMID: 27687682 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-016-0208-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Individual differences in the propensity for left versus right frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry may underlie differences in approach/withdrawal tendencies and mental health deficits. Growing evidence suggests that early life adversity may shape brain development and contribute to the emergence of mental health problems. The present study examined frontal EEG asymmetry (FEA) following the transition to family care in children adopted internationally from institutional care settings between 15 and 36 months of age (N = 82; 46 female, 36 male). Two comparison groups were included: an international adoption control consisting of children adopted from foster care with little to no institutional deprivation (N = 45; 17 female, 28 male) and a post-adoption condition control consisting of children reared in birth families of the same education and income as the adoptive families (N = 48; 23 female, 25 male). Consistent with evidence of greater approach and impulsivity-related behavior problems in post-institutionalized (PI) children, PI status was associated with greater left FEA than found in the other two groups. In addition, left FEA served as a mediator between institutionalization and age 5 ADHD symptoms for girls. Age at adoption and other preadoption factors were examined with results suggesting that earlier adoption into a supportive family resulted in a more typical pattern of brain functioning. Findings support the idea that the capacity of brain activity to evidence typical functioning following perturbation may differ in relation to the timing of intervention and suggest that the earlier the intervention of adoption, the better.
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38
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Dickinson A, DiStefano C, Senturk D, Jeste SS. Peak alpha frequency is a neural marker of cognitive function across the autism spectrum. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 47:643-651. [PMID: 28700096 PMCID: PMC5766439 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive function varies substantially and serves as a key predictor of outcome and response to intervention in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet we know little about the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie cognitive function in children with ASD. The dynamics of neuronal oscillations in the alpha range (6-12 Hz) are associated with cognition in typical development. Peak alpha frequency is also highly sensitive to developmental changes in neural networks, which underlie cognitive function, and therefore, it holds promise as a developmentally sensitive neural marker of cognitive function in ASD. Here, we measured peak alpha band frequency under a task-free condition in a heterogeneous sample of children with ASD (N = 59) and age-matched typically developing (TD) children (N = 38). At a group level, peak alpha frequency was decreased in ASD compared to TD children. Moreover, within the ASD group, peak alpha frequency correlated strongly with non-verbal cognition. As peak alpha frequency reflects the integrity of neural networks, our results suggest that deviations in network development may underlie cognitive function in individuals with ASD. By shedding light on the neurobiological correlates of cognitive function in ASD, our findings lay the groundwork for considering peak alpha frequency as a useful biomarker of cognitive function within this population which, in turn, will facilitate investigations of early markers of cognitive impairment and predictors of outcome in high risk infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dickinson
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite A7-452 Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States of America
| | - Charlotte DiStefano
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite A7-452 Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States of America
| | - Damla Senturk
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA School of Public Health, Room 21-254C, CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States of America
| | - Shafali Spurling Jeste
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, University of California, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite A7-452 Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States of America
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39
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Poole KL, Santesso DL, Van Lieshout RJ, Schmidt LA. Trajectories of frontal brain activity and socio-emotional development in children. Dev Psychobiol 2018; 60:353-363. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristie L. Poole
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Diane L. Santesso
- Department of Psychology; University of Winnipeg; Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Ryan J. Van Lieshout
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Louis A. Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
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40
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Luby JL, Barch D, Whalen D, Tillman R, Belden A. Association Between Early Life Adversity and Risk for Poor Emotional and Physical Health in Adolescence: A Putative Mechanistic Neurodevelopmental Pathway. JAMA Pediatr 2017; 171:1168-1175. [PMID: 29084329 PMCID: PMC6583637 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.3009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes. However, the mechanism of this effect, critical to enhancing public health, remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To investigate the neurodevelopmental trajectory of the association between early ACEs and adolescent general and emotional health outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A prospective longitudinal study that began when patients were aged 3 to 6 years who underwent neuroimaging later at ages 7 to 12 years and whose mental and physical health outcomes were observed at ages 9 to 15 years. Sequential mediation models were used to investigate associations between early ACEs and brain structure, emotion development, and health outcomes longitudinally. Children were recruited from an academic medical center research unit. EXPOSURE Early life adversity. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Early ACEs in children aged 3 to 7 years; volume of a subregion of the prefrontal cortex, the inferior frontal gyrus, in children aged 6 to 12 years; and emotional awareness, depression severity, and general health outcomes in children and adolescents aged 9 to 15 years. RESULTS The mean (SD) age of 119 patients was 9.65 (1.31) years at the time of scan. The mean (SD) ACE score was 5.44 (3.46). The mean (SD) depression severity scores were 2.61 (1.78) at preschool, 1.77 (1.58) at time 2, and 2.16 (1.64) at time 3. The mean (SD) global physical health scores at time 2 and time 3 were 0.30 (0.38) and 0.33 (0.42), respectively. Sequential mediation in the association between high early ACEs and emotional and physical health outcomes were found. Smaller inferior frontal gyrus volumes and poor emotional awareness sequentially mediated the association between early ACEs and poor general health (model parameter estimate = 0.002; 95% CI, 0.0002-0.056) and higher depression severity (model parameter estimate = 0.007; 95% CI, 0.001-0.021) in adolescence. An increase from 0 to 3 early ACEs was associated with 15% and 25% increases in depression severity and physical health problems, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Study findings highlight 1 putative neurodevelopmental mechanism by which the association between early ACEs and later poor mental and physical health outcomes may operate. This identified risk trajectory may be useful to target preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan L. Luby
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Deanna Barch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Diana Whalen
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Rebecca Tillman
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Andy Belden
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri
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41
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Tang A, Miskovic V, Lahat A, Tanaka M, MacMillan H, Van Lieshout RJ, Schmidt LA. Trajectories of resting frontal brain activity and psychopathology in female adolescents exposed to child maltreatment. Dev Psychobiol 2017; 60:67-77. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alva Tang
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Vladimir Miskovic
- Department of Psychology; State University of New York at Binghamton; Binghamton New York
| | - Ayelet Lahat
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Masako Tanaka
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Harriet MacMillan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
- Department of Pediatrics; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Ryan J. Van Lieshout
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Louis A. Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
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42
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Gomez SH, Tse J, Wang Y, Turner B, Millner AJ, Nock MK, Dunn EC. Are there sensitive periods when child maltreatment substantially elevates suicide risk? Results from a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Depress Anxiety 2017; 34:734-741. [PMID: 28544045 PMCID: PMC6171345 DOI: 10.1002/da.22650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although child maltreatment is a well documented risk factor for suicidal behavior, little is known about whether the timing of child maltreatment differentially associates with risk of suicidal ideation, suicide plans, or suicide attempts. The goal of this study was to examine whether a first exposure to physical or sexual abuse during specific developmental periods significantly elevated risk for suicidal behavior in adolescents. METHODS Data came from the National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement, a population-based sample of US adolescents aged 13-18 years old (n = 9,272). Using discrete time survival analysis, we assessed the association between timing of first abuse (early childhood: ages 0-5; middle childhood: ages 6-10; adolescence: ages 11-18) and suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts. RESULTS Exposure to either physical or sexual abuse increased the odds of reporting suicidal ideation (odds ratio [OR] = 5.06 and OR = 3.56, respectively), plans (OR = 3.63 and OR = 3.58, respectively), and attempts (OR = 5.80 and OR = 4.21, respectively), even after controlling for sociodemographic covariates and psychiatric disorders. However, the timing of physical and sexual abuse exposure was unassociated with suicidal behavior (all p values >.05). CONCLUSIONS Exposure to child maltreatment is strongly associated with risk for adolescent suicidal behaviors, though this association did not vary based on the developmental timing of first exposure. These findings suggest that prevention efforts should be implemented throughout early development and target all children, regardless of when they were first exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie H. Gomez
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts
General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jenny Tse
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts
General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public
Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts
General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brianna Turner
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British
Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Matthew K. Nock
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA,
USA
| | - Erin C. Dunn
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts
General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA,
USA,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of
Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
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43
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Stamoulis C, Vanderwert RE, Zeanah CH, Fox NA, Nelson CA. Neuronal networks in the developing brain are adversely modulated by early psychosocial neglect. J Neurophysiol 2017; 118:2275-2288. [PMID: 28679837 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00014.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain's neural circuitry plays a ubiquitous role across domains in cognitive processing and undergoes extensive reorganization during the course of development in part as a result of experience. In this study we investigated the effects of profound early psychosocial neglect associated with institutional rearing on the development of task-independent brain networks, estimated from longitudinally acquired electroencephalographic (EEG) data from <30 to 96 mo, in three cohorts of children from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP), including abandoned children reared in institutions who were randomly assigned either to a foster care intervention or to remain in care as usual and never-institutionalized children. Two aberrantly connected brain networks were identified in children that had been reared in institutions: 1) a hyperconnected parieto-occipital network, which included cortical hubs and connections that may partially overlap with default-mode network, and 2) a hypoconnected network between left temporal and distributed bilateral regions, both of which were aberrantly connected across neural oscillations. This study provides the first evidence of the adverse effects of early psychosocial neglect on the wiring of the developing brain. Given these networks' potentially significant role in various cognitive processes, including memory, learning, social communication, and language, these findings suggest that institutionalization in early life may profoundly impact the neural correlates underlying multiple cognitive domains, in ways that may not be fully reversible in the short term.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This paper provides first evidence that early psychosocial neglect associated with institutional rearing profoundly affects the development of the brain's neural circuitry. Using longitudinally acquired electrophysiological data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP), the paper identifies multiple task-independent networks that are abnormally connected (hyper- or hypoconnected) in children reared in institutions compared with never-institutionalized children. These networks involve spatially distributed brain areas and their abnormal connections may adversely impact neural information processing across cognitive domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Stamoulis
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; .,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Charles H Zeanah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Graduate School of Education, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts; and
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44
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Li M, Deater-Deckard K, Calkins SD, Bell MA. Getting to the Heart of Personality in Early Childhood: Cardiac Electrophysiology and Stability of Temperament. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY 2017; 67:151-156. [PMID: 28529391 DOI: 10.1016/j.jrp.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Can detection of highly stable individual differences in temperament in early childhood be enhanced using measures of resting heart rate (HR) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)? The current longitudinal study (N = 216, 50% female; two to four years old) tested the statistical moderating effects of longitudinal change in resting HR and RSA on stability of mother-rated temperament. Children with the smallest decreases in resting HR and smallest increases in resting RSA had the most stable individual differences in effortful control. In contrast, those with the largest increases in resting RSA had the most stable individual differences in surgency. Including information on HR and RSA can be useful, though the effects depend on the trait and physiological indicator in question.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susan D Calkins
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
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45
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Gee DG. Sensitive Periods of Emotion Regulation: Influences of Parental Care on Frontoamygdala Circuitry and Plasticity. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2017; 2016:87-110. [PMID: 27589500 DOI: 10.1002/cad.20166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Early caregiving experiences play a central role in shaping emotional development, stress physiology, and refinement of limbic circuitry. Converging evidence across species delineates a sensitive period of heightened neuroplasticity when frontoamygdala circuitry is especially amenable to caregiver inputs early in life. During this period, parental buffering regulates emotional behaviors and stress physiology as emotion regulation circuitry continues to mature. By contrast, disorganized or poor quality caregiving has profound and lasting consequences on the maturation of frontoamygdala circuitry essential for emotion regulation, even following termination of this early life stressor (e.g., adoption from orphanage). This article highlights how interactions between caregiving experiences and the biological state of the developing brain have broad implications for long-term health.
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46
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Behavioural and emotional problems in preschool children. Lancet Psychiatry 2017; 4:89-90. [PMID: 28137382 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(17)30005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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47
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Frontal brain asymmetry, childhood maltreatment, and low-grade inflammation at midlife. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 75:152-163. [PMID: 27829190 PMCID: PMC5289285 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Frontal EEG asymmetry is thought to reflect variations in affective style, such that greater relative right frontal activity at rest predicts enhanced emotional responding to threatening or negative stimuli, and risk of depression and anxiety disorders. A diathesis-stress model has been proposed to explain how this neuro-affective style might predispose to psychopathology, with greater right frontal activity being a vulnerability factor especially under stressful conditions. Less is known about the extent to which greater relative right frontal activity at rest might be associated with or be a diathesis for deleterious physical health outcomes. The present study examined the association between resting frontal EEG asymmetry and systemic, low-grade inflammation and tested the diathesis-stress model by examining whether childhood maltreatment exposure interacts with resting frontal asymmetry in explaining inflammation. Resting EEG, serum inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen) and self-reported psychological measures were available for 314 middle-aged adults (age M=55.3years, SD=11.2, 55.7% female). Analyses supported the diathesis-stress model and revealed that resting frontal EEG asymmetry was significantly associated with inflammation, but only in individuals who had experienced moderate to severe levels of childhood maltreatment. These findings suggest that, in the context of severe adversity, a trait-like tendency towards greater relative right prefrontal activity may predispose to low-grade inflammation, a risk factor for conditions with inflammatory underpinnings such as coronary heart disease.
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48
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Dunn EC, Nishimi K, Powers A, Bradley B. Is developmental timing of trauma exposure associated with depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in adulthood? J Psychiatr Res 2017; 84:119-127. [PMID: 27728852 PMCID: PMC5479490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma exposure is a known risk factor for psychopathology. However, the impact of the developmental timing of exposure remains unclear. This study examined the effect of age at first trauma exposure on levels of adult depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. METHODS Lifetime trauma exposure (including age at first exposure and frequency), current psychiatric symptoms, and sociodemographic information were collected during interviews with adults participating in a study at a public urban hospital in Atlanta, GA. Multiple linear regression models assessed the association between timing of first trauma exposure, classified as early childhood (ages 0-5), middle childhood (ages 6-10), adolescence (ages 11-18), and adulthood (ages 19+), on adult psychopathology in 2892 individuals. RESULTS Participants exposed to trauma (i.e., child maltreatment, other interpersonal violence, non-interpersonal violence, and other events) at any age had higher depressive and PTSD symptoms compared to their unexposed peers. However, participants first exposed to child maltreatment during early childhood had depression and PTSD symptoms that were about twice as high as those exposed during later developmental stages. This association was detected even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, exposure to other trauma types, and frequency of exposure. Participants first exposed during middle childhood to other interpersonal violence also had depressive symptoms scores that were about twice as high as those first exposed during adulthood. CONCLUSIONS Trauma exposure at different ages may differentially impact depressive and PTSD symptoms in adulthood. More detailed examination of timing of trauma exposure is warranted to aid in identifying sensitive periods in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C. Dunn
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, Simches Research Building, Boston, MA 02114 USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, 2 West, Room 305, Boston, MA 02215,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, The Ted and Vada Stanley Building, 75 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142
| | - Kristen Nishimi
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, Simches Research Building, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Abigail Powers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Bekh Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Atlanta VA Medical Center, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033, USA.
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49
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Goldstein BL, Shankman SA, Kujawa A, Torpey-Newman DC, Olino TM, Klein DN. Developmental changes in electroencephalographic frontal asymmetry in young children at risk for depression. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2016; 57:1075-82. [PMID: 27138464 PMCID: PMC4990483 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of studies have reported that depression is associated with lower relative left frontal activity in the alpha band (i.e. frontal asymmetry, or FA), as measured by electroencephalogram. FA has also been hypothesized to be a vulnerability marker for depression. If this is the case, FA should be evident in offspring of depressed mothers, a group at elevated risk for depression. However, the results of previous offspring studies have been inconsistent and none of these studies has considered whether the relationship between FA and risk changes over development in children. METHOD We assessed FA twice, at ages 3 and 6, in 253 never depressed children from a community sample. Maternal history of depressive disorders was determined by a diagnostic interview completed by the mothers at the first assessment. RESULTS There was a significant interaction between maternal depression and offspring age at assessment, indicating that FA exhibits different developmental trajectories depending on level of familial risk for depression. Offspring of depressed mothers exhibited a decreasing relative left FA over the course of early childhood, while offspring of nondepressed mothers exhibited relatively similar, symmetrical, levels of frontal alpha activity at both assessment points. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that changes in FA from early to middle childhood distinguish those at risk for depression and that cross-sectional assessment of FA may have limited value in understanding risk. These results highlight the importance of considering development in understanding the role of FA in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Autumn Kujawa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL
| | | | - Thomas M. Olino
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Non AL, Hollister BM, Humphreys KL, Childebayeva A, Esteves K, Zeanah CH, Fox NA, Nelson CA, Drury SS. DNA methylation at stress-related genes is associated with exposure to early life institutionalization. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2016; 161:84-93. [PMID: 27218411 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Differences in DNA methylation have been associated with early life adversity, suggesting that alterations in methylation function as one pathway through which adverse early environments are biologically embedded. This study examined associations between exposure to institutional care, quantified as the proportion of time in institutional care at specified follow-up assessment ages, and DNA methylation status in two stress-related genes: FKBP5 and SLC6A4. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed data from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project, which is a prospective study in which children reared in institutional settings were randomly assigned (mean age 22 months) to either newly created foster care or care as usual (to remain in their current placement) and prospectively followed. A group of children from the same geographic area, with no history of institutionalized caregiving, were also recruited. DNA methylation status was determined in DNA extracted from buccal epithelial cells of children at age 12. RESULTS An inverse association was identified such that more time spent in institutional care was associated with lower DNA methylation at specific CpG sites within both genes. DISCUSSION These results suggest a lasting impact of early severe social deprivation on methylation patterns in these genes, and contribute to a growing literature linking early adversity and epigenetic variation in children. Am J Phys Anthropol 161:84-93, 2016.. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Non
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | | | | | | | - Kyle Esteves
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Charles H Zeanah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
| | - Nathan A Fox
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA
| | - Stacy S Drury
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
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