1
|
McManus E, Haroon H, Duncan NW, Elliott R, Muhlert N. Hippocampal and limbic microstructure changes associated with stress across the lifespan: a UK biobank study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21735. [PMID: 39289386 PMCID: PMC11408494 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71965-4] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Experiencing highly stressful events can have detrimental and lasting effects on brain morphology. The current study explores the effects of stress during childhood and adulthood on grey matter macro- and microstructure using a sub-sample of 720 participants from the UK Biobank with very high or very low childhood and adulthood stress scores. We used T1-weighted and diffusion MRI data to assess grey matter macro- and microstructure within bilateral hippocampus, amygdala and thalamus. Findings showed that childhood stress is associated with changes in microstructural measures bilaterally within the hippocampus and amygdala. No effects of adulthood stress on brain microstructure were found. No interaction effects between sex and stress (either childhood or adulthood) were observed for any brain imaging measure. Analysis of sub-segments of the hippocampus showed that childhood stress predominantly impacted the bilateral heads of the hippocampus. Overall, these findings suggest that highly stressful experiences during childhood, but not adulthood, have lasting impact on brain microstructure. The effects of these experiences in childhood appear to persist regardless of experiences of high or low stress in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth McManus
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, H.18 Coupland 1 Building, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Hamied Haroon
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, H.18 Coupland 1 Building, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Niall W Duncan
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Brain and Consciousness Research Centre, TMU Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Rebecca Elliott
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, H.18 Coupland 1 Building, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Nils Muhlert
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, H.18 Coupland 1 Building, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rowland GE, Purcell JB, Lebois LM, Kaufman ML, Harnett NG. Child sexual abuse versus adult sexual assault: A review of psychological and neurobiological sequelae. MENTAL HEALTH SCIENCE 2024; 2:e51. [PMID: 39006552 PMCID: PMC11244653 DOI: 10.1002/mhs2.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Sexual trauma (ST) occurs with alarming frequency in the United States (U.S.) in the form of both childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adulthood sexual assault (ASA). It is well-established that the effects of ST are pervasive, and that ST can be a risk factor for the development of several psychiatric disorders. However, the potential for distinct psychological consequences or neural correlates between CSA and ASA has received little attention. Furthermore, despite the high prevalence of sexual revictimization, the combinatorial effects of CSA and ASA are understudied in comparison to each form of ST on its own. In the current review, we present results from both clinical psychology and neuroscience research on the impacts of CSA and ASA, describing major psychological, biopsychosocial, and neuroimaging findings for each form of ST. We further highlight limitations in the current state of the research and needed areas of future research to better understand the distinct, overlapping, and cumulative effects of ST in both childhood and adulthood. The present study summarizes the state of the literature on this critical form of trauma and provides recommendations for future clinical research practices to mitigate the deleterious outcomes of ST.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Rowland
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
| | - Juliann B Purcell
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lauren M Lebois
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Milissa L Kaufman
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nathaniel G Harnett
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Grauduszus Y, Sicorello M, Demirakca T, von Schröder C, Schmahl C, Ende G. New insights into the effects of type and timing of childhood maltreatment on brain morphometry. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11394. [PMID: 38762570 PMCID: PMC11102438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62051-w] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment (CM) is known to influence brain development. To obtain a better understanding of related brain alterations, recent research has focused on the influence of the type and timing of CM. We aimed to investigate the association between type and timing of CM and local brain volume. Anatomical magnetic resonance images were collected from 93 participants (79 female/14 male) with a history of CM. CM history was assessed with the German Interview Version of the "Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure" scale, "KERF-40 + ". Random forest regressions were performed to assess the impact of CM characteristics on the volume of amygdala, hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The volume of the left ACC was predicted by neglect at age 3 and 4 and abuse at age 16 in a model including both type and timing of CM. For the right ACC, overall CM severity and duration had the greatest impact on volumetric alterations. Our data point to an influence of CM timing on left ACC volume, which was most pronounced in early childhood and in adolescence. We were not able to replicate previously reported effects of maltreatment type and timing on amygdala and hippocampal volume.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Grauduszus
- Department of Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Maurizio Sicorello
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Traute Demirakca
- Department of Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Claudius von Schröder
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Schmahl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gabriele Ende
- Department of Neuroimaging, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kawata NYS, Nishitani S, Yao A, Takiguchi S, Mizuno Y, Mizushima S, Makita K, Hamamura S, Saito DN, Okazawa H, Fujisawa TX, Tomoda A. Brain structures and functional connectivity in neglected children with no other types of maltreatment. Neuroimage 2024; 292:120589. [PMID: 38575041 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120589] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Child maltreatment can adversely affect brain development, leading to vulnerabilities in brain structure and function and various psychiatric disorders. Among the various types of child maltreatment, neglect has the highest incidence rate (76.0%); however, data on its sole adverse influence on the brain remain limited. This case-control brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study identified the changes in gray matter structure and function that distinguish neglected children with no other type of maltreatment (Neglect group, n = 23) from typically developing children (TD group, n = 140), and investigated the association between these structural and functional differences and specific psychosocial phenotypes observed in neglected children. Our results showed that the Neglect group had a larger right and left anterior cingulate cortex (R/L.ACC) and smaller left angular gyrus (L.AG) gray matter volume. The larger R/L.ACC was associated with hyperactivity and inattention. Resting-state functional analysis showed increased functional connectivity (FC) between the left supramarginal gyrus (L.SMG) in the salience network (SN) and the right middle frontal gyrus (R.MFG) simultaneously with a decrease in FC with the L.ACC for the same seed. The increased FC for the R.MFG was associated with difficulty in peer problems and depressive symptoms; a mediating effect was evident for depressive symptoms. These results suggest that the structural atypicality of the R/L.ACC indirectly contributes to the disturbed FCs within the SN, thereby exacerbating depressive symptoms in neglected children. In conclusion, exposure to neglect in childhood may lead to maladaptive brain development, particularly neural changes associated with depressive symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Y S Kawata
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Shota Nishitani
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan.
| | - Akiko Yao
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Takiguchi
- Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Medicine, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Mizuno
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Medicine, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Sakae Mizushima
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Kai Makita
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Shoko Hamamura
- Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Medicine, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Daisuke N Saito
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Okazawa
- Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan; Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Takashi X Fujisawa
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan
| | - Akemi Tomoda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, 23-3 Matsuoka-Shimoaizuki, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-8507, Japan; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Medicine, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kraaijenvanger EJ, Banaschewski T, Eickhoff SB, Holz NE. A coordinate-based meta-analysis of human amygdala connectivity alterations related to early life adversities. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16541. [PMID: 37783710 PMCID: PMC10545708 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43057-2] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
By affecting core neurobiological systems early in development, early life adversities (ELAs) might confer latent vulnerability to future psychopathologies. This coordinate-based meta-analysis aims to identify significant convergent alterations in functional connectivity of the amygdala related to ELAs across resting-state and task-based fMRI-studies. Five electronic databases were systematically searched until 22 October 2020, retrieving 49 eligible studies (n = 3162 participants). Convergent alterations in functional connectivity related to ELAs between the amygdala and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and left hippocampus were found. Sub-analyses based on hemisphere and direction showed that connectivity seeded in the right amygdala was affected and, moreover, revealed that connectivity with ACC was decreased. Analyses based on paradigm and age showed that amygdala-ACC coupling was altered during resting state and that amygdala-left hippocampus connectivity was mostly affected during task-based paradigms and in adult participants. While both regions showed altered connectivity during emotion processing and following adverse social postnatal experiences such as maltreatment, amygdala-ACC coupling was mainly affected when ELAs were retrospectively assessed through self-report. We show that ELAs are associated with altered functional connectivity of the amygdala with the ACC and hippocampus. As such, ELAs may embed latent vulnerability to future psychopathologies by systematically affecting important neurocognitive systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eline J Kraaijenvanger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Nathalie E Holz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
- Donders Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li L, Jiang J, Wu B, Lin J, Roberts N, Sweeney JA, Gong Q, Jia Z. Distinct gray matter abnormalities in children/adolescents and adults with history of childhood maltreatment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105376. [PMID: 37643682 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105376] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Gray matter (GM) abnormalities have been reported in both adults and children/adolescents with histories of childhood maltreatment (CM). A comparison of effects in youth and adulthood may be informative regarding life-span effects of CM. Voxel-wise meta-analyses of whole-brain voxel-based morphometry studies were conducted in all datasets and age-based subgroups respectively, followed by a quantitative comparison of the subgroups. Thirty VBM studies (31 datasets) were included. The pooled meta-analysis revealed increased GM in left supplementary motor area, and reduced GM in bilateral cingulate/paracingulate gyri, left occipital lobe, and right middle frontal gyrus in maltreated individuals compared to the controls. Maltreatment-exposed youth showed less GM in the cerebellum, and greater GM in bilateral middle cingulate/paracingulate gyri and bilateral visual cortex than maltreated adults. Opposite GM alterations in bilateral middle cingulate/paracingulate gyri were found in maltreatment-exposed adults (decreased) and children/adolescents (increased). Our findings demonstrate different patterns of GM changes in youth closer to maltreatment events than those seen later in life, suggesting detrimental effects of CM on the developmental trajectory of brain structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Departments of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Jiang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Departments of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Baolin Wu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Departments of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinping Lin
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Departments of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Neil Roberts
- The Queens Medical Research Institute (QMRI), School of Clinical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - John A Sweeney
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Departments of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Departments of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Zhiyun Jia
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Siehl S, Zohair R, Guldner S, Nees F. Gray matter differences in adults and children with posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 113 studies and 11 meta-analyses. J Affect Disord 2023; 333:489-516. [PMID: 37086802 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of gray matter alterations of adult- and underage patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in comparison to healthy trauma-exposed (TC) and non-exposed (HC) individuals. METHODS We subdivided our groups into patients with PTSD after trauma exposure in adulthood (aa) or childhood (ac) as well as children with PTSD (cc). We identified 113 studies, including 6.800 participants in our review, which we divided into studies focusing on whole-brain and region-of-interest (ROI) analysis. We performed a coordinate-based meta-analysis on 14 studies in the group of aa-PTSD. RESULTS We and found lower gray matter volume in patients with PTSD (aa) in the medial frontal gyrus (PTSD<HC/TC) and Culmen/posterior cingulate cortex (PTSD<TC). Results from ROI-based studies mainly show alterations for patients with PTSD in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, insula, corpus callosum, and amygdala. LIMITATIONS Due to a limited number of studies reporting whole-brain results, the meta-analyses could only be performed in one subgroup and within this subgroup for a limited number of studies. CONCLUSIONS Our results are in line with psychobiological models of PTSD that associate the identified regions with brain circuits involved in context processing, threat detection and emotion regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Siehl
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Rabia Zohair
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stella Guldner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang W, Jin S, Duan W, Yu H, Ping L, Shen Z, Cheng Y, Xu X, Zhou C. The effects of childhood maltreatment on cortical thickness and gray matter volume: a coordinate-based meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2023; 53:1681-1699. [PMID: 36946124 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723000661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment has been suggested to have an adverse impact on neurodevelopment, including microstructural brain abnormalities. Existing neuroimaging findings remain inconsistent and heterogeneous. We aim to explore the most prominent and robust cortical thickness (CTh) and gray matter volume (GMV) alterations associated with childhood maltreatment. A systematic search on relevant studies was conducted through September 2022. The whole-brain coordinate-based meta-analysis (CBMA) on CTh and GMV studies were conducted using the seed-based d mapping (SDM) software. Meta-regression analysis was subsequently applied to investigate potential associations between clinical variables and structural changes. A total of 45 studies were eligible for inclusion, including 11 datasets on CTh and 39 datasets on GMV, consisting of 2550 participants exposed to childhood maltreatment and 3739 unexposed comparison subjects. Individuals with childhood maltreatment exhibited overlapped deficits in the median cingulate/paracingulate gyri simultaneously revealed by both CTh and GM studies. Regional cortical thinning in the right anterior cingulate/paracingulate gyri and the left middle frontal gyrus, as well as GMV reductions in the left supplementary motor area (SMA) was also identified. No greater regions were found for either CTh or GMV. In addition, several neural morphology changes were associated with the average age of the maltreated individuals. The median cingulate/paracingulate gyri morphology might serve as the most robust neuroimaging feature of childhood maltreatment. The effects of early-life trauma on the human brain predominantly involved in cognitive functions, socio-affective functioning and stress regulation. This current meta-analysis enhanced the understanding of neuropathological changes induced by childhood maltreatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Shandong Daizhuang Hospital, Jining, China
| | - Shushu Jin
- Department of Psychology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Weiwei Duan
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Hao Yu
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Liangliang Ping
- Department of Psychiatry, Xiamen Xianyue Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Zonglin Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuqi Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiufeng Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Cong Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kim J, Lee C, Kang Y, Kang W, Kim A, Tae WS, Ham BJ, Chang J, Han KM. Childhood Sexual Abuse and Cortical Thinning in Adults With Major Depressive Disorder. Psychiatry Investig 2023; 20:255-261. [PMID: 36990669 PMCID: PMC10064205 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2022.0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A growing body of evidence reports on the effect of different types of childhood abuse on the structural and functional architecture of the brain. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the differences in cortical thickness according to specific types of childhood abuse between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS A total of 61 patients with MDD and 98 HCs were included in this study. All participants underwent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and the occurrence of childhood abuse was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. We investigated the association between whole-brain cortical thickness and exposure to any type of childhood abuse and specific type of childhood abuse in the total sample using the FreeSurfer software. RESULTS No significant difference was reported in the cortical thickness between the MDD and HC groups nor between the "any abuse" and "no abuse" groups. Compared to no exposure to childhood sexual abuse (CSA), exposure to CSA was significantly associated with cortical thinning in the left rostral middle frontal gyrus (p=0.00020), left (p=0.00240), right fusiform gyri (p=0.00599), and right supramarginal gyrus (p=0.00679). CONCLUSION Exposure to CSA may lead to cortical thinning of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is deeply involved in emotion regulation, to a greater extent than other types of childhood abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinyi Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Metropolitan Eunpyeong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Changju Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youbin Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyoung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aram Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Suk Tae
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisoon Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul Metropolitan Eunpyeong Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Man Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Convergence Research Center, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roeckner AR, Sogani S, Michopoulos V, Hinrichs R, van Rooij SJH, Rothbaum BO, Jovanovic T, Ressler KJ, Stevens JS. Sex-dependent risk factors for PTSD: a prospective structural MRI study. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:2213-2220. [PMID: 36114284 PMCID: PMC9630503 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01452-9] [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] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Female individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD following trauma exposure than males, potentially due, in part, to underlying neurobiological factors. Several brain regions underlying fear learning and expression have previously been associated with PTSD, with the hippocampus, amygdala, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC), and rostral ACC (rACC) showing altered volume and function in those with PTSD. However, few studies have examined how sex impacts the predictive value of subcortical volumes and cortical thickness in longitudinal PTSD studies. As part of an emergency department study completed at the Grady Trauma Project in Atlanta, GA, N = 93 (40 Female) participants were enrolled within 24 h following a traumatic event. Multi-echo T1-weighted MRI images were collected one-month post-trauma exposure. Bilateral amygdala and hippocampal volumes and rACC and dACC cortical thickness were segmented. To assess the longitudinal course of PTSD, the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS) was collected 6 months post-trauma. We investigated whether regional volume/thickness interacted with sex to predict later PTSD symptom severity, controlling for PSS score at time of scan, age, race, and trauma type, as well as intracranial volume (ICV) for subcortical volumes. There was a significant interaction between sex and rACC for 6-month PSS, such that right rACC thickness was positively correlated with 6-month PSS scores in females, but not in males. In examining PTSD symptom subtypes and depression symptoms, greater rACC thickness in females predicted greater avoidance symptoms, while smaller rACC thickness in males predicted greater depression symptoms. Amygdala and hippocampus volume and dACC thickness showed no main effect or interaction with sex. The current findings provide evidence for sex-based differences in how brain volume predicts future PTSD severity and symptoms and supports the rACC as being a vital region regarding PTSD. Gender differences should be assessed in future longitudinal PTSD MRI studies for more accurate identification of future PTSD risk following trauma.
Collapse
|
11
|
Woodward SH. Autonomic regulation during sleep in PTSD. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 21:100483. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
|
12
|
Rosenfield PJ, Jiang D, Pauselli L. Childhood adversity and psychotic disorders: Epidemiological evidence, theoretical models and clinical considerations. Schizophr Res 2022; 247:55-66. [PMID: 34210561 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
While genetic factors play a critical role in the risk for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, increasing evidence points to the role of childhood adversity as one of several environmental factors that can significantly impact the development, manifestations and outcome of these disorders. This paper reviews the epidemiological evidence linking childhood adversity and psychotic disorders and explores various theoretical models that seek to explain the connection. We discuss neurobiological parallels between the impact of childhood trauma and psychosis on the brain and then explore the impact of childhood adversity on different domains of clinical presentation. Finally, implications for prevention and treatment are considered, both on individual and structural levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Rosenfield
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America.
| | - David Jiang
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America.
| | - Luca Pauselli
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Waters RC, Gould E. Early Life Adversity and Neuropsychiatric Disease: Differential Outcomes and Translational Relevance of Rodent Models. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:860847. [PMID: 35813268 PMCID: PMC9259886 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.860847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well-established that early life adversity (ELA) predisposes individuals to develop several neuropsychiatric conditions, including anxiety disorders, and major depressive disorder. However, ELA is a very broad term, encompassing multiple types of negative childhood experiences, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse, physical and emotional neglect, as well as trauma associated with chronic illness, family separation, natural disasters, accidents, and witnessing a violent crime. Emerging literature suggests that in humans, different types of adverse experiences are more or less likely to produce susceptibilities to certain conditions that involve affective dysfunction. To investigate the driving mechanisms underlying the connection between experience and subsequent disease, neuroscientists have developed several rodent models of ELA, including pain exposure, maternal deprivation, and limited resources. These studies have also shown that different types of ELA paradigms produce different but somewhat overlapping behavioral phenotypes. In this review, we first investigate the types of ELA that may be driving different neuropsychiatric outcomes and brain changes in humans. We next evaluate whether rodent models of ELA can provide translationally relevant information regarding links between specific types of experience and changes in neural circuits underlying dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Gould
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
A Review of Family Environment and Neurobehavioral Outcomes Following Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: Implications of Early Adverse Experiences, Family Stress, and Limbic Development. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:488-497. [PMID: 34772505 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a public health crisis, with neurobehavioral morbidity observed years after an injury associated with changes in related brain structures. A substantial literature base has established family environment as a significant predictor of neurobehavioral outcomes following pediatric TBI. The neural mechanisms linking family environment to neurobehavioral outcomes have, however, received less empiric study in this population. In contrast, limbic structural differences as well as challenges with emotional adjustment and behavioral regulation in non-TBI populations have been linked to a multitude of family environmental factors, including family stress, parenting style, and adverse childhood experiences. In this article, we systematically review the more comprehensive literature on family environment and neurobehavioral outcomes in pediatric TBI and leverage the work in both TBI and non-TBI populations to expand our understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms. Thus, we summarize the extant literature on the family environment's role in neurobehavioral sequelae in children with TBI and explore potential neural correlates by synthesizing the wealth of literature on family environment and limbic development, specifically related to the amygdala. This review underscores the critical role of environmental factors, especially those predating the injury, in modeling recovery outcomes post-TBI in childhood, and discusses clinical and research implications across pediatric populations. Given the public health crisis of pediatric TBI, along with the context of sparse available medical interventions, a broader understanding of factors contributing to outcomes is warranted to expand the range of intervention targets.
Collapse
|
15
|
Examination of the association between exposure to childhood maltreatment and brain structure in young adults: a machine learning analysis. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1888-1894. [PMID: 33637836 PMCID: PMC8429761 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-00987-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to maltreatment during childhood is associated with structural changes throughout the brain. However, the structural differences that are most strongly associated with maltreatment remain unclear given the limited number of whole-brain studies. The present study used machine learning to identify if and how brain structure distinguished young adults with and without a history of maltreatment. Young adults (ages 18-21, n = 384) completed an assessment of childhood trauma exposure and a structural MRI as part of the IMAGEN study. Elastic net regularized regression was used to identify the structural features that identified those with a history of maltreatment. A generalizable model that included 7 cortical thicknesses, 15 surface areas, and 5 subcortical volumes was identified (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.71, p < 0.001). Those with a maltreatment history had reduced surface areas and cortical thicknesses primarily in fronto-temporal regions. This group also had larger cortical thicknesses in occipital regions and surface areas in frontal regions. The results suggest childhood maltreatment is associated with multiple measures of structure throughout the brain. The use of a large sample without exposure to adulthood trauma provides further evidence for the unique contribution of childhood trauma to brain structure. The identified regions overlapped with regions associated with psychopathology in adults with maltreatment histories, which offers insights as to how these disorders manifest.
Collapse
|
16
|
Asadi-Pooya AA, Farazdaghi M. Is severe head injury associated with functional (psychogenic) seizures? Seizure 2021; 89:38-40. [PMID: 33979742 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2021.04.018] [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: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the current study was to compare the frequency of significant head injuries in three groups of people with seizures [idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGE) vs. temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) vs. functional seizures (FS)]. METHODS This was a retrospective study. All patients with a diagnosis of IGE, TLE, or FS were recruited at the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, from 2008 until 2020. RESULTS One thousand and four hundred ninety-two patients were studied (559 patients with IGE, 646 people with TLE, and 287 persons with FS). Overall, 77 (5.2%) individuals of the studied people reported experiencing severe head injuries before the onset of their seizures [9 patients (1.6%) with IGE, 56 people (8.7%) with TLE, and 12 persons (4.2%) with FS; p = 0.0001]. Compared to people with IGE, the odds ratio of having a premorbid history of severe head injury in the FS group was 2.67 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.11-6.40; p = 0.0280]. Compared to people with TLE, the odds ratio of having a premorbid history of severe head injury in the FS group was 0.46 (95% CI: 0.24-0.87; p = 0.0170). CONCLUSION Severe head injury is significantly associated with FS. However, since head injury is also a significant risk factor for focal epilepsies, it may be necessary to ascertain the diagnosis of post-traumatic seizures by obtaing a detailed clinical history and also by performing video-EEG monitoring in order to adopt an appropriate treatment strategy in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali A Asadi-Pooya
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Mohsen Farazdaghi
- Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ascone L, Kling C, Wieczorek J, Koch C, Kühn S. A longitudinal, randomized experimental pilot study to investigate the effects of airborne ultrasound on human mental health, cognition, and brain structure. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5814. [PMID: 33712644 PMCID: PMC7955070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83527-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound-(US) emitting sources are highly present in modern human environments (e.g., movement sensors, electric transformers). US affecting humans or even posing a health hazard remains understudied. Hence, ultrasonic (22.4 kHz) vs. sham devices were installed in participants' bedrooms, and active for 28 nights. Somatic and psychiatric symptoms, sound-sensitivity, sleep quality, executive function, and structural MRI were assessed pre-post. Somatization (possible nocebo) and phasic alertness increased significantly in sham, accuracy in a flexibility task decreased significantly in the verum condition (indicating hastier responses). Effects were not sustained after p-level adjustment. Exploratory voxel-based morphometry (VBM) revealed regional grey matter (rGMV) but no regional white matter volume changes in verum (relative to placebo). rGMV increased in bilateral cerebellum VIIb/Crus II and anterior cingulate (BA24). There were rGMV decreases in two bilateral frontal clusters: in the middle frontal gyri/opercular part of inferior frontal gyrus (BA46, 44), and the superior frontal gyri (BA4 ,6, 8). No brain-behavior-links were identified. Given the overall pattern of results, it is suggested that ultrasound may particularly induce regional gray matter decline in frontal areas, however with yet unclear behavioral consequences. Given the localization of clusters, candidate behavioral variables for follow-up investigation are complex motor control/coordination, stress regulation, speech processing, and inhibition tasks.Trial registration: The trial was registered at NIH www.clinicaltrials.gov , trial identifier: NCT03459183, trial name: SonicBrain01, full trial protocol available here: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03459183 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Ascone
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Neuronal Plasticity Working Group, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - C Kling
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Braunschweig, Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - J Wieczorek
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Braunschweig, Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - C Koch
- Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Braunschweig, Bundesallee 100, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - S Kühn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Neuronal Plasticity Working Group, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
González-Acosta CA, Rojas-Cerón CA, Buriticá E. Functional Alterations and Cerebral Variations in Humans Exposed to Early Life Stress. Front Public Health 2021; 8:536188. [PMID: 33553081 PMCID: PMC7856302 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.536188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life stress can be caused by acute or chronic exposure to childhood events, such as emotional, physical, sexual abuse, and neglect. Early stress is associated with subsequent alterations in physical and mental health, which can extend into adolescence, adulthood, and even old age. The effects of early stress exposure include alterations in cognitive, neuropsychological, and behavioral functions, and can even lead to the development of psychiatric disorders and changes in brain anatomy. The present manuscript provides a review of the main findings on these effects reported in the scientific literature in recent decades. Early life stress is associated with the presence of psychiatric disorders, mainly mood disorders such as depression and risk of suicide, as well as with the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder. At the neuropsychological level, the involvement of different mental processes such as executive functions, abstract reasoning, certain memory modalities, and poor school-skill performance has been reported. In addition, we identified reports of alterations of different subdomains of each of these processes. Regarding neuroanatomical effects, the involvement of cortical regions, subcortical nuclei, and the subcortical white matter has been documented. Among the telencephalic regions most affected and studied are the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the anterior cingulate cortex. Understanding the impact of early life stress on postnatal brain development is very important for the orientation of therapeutic intervention programs and could help in the formulation and implementation of preventive measures as well as in the reorientation of research targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian A Rojas-Cerón
- Centro de Estudios Cerebrales, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.,Departamento de Pediatría, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia.,Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital Universitario del Valle Evaristo García, Cali, Colombia
| | - Efraín Buriticá
- Centro de Estudios Cerebrales, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Guo J, Fu M, Liu D, Zhang B, Wang X, van IJzendoorn MH. Is the psychological impact of exposure to COVID-19 stronger in adolescents with pre-pandemic maltreatment experiences? A survey of rural Chinese adolescents. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 110:104667. [PMID: 32859393 PMCID: PMC7440157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the COVID-19 outbreak at the end of 2019, it has evolved into a global pandemic with tremendous mental health impact besides the threats to people's physical health. OBJECTIVE The aims were to examine whether exposure to COVID-19 predicts elevated levels of anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms and whether pre-pandemic maltreatment experiences exacerbate this impact on mental health in adolescents. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The survey was conducted online from February 8 st to February 27th, 2020, and the questionnaires were distributed and retrieved through a web-based platform. This study includes a total of 6196 subjects, aged range from 11 to 18 years old. METHODS Several multivariable linear regressions were used to analyse the data. RESULTS The largest variance in PTSS and anxiety problems was explained by ACEs, with more pre-pandemic maltreatment experiences predicting more PTSS (effect size beta = 0.16∼0.27), and more anxiety (effect size beta = 0.32∼0.47). Experienced or subjective fear of exposure to COVID-19 predicted statistically significant variance in PTSS and anxiety, and standardized betas ranged from 0.04 to 0.09. Participants who had adverse childhood experiences and had experienced exposure to COVID-19 showed elevated PTSS. CONCLUSIONS After pre-pandemic maltreatment experiences the impact of exposure to COVID-19 on mental health may be stronger. Scars from the past seem to be vulnerabilities during societal upheaval. We therefore suggest that when exposed to COVID-19 rural adolescents should get prioritized professional family support and mental health counseling in particular when they have experienced family abuse and neglect in childhood, even though such support is more difficult to organize in rural areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Mingqi Fu
- Center for Social Security Studies, Wuhan University, 430070, Wuhan, China
| | - Danxia Liu
- School of Sociology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurology and ICCTR Biostatistics and Research Design Center, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, 100875, Beijing, China.
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; School of Psychology, Capital Normal University, 100048, Beijing, China; School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, CB2 0SR, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Luo Y, Lei D, Li L, Suo X, Hu X, Wen J, Wang X, Meng Y, Yu J, Sun X, Huang Y, Gong Q. WITHDRAWN: Changes of regional cortical thickness in children with post-traumatic stress disorder—A magnetic resonance imaging study. IBRO Rep 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
|
21
|
Rinne-Albers MA, Boateng CP, van der Werff SJ, Lamers-Winkelman F, Rombouts SA, Vermeiren RR, van der Wee NJ. Preserved cortical thickness, surface area and volume in adolescents with PTSD after childhood sexual abuse. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3266. [PMID: 32094427 PMCID: PMC7039962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60256-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to childhood adverse events is associated with severe consequences for general health and structural and functional changes in the brain of its survivors. In order to unravel and in the end influence the pathway linking adversity and pathology, neuroimaging research is crucial. Up till now studies in minors are scarce and differ in type of adversity or methodology. Almost all studies report lower cortical thickness, but in a broad variety of regions. In this study we investigated cortical thickness measures and clinical data in a well circumscribed group of adolescents with PTSD related to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) (N = 21) and a healthy non-traumatised control group (N = 21). The ventromedial PFC (vmPFC), ACC, insula, and middle/superior temporal gyrus were chosen as ROI’s due to their respective roles in emotion and information processing. No significant effect of group was found for cortical thickness, surface area or volume in any of the ROIs. This is in line with the results of research in adult women with sexual abuse related PTSD, suggesting that this may be specific to this group, independent of age. Recent research points to differential biological and pathological consequences of different types of childhood adversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam A Rinne-Albers
- Curium-LUMC, Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Oegstgeest, the Netherlands.
| | - Charlotte P Boateng
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Steven J van der Werff
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Serge A Rombouts
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands.,Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert R Vermeiren
- Curium-LUMC, Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Oegstgeest, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nic J van der Wee
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Berman Z, Assaf Y, Tarrasch R, Joel D. Macro- and microstructural gray matter alterations in sexually assaulted women. J Affect Disord 2020; 262:196-204. [PMID: 31662209 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies with trauma survivors documented structural alterations in brain regions involved in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) neurocircuitry. Nonetheless, whether such alterations exist in women who were sexually assaulted in adulthood is not clear. We investigated the macro- and microstructure of key regions implicated in PTSD pathophysiology, namely the amygdala, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and insula, in this population. METHODS Thirty-eight sexually assaulted women (PTSD, n = 25; non-PTSD, n = 13) and 24 non-exposed controls (NEC) were studied with T1- and diffusion-weighted MRI. Gray matter volume, mean diffusivity (MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated for each region. Between-group comparisons and correlations with PTSD symptom severity were performed. RESULTS Volumetric analyses revealed lower amygdala and insula volumes in the PTSD compared with the non-PTSD group. In contrast, altered microstructure was observed in both traumatized groups compared with NEC, including higher MD and lower FA in the right amygdala, and higher FA in the ACC bilaterally. Finally, the non-PTSD group had higher FA in the right insula compared with the PTSD group. PTSD symptom severity was correlated with amygdala and insula volumes, as well as with hippocampal FA and MD. LIMITATIONS Sample size may have led to reduced statistical power. CONCLUSIONS Sexual assault and the development of PTSD in women are linked with structural alterations in key regions implicated in PTSD following other trauma types (e.g., combat), though hippocampal and ACC volumes were preserved. Further studies are needed to disentangle the unique contribution of trauma type and of sex/gender to these observations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Berman
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yaniv Assaf
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ricardo Tarrasch
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Jaime and Joan Constantiner School of Education, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daphna Joel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kribakaran S, Danese A, Bromis K, Kempton MJ, Gee DG. Meta-analysis of Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies in Pediatric Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comparison With Related Conditions. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 5:23-34. [PMID: 31690501 PMCID: PMC6954289 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Findings on structural brain volume associated with pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been variable, and it is unclear whether any structural differences are specific to pediatric PTSD in comparison with adult PTSD or other co-occurring pediatric psychiatric conditions. METHODS We tested volumetric brain differences between pediatric groups with and without PTSD in a region-of-interest meta-analysis. We conducted meta-regressions to test the effects of age and sex on heterogeneous study findings. To assess specificity, we compared pediatric PTSD with the following: adult PTSD, pediatric trauma exposure without PTSD, pediatric depression, and pediatric anxiety. RESULTS In 15 studies examined, pediatric PTSD was associated with smaller total gray matter and cerebral, temporal lobe (total, right, and left), total cerebellar vermis, and hippocampal (total, right, and left) volumes, compared to peers without PTSD. In the pediatric PTSD group, but not the comparison group, we found a trend toward smaller total, right, and left amygdalar volumes. In an external comparison, smaller hippocampal volume was not significantly different between adult and pediatric PTSD groups. Qualitative comparisons with a pediatric trauma exposure without PTSD group, a pediatric depression group, and a pediatric anxiety group revealed differences that may be unique to pediatric PTSD, and others that may be convergent with these related clinical conditions in youth. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric PTSD is associated with structural differences that parallel those associated with adult PTSD. Furthermore, pediatric PTSD appears to be distinct from other related pediatric conditions at the structural level. Future studies employing longitudinal, dimensional, and multimodal neuroimaging approaches will further elucidate the nature of neurobiological differences in pediatric PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahana Kribakaran
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Andrea Danese
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Clinic for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression, South London and Maudsley National Health Services Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Konstantinos Bromis
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom; School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece
| | - Matthew J Kempton
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dylan G Gee
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Heyn SA, Herringa RJ. Longitudinal cortical markers of persistence and remission of pediatric PTSD. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 24:102028. [PMID: 31670153 PMCID: PMC6831901 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.102028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neural correlates of clinical outcomes in pediatric PTSD are poorly understood. Remission and persistence show unique patterns of cortical development over time. Nonremitters exhibit atypical decreases in prefrontal, parietal, and occipital CSA. PTSD remission was associated with cortical expansion in the prefrontal cortex.
Background Previous studies have identified structural brain abnormalities in pediatric PTSD. However, little is known about what structural brain substrates may confer recovery versus persistence of PTSD in the context of the developing brain. Methods This naturalistic longitudinal study used T1-weighted MRI to evaluate cortical thickness and surface area in youth with a PTSD diagnosis (n = 28) and typically developing healthy youth (TD; n = 27) at baseline and one-year follow-up. Of the PTSD group, 10 youth were remitters at one-year follow up while 18 had persistent PTSD. Whole-brain estimates of cortical thickness and surface area were extracted to identify differences in cortical architecture associated with PTSD remission and persistence as compared to typical development. Results Youth who achieved PTSD remission entered the study with significantly lower trauma exposure and reduced symptom severity as compared to nonremitters. PTSD persistence was associated with decreased surface area over time in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) as compared to both remitters and TD youth. In contrast, PTSD remission was associated with expansion of frontal pole surface area and ventromedial PFC (vmPFC) thickness over time. Across clinical groups, vmPFC thickness was further inversely associated with symptom severity. Conclusions To our knowledge, these findings represent the first report of cortical substrates underlying persistence versus remission in pediatric PTSD. Together, these findings suggest active structural developmental processes unique to both remission and nonremission in youth with PTSD. In particular, expansion of prefrontal regions implicated in emotion regulation may facilitate recovery from PTSD in youth and would warrant further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Heyn
- Neuroscience & Public Policy Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Psychiatry, BRAVE Youth Lab, 6001 Research Park Blvd., Madison, WI 53719, USA.
| | - Ryan J Herringa
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Psychiatry, BRAVE Youth Lab, 6001 Research Park Blvd., Madison, WI 53719, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li W, Guo B, Tao K, Li F, Liu Z, Yao H, Feng D, Liu X. Inhibition of SIRT1 in hippocampal CA1 ameliorates PTSD-like behaviors in mice by protections of neuronal plasticity and serotonin homeostasis via NHLH2/MAO-A pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 518:344-350. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
26
|
Marusak HA, Harper FW, Taub JW, Rabinak CA. Pediatric cancer, posttraumatic stress and fear-related neural circuitry. Int J Hematol Oncol 2019; 8:IJH17. [PMID: 31467663 PMCID: PMC6714068 DOI: 10.2217/ijh-2019-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review examines the neurobiological effects of pediatric cancer-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). We first consider studies on prevalence and predictors of childhood cancer-related PTSS and compare these studies to those in typically developing (i.e., noncancer) populations. Then, we briefly introduce the brain regions implicated in PTSS and review neuroimaging studies examining the neural correlates of PTSS in noncancer populations. Next, we present a framework and recommendations for future research. In particular, concurrent evaluation of PTSS and neuroimaging, as well as sociodemographic, medical, family factors, and other life events, are needed to uncover mechanisms leading to cancer-related PTSS. We review findings from neuroimaging studies on childhood cancer and one recent study on cancer-related PTSS as a starting point in this line of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilary A Marusak
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.,Population Studies & Disparities Research Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Felicity W Harper
- Population Studies & Disparities Research Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.,Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Taub
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.,Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Christine A Rabinak
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Garrett A, Cohen JA, Zack S, Carrion V, Jo B, Blader J, Rodriguez A, Vanasse TJ, Reiss AL, Agras WS. Longitudinal changes in brain function associated with symptom improvement in youth with PTSD. J Psychiatr Res 2019; 114:161-169. [PMID: 31082658 PMCID: PMC6633919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies indicate that youth with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have abnormal activation in brain regions important for emotion processing. It is unknown whether symptom improvement is accompanied by normative changes in these regions. This study identified neural changes associated with symptom improvement with the long-term goal of identifying malleable targets for interventions. METHODS A total of 80 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans were collected, including 20 adolescents with PTSD (ages 9-17) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects, each scanned before and after a 5-month period. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy was provided to the PTSD group to ensure improvement in symptoms. Whole brain voxel-wise activation and region of interest analyses of facial expression task data were conducted to identify abnormalities in the PTSD group versus HC at baseline (BL), and neural changes correlated with symptom improvement from BL to EOS of study (EOS). RESULTS At BL, the PTSD group had abnormally elevated activation in the cingulate cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and medial frontal cortex compared to HC. From BL to EOS, PTSD symptoms improved an average of 39%. Longitudinal improvement in symptoms of PTSD was associated with decreasing activation in posterior cingulate, mid-cingulate, and hippocampus, while improvement in dissociative symptoms was correlated with decreasing activation in the amygdala. CONCLUSIONS Abnormalities in emotion-processing brain networks in youth with PTSD normalize when symptoms improve, demonstrating neural plasticity of these regions in young patients and the importance of early intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Garrett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA; Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, USA.
| | - Judith A. Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry Drexel University College of Medicine, Allegheny Health Network
| | - Sanno Zack
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Victor Carrion
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - Joseph Blader
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - Alexis Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - Thomas J. Vanasse
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
| | - Allan L. Reiss
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| | - W. Stewart Agras
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Roy HA, Green AL. The Central Autonomic Network and Regulation of Bladder Function. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:535. [PMID: 31263396 PMCID: PMC6585191 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is involved in the regulation of physiologic and homeostatic parameters relating particularly to the visceral organs and the co-ordination of physiological responses to threat. Blood pressure and heart rate, respiration, pupillomotor reactivity, sexual function, gastrointestinal secretions and motility, and urine storage and micturition are all under a degree of ANS control. Furthermore, there is close integration between the ANS and other neural functions such as emotion and cognition, and thus brain regions that are known to be important for autonomic control are also implicated in emotional functions. In this review we explore the role of the central ANS in the control of the bladder, and the implications of this for bladder dysfunction in diseases of the ANS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Ann Roy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander L Green
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sonne JWH, Gash DM. Psychopathy to Altruism: Neurobiology of the Selfish-Selfless Spectrum. Front Psychol 2018; 9:575. [PMID: 29725317 PMCID: PMC5917043 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The age-old philosophical, biological, and social debate over the basic nature of humans as being “universally selfish” or “universally good” continues today highlighting sharply divergent views of natural social order. Here we analyze advances in biology, genetics and neuroscience increasing our understanding of the evolution, features and neurocircuitry of the human brain underlying behavior in the selfish–selfless spectrum. First, we examine evolutionary pressures for selection of altruistic traits in species with protracted periods of dependence on parents and communities for subsistence and acquisition of learned behaviors. Evidence supporting the concept that altruistic potential is a common feature in human populations is developed. To go into greater depth in assessing critical features of the social brain, the two extremes of selfish–selfless behavior, callous unemotional psychopaths and zealous altruists who take extreme measures to help others, are compared on behavioral traits, structural/functional neural features, and the relative contributions of genetic inheritance versus acquired cognitive learning to their mindsets. Evidence from population groups ranging from newborns, adopted children, incarcerated juveniles, twins and mindfulness meditators point to the important role of neuroplasticity and the dopaminergic reward systems in forming and reforming neural circuitry in response to personal experience and cultural influences in determining behavior in the selfish–selfless spectrum. The underlying neural circuitry differs between psychopaths and altruists with emotional processing being profoundly muted in psychopaths and significantly enhanced in altruists. But both groups are characterized by the reward system of the brain shaping behavior. Instead of rigid assignment of human nature as being “universally selfish” or “universally good,” both characterizations are partial truths based on the segments of the selfish–selfless spectrum being examined. In addition, individuals and populations can shift in the behavioral spectrum in response to cognitive therapy and social and cultural experience, and approaches such as mindfulness training for introspection and reward-activating compassion are entering the mainstream of clinical care for managing pain, depression, and stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James W H Sonne
- Department of Health Professions, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Don M Gash
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bachi K, Parvaz MA, Moeller SJ, Gan G, Zilverstand A, Goldstein RZ, Alia-Klein N. Reduced Orbitofrontal Gray Matter Concentration as a Marker of Premorbid Childhood Trauma in Cocaine Use Disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:51. [PMID: 29497369 PMCID: PMC5818418 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Childhood trauma affects neurodevelopment and promotes vulnerability to impaired constraint, depression, and addiction. Reduced gray matter concentration (GMC) in the mesocorticolimbic regions implicated in reward processing and cognitive control may be an underlying substrate, as documented separately in addiction and for childhood trauma. The purpose of this study was to understand the contribution of childhood maltreatment to GMC effects in individuals with cocaine use disorder. Methods: Individuals with cocaine use disorder were partitioned into groups of low vs. high childhood trauma based on median split of the total score of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ; CUD-L, N = 23; CUD-H, N = 24) and compared with age, race, and gender matched healthy controls with low trauma (N = 29). GMC was obtained using voxel-based morphometry applied to T1-weighted MRI scans. Drug use, depression and constraint were assessed with standardized instruments. Results: Whole-brain group comparisons showed reduced GMC in the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in CUD-H as compared with controls (cluster-level pFWE-corr < 0.001) and CUD-L (cluster-level pFWE-corr = 0.035); there were no significant differences between CUD-L and controls. A hierarchical regression analysis across both CUD groups revealed that childhood trauma, but not demographics and drug use, and beyond constraint and depression, accounted for 37.7% of the variance in the GMC in the right lateral OFC (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Beyond other contributing factors, childhood trauma predicted GMC reductions in the OFC in individuals with cocaine use disorder. These findings underscore a link between premorbid environmental stress and morphological integrity of a brain region central for behaviors underlying drug addiction. These results further highlight the importance of accounting for childhood trauma, potentially as a factor predisposing to addiction, when examining and interpreting neural alterations in cocaine addicted individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keren Bachi
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Muhammad A Parvaz
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Scott J Moeller
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Gabriela Gan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anna Zilverstand
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nelly Alia-Klein
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Weng Y, Qi R, Chen F, Ke J, Xu Q, Zhong Y, Chen L, Li J, Zhang Z, Zhang L, Lu G. The Temporal Propagation of Intrinsic Brain Activity Associate With the Occurrence of PTSD. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:218. [PMID: 29887811 PMCID: PMC5980985 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The abnormal brain activity is a pivotal condition for the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder. However, the dynamic time features of intrinsic brain activities still remain unclearly in PTSD patients. Our study aims to perform the resting-state lag analysis (RS-LA) method to explore potential propagated patterns of intrinsic brain activities in PTSD patients. We recruited 27 drug-naive patients with PTSD, 33 trauma-exposed controls (TEC), and 30 demographically matched healthy controls (HC) in the final data statistics. Both RS-LA and conventional voxel-wise functional connectivity strength (FCS) methods were employed on the same dataset. Then, Spearman correlation analysis was conducted on time latency values of those abnormal brain regions with the clinical assessments. Compared with HC group, the time latency patterns of PTSD patients significantly shifted toward later in posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, middle prefrontal cortex, right angular, and left pre- and post-central cortex. The TEC group tended to have similar time latency in right angular. Additionally, significant time latency in right STG was found in PTSD group relative to TEC group. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the time latency value of mPFC negatively correlated to the PTSD checklist-civilian version scores (PCL_C) in PTSD group (r = -0.578, P < 0.05). Furthermore, group differences map of FCS exhibited parts of overlapping areas with that of RS-LA, however, less specificity in detecting PTSD patients. In conclusion, apparent alterations of time latency were observed in DMN and primary sensorimotor areas of PTSD patients. These findings provide us with new evidence to explain the neural pathophysiology contributing to PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Weng
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongfeng Qi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Radiology, People's Hospital of Hainan Province, Haikou, China
| | - Jun Ke
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Zhong
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lida Chen
- Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Department of Radiology, People's Hospital of Hainan Province, Haikou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, National Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangming Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|