1
|
Kumpulainen V, Copeland A, Pulli EP, Silver E, Kataja EL, Saukko E, Merisaari H, Lewis JD, Karlsson L, Karlsson H, Tuulari JJ. Prenatal and Postnatal Maternal Depressive Symptoms Are Associated With White Matter Integrity in 5-Year-Olds in a Sex-Specific Manner. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:924-935. [PMID: 37220833 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.05.014] [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] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal and postnatal maternal psychological distress predicts various detrimental consequences on social, behavioral, and cognitive development of offspring, especially in girls. Maturation of white matter (WM) continues from prenatal development into adulthood and is thus susceptible to exposures both before and after birth. METHODS WM microstructural features of 130 children (mean age, 5.36 years; range, 5.04-5.79 years; 63 girls) and their association with maternal prenatal and postnatal depressive and anxiety symptoms were investigated with diffusion tensor imaging, tract-based spatial statistics, and regression analyses. Maternal questionnaires were collected during first, second, and third trimesters and at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for depressive symptoms and Symptom Checklist-90 for general anxiety. Covariates included child's sex; child's age; maternal prepregnancy body mass index; maternal age; socioeconomic status; and exposures to smoking, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and synthetic glucocorticoids during pregnancy. RESULTS Prenatal second-trimester EPDS scores were positively associated with fractional anisotropy in boys (p < .05, 5000 permutations) after controlling for EPDS scores 3 months postpartum. In contrast, postpartum EPDS scores at 3 months correlated negatively with fractional anisotropy (p < .01, 5000 permutations) in widespread areas only in girls after controlling for prenatal second-trimester EPDS scores. Perinatal anxiety was not associated with WM structure. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that prenatal and postnatal maternal psychological distress is associated with brain WM tract developmental alterations in a sex- and timing-dependent manner. Future studies including behavioral data are required to consolidate associative outcomes for these alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venla Kumpulainen
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Anni Copeland
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Elmo P Pulli
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eero Silver
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eeva-Leena Kataja
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ekaterina Saukko
- Department of Radiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Merisaari
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Radiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - John D Lewis
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Medicine, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jetro J Tuulari
- FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Turku Collegium for Science, Medicine and Technology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
O' Brien S, Sethi A, Blair J, Viding E, Beyh A, Mehta MA, Dallyn R, Ecker C, Petrinovic MM, Doolan M, Blackwood N, Catani M, Murphy DGM, Scott S, Craig MC. Rapid white matter changes in children with conduct problems during a parenting intervention. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:339. [PMID: 37925439 PMCID: PMC10625622 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02635-8] [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: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies report that the microstructural integrity of the uncinate fasciculus (UF; connecting the anterior temporal lobe to the orbitofrontal cortex) is abnormal in adults with psychopathy and children with conduct problems (CP), especially those with high callous-unemotional (CU) traits. However, it is unknown if these abnormalities are 'fixed' or 'reversible'. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that a reduction in CP symptoms, following a parenting intervention, would be associated with altered microstructural integrity in the UF. Using diffusion tensor imaging tractography we studied microstructural differences (mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD)) in the UF of 43 typically developing (TD) and 67 boys with CP before and after a 14-week parenting intervention. We also assessed whether clinical response in CP symptoms or CU traits explained changes in microstructure following the intervention. Prior to intervention, measures of MD and RD in the UF were increased in CP compared to TD boys. Following intervention, we found that the CP group had a significant reduction in RD and MD. Further, these microstructural changes were driven by the group of children whose CU traits improved (but not CP symptoms as hypothesized). No significant microstructural changes were observed in the TD group. Our findings suggest, for the first time, that microstructural abnormalities in the brains of children with CP may be reversible following parenting intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne O' Brien
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK. suzanne.o'
| | - Arjun Sethi
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James Blair
- Research Unit at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Essi Viding
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ahmad Beyh
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mitul A Mehta
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Dallyn
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Christine Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marija M Petrinovic
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Moira Doolan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nigel Blackwood
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Declan G M Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Scott
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michael C Craig
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- National Female Hormone Clinic, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lu F, Guo Y, Luo W, Yu Y, Zhao Y, Chen J, Cai X, Shen C, Wang X, He J, Yang G, Gao Q, He Z, Zhou J. Disrupted functional networks within white-matter served as neural features in adolescent patients with conduct disorder. Behav Brain Res 2023; 447:114422. [PMID: 37030546 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conduct disorder (CD) has been conceptualized as a psychiatric disorder associated with white-matter (WM) structural abnormalities. Although diffusion tensor imaging could identify WM structural architecture changes, it cannot characterize functional connectivity (FC) within WM. Few studies have focused on disentangling the WM dysfunctions in CD patients by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). METHODS The resting-state fMRI data were first obtained from both adolescent CD and typically developing (TD) controls. A voxel-based clustering analysis was utilized to identify the large-scale WM FC networks. Then, we examined the disrupted WM network features in CD, and further investigated whether these features could predict the impulsive symptoms in CD using support vector regression prediction model. RESULTS We identified 11 WM functional networks. Compared with TDs, CD patients showed increased FCs between occipital network (ON) and superior temporal network (STN), between orbitofrontal network (OFN) and corona radiate network (CRN), as well as between deep network and CRN. Further, the disrupted FCs between ON and STN and between OFN and CRN were significantly negatively associated with non-planning impulsivity scores in CD. Moreover, the disrupted WM networks could be served as features to predict the motor impulsivity scores in CD. CONCLUSIONS Our results provided further support on the existence of WM functional networks and could extended our knowledge about the WM functional abnormalities related with emotional and perception processing in CD patients from the view of WM dysfunction.
Collapse
|
4
|
Lou J, Sun Y, Cui Z, Gong L. Structural brain alterations in young adult males with narcissistic personality disorder: a diffusion tensor imaging study. Int J Neurosci 2023; 133:133-140. [PMID: 33635732 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2021.1896504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSES 1. To find a difference in white matter (WM) between young adult males with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and healthy controls (HCs). 2. To find some correlations between white matter in the abnormal regions of NPD group and the pathological narcissism inventory (PNI). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighteen male participants with NPD (age M = 18.39, SD = 0.164; education M = 12.33, SD = 0.14) were included in our experiment. NPD participants met the DSM-IV criteria for NPD and without other personality disorders evaluated by trained clinical psychiatrists using the Structured Clinical Interview of DSM-IV for Personality Disorders (SCID-II). Moreover, healthy controls were also confirmed to be free of any axis I or II disorders and matched with education level, age and handedness (age M = 18.83 years, SD = 0.246; education M = 12.56, SD = 0.202; all participants were right handed). Those who have had major life events in the last six months, mental and physical illnesses, claustrophobia and oral implants have been excluded. We used tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) on diffusion tensor images (DTI) and analysis of Pearson correlation between abnormal brain regions of white matter fibers and the pathological narcissism inventory. RESULTS There was no significant difference in age and education level between NPD and HCs (p > 0.05). There were significant differences in PNI score and its subscales between NPD group and HCs (p < 0.01). Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were found decreased mainly in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus and the bilateral posterior thalamic radiation (include optic radiation). Lower axial diffusivity (AD) values were identified mostly in the left retrolenticular part of internal capsule and the left posterior thalamic radiation (include optic radiation). There existed a significant correlation between DTI data and pathological narcissism inventory. CONCLUSIONS The decreased brain white matter microstructures among three clusters were found in the association, projection/thalamic and connection pathways of white matter in young adult males with NPD. The abnormal white matter brain regions may be one of the neuropathological basis of the pathogenesis of young males with NPD, and it may be related to white matter development in early adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lou
- Neuropsychological Department, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yueji Sun
- Neuropsychological Department, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhixia Cui
- Neuropsychological Department, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lei Gong
- Neuropsychological Department, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Maurer JM, Paul S, Edwards BG, Anderson NE, Nyalakanti PK, Harenski CL, Decety J, Kiehl KA. Reduced structural integrity of the uncinate fasciculus in incarcerated women scoring high on psychopathy. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:2141-2149. [PMID: 35882762 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-022-00684-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Both men and women scoring high on psychopathy exhibit similar structural and functional neural abnormalities, including reduced volume of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and reduced hemodynamic activity in the amygdala during affective processing experimental paradigms. The uncinate fasciculus (UF) is a white matter (WM) tract that connects the amygdala to the OFC. Reduced structural integrity of the UF, measured via fractional anisotropy (FA), is commonly associated with men scoring high on psychopathy. However, only one study to date has investigated the relationship between psychopathic traits and UF structural integrity in women, recruiting participants from a community sample. Here, we investigated whether Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) facet scores (measuring interpersonal, affective, lifestyle/behavioral, and antisocial psychopathic traits, respectively) were associated with reduced FA in the left and right UF in a sample of 254 incarcerated women characterized by a wide range of psychopathy scores. We observed that PCL-R Facet 3 scores, assessing lifestyle/behavioral psychopathic traits, were associated with reduced FA in the left and right UF, even when controlling for participant's age and history of previous substance use. The results obtained in the current study help improve our understanding of structural abnormalities associated with women scoring high on psychopathy. Specifically, reduced UF structural integrity may contribute to some of the deficits commonly associated with women scoring high on psychopathy, including emotion dysregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Maurer
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA.
| | - Subhadip Paul
- School of Biological Sciences, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Narendrapur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.,JIVAN- Centre for Research in Biological Sciences, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Narendrapur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.,Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), P.O.: Belur Math, Howrah, West Bengal, India
| | - Bethany G Edwards
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | | | - Carla L Harenski
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Jean Decety
- Department of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kent A Kiehl
- The Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA. .,Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Teeuw J, Klein M, Mota NR, Brouwer RM, van ‘t Ent D, Al-Hassaan Z, Franke B, Boomsma DI, Hulshoff Pol HE. Multivariate Genetic Structure of Externalizing Behavior and Structural Brain Development in a Longitudinal Adolescent Twin Sample. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063176. [PMID: 35328598 PMCID: PMC8949114 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063176] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Externalizing behavior in its more extreme form is often considered a problem to the individual, their families, teachers, and society as a whole. Several brain structures have been linked to externalizing behavior and such associations may arise if the (co)development of externalizing behavior and brain structures share the same genetic and/or environmental factor(s). We assessed externalizing behavior with the Child Behavior Checklist and Youth Self Report, and the brain volumes and white matter integrity (fractional anisotropy [FA] and mean diffusivity [MD]) with magnetic resonance imaging in the BrainSCALE cohort, which consisted of twins and their older siblings from 112 families measured longitudinally at ages 10, 13, and 18 years for the twins. Genetic covariance modeling based on the classical twin design, extended to also include siblings of twins, showed that genes influence externalizing behavior and changes therein (h2 up to 88%). More pronounced externalizing behavior was associated with higher FA (observed correlation rph up to +0.20) and lower MD (rph up to −0.20), with sizeable genetic correlations (FA ra up to +0.42; MD ra up to −0.33). The cortical gray matter (CGM; rph up to −0.20) and cerebral white matter (CWM; rph up to +0.20) volume were phenotypically but not genetically associated with externalizing behavior. These results suggest a potential mediating role for global brain structures in the display of externalizing behavior during adolescence that are both partially explained by the influence of the same genetic factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jalmar Teeuw
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.M.B.); (Z.A.-H.); (H.E.H.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-(088)-75-53-387
| | - Marieke Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.R.M.); (B.F.)
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Roth Mota
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.R.M.); (B.F.)
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel M. Brouwer
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.M.B.); (Z.A.-H.); (H.E.H.P.)
- Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis van ‘t Ent
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.v.‘t.E.); (D.I.B.)
| | - Zyneb Al-Hassaan
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.M.B.); (Z.A.-H.); (H.E.H.P.)
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (N.R.M.); (B.F.)
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorret I. Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.v.‘t.E.); (D.I.B.)
- Amsterdam Public Health (APH) Research Institute, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hilleke E. Hulshoff Pol
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.M.B.); (Z.A.-H.); (H.E.H.P.)
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Graziano PA, Garic D, Dick AS. Individual differences in white matter of the uncinate fasciculus and inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus: possible early biomarkers for callous-unemotional behaviors in young children with disruptive behavior problems. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:19-33. [PMID: 34038983 PMCID: PMC9104515 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors are important for identifying severe patterns of conduct problems (CP). One major fiber tract implicated in the development of CP is the uncinate fasciculus (UF), which connects amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). The goals of the current study were to (a) explore differences in the white matter microstructure in the UF and other major fiber tracks between young typically developing (TD) children and those with a disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) and (b) explore, within the DBD group, whether individual differences in these white matter tracts relate to co-occurring CP and CU behaviors. METHODS Participants included 198 young children (69% boys, Mage = 5.66 years; 80% Latinx; 48.5% TD). CU behaviors and CP were measured via a combination of teacher/parent ratings. Non-invasive diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was used to measure fractional anisotropy (FA), an indirect indicator of white matter properties. RESULTS Relative to TD children, children in the DBD group had reduced FA on four out of the five fiber tracks we examined (except for cingulum and right ILF), even after accounting for whole brain FA, sex, movement, parental income, and IQ. Within the DBD group, no associations were found between CP and reduced white matter integrity across any of the fiber tracks examined. However, we found that even after accounting for CP, ADHD symptomology, and a host of covariates (whole brain FA, sex, movement, parental income, and IQ), CU behaviors were independently related to reduced FA in bilateral UF and left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) in the DBD group, but this was not the case for TD children. CONCLUSIONS Alterations in the white matter microstructure within bilateral UF and left IFOF may be biomarkers of CU behaviors, even in very young children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo A. Graziano
- Department of Psychology Center for Children and Families Florida International University Miami FL USA
| | - Dea Garic
- Department of Psychology Center for Children and Families Florida International University Miami FL USA
| | - Anthony Steven Dick
- Department of Psychology Center for Children and Families Florida International University Miami FL USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Squillaci M, Benoit V. Role of Callous and Unemotional (CU) Traits on the Development of Youth with Behavioral Disorders: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094712. [PMID: 33925165 PMCID: PMC8125599 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that youth with behavioral disorders (BD) present an increased risk for developing severe and persistent antisocial behaviors in adulthood. Retrospective research notes that not all children and adolescents follow a negative trajectory and explains this heterogeneity in particular by the severity of CU traits. Our study examines how these traits affect the functioning of children and adolescents with BD. Method: A systematic literature review conducted through various databases and using different keywords made it possible to analyze 52 studies published from 2015 to 2020 that measured the bidirectional effects of CU traits on the functioning of young. Results: Out of the 52 studies, 47 analyzed links between CU traits and neurobiological or mental health, 20 examined family and school contexts, eight focused on social adjustment, 10 on social interactions and 19 measured links with cognitive functioning, especially executive functions. Conclusion: Consistent with previous recommendations in the field, our findings emphasize the importance of assessing the presence of UC traits in early childhood to prevent the emergence of comorbid disorders and to target multimodal (early) interventions to influence the life trajectories of youth with high CU traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Squillaci
- Department of Special Education, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Valérie Benoit
- Department of Special Education, University of Teacher Education of State of Vaud, 1014 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Childhood conduct problems are associated with reduced white matter fibre density and morphology. J Affect Disord 2021; 281:638-645. [PMID: 33239244 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.11.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Childhood conduct problems are an important public health issue as these children are at-risk of adverse outcomes. Studies using diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (dMRI) have found that conduct problems in adults are characterised by abnormal white-matter microstructure within a range of white matter pathways underpinning socio-emotional processing, while evidence within children and adolescents has been less conclusive based on non-specific diffusion tensor imaging metrics. Fixel-based analysis (FBA) provides measures of fibre density and morphology that are more sensitive to developmental changes in white matter microstructure. The current study used FBA to investigate whether childhood conduct problems were related both cross-sectionally and longitudinally to microstructural alterations within the fornix, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), and the uncinate fasciculus (UF). dMRI data was obtained for 130 children across two time-points in a community sample with high levels of externalising difficulties (age: time-point 1 = 9.47 - 11.86 years, time-point 2 = 10.67 -13.45 years). Conduct problems were indexed at each time-point using the Conduct Problems subscale of the parent-informant Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Conduct problems were related to lower fibre density in the fornix at both time-points, and in the ILF at time-point 2. We also observed lower fibre cross-section in the UF at time-point 1. The change in conduct problems did not predict longitudinal changes in white-matter microstructure across time-points. The current study suggests that childhood conduct problems are related to reduced fibre-specific microstructure within white matter fibre pathways implicated in socio-emotional functioning.
Collapse
|
10
|
Mapping neural activity patterns to contextualized fearful facial expressions onto callous-unemotional (CU) traits: intersubject representational similarity analysis reveals less variation among high-CU adolescents. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 3:e12. [PMID: 33283146 PMCID: PMC7681174 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2020.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are early-emerging personality features characterized by deficits in empathy, concern for others, and remorse following social transgressions. One of the interpersonal deficits most consistently associated with CU traits is impaired behavioral and neurophysiological responsiveness to fearful facial expressions. However, the facial expression paradigms traditionally employed in neuroimaging are often ambiguous with respect to the nature of threat (i.e., is the perceiver the threat, or is something else in the environment?). In the present study, 30 adolescents with varying CU traits viewed fearful facial expressions cued to three different contexts ("afraid for you," "afraid of you," "afraid for self") while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Univariate analyses found that mean right amygdala activity during the "afraid for self" context was negatively associated with CU traits. With the goal of disentangling idiosyncratic stimulus-driven neural responses, we employed intersubject representational similarity analysis to link intersubject similarities in multivoxel neural response patterns to contextualized fearful expressions with differential intersubject models of CU traits. Among low-CU adolescents, neural response patterns while viewing fearful faces were most consistently similar early in the visual processing stream and among regions implicated in affective responding, but were more idiosyncratic as emotional face information moved up the cortical processing hierarchy. By contrast, high-CU adolescents' neural response patterns consistently aligned along the entire cortical hierarchy (but diverged among low-CU youths). Observed patterns varied across contexts, suggesting that interpretations of fearful expressions depend to an extent on neural response patterns and are further shaped by levels of CU traits.
Collapse
|
11
|
Maurer JM, Paul S, Anderson NE, Nyalakanti PK, Kiehl KA. Youth with elevated psychopathic traits exhibit structural integrity deficits in the uncinate fasciculus. Neuroimage Clin 2020; 26:102236. [PMID: 32182577 PMCID: PMC7076567 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102236] [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: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Youth with elevated psychopathic traits represent a particularly severe subgroup of adolescents characterized by extreme behavioral problems and exhibit comparable neurocognitive deficits as adult offenders with psychopathic traits. A consistent finding among adults with elevated psychopathic traits is reduced white matter structural integrity of the right uncinate fasciculus (UF). The UF is a major white matter tract that connects regions of the anterior temporal lobe (i.e., the amygdala) to higher-order executive control regions, including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. However, the relationship between youth psychopathic traits and structural integrity of the UF has been mixed, with some studies identifying a negative relationship between adolescent psychopathy scores and FA in the UF, and others identifying a positive relationship. Here, we investigated structural integrity of the left and right UF using fractional anisotropy (FA) in a large sample of n = 254 male adolescent offenders recruited from maximum-security juvenile correctional facilities. Psychopathic traits were assessed using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV). Consistent with hypotheses, interpersonal and affective traits (i.e., PCL:YV Factor 1 and Facet 1 scores) were associated with reduced FA in the right UF. Additionally, lifestyle traits (i.e., PCL:YV Facet 3 scores) were associated with increased FA in the left UF. Results are consistent with previously published studies reporting reduced FA in the right UF in adult psychopathic offenders and increased left UF FA in youth meeting criteria for certain externalizing disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Maurer
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA; The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Subhadip Paul
- The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Nathaniel E Anderson
- The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Prashanth K Nyalakanti
- The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Kent A Kiehl
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA; The Mind Research Network (MRN) & Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute (LBERI), Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Grazioplene R, Tseng WL, Cimino K, Kalvin C, Ibrahim K, Pelphrey KA, Sukhodolsky DG. Fixel-Based Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reveals Novel Associations Between White Matter Microstructure and Childhood Aggressive Behavior. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 5:490-498. [PMID: 32144044 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2019.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood aggression has been linked to white matter abnormalities, but research has been inconsistent with regard to both regions of alterations and directionality of the associations. We examined white matter microstructure correlates of aggression using a novel diffusion imaging analysis technique, fixel-based analysis, which leverages connectivity and crossing-fiber information to assess fiber bundle density. METHODS The sample included 70 children with aggressive behavior and 25 healthy control children without aggressive behavior. Aggression was measured by the parent-rated Aggressive Behavior scale of the Child Behavior Checklist. Fixel-based analysis was conducted at the whole-brain and region-of-interest levels, including the uncinate fasciculus, inferior longitudinal fasciculus, fornix, cingulum bundle, and genu, body, isthmus, and splenium of the corpus callosum. RESULTS Whole-brain analysis of covariance revealed that children with aggressive behavior, relative to control children, had lower fiber density in a cluster of limbic and cortical pathways, including the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, fornix, middle cerebellar peduncle, and superior thalamic radiations (familywise error-corrected p < .01), and had higher fiber density in the corpus callosum (body and splenium) (familywise error-corrected p < .05). Region-of-interest analyses showed decreased fiber density in cingulum bundles associated with aggression. These effects were independent of age, sex, IQ, symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, medications, and head motion. In children with aggressive behavior, co-occurring callous-unemotional traits and anxiety did not moderate the association between aggression and white matter density. CONCLUSIONS Diminished white matter density in pathways connecting limbic and cortical regions is associated with childhood aggression. Abnormal interhemispheric connectivity via corpus callosum may also reflect a potential neural mechanism involved in aggression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wan-Ling Tseng
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kimberly Cimino
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Carla Kalvin
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Karim Ibrahim
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kevin A Pelphrey
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Denis G Sukhodolsky
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review recent neuro-imaging findings with respect to conduct disorder and callous-unemotional traits in childhood and comparable psychopathy in adult-hood that deepen the literature in important ways. RECENT FINDINGS Recent structural findings particularly bring clarity to the literature. First, they reinforce previous work indicating that severity of psychopathy is positively associated with extent of cavum septum pellucidum. This suggests psychopathy is associated with early neurodevelopmental disruption within limbic structures. Second, they clarify the direction of the association between conduct disorder and particularly callous-unemotional traits and white matter tract abnormalities even if it remains less transparent exactly which tracts are disrupted. However, conclusions based on recent functional imaging studies are more equivocal with inconsistencies in direction of emotional (albeit with notably more work confirming the previous reports of hypo-responsiveness in limbic regions) and reward responsiveness. SUMMARY The recent data are, for the most part, consistent with a view that callous-unemotional traits/psychopathy represents an early appearing neuro-developmental disorder particularly associated with compromised emotional (limbic) functioning. However, some patients presenting with severe antisocial behavior may also show hyper-threat sensitivity, perhaps reflecting trauma exposure, and require different clinical interventions.
Collapse
|
14
|
Puzzo I, Seunarine K, Sully K, Darekar A, Clark C, Sonuga-Barke EJS, Fairchild G. Altered White-Matter Microstructure in Conduct Disorder Is Specifically Associated with Elevated Callous-Unemotional Traits. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 46:1451-1466. [PMID: 29273881 PMCID: PMC6132987 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-017-0375-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents with conduct disorder (CD) and elevated callous-unemotional (CU) traits have been reported to present with a more severe and persistent pattern of antisocial behaviour than those with low levels of CU traits. However, relatively few studies have investigated whether there are differences in brain structure between these subgroups.We acquired diffusion tensor imaging data and used tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) to compare adolescents with CD and high levels of CU traits (CD/CU+; n = 18, CD and low levels of CU traits (CD/CU-; n = 17) and healthy controls (HC; n = 32) on measures of fractional anisotropy (FA), axial (AD), radial (RD) and mean (MD) diffusivity. Compared to CD/CU- adolescents, those with CD/CU+ presented increased FA and reduced RD and MD (lower diffusivity) in several tracts including: body and splenium of the corpus callosum, right inferior longitudinal fasciculus, ILF; right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, IFOF; left superior longitudinal fasciculus, SLF; left cerebral peduncle, bilateral internal capsule, left superior and posterior corona radiata, bilateral thalamic radiation and left external capsule. In addition, relative to CD/CU- individuals, adolescents with CD/CU+ showed lower diffusivity (indexed by reduced RD and MD) in left uncinate fasciculus and bilateral fornix. Finally, relative to healthy controls, CD/CU+ individuals showed lower diffusivity (reduced RD) in the genu and body of the corpus callosum and left anterior corona radiata. These results suggest that CD/CU+ individuals present with white-matter microstructural abnormalities compared to both CD/CU- individuals and age-matched healthy controls. This finding is consistent with emerging evidence suggesting that CD/CU+ represents a distinct subtype of CD, and illustrates the importance of accounting for heterogeneity within CD populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio Puzzo
- Forensic Research & Development Domain, Broadmoor High Secure Hospital, West London Mental Health Trust, Southall, UK.
| | - Kiran Seunarine
- Developmental Imaging and Biophysics Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Angela Darekar
- Department of Medical Physics, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Chris Clark
- Developmental Imaging and Biophysics Section, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cardinale EM, O'Connell K, Robertson EL, Meena LB, Breeden AL, Lozier LM, VanMeter JW, Marsh AA. Callous and uncaring traits are associated with reductions in amygdala volume among youths with varying levels of conduct problems. Psychol Med 2019; 49:1449-1458. [PMID: 30139402 PMCID: PMC7074929 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291718001927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of callous unemotional (CU) traits, and associated externalizing behaviors, is believed to reflect underlying dysfunction in the amygdala. Studies of adults with CU traits or psychopathy have linked characteristic patterns of amygdala dysfunction to reduced amygdala volume, but studies in youths have not thus far found evidence of similar amygdala volume reductions. The current study examined the association between CU traits and amygdala volume by modeling CU traits and externalizing behavior as independent continuous variables, and explored the relative contributions of callous, uncaring, and unemotional traits. METHODS CU traits and externalizing behavior problems were assessed in 148 youths using the Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits (ICU) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). For a subset of participants (n = 93), high-resolution T1-weighted images were collected and volume estimates for the amygdala were extracted. RESULTS Analyses revealed that CU traits were associated with increased externalizing behaviors and decreased bilateral amygdala volume. These results were driven by the callous and uncaring sub-factors of CU traits, with unemotional traits unrelated to either externalizing behaviors or amygdala volume. Results persisted after accounting for covariation between CU traits and externalizing behaviors. Bootstrap mediation analyses indicated that CU traits mediated the relationship between reduced amygdala volume and externalizing severity. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence that callous-uncaring traits account for reduced amygdala volume among youths with conduct problems. These findings provide a framework for further investigation of abnormal amygdala development as a key causal pathway for the development of callous-uncaring traits and conduct problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine O'Connell
- Georgetown University Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience,Washington, DC,USA
| | | | - Lydia B Meena
- Georgetown University Department of Psychology,Washington, DC,USA
| | - Andrew L Breeden
- Georgetown University Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience,Washington, DC,USA
| | - Leah M Lozier
- Georgetown University Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience,Washington, DC,USA
| | - John W VanMeter
- Georgetown University Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging,Washington, DC,USA
| | - Abigail A Marsh
- Georgetown University Department of Psychology,Washington, DC,USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kim MJ, Elliott ML, d'Arbeloff TC, Knodt AR, Radtke SR, Brigidi BD, Hariri AR. Microstructural integrity of white matter moderates an association between childhood adversity and adult trait anger. Aggress Behav 2019; 45:310-318. [PMID: 30699245 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Amongst a number of negative life sequelae associated with childhood adversity is the later expression of a higher dispositional tendency to experience anger and frustration to a wide range of situations (i.e., trait anger). We recently reported that an association between childhood adversity and trait anger is moderated by individual differences in both threat-related amygdala activity and executive control-related dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) activity, wherein individuals with relatively low amygdala and high dlPFC activity do not express higher trait anger even when having experienced childhood adversity. Here, we examine possible structural correlates of this functional dynamic using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data from 647 young adult men and women volunteers. Specifically, we tested whether the degree of white matter microstructural integrity as indexed by fractional anisotropy modulated the association between childhood adversity and trait anger. Our analyses revealed that higher microstructural integrity of multiple pathways was associated with an attenuated link between childhood adversity and adult trait anger. Amongst these pathways was the uncinate fasciculus (UF; ΔR 2 = 0.01), which not only provides a major anatomical link between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex but also is associated with individual differences in regulating negative emotion through top-down cognitive reappraisal. These findings suggest that higher microstructural integrity of distributed white matter pathways including but not limited to the UF may represent an anatomical foundation serving to buffer against the expression of childhood adversity as later trait anger, which is itself associated with multiple negative health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Justin Kim
- Department of Psychology University of Hawaii at Manoa Honolulu Hawaii
| | - Maxwell L. Elliott
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University Durham North Carolina
| | - Tracy C. d'Arbeloff
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University Durham North Carolina
| | - Annchen R. Knodt
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University Durham North Carolina
| | - Spenser R. Radtke
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University Durham North Carolina
| | - Bartholomew D. Brigidi
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University Durham North Carolina
| | - Ahmad R. Hariri
- Laboratory of NeuroGenetics, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University Durham North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dotterer HL, Waller R, Shaw DS, Plass J, Brang D, Forbes EE, Hyde LW. Antisocial behavior with callous-unemotional traits is associated with widespread disruptions to white matter structural connectivity among low-income, urban males. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 23:101836. [PMID: 31077985 PMCID: PMC6514428 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Antisocial behavior (AB), including violence, criminality, and substance abuse, is often linked to deficits in emotion processing, reward-related learning, and inhibitory control, as well as their associated neural networks. To better understand these deficits, the structural connections between brain regions implicated in AB can be examined using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which assesses white matter microstructure. Prior studies have identified differences in white matter microstructure of the uncinate fasciculus (UF), primarily within offender samples. However, few studies have looked beyond the UF or determined whether these relationships are present dimensionally across the range of AB and callous-unemotional (CU) traits. In the current study, we examined associations between AB and white matter microstructure from major fiber tracts, including the UF. Further, we explored whether these associations were specific to individuals high on CU traits. Within a relatively large community sample of young adult men from low-income, urban families (N = 178), we found no direct relations between dimensional, self-report measures of either AB or CU traits and white matter microstructure. However, we found significant associations between AB and white matter microstructure of several tracts only for those with high co-occurring levels of CU traits. In general, these associations did not differ according to race, socioeconomic status, or comorbid psychiatric symptoms. The current results suggest a unique neural profile of severe AB in combination with CU traits, characterized by widespread differences in white matter microstructure, which differs from either AB or CU traits in isolation and is not specific to hypothesized tracts (i.e., the UF). Antisocial Behavior (AB; aggression, rule breaking) is a major public health concern AB and Callous-unemotional (CU) traits may emerge from disrupted neural connections AB was associated with white matter microstructure only at high levels of CU traits Associations did not differ according to race, income, or comorbid psychopathology Results suggest a unique neural profile for severe AB when combined with CU traits
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Daniel S Shaw
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - John Plass
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - David Brang
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Erika E Forbes
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Luke W Hyde
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA; Survey Research Center of the Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bolhuis K, Viding E, Muetzel RL, El Marroun H, Kocevska D, White T, Tiemeier H, Cecil CAM. Neural Profile of Callous Traits in Children: A Population-Based Neuroimaging Study. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:399-407. [PMID: 30554676 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Callous traits during childhood, e.g., lack of remorse and shallow affect, are a key risk marker for antisocial behavior. Although callous traits have been found to be associated with structural and functional brain alterations, evidence to date has been almost exclusively limited to small, high-risk samples of boys. We characterized gray and white matter brain correlates of callous traits in over 2000 children from the general population. METHODS Data on mother-reported callous traits and brain imaging were collected at age 10 years from participants of the Generation R Study. Structural magnetic resonance imaging was used to investigate brain morphology using volumetric indices and whole-brain analyses (n = 2146); diffusion tensor imaging was used to assess global and specific white matter microstructure (n = 2059). RESULTS Callous traits were associated with lower global brain (e.g., total brain) volumes as well as decreased cortical surface area in frontal and temporal regions. Global mean diffusivity was negatively associated with callous traits, suggesting higher white matter microstructural integrity in children with elevated callous traits. Multiple individual tracts, including the uncinate and cingulum, contributed to this global association. Whereas no gender differences were observed for global volumetric indices, white matter associations were present only in girls. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to provide a systematic characterization of the structural neural profile of callous traits in the general pediatric population. These findings extend previous work based on selected samples by demonstrating that childhood callous traits in the general population are characterized by widespread macrostructural and microstructural differences across the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koen Bolhuis
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Essi Viding
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan L Muetzel
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hanan El Marroun
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Desana Kocevska
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Charlotte A M Cecil
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Psychology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bolhuis K, Muetzel RL, Stringaris A, Hudziak JJ, Jaddoe VWV, Hillegers MHJ, White T, Kushner SA, Tiemeier H. Structural Brain Connectivity in Childhood Disruptive Behavior Problems: A Multidimensional Approach. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:336-344. [PMID: 30119874 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of white matter connectivity in children with disruptive behavior have yielded inconsistent results, possibly owing to the trait's heterogeneity, which comprises diverse symptoms like physical aggression, irritability, and delinquency. This study examined associations of global and specific white matter connectivity with childhood disruptive behavior problems, while accounting for their complex multidimensionality. METHODS In a large cross-sectional population-based study of 10-year-old preadolescents (n = 2567), we assessed four previously described empirically derived dimensions of disruptive behavior problems using the Child Behavior Checklist: physical aggression, irritability, disobedient behavior, and delinquent behavior. Global and specific white matter microstructure was assessed by diffusion tensor imaging. RESULTS Global fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity were not associated with broad measures of disruptive behavior, e.g., Child Behavior Checklist externalizing problems scale. Global fractional anisotropy was negatively associated with delinquent behavior (β = -.123, pfalse discovery rate adjusted = .028) and global mean diffusivity was positively associated with delinquent behavior (β = .205, pfalse discovery rate adjusted < 0.001), suggesting reduced white matter microstructure in preadolescents with higher levels of delinquent behavior. Lower white matter microstructure in the inferior longitudinal fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum, and uncinate underlie these associations. Global white matter microstructure was not associated with physical aggression, irritability, or disobedient behavior. CONCLUSIONS Delinquent behavior, a severe manifestation of childhood disruptive behavior, was associated with lower white matter microstructure in tracts connecting frontal and temporal lobes. These brain regions are involved in decision making, reward processing, and emotion regulation. This study demonstrated that incorporating the multidimensional nature of childhood disruptive behavior traits shows promise in advancing the search for elucidating neurobiological correlates of disruptive behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koen Bolhuis
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ryan L Muetzel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Argyris Stringaris
- Mood Brain & Development Unit, Emotion and Development Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - James J Hudziak
- Department of Psychiatry, Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Manon H J Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tonya White
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Blair R, Veroude K, Buitelaar J. Neuro-cognitive system dysfunction and symptom sets: A review of fMRI studies in youth with conduct problems. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 91:69-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
21
|
Lindner P, Flodin P, Budhiraja M, Savic I, Jokinen J, Tiihonen J, Hodgins S. Associations of Psychopathic Traits With Local and Global Brain Network Topology in Young Adult Women. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2018; 3:1003-1012. [PMID: 29945829 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychopathic traits vary dimensionally in the population and are associated with multiple negative outcomes. The impaired integration theory (IIT) proposes that psychopathic traits are associated with abnormal neural network topology, such that disturbed integration of neural networks results in a self-perpetuating impairment in rapid integration and learning from multiple components of information. The IIT is based on findings from male offenders presenting high scores on all psychopathic traits. The present study investigated whether IIT predictions of topology abnormalities were associated with psychopathic traits, measured dimensionally, in young adult women with subsyndromal scores. METHODS Seventy-three women, with an average age of 25 years, were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised and completed resting-state magnetic resonance imaging. Preprocessed time series from 90 anatomical regions were extracted to form connectivity matrices and used to calculate network topology based on graph theory. Correlations between total psychopathy and factor scores with both the raw connectivity matrix and global and local graph theory measures were computed. RESULTS Total psychopathy scores and behavioral factor scores were related to connectivity between several pairs of regions, primarily limbic/paralimbic. Psychopathic traits were not associated with global topology measures. Topology abnormalities, robust across network formation thresholds, were found in nodes of the default mode network and in hubs connecting several resting-state networks. CONCLUSIONS IIT predictions of abnormal topology of hubs and default mode network nodes with dimensionally measured psychopathic traits were confirmed in a sample of young women. Regional abnormalities, accompanied by preserved global topology, may underlie context-specific abnormal information processing and integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Lindner
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Pär Flodin
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Center for Aging and Demographic Research, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Meenal Budhiraja
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivanka Savic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Neurology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jussi Jokinen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sheilagh Hodgins
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lindner P, Budhiraja M, Westerman J, Savic I, Jokinen J, Tiihonen J, Hodgins S. White matter correlates of psychopathic traits in a female community sample. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2018; 12:1500-1510. [PMID: 28992269 PMCID: PMC5629821 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsx070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychopathy comprises interpersonal, affective, lifestyle and antisocial facets that vary dimensionally in the population and are associated with criminal offending and adverse psychosocial outcomes. Evidence associating these facets with white matter microstructure of the uncinate fasciculus and the cingulum tracts is inconsistent and derives principally from studies of male offenders. In a sample of 99 young women presenting a range of scores on the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version, we used Diffusion Tensor Imaging, tractography and Tract-Based Spatial Statistics to investigate microstructure across the brain and of the uncinate fasciculus and cingulum. Right uncinate fasciculus microstructure was negatively associated with the interpersonal facet, while cingulum integrity was not associated with any facet of psychopathy. Whole-brain analyses revealed that both affective and lifestyle facets were negatively correlated with white matter microstructure adjacent to the fusiform gyrus, and the interpersonal facet correlated negatively with the integrity of the fornix. Findings survived adjustment for the other facet scores, and age, verbal and performance IQ. A similar negative association between the interpersonal facet and uncinate fasciculus integrity was previously observed in male offenders. Thus, previous evidence showing that psychopathic traits are associated with functional and structural abnormalities within limbic networks may also apply to females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Lindner
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meenal Budhiraja
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Westerman
- Maria Ungdom Research Center, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivanka Savic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Neurology Clinic, Karoliniska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jussi Jokinen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.,National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sheilagh Hodgins
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Département de Psychiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Colins OF, Andershed H, Salekin RT, Fanti KA. Comparing Different Approaches for Subtyping Children with Conduct Problems: Callous-Unemotional Traits Only Versus the Multidimensional Psychopathy Construct. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2018; 40:6-15. [PMID: 29576679 PMCID: PMC5860105 DOI: 10.1007/s10862-018-9653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare two youth psychopathy models (i.e., callous-unemotional versus multidimensional model) in their ability to predict future and stable conduct problems (CP). At baseline, mothers and fathers of 321 boys and 369 girls (ages 7-12) completed measures that tap callous-unemotional and other psychopathic traits. Parent-reported CP was collected at baseline and at 6- and 12 month follow-ups. Children were assigned to mutually exclusive groups based on their levels of CP and psychopathic traits. Children with CP who manifested callous-unemotional traits (Callous-Unemotional + CP) were occasionally at risk for future and stable CP. Yet, across gender, children with CP scoring high on all psychopathic trait dimensions (Psychopathic Personality + CP) showed the most robust and highest risk for future and stable CP. Also, Callous-Unemotional + CP children, and children who were only high in CP, often were at similar risk for future CP. The findings suggest that the callous-unemotional model is less sufficient than the multidimensional model in predicting future and stable CP. This can be concluded for both boys and girls and calls for more research reconsidering the multidimensional nature of psychopathy for CP subtyping purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier F. Colins
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium-Leiden University Medical Center, Endegeesterstraatweg 27, AK 2342 Leiden, The Netherlands
- Center for Criminological and Psychosocial Research, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Henrik Andershed
- Center for Criminological and Psychosocial Research, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Kostas A. Fanti
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cardinale EM, Breeden AL, Robertson EL, Lozier LM, Vanmeter JW, Marsh AA. Externalizing behavior severity in youths with callous-unemotional traits corresponds to patterns of amygdala activity and connectivity during judgments of causing fear. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 30:191-201. [PMID: 28535830 PMCID: PMC7055507 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417000566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits characterize a subgroup of youths with conduct problems who exhibit low empathy, fearlessness, and elevated externalizing behaviors. The current study examines the role of aberrant amygdala activity and functional connectivity during a socioemotional judgment task in youths with CU traits, and links these deficits to externalizing behaviors. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare neural responses in 18 healthy youths and 30 youths with conduct problems and varying levels of CU traits as they evaluated the acceptability of causing another person to experience each of several emotions, including fear. Neuroimaging analyses examined blood oxygenation level dependent responses and task-dependent functional connectivity. High-CU youths exhibited left amygdala hypoactivation relative to healthy controls and low-CU youths primarily during evaluations of causing others fear. CU traits moderated the relationship between externalizing behavior and both amygdala activity and patterns of functional connectivity. The present data suggest that CU youths' aberrant amygdala activity and connectivity affect how they make judgments about the acceptability of causing others emotional distress, and that these aberrations represent risk factors for externalizing behaviors like rule breaking and aggression. These findings suggest that reducing externalizing behaviors in high-CU youths may require interventions that influence affective sensitivity.
Collapse
|
25
|
Blanchard A, Centifanti LCM. Callous-Unemotional Traits Moderate the Relation Between Prenatal Testosterone (2D:4D) and Externalising Behaviours in Children. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2017; 48:668-677. [PMID: 27734260 PMCID: PMC5487702 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-016-0690-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Children who exhibit callous-unemotional (CU) traits are identified as developing particularly severe forms of externalising behaviours (EB). A number of risk factors have been identified in the development of CU traits, including biological, physiological, and genetic factors. However, prenatal testosterone (PT) remains un-investigated, yet could signal fetal programming of a combination of CU/EB. Using the 2D:4D digit ratio, the current study examined whether CU traits moderated the relationship between PT and EB. Hand scans were obtained from 79 children aged between 5 and 6 years old whose parents completed the parent report ICU (Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits) and SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire). CU traits were found to moderate the relationship between PT and EB so that children who were exposed to increased PT and were higher in CU traits exhibited more EB. Findings emphasize the importance of recognising that vulnerability for EB that is accompanied by callousness may arise before birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyson Blanchard
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Herpers PCM, Klip H, Rommelse NNJ, Taylor MJ, Greven CU, Buitelaar JK. Taxometric analyses and predictive accuracy of callous-unemotional traits regarding quality of life and behavior problems in non-conduct disorder diagnoses. Psychiatry Res 2017; 253:351-359. [PMID: 28427034 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits have mainly been studied in relation to conduct disorder (CD), but can also occur in other disorder groups. However, it is unclear whether there is a clinically relevant cut-off value of levels of CU traits in predicting reduced quality of life (QoL) and clinical symptoms, and whether CU traits better fit a categorical (taxonic) or dimensional model. Parents of 979 youths referred to a child and adolescent psychiatric clinic rated their child's CU traits on the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional traits (ICU), QoL on the Kidscreen-27, and clinical symptoms on the Child Behavior Checklist. Experienced clinicians conferred DSM-IV-TR diagnoses of ADHD, ASD, anxiety/mood disorders and DBD-NOS/ODD. The ICU was also used to score the DSM-5 specifier 'with limited prosocial emotions' (LPE) of Conduct Disorder. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses revealed that the predictive accuracy of the ICU and LPE regarding QoL and clinical symptoms was poor to fair, and similar across diagnoses. A clinical cut-off point could not be defined. Taxometric analyses suggested that callous-unemotional traits on the ICU best reflect a dimension rather than taxon. More research is needed on the impact of CU traits on the functional adaptation, course, and response to treatment of non-CD conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre C M Herpers
- Karakter, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Center, Reinier Postlaan 12, 6525 GC Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Psychiatry, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Helen Klip
- Karakter, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Center, Reinier Postlaan 12, 6525 GC Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nanda N J Rommelse
- Karakter, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Center, Reinier Postlaan 12, 6525 GC Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Psychiatry, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark J Taylor
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Nobels väg 12A, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Corina U Greven
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; King's College London, Medical Research Council Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Microstructural White Matter Alterations in the Corpus Callosum of Girls With Conduct Disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 56:258-265.e1. [PMID: 28219492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies in adolescent conduct disorder (CD) have demonstrated white matter alterations of tracts connecting functionally distinct fronto-limbic regions, but only in boys or mixed-gender samples. So far, no study has investigated white matter integrity in girls with CD on a whole-brain level. Therefore, our aim was to investigate white matter alterations in adolescent girls with CD. METHOD We collected high-resolution DTI data from 24 girls with CD and 20 typically developing control girls using a 3T magnetic resonance imaging system. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were analyzed for whole-brain as well as a priori-defined regions of interest, while controlling for age and intelligence, using a voxel-based analysis and an age-appropriate customized template. RESULTS Whole-brain findings revealed white matter alterations (i.e., increased FA) in girls with CD bilaterally within the body of the corpus callosum, expanding toward the right cingulum and left corona radiata. The FA and MD results in a priori-defined regions of interest were more widespread and included changes in the cingulum, corona radiata, fornix, and uncinate fasciculus. These results were not driven by age, intelligence, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder comorbidity. CONCLUSION This report provides the first evidence of white matter alterations in female adolescents with CD as indicated through white matter reductions in callosal tracts. This finding enhances current knowledge about the neuropathological basis of female CD. An increased understanding of gender-specific neuronal characteristics in CD may influence diagnosis, early detection, and successful intervention strategies.
Collapse
|
28
|
White-matter tract abnormalities and antisocial behavior: A systematic review of diffusion tensor imaging studies across development. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2017; 14:201-215. [PMID: 28180079 PMCID: PMC5280002 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Antisocial behavior (AB), including aggression, violence, and theft, is thought be underpinned by abnormal functioning in networks of the brain critical to emotion processing, behavioral control, and reward-related learning. To better understand the abnormal functioning of these networks, research has begun to investigate the structural connections between brain regions implicated in AB using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which assesses white-matter tract microstructure. This systematic review integrates findings from 22 studies that examined the relationship between white-matter microstructure and AB across development. In contrast to a prior hypothesis that AB is associated with greater diffusivity specifically in the uncinate fasciculus, findings suggest that adult AB is associated with greater diffusivity across a range of white-matter tracts, including the uncinate fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, cingulum, corticospinal tract, thalamic radiations, and corpus callosum. The pattern of findings among youth studies was inconclusive with both higher and lower diffusivity found across association, commissural, and projection and thalamic tracts. Antisocial behavior (AB) is characterized by impaired emotion and reward processing. These behaviors may develop from microstructural abnormalities of white-matter tracts. We provide a systematic review of 22 diffusion tensor imaging studies of AB. Adult AB was linked to greater diffusivity (“poorer integrity”) across a range of white-matter tracts. For youth AB, there were mixed findings.
Collapse
Key Words
- AB, antisocial behavior
- AD, axial diffusivity
- APD, antisocial personality disorder
- Antisocial behavior
- CD, conduct disorder
- CU, callous-unemotional
- Callous-unemotional traits
- DMN, default mode network
- DTI, diffusion tensor imaging
- Diffusion tensor imaging
- FA, fractional anisotropy
- IFOF, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus
- ILF, inferior longitudinal fasciculus
- MD, mean diffusivity
- Neuroimaging
- Psychopathy
- RD, radial diffusivity
- SLF, superior longitudinal fasciculus
- Systematic review
- UF, uncinate fasciculus
Collapse
|
29
|
Veroude K, von Rhein D, Chauvin RJM, van Dongen EV, Mennes MJJ, Franke B, Heslenfeld DJ, Oosterlaan J, Hartman CA, Hoekstra PJ, Glennon JC, Buitelaar JK. The link between callous-unemotional traits and neural mechanisms of reward processing: An fMRI study. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2016; 255:75-80. [PMID: 27564545 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits, i.e., unconcernedness and lack of prosocial feelings, may manifest in Conduct Disorder (CD), but also in Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These disorders have been associated with aberrant reward processing, while the influence of CU traits is unclear. Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), we examined whether CU traits affect the neural circuit for reward. A Monetary Incentive Delay (MID) task was administered to 328 adolescents and young adults with varying levels of CU traits: 40 participants with ODD/CD plus ADHD, 101 participants with ADHD only, 84 siblings of probands with ADHD and 103 typically developing (TD) individuals. During reward anticipation, CU traits related negatively to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity, independent of ADHD symptoms and ODD/CD diagnosis. Our results indicate that CU traits are a valuable dimension for assessing the neural basis of reward processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Veroude
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Daniel von Rhein
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roselyne J M Chauvin
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eelco V van Dongen
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten J J Mennes
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Departments of Human Genetics and Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Heslenfeld
- Clinical Neuropsychology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Oosterlaan
- Clinical Neuropsychology Section, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina A Hartman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J Hoekstra
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, The Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|