Abstract
Neuroanatomical correlates of developmental psychopathology such as attention deficit hyperactivity and conduct disorder have
been identified. The majority of studies point to lesser gray matter in psychopathology, often involving prefrontal cortices.
The goal of this study was to test whether similar neural correlates exist for behavioral variance in healthy children and
adolescents. A large sample (n = 106) aged 8–19 years underwent MR scanning and their parents completed the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. The
relationships between cortical thickness and conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention scale scores were investigated
throughout the cerebrum. No associations were found between normal variance in hyperactivity/inattention and cortical thickness.
Normal variance in conduct problems was associated with thinner left hemisphere prefrontal and supramarginal cortices. Relationships
between conduct problems and cortical thickness interacted with age, with the greatest differences in cortical thickness seen
in the younger children. These interactions were observed in the anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal, middle and superior frontal,
as well as lateral and medial temporal cortices. In conclusion, the results indicate neurobiological continuity between symptoms
of conduct problems within the normal range, and conduct disorder. Relationships of thinner cortices and conduct problems
were primarily seen in younger children, and appeared to decrease with age, indicative of different maturational trajectories
in the groups. The long-term consequences are unknown, and the results point to a need for longitudinal studies of developmental
trajectories of neuroanatomical foundations of behavioral adjustment.
been identified. The majority of studies point to lesser gray matter in psychopathology, often involving prefrontal cortices.
The goal of this study was to test whether similar neural correlates exist for behavioral variance in healthy children and
adolescents. A large sample (n = 106) aged 8–19 years underwent MR scanning and their parents completed the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. The
relationships between cortical thickness and conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention scale scores were investigated
throughout the cerebrum. No associations were found between normal variance in hyperactivity/inattention and cortical thickness.
Normal variance in conduct problems was associated with thinner left hemisphere prefrontal and supramarginal cortices. Relationships
between conduct problems and cortical thickness interacted with age, with the greatest differences in cortical thickness seen
in the younger children. These interactions were observed in the anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal, middle and superior frontal,
as well as lateral and medial temporal cortices. In conclusion, the results indicate neurobiological continuity between symptoms
of conduct problems within the normal range, and conduct disorder. Relationships of thinner cortices and conduct problems
were primarily seen in younger children, and appeared to decrease with age, indicative of different maturational trajectories
in the groups. The long-term consequences are unknown, and the results point to a need for longitudinal studies of developmental
trajectories of neuroanatomical foundations of behavioral adjustment.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Contribution
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s00787-012-0241-5
- Authors
- Kristine B. Walhovd, Department of Psychology, Center for the Study of Human Cognition (CSHC), University of Oslo, PO Box 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Christian K. Tamnes, Department of Psychology, Center for the Study of Human Cognition (CSHC), University of Oslo, PO Box 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Ylva Østby, Department of Psychology, Center for the Study of Human Cognition (CSHC), University of Oslo, PO Box 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Paulina Due-Tønnessen, Department of Psychology, Center for the Study of Human Cognition (CSHC), University of Oslo, PO Box 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Anders M. Fjell, Department of Psychology, Center for the Study of Human Cognition (CSHC), University of Oslo, PO Box 1094, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Online ISSN 1435-165X
- Print ISSN 1018-8827