Instrumental learning and cognitive flexibility processes are impaired in children exposed to early life stress

Developmental Science, Journal Year: 2017, Volume and Issue: 21(4)

Published: Oct. 19, 2017

Abstract Children who experience severe early life stress show persistent deficits in many aspects of cognitive and social adaptation. Early might be associated with these broad changes functioning because it impairs general learning mechanisms. To explore this possibility, we examined whether individuals experienced abusive caregiving childhood had difficulties instrumental and/or flexibility as adolescents. Fifty‐three 14–17‐year‐old adolescents (31 exposed to high levels stress, 22 control) completed an fMRI task that required them first learn associations the environment then update those pairings. Adolescents histories eventually learned pair stimuli both positive negative outcomes, but did so more slowly than their peers. Furthermore, stress‐exposed showed markedly impaired flexibility; they were less able peers pairings when contingencies changed. These problems reflected abnormal activity learning‐ attention‐related brain circuitry. Both altered patterns neural activation severity lifetime experienced. Taken together, results experiment suggest basic processes are stress. mechanisms may help explain emergence observed individuals.

Language: Английский

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Stress and functional neurological disorders: mechanistic insights

Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, Journal Year: 2018, Volume and Issue: 90(7), P. 813 - 821

Published: Nov. 8, 2018

At the interface between mind and body, psychiatry neurology, functional neurological disorder (FND) remains poorly understood. Formerly dominant stress-related aetiological models have been increasingly challenged, in part due to cases without any history of past or recent trauma. In this perspective article, we review current evidence for such models, how research into role traumatic stress other disorders neurobiology response can inform our mechanistic understanding FND. First, discuss association onset exacerbation a variety physical mental health problems. Second, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction ill-health, alongside similar mechanisms Third, advocate stress-diathesis model, which biological susceptibility interacts with early life adversity, where FND be precipitated by events later maintained psychological responses. We hypothesise that greater is associated less severe remote stress, more lower vulnerability. This would explain clinical experience variable exposure historical among people requires empirical investigation. A testable, evidence-based model nuanced factors interact at individual level, potential personalised treatment pathways. Much-needed establish aetiology will enhance care communication, facilitate effective prevention strategies.

Language: Английский

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Sensitive Periods of Emotion Regulation: Influences of Parental Care on Frontoamygdala Circuitry and Plasticity

New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, Journal Year: 2016, Volume and Issue: 2016(153), P. 87 - 110

Published: Sept. 1, 2016

Early caregiving experiences play a central role in shaping emotional development, stress physiology, and refinement of limbic circuitry. Converging evidence across species delineates sensitive period heightened neuroplasticity when frontoamygdala circuitry is especially amenable to caregiver inputs early life. During this period, parental buffering regulates behaviors physiology as emotion regulation continues mature. By contrast, disorganized or poor quality has profound lasting consequences on the maturation essential for regulation, even following termination life stressor (e.g., adoption from orphanage). This article highlights how interactions between biological state developing brain have broad implications long-term health.

Language: Английский

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Association of Timing of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Caregiver Support With Regionally Specific Brain Development in Adolescents

JAMA Network Open, Journal Year: 2019, Volume and Issue: 2(9), P. e1911426 - e1911426

Published: Sept. 18, 2019

Few data are available to inform the associations and timing of between adversity, caregiver support, brain outcomes. Consideration has important public health implications more precise prevention strategies.To evaluate regional specificity association adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) support structural development limbic striatal regions in middle adolescence.This 15-year developmental, neuroimaging cohort study included 211 children their caregivers screened from day care centers preschools St Louis, Missouri, metropolitan area during preschool period, with an additional 4 waves at school age through adolescence November 14, 2007, August 29, 2017. The was oversampled for preschoolers elevated symptoms depression using a brief screener. Data analysis performed March 19, 2019, July 26, 2019.Volumes developmental trajectories volumes amygdala, hippocampus, caudate, subgenual cingulate, insula scanning; ACEs observed age; insula, cingulate scanning.A total (107 [50.7%] male) completed least 1 scan. At (mean [SD] age, 5.5 [0.8] years), ACE were 164 (84 [51.2%] maternal 155 children; [SD], 8.3 [1.2] 172 146 children. Unique patterns found, interaction school-age hippocampus (t = -2.27; P .02) amygdala -2.12; .04). A buffering hypothesis not confirmed because high strongly associated these only context low ACEs. In contrast, -2.30; 2.59; .01) had independent caudate.The findings suggest that there unique adversity key structures emotional regulation. Results may potential targets preventive action range poor

Language: Английский

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Adverse Childhood Events and Health Biomarkers: A Systematic Review

Frontiers in Public Health, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 9

Published: Aug. 19, 2021

Background: This systematic review aimed to summarize evidence reporting epigenetic and/or neuro-immuno-endocrine embedding of adverse childhood events (ACEs) in children, with a particular focus on the short-term biological effect those experiences. Methods: A search was conducted PsycINFO®, PubMed®, Isi Web Knowledge and Scopus, until July 2019, identify papers effects exposure ACEs. Results: The identified 58 studies, that were included review. Regarding exposure, type ACE more frequently reported sexual abuse ( n = 26), followed by life stressors 20) physical 19). majority 17) studies showed positive association between ACEs biomarkers immune system. DNA methylation 18 participants exposed Two presented telomere length associated shorter length. Conclusion: Overall associations observed across hypothesis are risk already at early ages. is supporting appear get “under skin” induce physiological changes these alterations might be strongly later development disease.

Language: Английский

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