Early stress is associated with alterations in the orbitofrontal cortex: a tensor-based morphometry investigation of brain structure and behavioral risk.
Individuals who experience early adversity, such as child maltreatment, are at heightened risk for a broad array of social and health difficulties. However, little is known about how this behavioral risk is instantiated in the brain. Here we examine a neurobiological contribution to individual differences in human behavior using methodology appropriate for use with pediatric populations paired with an in-depth measure of social behavior. We show that alterations in the orbitofrontal cortex among individuals who experienced physical abuse are related to social difficulties. These data suggest a biological mechanism linking early social learning to later behavioral outcomes.
Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA. jlhanson5@wisc.edu
Jamie L
JL
Hanson
Moo K
MK
Chung
Brian B
BB
Avants
Elizabeth A
EA
Shirtcliff
James C
JC
Gee
Richard J
RJ
Davidson
Seth D
SD
Pollak
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D000293:Adolescent; D001931:Brain Mapping; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology