Full Text

Turn on search term navigation

© 2021. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Introduction

Neuroimaging studies have shown callosal abnormalities among maltreated subjects, but little is known about the functional and neurobiological correlates of these supposed developmental alterations. The aim of this study was to investigate childhood maltreatment (CM), neurocognitive functioning, cortisol levels, and corpus callosum (CC) integrity among adolescents.

Methods

One hundred and seven subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with voxel‐based diffusion‐tensor imaging (DTI) and the Crossed Finger Localization Test (CFLT). Psychopathology was investigated with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K‐SADS‐PL); CM was detailed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and salivary cortisol levels were measured by immunoassay.

Results

Higher levels of CM were associated with current lower CFLT scores, mainly in the CROSSED condition, involving interhemispheric communication of sensorimotor information (p < .05) and with reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in the splenium of the CC (p < .01). Deficits in the CFLT were also associated with higher cortisol levels (p < .05).

Conclusion

The association among CM, neuropsychological abnormalities, callosal microstructure alterations, and cortisol levels suggests an altered pattern of brain interhemispheric connectivity among maltreated adolescents. Further studies are needed to investigate the extent to which these sensorimotor deficits and abnormal cortisol levels may be possible mediators of negative neurodevelopmental trajectories and adult psychopathology.

Details

Title
Callosal abnormalities, altered cortisol levels, and neurocognitive deficits associated with early maltreatment among adolescents: A voxel‐based diffusion‐tensor imaging study
Author
Paulo Jannuzzi Cunha 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Fabio L.S. Duran 1 ; Paula Approbato de Oliveira 2 ; Tiffany M. Chaim‐Avancini 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Ana Luiza V. Milioni 1 ; Ometto, Mariella 1 ; Squarzoni, Paula 1 ; Santos, Pedro P 1 ; Caetano, Sheila C 3 ; Busatto, Geraldo F 1 ; Scivoletto, Sandra 2 

 Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroimaging (LIM‐21), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil 
 Departamento e Instituto de Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil 
 Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil 
Section
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Publication year
2021
Publication date
Mar 2021
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
e-ISSN
21623279
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2505064950
Copyright
© 2021. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.