Experience-dependent associations between distinct subtypes of childhood trauma and brain function and architecture

Abstract

Background: Childhood trauma can alter brain-development trajectories and lead to a greater risk of psychopathology developing in adulthood. For this reason, understanding experience-dependent brain abnormalities associated with different trauma subtypes is crucial for identifying developmental processes disrupted by unfavorable early environments and for proposing early intervention measures to reduce trauma's negative effects.Methods: This study used multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to explore the neural correlates of distinct subtypes of childhood trauma. We recruited a large community sample of young adults (mean age, 24.1, SD 1.9 years) who completed a Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, were given behavioral scores, and underwent multimodal MRI. To quantify brain changes, we used functional connectivity density (FCD) mapping based on whole brain analysis, regions of interest (ROI) analysis, and morphological measurements.Experience-dependent brain abnormalities were identified by multivariable linear regression.Results: We found that diverse brain regions in the FCD mapping were significantly related to 4 trauma subtypes and belonged to different cognitive components used for various behaviors. Experience-related influences on functional circuits and brain morphology were observed in extensive regions, including the sensorimotor, cingulum, accumbens, insula, and frontal-parietal areas, as well as in regions within the default mode network.Conclusions: Identifying specific regions or systems may be a valid strategy for understanding the pathogenesis and development process of psychiatric disorders in people with different traumatic experiences and may facilitate better-targeted intervention strategies for maltreated children.

Emotional abuse mediated by negative automatic thoughts impacts functional connectivity during adolescence

“…In addition, the NAc and SoM are important brain regions related to symptoms in trauma victims. While NAc hypoactivation is related to atypical reward functioning in individuals with early adversities in childhood and/or adolescence ( Goff et al, 2013 ), the SoM structure and functional changes shown among those who are emotionally abused may be linked to abnormal sensorimotor function and emotional regulation of traumatic events ( Li et al, 2022 ). Through mediation analysis, we suggest that cognitive factors play a critical role in the neural mechanism of evaluating and recognizing emotional abuse.…”

Significant age by childhood trauma interactions on grey matter volumes: A whole brain VBM analysis

“…We also focused on ET as defined by the presence of emotional abuse and neglect, 62 as they are more related to depressive disorders than other trauma types 67 . Furthermore, trauma subtypes seemingly differentially affect different brain regions, 3,68 and therefore, studies that reduce subtype heterogeneity such as ours are important. Thus, this largely homogenous study has the potential to guide and inform future research, where various aspects can be followed up, generating further hypotheses.…”

Effects of Early Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health

“…Childhood trauma has the potential to increase the susceptibility of adults to the emergence of mental disorders. This can be attributed to the fact that childhood trauma elicits a sequence of hormonal and physiological alterations during periods of heightened sensitivity or critical stages, ultimately resulting in excessive overstimulation of neurons and subsequent modifications in brain structure and function [1]. Research findings have revealed notable disparities in neuroanatomy and cognition among individuals who experienced abuse during their childhood [7], implying that those with a history of traumatic childhood encounters exhibit considerable impairments in both the structure and function of their brain.…”

“…The various forms of childhood adversity might yield unique neurobiological consequences on the brain. [1] the research investigation employed resting-state functional MRI and structural MRI to explore the correlation between childhood trauma, brain function, and architecture in the population of young adults. The primary objective of this study was to discern the cognitive constituents and modifications in brainbehaviour association associated with each category of childhood trauma.…”

“…Presently, childhood trauma is highly prevalent in today's world [1]. Childhood trauma is defined as a kind of exploitation in risky and stressful situations, which comes with various short-term and longterm consequences [2].…”