Functional coherence of insula networks is associated with externalizing behavior.

Abstract

The externalizing spectrum encompasses a range of maladaptive behaviors, including substance use problems, impulsivity, and aggression. While previous literature has linked externalizing behaviors with prefrontal and amygdala abnormalities, recent studies suggest insula functionality is implicated. The present study investigated the relation between insula functional coherence and externalizing in a large community sample (N=244). Participants underwent a resting functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. Three non-artifactual intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) substantially involving the insula were identified after completing independent components analysis. Three externalizing domains—general disinhibition, substance abuse, and callous aggression—were measured with the Externalizing Spectrum Inventory. Regression models tested whether within-network coherence for the three insula ICNs was related to each externalizing domain. Posterior insula coherence was positively associated with general disinhibition and substance abuse. Anterior insula/ventral striatum/anterior cingulate network coherence was negatively associated with general disinhibition. Insula coherence did not relate to the callous aggression domain. Follow-up analyses indicated specificity for insula ICNs in their relation to general disinhibition and substance abuse as compared to other frontal and limbic ICNs. This study found insula network coherence was significantly associated with externalizing behaviors in community participants. Frontal and limbic ICNs containing less insular cortex were not related to externalizing. Thus, the neural synchrony of insula networks may be central for understanding externalizing psychopathology.

Psychometric Properties of the Externalizing Spectrum Inventory: Replication and Extension across Clinical and Non-Clinical Samples

“…This means that persons with a high level of an externalizing personality share a higher risk of developing externalizing disorders than persons with a low level of an externalizing personality. Different brief versions of the full ESI of 415 items have been developed and research has shown moderate to high associations (r¼.22 to r¼.57) between these versions and antisocial behaviors in adulthood and childhood (Hall et al, 2007;Venables & Patrick, 2012), heightened levels of alcohol dependence and drug abuse (Venables & Patrick, 2012) and neural networks associated with disinhibition and antisocial behavior (Abram et al, 2015;Hall et al, 2007;Nelson et al, 2011). Extending this work, a 160-item version was developed by Patrick and colleagues (Patrick et al, 2013).…”

Effects of heroin on rat prosocial behavior

“…In addition, a relationship between substance abuse and the insula was supported by a recent fMRI study that identified a positive association between activity in the posterior insula, substance abuse and general disinhibition (Abram et al . ). In rodents, inhibition of protein synthesis in the insula disrupts drug‐related contextual memories (Contreras et al .…”

Empirically derived patterns of psychiatric symptoms in youth: A latent profile analysis

“…In addition, Bertocci et al (2014) found that patterns of task-based prefrontal-amygdala functional connectivity were associated with distinct developmental trajectories of manic symptoms as derived through latent class growth analysis. Krueger and DeYoung (2016) described the hierarchical-dimensional model of psychopathology and its potential relevance to the study of RDoC constructs, citing a recent study with adult participants in which resting state imaging was used to examine the neural correlates of an externalizing symptom dimension and its purported subdimensions (antagonism, disinhibition, and substance abuse) (Abram et al, 2015). Coherence measures within different neural networks were differentially related to antagonism, disinhibition, and substance abuse symptoms.…”