Multiple Network Dysconnectivity in Adolescents with Psychotic Experiences: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Abnormal functional connectivity (FC, the temporal synchronization of activation across distinct brain regions) of the default mode (DMN), salience (SN), central executive (CEN), and motor (MN) networks is well established in psychosis. However, little is known about FC in individuals, particularly adolescents, reporting subthreshold psychotic experiences (PE) and their trajectory over time. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the FC of these networks in adolescents with PE. In this population-based case-control study, 24 adolescents (mean age = 13.58) meeting the criteria for PE were drawn from a sample of 211 young people recruited and scanned for a neuroimaging study, with a follow-up scan 2 years later (n = 18, mean age = 15.78) and compared to matched controls drawn from the same sample. We compared FC of DMN, SN, CEN, and MN regions between PE and controls using whole-brain FC analyses. At both timepoints, the PE group displayed significant hypoconnectivity compared to controls. At baseline, FC in the PE group was decreased between MN and DMN regions. At follow-up, dysconnectivity in the PE group was more widespread. Over time, controls displayed greater FC changes than the PE group, with FC generally increasing between MN, DMN, and SN regions. Adolescents with PE exhibit hypoconnectivity across several functional networks also found to be hypoconnected in established psychosis. Our findings highlight the potential for studies of adolescents reporting PE to reveal early neural correlates of psychosis and support further investigation of the role of the MN in PE and psychotic disorders.</jats:p>

Psychotic experiences in the general population, a review; definition, risk factors, outcomes and interventions

“…These include, global and localised differences in grey matter volume and white matter integrity (Dooley et al, 2020 ; Satterthwaite et al, 2015 ), and widespread structural and functional differences across the frontal, temporal, & parietal lobes, and basal ganglia, all regions strongly implicated in psychosis (Drakesmith et al, 2016 ; Jacobson et al, 2010 ; Modinos, Ormel, & Aleman, 2010 ; Okada et al, 2018 ). Additionally, widespread functional dysconnectivity (default mode dysfunction in particular, but with increasing interest in the motor network) and network efficiency deficits (Drakesmith et al, 2015 ; Jacobson McEwen et al, 2014 ; Karcher, O'Brien, Kandala, & Barch, 2019 ; Orr, Turner, & Mittal, 2014 ; O'Neill et al, 2020 ). However, it is currently unclear whether the differences in brain structure and functioning precede or follow the onset of PE.…”

Integrating dynamic interactionism into the brain–stress–psychopathology relationship.

“…Further, lower rates of myelin maturation in adolescence predict general psychopathology over time (Vanes et al, 2020). Hypoconnectivity in the default, salience, and motor network is linked to psychotic experiences in adolescents over time (O’Neill et al, 2020).…”

Social Victimization, Default Mode Network Connectivity, and Psychotic-Like Experiences in Adolescents

“…Altered DMN and SAN connectivity have been repeatedly demonstrated in psychosis-risk, first-episode, and chronicallyill psychotic-spectrum disorder samples. 23,24,[29][30][31][32][34][35][36][37][38] .…”