Early stress is associated with alterations in the orbitofrontal cortex: a tensor-based morphometry investigation of brain structure and behavioral risk
The Journal of Neuroscience: The Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Year:
n/a
Pages:
7466-7472
Source ID:
shanti-sources-23179
Zotero Collections:
Contexts of Contemplation Project
Abstract:
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.