Connectomics and neuroticism: an altered functional network organization.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Network Science

Background:

• Neuroticism is a significant risk factor for psychopathology.
• The neurobiological underpinnings of neuroticism, particularly functional connectivity, are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the functional network organization in individuals with high neuroticism.
• To explore alterations in brain-wide functional connectivity and modularity associated with neuroticism.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 120 women were analyzed.
• Graph theory was applied to construct and analyze brain-wide functional networks and subnetworks.
• Complex network measures, including efficiency and modularity, were correlated with neuroticism scores.

Main Results:

• High neuroticism individuals displayed a more random whole-brain network structure and weaker functional connections.
• Functional subnetworks were less distinct in high neuroticism individuals, with reduced efficiency in most, but increased efficiency in the affective subnetwork.
• The cingulo-operculum subnetwork showed increased connectivity with other subnetworks in association with neuroticism.

Conclusions:

• The 'neurotic brain' exhibits suboptimal functional network organization and signs of functional disconnectivity.
• In high neuroticism, emotion and salience subnetworks play a more dominant role in information exchange.
• Sensory(-motor) and cognitive control subnetworks appear less prominent in high neuroticism individuals.