Neuroimaging findings in disruptive behavior disorders.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Youths with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) are a heterogeneous group.
• Distinction between high (DBD/HCU) and low (DBD/LCU) callous-unemotional (CU) traits is crucial.
• CU traits are linked to severe, persistent antisocial behavior and aggression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent functional (fMRI) and structural (sMRI) neuroimaging research on DBD.
• To focus on the role of CU traits in the neural underpinnings of DBD.
• To explore potential clinical implications and sex differences.

Main Methods:

• Selective review of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies.
• Selective review of structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) studies.
• Analysis of studies on brain structure and connectivity in DBD.

Main Results:

• fMRI studies reveal distinct neural correlates for affective stimuli, emotional processing, empathy, theory of mind, morality, and decision-making in DBD/HCU vs. DBD/LCU.
• sMRI studies indicate differences in brain structure and connectivity associated with CU traits.
• Evidence suggests distinct genetic and environmental etiologies for DBD/HCU and DBD/LCU.

Conclusions:

• CU traits represent a significant factor in the heterogeneity of DBD.
• Neuroimaging research provides insights into the distinct neural vulnerabilities associated with DBD subtypes.
• Further investigation into sex differences and clinical applications is warranted.