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Environmental Induction of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
1Division of Epidemiology, The New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA. Wallace@nyspi.columbia.edu.
Bulletin of Mathematical Biology
|October 28, 2016
Summary
Environmental and social factors can disrupt crucial brain development, leading to conditions like schizophrenia and autism. These neurodevelopmental disorders represent distinct pathological states impairing cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Toxicology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Neurodevelopmental regulation is essential for normal mental function.
- Various factors including chemical exposures, infections, and stress can disrupt this regulation.
- Epigenetic and cultural impacts across generations can further influence neurodevelopment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the dynamic interplay of environmental and psychosocial factors on neurodevelopment.
- To model how these integrated signals can overwhelm regulatory mechanisms.
- To understand schizophrenia and autism as distinct pathological neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Statistical modeling based on control and information theories.
- Analysis of asymptotic limit theorems to understand dynamic processes.
- Characterization of neurodevelopmental 'condensations' and their impact on cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Identified integrated signals from toxicants and stressors that overwhelm neurodevelopmental regulation.
- Demonstrated that schizophrenia and autism represent different 'phases' of pathological neurodevelopment.
- Showcased impairment of the dynamic global workspace essential for normal mental function.
Conclusions:
- Schizophrenia and autism arise from disrupted neurodevelopmental regulation.
- These conditions are characterized by pathological 'condensations' that impair cognitive dynamics.
- Understanding these dynamics offers insights into the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Keywords:
AutismControl theoryData rate theoremInformation theoryMitochondrial free energyPhase transitionRate–distortion theoremSchizophreniaMore Related Videos
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