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Excessive Crying, Behavior Problems, and Amygdala Volume: A Study From Infancy to Adolescence

Sara Sammallahti1, Fadila Serdarevic2, Henning Tiemeier3

  • 1Erasmus MC, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|February 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Excessive infant crying and irritability are linked to later behavioral issues and smaller amygdala volume in children. This suggests early neurobiological differences may underlie these developmental pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental neuroscience
  • Child and adolescent psychology
  • Neuroimaging research

Background:

  • Excessive infant crying is a common concern, potentially linked to later behavioral problems.
  • Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of infant crying and irritability is crucial for early risk identification.
  • Previous research suggests a connection between early-life stress and later neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between excessive crying and irritability in infancy with behavioral problems in childhood and adolescence.
  • To examine the relationship between early crying/irritability and amygdala volume in children and adolescents.
  • To explore potential neurobiological mechanisms linking infant behavior to later developmental trajectories.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, population-based cohort study of 4,751 children (Generation R Study).
  • Parent-rated assessments of excessive crying and irritability at 3 months.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure amygdala volume at 10 years.
  • Longitudinal parent and self-rated assessments of internalizing and externalizing behaviors from infancy to adolescence.

Main Results:

  • Infants with excessive crying exhibited higher rates of internalizing and externalizing behaviors throughout childhood.
  • Irritability in infancy showed a similar pattern of association with later behavioral problems.
  • Children with a history of excessive crying had significantly smaller amygdala volumes at 10 years of age.
  • The observed association between early crying/irritability and amygdala volume was consistent.

Conclusions:

  • Excessive crying and irritability in infancy may indicate an early vulnerability to developing behavioral problems.
  • These early behavioral patterns are potentially linked to neurobiological differences, specifically in amygdala development.
  • Findings highlight the importance of considering infant behavior as a potential early marker for later mental health and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
amygdalabehavioral problemcryingmagnetic resonance imaging

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