Hierarchical Neurocognitive Model of Externalizing and Internalizing Comorbidity
Tianye Jia1, Chao Xie2, Shitong Xiang2
1Fudan University.
Research Square
|January 27, 2025
Summary
This study identifies two distinct brain network patterns linked to externalizing and internalizing mental health symptoms. These findings support a hierarchical model of psychopathology, crucial for developing targeted treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Psychiatric comorbidity suggests underlying hierarchical factors.
- Neurobiological underpinnings of these multilevel factors require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize neurobiological factors associated with externalizing and internalizing psychopathology.
- To propose a hierarchical neurocognitive spectral model for comorbid mental illnesses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a brain-behavior predictive framework with longitudinal imaging-genetic data (IMAGEN cohort).
- Validated findings across six independent datasets (N=3,765, ages 10–36).
Main Results:
- Identified two reproducible neural factors: hyperconnectivity in externalizing (impulsivity) and hypoconnectivity in internalizing (goal-directed) circuits.
- These factors showed distinct cognitive-behavioral relevance, genetic substrates, and developmental trajectories.
- Proposed a hierarchical model including a general neuropsychopathological factor and two stratified factors.
Conclusions:
- Findings support a hierarchical neurocognitive spectral model of psychopathology from preadolescence to adulthood.
- This model offers insights into the neurobiological basis of comorbid mental disorders.
- Crucial for developing stratified therapeutic interventions for mental health conditions.
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