Inhibitory control-related neural pathways of early adversity to internalizing problems in preadolescence

Exposure to early life adversity has long-reaching effects on the psychopathology of adolescents. However, some individuals exposed to early life stressors, such as threat and deprivation, do not later present with symptoms. Previous research suggests that neural mechanisms may play a role in differentiating pathways from early life threat or deprivation to internalizing symptoms.

This study utilizes neuroimaging to examine the relationship between early adversity experiences and internalizing symptoms later on. Data from the ABCD® study were used to investigate whether inhibitory control-related neural functioning in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), superior frontal gyrus (SFG), and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) moderated the relationship between threat or deprivation exposure and internalizing symptoms two years later (N = 4881; ages 9-10 years old at baseline).

Composite scores of cumulative threat or deprivation-related exposures positively correlated with internalizing symptoms at 24 months following baseline. At high levels of ACC and left SFG activation during successful inhibition, the relationship between threat exposure and internalizing symptoms was attenuated. The association between deprivation and internalizing symptoms was greater for those with high levels of left SFG activation to successful inhibition. Activation in the IFG did not impact this association.

This difference underscores the importance of taking a brain-based, dimensional approach to early-life. Since the role of neural functioning differs based on the type of early life adversity and brain region, further investigation into other neural pathways that may influence the development of psychopathology following early life adversity is needed.