Amygdala Functional Hyperconnectivity: A Multiple Symptom Subdomain Marker of the Bipolar Risk to Disorder Spectrum
Maya C Schumer1, Michele A Bertocci2, Satish Iyengar3
1Psychotic Disorders Division, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 22 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Summary
Neural markers like inter-amygdala functional connectivity (FC) show promise for identifying bipolar disorder (BD) risk. This connectivity is elevated in individuals with BD and those at high risk, supporting early detection and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Reproducible neural markers are crucial for early bipolar disorder (BD) detection and differentiation from major depression.
- Previous research identified inter-amygdala functional connectivity (FC) and ventrolateral-right-dorsolateral-prefrontal-cortex (vlPFC-dlPFC) FC as risk markers for mood subdomains in BD.
- This study investigated if these neural markers extend to cognition and energy subdomains and differ between BD individuals and at-risk groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if previously identified neural markers of bipolar disorder (BD) risk generalize to mood, cognition, and energy subdomains.
- To examine if these neural markers are elevated in individuals diagnosed with BD compared to those at risk.
- To support a multidimensional, circuit-based model for early BD identification and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fMRI emotion-processing task data from three independent young adult samples (n=299) without BD and one sample (n=32) with BD.
- Employed Poisson loglinear models to associate neural markers with MOODS-SR mood, cognition, and energy subdomains.
- Used one-way ANOVAs to compare neural variables across low-risk, high-risk, and BD groups.
Main Results:
- Inter-amygdala FC positively correlated with manic/depressive mood and cognition subdomains across risk samples (qFDRs < 0.001-0.01).
- vlPFC-dlPFC FC positively correlated with manic mood and cognition subdomains (qFDRs < 0.001-0.048).
- Inter-amygdala FC was significantly higher in the BD group and high-risk group compared to the low-risk group (P=0.033).
Conclusions:
- Inter-amygdala FC is a robust, cross-dimensional correlate of BD risk, linking subsyndromal risk to syndromal BD.
- vlPFC-dlPFC FC is specifically associated with mania risk.
- Findings support a circuit-based model for BD risk, aiding early detection and prevention efforts.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
01:30Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously termed multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. Each identity exhibits unique patterns of behavior, voice, and mannerisms and may possess separate memories and emotional responses. The alternating control between identities can result in memory gaps and challenges in recalling daily activities, often exacerbating the individual's...
01:25Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, emotions, and impulse control. This instability manifests in extreme emotional reactions, fear of abandonment, and self-destructive behaviors. The disorder significantly impacts daily functioning, often leading to distress in both personal and professional domains.
Genetic and Environmental Contributions
Borderline Personality...
Genetic and Environmental Contributions
Borderline Personality...
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
01:27Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...