Prolonged institutional rearing is associated with atypically large amygdala volume and difficulties in emotion regulation.

ABSTRACT: Early adversity, for example poor caregiving, can have profound effects on emotional development. Orphanage rearing, even in the best circumstances, lies outside of the bounds of a species-typical caregiving environment. The long-term effects of this early adversity on the neurobiological development associated with socio-emotional behaviors are not well understood. Seventy-eight children, who include those who have experienced orphanage care and a comparison group, were assessed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure volumes of whole brain and limbic structures (e.g. amygdala, hippocampus). Emotion regulation was assessed with an emotional go-nogo paradigm, and anxiety and internalizing behaviors were assessed using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders,

SUBMITTER: Tottenham N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2817950 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature