Disorders of Brain Development: Understanding Childhood Psychopathology

F. P. MacMaster, M. Sembo, L. M. Langevin, K. Ma, P. Croarkin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Uncovering the etiologies of neuropsychiatric disorders in children and adolescents has been elusive. Environmental and neurodevelopmental factors have the potential to contribute to complex behavioral outcomes and diagnostic concepts. Until recently, the combined effects of genetics, environment, and plasticity were loosely linked as precursors to various disorders, however these connections have been poorly characterized. With the advent and technological evolution of novel methodology for the evaluation of brain structure, chemistry, and function over the past 25. years, investigators can highlight the importance of developmental processes in shaping neuropsychiatric illness and executive control. Changes in neurodevelopmental trajectories have been implicated in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, anxiety disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), eating disorders, and Tourette syndrome (TS). The application of these new techniques to characterize neural plastic changes associated with specific illnesses continues to inform diagnosis, treatment, and interventional timelines across multiple variants of psychopathology. Here, we present introductions to key studies into these disorders, as well as new and future directions utilizing neuroimaging to assess, diagnose, and treat neuropsychiatric disease in children and adolescents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPositive Mental Health, Fighting Stigma and Promoting Resiliency for Children and Adolescents
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages39-77
Number of pages39
ISBN (Electronic)9780128044148
ISBN (Print)9780128043943
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 27 2016

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Brain
  • Child
  • Development
  • Mental illness
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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