VeryWell Mind: Brain Imaging Helps Predict Mental Distress in Kids

"One out of seven kids aged 10 to 19 has a mental health disorder. While symptoms can begin in early childhood, exact causes can vary, and in some cases, are not known. A history of mental health issues in the family is one strong predictor of issues in adolescents.

A new study now introduces another warning signal of mental distress in kids—their brain structure.

“Each of us has a unique synchronization pattern of different brain regions equivalent to a fingerprint,” explains Zack Shan, PhD, senior research fellow and Head of Neuroimaging Platform at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Thompson Institute.

Shan is the lead author of the study. “Findings from this study suggest that brain fingerprinting, measured using MRI while someone is still healthy, can potentially predict their future mental ill-health,” he adds.

Details of the Study

Researchers with University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia performed brain scans on participants in their local area. Images were taken in four-month intervals, continuing for up to five years.

Scans were done on over 60 children starting at age 12 using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The kids also completed questionnaires to measure their depression and anxiety levels.

The cingulo-opercular network (CON), or the brain’s control network for processing information, gave researchers the insight they were looking for. Finding kids’ unique brain connectomes, which are like fingerprints, helped to tell the story.

Researchers “were able to shine light on how maturing adolescent connectomes are vulnerable to psychological distress,” explains Felice Martin, MS, NCC, LPC, CPCS, Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, NeuroCoach and NeuroLeader of Behavioral Health Associates of Georgia, LLC.

CON and Mental Health

CON supports executive functioning in the brain. It impacts memory, the ability to focus, and the ability to do several things at once. CON also deals with mental flexibility and self-regulation.

Abnormal CON, and potential issues with self-regulation, are noteworthy. Research shows that problems with self-regulation have been linked to mental health issues.

An abnormal CON has been associated with schizophrenia as well as mood and behavior disorders.

What Can Parents Do?

Experts say helping kids develop ways to deal with stressors may be a starting point to countering the impact of abnormal brain functioning.

“Creating safe spaces for healing (parent and child) that model self-regulation, assertive communication, and resolving conflict is essential to prevention and change,” notes Martin."

Read the full article here!

Reflection:

What are your thoughts on this discovery? How do you think this would help in mental disorder diagnosis?

*I think this would make it easier to identify the susceptibility of children to certain mental illnesses and can help in making a more accurate diagnosis*

#MentalIllness #Children #Research #BrainImaging