Social skills and psychopathic traits in maltreated adolescents.

Child maltreatment has frequently been associated with impaired social skills and antisocial features, but there are still controversies about the effect of each type of maltreatment on social behaviour. The aim of this study was to compare the social functioning and psychopathic traits of maltreated adolescents (MTA) with a control group (CG) and to investigate what types of maltreatments and social skills were associated with psychopathic traits in both groups. The types and intensity of maltreatment were evaluated through the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) in 107 adolescents, divided into the MTA group (n = 66) and non-maltreated youths (n = 41), our CG. The Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL: YV) and a detailed inventory for evaluation of social skills in adolescents were also applied in all individuals. MTA presented more psychopathic traits than the CG, in all domains measured by PCL: YV, independently of IQ levels and the presence of psychiatric disorders. Interestingly, the groups did not differ significantly from each other on indicators of social skills. Multiple regression analysis revealed that emotional neglect was the only maltreatment subtype significantly associated with psychopathic traits, more specifically with the PCL: YV interpersonal factor (F1), and that some social skills (empathy, self-control and social confidence) were related to specific psychopathic factors. The results highlight that emotional neglect may be more detrimental to social behaviours than physical and sexual abuse, and that neglected children require more specific and careful attention.

Callosal abnormalities, altered cortisol levels, and neurocognitive deficits associated with early maltreatment among adolescents: A voxel-based diffusion-tensor imaging study.

INTRODUCTION: Neuroimaging studies have shown callosal abnormalities among maltreated subjects, but little is known about the functional and neurobiological correlates of these supposed developmental alterations. The aim of this study was to investigate childhood maltreatment (CM), neurocognitive functioning, cortisol levels, and corpus callosum (CC) integrity among adolescents. METHODS: One hundred and seven subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with voxel-based diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) and the Crossed Finger Localization Test (CFLT). Psychopathology was investigated with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS-PL); CM was detailed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and salivary cortisol levels were measured by immunoassay. RESULTS: Higher levels of CM were associated with current lower CFLT scores, mainly in the CROSSED condition, involving interhemispheric communication of sensorimotor information (p < .05) and with reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in the splenium of the CC (p < .01). Deficits in the CFLT were also associated with higher cortisol levels (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The association among CM, neuropsychological abnormalities, callosal microstructure alterations, and cortisol levels suggests an altered pattern of brain interhemispheric connectivity among maltreated adolescents. Further studies are needed to investigate the extent to which these sensorimotor deficits and abnormal cortisol levels may be possible mediators of negative neurodevelopmental trajectories and adult psychopathology.

Community-Based Global Health Program for Maltreated Children and Adolescents in Brazil: The Equilibrium Program.

The maltreatment of children and adolescents is a global public health problem that affects high- and low-middle income countries ("LMICs"). In the United States, around 1.2 million children suffer from abuse, while in LMICs, such as Brazil, these rates are much higher (an estimated 28 million children). Exposition to early environmental stress has been associated with suboptimal physical and brain development, persistent cognitive impairment, and behavioral problems. Studies have reported that children exposed to maltreatment are at high risk of behavioral problems, learning disabilities, communication and psychiatric disorders, and general clinical conditions, such as obesity and systemic inflammation later in life. The aim of this paper is to describe The Equilibrium Program ("TEP"), a community-based global health program implemented in São Paulo, Brazil to serve traumatized and neglected children and adolescents. We will describe and discuss TEP's implementation, highlighting its innovation aspects, research projects developed within the program as well as its population profile. Finally, we will discuss TEP's social impact, challenges, and limitations. The program's goal is to promote the social and family reintegration of maltreated children and adolescents through an interdisciplinary intervention program that provides multi-dimensional bio-psycho-social treatment integrated with the diverse services needed to meet the unique demands of this population. The program's cost effectiveness is being evaluated to support the development of more effective treatments and to expand similar programs in other areas of Brazil. Policy makers should encourage early evidence-based interventions for disadvantaged children to promote healthier psychosocial environments and provide them opportunities to become healthy and productive adults. This approach has already shown itself to be a cost-effective strategy to prevent disease and promote health.

Executive dysfunction and low academic attainment in adolescent substance abusers with a history of maltreatment / Disfunção executiva e baixo desempenho escolar em adolescentes usuários de drogas com história de maus-tratos

OBJECTIVE: Substance abuse and maltreatment are highly associated with Executive Cognitive Function impairments, but very little is known about how symptoms of a condition known as Dysexecutive Syndrome may impact on real-life activities, especially in adolescents. This study investigated the presence of Executive Cognitive Function deficits in maltreated substance-abusing adolescents relative to healthy control subjects and analyzed the association between executive performance and educational attainment. METHOD: The sample consisted of 15 maltreated adolescent substance abusers and 15 non-maltreated healthy adolescents (controls). They were assessed by the Frontal Assessment Battery, composed of six subtests: Conceptualization, Mental flexibility, Motor programming, Sensitivity to interference, Inhibitory control, and Environmental autonomy. RESULTS: Maltreated adolescents did not differ from controls in sociodemographic variables such as age, ethnicity, and handedness. However, they performed significantly and importantly below controls in almost all domains of Executive Cognitive Function, including abstract abilities, cognitive flexibility, motor planning, and sensitivity to interference. Maltreated adolescents also completed fewer years of formal education vs. controls. The Frontal Assessment Battery total score correlated with educational attainment throughout the sample (r = 0.511; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Substance-abusing adolescents with a history of maltreatment performed more poorly vs. controls on a variety of measurements of executive functioning, and the results of the Frontal Assessment Battery were associated with educational attainment. Our results evidence a negative impact of dysexecutive symptoms on educational attainment in adolescents. Strategies focusing on neuropsychological rehabilitation may be relevant to help substance-abusing and maltreated adolescents to perform better at school and perhaps in life.

OBJETIVO: Abuso de substâncias e maus-tratos têm sido altamente associados com déficits nas funções executivas, porém pouco se conhece sobre o impacto da disfunção executiva nas atividades da vida real, especialmente em adolescentes. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença de déficits nas funções executivas em adolescentes abusadores de substâncias com histórico de maus-tratos, comparando-os com um grupo de jovens controles saudáveis, assim como analisar a associação entre o desempenho executivo e o nível de escolaridade dos participantes. MÉTODO: A amostra foi composta por 15 adolescentes abusadores de substâncias, vítimas de maus tratos e 15 adolescentes saudáveis, sem história de maus-tratos. Todos os participantes foram avaliados pela Bateria de Avaliação Frontal, composto por seis subtestes: Conceituação, Flexibilidade mental, Programação motora, Sensibilidade à interferência, Controle inibitório e Autonomia Ambiental RESULTADOS: Os adolescentes abusadores não diferiram dos controles saudáveis em variáveis sócio-demográficas, tais como idade, etnia e lateralidade. No entanto, apresentaram desempenho significativamente abaixo dos controles em quase todos os domínios das funções executivas, incluindo capacidade de abstração, flexibilidade cognitiva, planejamento motor e sensibilidade à interferência. Os adolescentes vítimas de maus tratos concluíram menos anos de educação formal do que os controles. A pontuação total da Bateria de Avaliação Frontal correlacionou com o nível de escolaridade, na amostra total (r = 0.511; p < 0.01). CONCLUSÃO: Os adolescentes abusadores de substâncias com histórico de maus-tratos apresentam prejuízos em várias medidas de Funções Executivas. Os resultados da Bateria de Avaliação Frontal associam-se com os anos completados de escolaridade. Nossos resultados evidenciam o impacto negativo da disfunção executiva no aproveitamento escolar em adolescentes. Estratégias com foco em reabilitação neuropsicológica podem ser relevantes para ajudar adolescentes abusadores de substâncias e vítimas de maus tratos a atingirem melhor aproveitamento na escola e, talvez, na vida como um todo.

Estudos neuropsicológicos e de neuroimagem associados ao estresse emocional na infância e adolescência: [revisão] / Neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies associated with emotional stress during childhood and adolescence: [review]

CONTEXTO: A infância e a adolescência são períodos relevantes para a maturação do cérebro. Experiências no começo da vida exercem influência em padrões de comportamentos da vida adulta. OBJETIVO: Analisar estudos neuropsicológicos e de neuroimagem associados ao estresse emocional na infância e adolescência que foram publicados na literatura nos últimos 20 anos MÉTODOS: Revisão da literatura na base de dados Medline/PubMed com os termos relacionados à neuropsicologia, neuroimagem e vivência de abandono, violência doméstica, abuso físico, abuso sexual e negligência. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 607 artigos, dos quais 19 foram selecionados para análise por se adequarem ao tema proposto. Apesar das divergências entre eles, há evidências de que grupos com experiência de estresse emocional precoce (EEP) apresentam prejuízos em funções neurocognitivas como atenção, inteligência, linguagem, funções executivas e tomada de decisões, assim como alterações no hipocampo, corpo caloso, córtex pré-frontal e córtex cingulado anterior. A ocorrência de transtornos psiquiátricos e de alterações comportamentais também é relevante nesses indivíduos. CONCLUSÕES: Em virtude da diversidade de efeitos negativos do EEP no desenvolvimento neuropsicológico, considera-se fundamental a realização de pesquisas sistematizadas que possam nortear a elaboração de estratégias de diagnóstico e tratamento específicas, além da implementação de políticas públicas de prevenção à violência na infância e adolescência.

BACKGROUND: Childhood and adolescence are relevant periods for the brain maturation process. Experiences in early life have an important influence on adults patterns of behavior. OBJECTIVE: To analyze what have been published in the last 20 years about neuropsychological and neuroimaging, associated with occurrence of various forms of emotional stress in childhood and adolescence. METHODS: Literature review of the Medline/PubMed database with the terms related to neuropsychology, neuroimaging, abandonment experience, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. RESULTS: 607 articles were found but only 19 fit with the proposed subject and were selected. Despite the differences between the studies, there is evidence that groups with experience of early emotional stress show losses in neurocognitive functions such as attention, intelligence, language, executive functions, and decision-making, as well as changes in hippocampus, corpus callosum prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. The occurrence of psychiatric disorders and behavioral disorders were also relevant in these individuals. DISCUSSION: Considering many negative consequences that early stress can cause in neuropsychological and mental development, there is a need for more research on the topic in order to develop specific strategies for diagnosis and treatment, besides the implementation of public policies for violence prevention in childhood and adolescence, especially in developing countries.