Date of Completion

Spring 5-4-2024

Thesis Advisor(s)

Jeffrey Burke

Honors Major

Molecular and Cell Biology

Disciplines

Behavioral Neurobiology | Biological Psychology | Child Psychology | Clinical Psychology | Cognitive Neuroscience | Cognitive Psychology | Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience | Neuroscience and Neurobiology | Psychology | Science and Technology Studies | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Statistics and Probability

Abstract

Disobedient and rebellious attitude in children is on the rise and this type of behavior is categorized as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). ODD in children can be identified as a persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior or vindictiveness toward others according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5, Fifth Edition) of Mental Disorders.1 Children with ODD typically have difficulty regulating and processing their emotions. Issues with regulating emotions is defined as the process by which individuals “influence which emotions they have, when they have them, and how they experience and express them”.2 Dysregulation of emotions is a prevalent symptom seen in many psychiatric and behavior disorders seen in childhood, including ODD.3,4

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is believed to be correlated to the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex. The amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex are parts of the brain that work together as part of the hot EF pathway to identify emotionally salient stimuli and to organize cognitive and behavioral reactions.5 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) commonly occurs with ODD and may also be influenced by both brain regions. A meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies found abnormalities in the amygdala as potentially explanatory of ODD.6 Problems in the orbitofrontal cortex are associated with reduced empathy, lack of insight and impaired social judgements, which may have relevance for the presence of ODD.7

This begs the question of what type of correlation exists between the amygdala/orbitofrontal cortex and ODD symptoms. It also begs the question of whether other factors, such as family income, could influence this relationship. The hypothesis of this study is that higher symptoms of ODD will be found in individuals with lower amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex volume than those with higher amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex volumes after accounting for ADHD and demographic factors. In addition, it is hypothesized that higher family income would be associated with higher amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex volume, thus being associated with lower ODD symptoms. Data was utilized from a large randomized control trial of treatment for behavioral problems conducted in Pittsburgh, PA from the Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) program. The data focused on 60 boys from the ages 7-11. Regression tests were conducted through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Initial bivariate tests were conducted for ADHD, ODD, & Family Income in association with each brain region. Final models examined any variables significant at the individual level. After factoring in ADHD symptoms, neither ODD nor ADHD were significantly associated with amygdala or orbitofrontal volume (p > 0.05 for both). Family income was associated with a larger bilateral orbitofrontal volume. Higher ODD on its own, was significantly associated with smaller orbitofrontal cortex volumes (p < 0.05). However, after controlling for ADHD symptom severity, the association was no longer significant. ODD and ADHD symptoms had to be looked at together due to frequent comorbidity in individuals. Orbitofrontal cortex volume had a significant positive relationship to family income (p < 0.05). Future studies could further examine how nutrition could play a role in the development of the size of these brain regions.

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