Presentation Abstract
Presentation:
1060 - Increased Rate Of Thinning In Fronto-parietal And Temporal Cortices
Associated With Novelty Seeking In Typically Developing Youths
Location:
Freedom/Independence - Mezzanine Level
Keywords:
novelty seeking; cortical thickness; temperament; development
Author(s):
James J. Hudziak1, Matthew D. Albaugh1, David C. Rettew1, Simon Ducharme2, Sherif
Karama2,3, Kelly N. Botteron4, Alan C. Evans2, The Brain Development Cooperative
Group
1
Vermont Center for Children, Youth, and Families, University of Vermont College of
Medicine, Burlington, VT,2McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological
Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,3Department of Psychiatry, Douglas
Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC,
Canada,4Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, School
of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
Abstract:
Background: The temperament trait of novelty seeking (NS) is typified by impulsivity,
thrill-seeking, and disregard for rules. Prior research indicates an association between this
trait and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Specifically, it has been
reported that ADHD symptoms and NS are underpinned by shared genetic factors. In the
present study, utilizing a longitudinal sample of healthy youths, we investigated the
cortical correlates of NS.
Methods: First, cortical thickness was regressed against NS scores on the Parent Junior
Temperament and Character Inventory in 235 youths (391 MRIs/JTCIs). Next, we tested
for an “NS × Age” interaction on cortical thickness. To account for within-person
dependence, mixed-effects models were used. Age, gender, cerebral volume proxy (total
brain volume minus cortical volume), and scanner were controlled for in each analysis. To
correct for multiple comparisons, false discovery rate correction was applied.
Results: No association between thickness and NS was found. The “NS × Age”
interaction term was associated with thickness in a number of regions including bilateral
dorsolateral prefrontal, parietal, and temporal cortices. Follow-up analysis revealed that
youths with higher NS scores demonstrated an increased rate of thinning in these regions.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that NS is related to cortical maturation in healthy
youths, with more pronounced thinning in fronto-parietal regions being associated with
higher levels of NS. Interestingly, some of the regions evidencing increased thinning in
high NS youth have been implicated in the pathophysiology of ADHD. Present findings
may account, in part, for reports of heightened NS among ADHD populations.
Disclosures:
M.D. Albaugh: None.