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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Does pediatric post-traumatic stress disorder alter the brain? Systematic review and meta-analysis of structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies

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Author(s):
Milani, Ana Carolina C. ; Hoffmann, Elis V. ; Fossaluza, Victor ; Jackowski, Andrea P. ; Mello, Marcelo F.
Total Authors: 5
Document type: Review article
Source: PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES; v. 71, n. 3, p. 154-169, MAR 2017.
Web of Science Citations: 8
Abstract

Several studies have recently demonstrated that the volumes of specific brain regions are reduced in children and adolescents with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared with those of healthy controls. Our study investigated the potential association between early traumatic experiences and altered brain regions and functions. We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature regarding functional magnetic resonance imaging and a meta-analysis of structural magnetic resonance imaging studies that investigated cerebral region volumes in pediatric patients with PTSD. We searched for articles from 2000 to 2014 in the PsycINFO, PubMed, Medline, Lilacs, and ISI (Web of Knowledge) databases. All data regarding the amygdala, hippocampus, corpus callosum, brain, and intracranial volumes that fit the inclusion criteria were extracted and combined in a meta-analysis that assessed differences between groups. The meta-analysis found reduced total corpus callosum areas and reduced total cerebral and intracranial volumes in the patients with PTSD. The total hippocampus (left and right hippocampus) and gray matter volumes of the amygdala and frontal lobe were also reduced, but these differences were not significant. The functional studies revealed differences in brain region activation in response to stimuli in the post-traumatic stress symptoms/PTSD group. Our results confirmed that the pediatric patients with PTSD exhibited structural and functional brain abnormalities and that some of the abnormalities occurred in different brain regions than those observed in adults. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/09104-5 - Violence as etiological factor on psychopathology of children. impact of intentional and social violence on children up to 12 years old. risk factors: clinical, endocrinological, genetics, brain structure and neuropsychological
Grantee:Marcelo Feijó de Mello
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants