Aetiology
-
EEG data might help identify children at risk for social anxiety
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive method to monitor the electrical activity of the brain. There are five main broad frequency bands in the EEG power spectrum: alpha, beta, gamma, delta and theta. Data suggest that EEG-derived delta–beta coupling — indicating related activity in the delta and beta frequency bands — might serve as a marker of emotion regulation.
Read more -
Does early androgen exposure contribute to autistic traits?
Researchers in Hong Kong and Cambridge have explored the influence of early androgen exposure on autistic traits during childhood.
Read more -
Cord blood metabolites linked with an ADHD diagnosis in childhood
Researchers in the USA have analysed whether the levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) detectable in maternal plasma and newborn cord blood are associated with the development of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) later in childhood.
Read more -
Childhood behaviour patterns linked with romantic partnering in adulthood
Children with behavioural disorders, such as ADHD or conduct disorder, are more likely to experience partnership problems in adulthood, including partner conflict and lower relationship satisfaction.
Read more -
Which genetic mechanisms underlie the relationship between preschool vocabulary and later literacy skills?
Preschool vocabulary acquisition is associated with later language and literacy skills. Genetic factors might partially explain this link, but the precise mechanisms are unclear. Thus far, twin-based studies have implicated mechanisms involving genetic amplification or genetic innovation.
Read more -
Progressive cortical thinning might identify children at risk of developing psychotic spectrum symptoms
Offspring of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have an increased risk of developing these conditions. However, our capacity to predict the long-term outcomes of these at-risk individuals is limited. Now, researchers have investigated whether longitudinal changes in brain structure differ in individuals at high familial risk who develop psychotic spectrum symptoms, compared to those who do not and to low-risk controls.
Read more -
Child soldiers exposed to more violence and combat are at greater risk of mental health problems
Sadly, the involvement of children in armed conflict is increasing,1 and leads to a higher risk of developing mental health problems.
Read more -
Mothers’ prenatal BMI is linked with foetal brain connectivity
New data suggest that a high maternal prenatal body mass index (BMI) is associated with differences in functional connectivity in the foetal brain that might confer a risk of mental health and cognitive problems in childhood.
Read more -
How does parenting style affect development in infants with a visual impairment?
Earlier this year, researchers from Great Ormond Street Hospital and the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health in the UK published their latest findings from the OPTIMUM project: a national, longitudinal study investigating early development and interventions for young children with visual impairment.
Read more -
Which disorders precede the development of mood disorders in young people?
Mood disorders such as bipolar disorder (BPD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) typically emerge in childhood or adolescence. Now, researchers in Switzerland, the USA and Canada have investigated whether certain other mental health disorders precede the onset of mood disorders
Read more