Disrupted Reinforcement Signaling in the Orbitofrontal Cortex and Caudate in Youths With Conduct Disorder or Oppositional Defiant Disorder and a High Level of Psychopathic Traits

• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.10010129
• Publication Date: 2010-11-16T05:14:15Z
• Authors: Elizabeth C. Finger; Abigail A. Marsh; Karina S. Blair; Marguerite E. Reid; Courtney Sims; Pamela Ng; Daniel S. Pine; R. James R. Blair
• Keywords: Orbitofrontal cortex; Conduct disorder; Frontal cortex

Objective: Dysfunction in the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex has been reported youths adults with psychopathic traits. The specific nature of functional irregularities within these structures remains poorly understood. authors used a passive avoidance task to examine responsiveness systems early stimulus-reinforcement exposure, when prediction errors are greatest learning maximized, reward traits comparison youths. Method: While performing task, 15 conduct disorder or oppositional defiant plus high level healthy subjects completed 3.0-T fMRI scan. Results: Relative youths, disruptive behavior showed less both exposure rewards, as well caudate response exposure. There were no group differences two measures, but throughout was lower Conclusions: Compromised sensitivity reinforcement information outcome suggests that integrated functioning amygdala, caudate, may be disrupted. This provides neural basis for why such more likely repeat disadvantageous decisions. New treatment possibilities raised, pharmacologic modulations serotonin dopamine can affect this form learning.