Resting-State Functional Brain Networks in Bipolar Spectrum Disorder: A Graph Theoretical Investigation

Neurobiological theories of bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD) propose that the emotional dysregulation characteristic of BSD stems from disrupted prefrontal control over subcortical limbic structures (Strakowski et al., 2012; Depue & Iacono, 1989). However, existing neuroimaging research on functional connectivity between frontal and limbic brain regions remains inconclusive, and is unable to adequately characterize global functional network dynamics. Graph theoretical analysis provides a framework for understanding the local and global connections of the brain and comparing these connections between groups (Sporns et al., 2004). The purpose of this study was to investigate resting state functional connectivity in individuals at low and high risk for BSD based on moderate versus high reward sensitivity, both with and without a BSD diagnosis, using graph theoretical network analysis. Results demonstrated decreased connectivity in a cognitive control region (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex), but increased connectivity of a brain region involved in the detection and processing of reward (bilateral orbitofrontal cortex), among participants at high risk for BSD. Participants with BSD showed increased inter-module connectivity of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Reward sensitivity was associated with decreased global and local efficiency, and interacted with BSD risk group status to predict inter-module connectivity. Findings are discussed in relation to neurobiological theories of BSD.

Grantor dc:publisher

Temple University. Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Black, Chelsea Lynn

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Alloy, Lauren B.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Giovannetti, Tania
• Chein, Jason M.
• Chen, Eunice Y.
• McCloskey, Michael S.
• Olino, Thomas
• Olson, Ingrid R.

• Psychology
• Psychology, Clinical
• Neurosciences
• Bipolar disorder
• FMRI
• Graph theory
• Resting-state
• Reward sensitivity

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT- This Rights Statement can be used for an Item that is in copyright. Using this statement implies that the organization making this Item available has determined that the Item is in copyright and either is the rights-holder, has obtained permission from the rights-holder(s) to make their Work(s) available, or makes the Item available under an exception or limitation to copyright (including Fair Use) that entitles it to make the Item available.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Dc Identifier Other

965641447

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarshare.temple.edu:20.500.12613/809