Neurophysiological, behavioural and genetic markers of behavioural problems in early childhood

Christou, Antonios I. (2016). Neurophysiological, behavioural and genetic markers of behavioural problems in early childhood. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The work presented in the present thesis investigated the neural, behavioural and genetic markers that may be associated with the manifestation of behavioural problems during the early years of life. Across four different empirical studies, and by incorporating, behavioural, neurophysiological and genetic investigations, it was demonstrated that: (1) there are neurophysiological signatures that may be associated with the manifestation of behavioural problems early in life; (2) common genetic variations that determine serotonin variability are strongly associated with affectivity-related patterns of frontal brain activation; and that (3) normal genetic variations that modulate serotonin availability and neuroplasticity are each associated with affectivity-related patterns of visual scanning behaviours in response to faces and aversive scenes. Taken together, the results illustrate the existence of robust neural, genetic and behavioural markers that may be associated with the manifestation of behavioural problems in early childhood and prompt further investigation of the area by generating novel hypotheses. Together, the empirical findings of the thesis provide a first stage contribution to the complex mechanisms that may yield risk and resilience for behavioural problems during the early years of life by generating a more comprehensive insight on the field of affectivity.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):