I am tempted to send this rapid response even though I have only had
access to the Abstract. The temptation arises because of the title.
"Imaging studies link teenage conduct disorder to brain structure"
Isn't all behaviour linked in some way to the individual's brain
structure?
The important issue in the context of this study is whether it is
being suggested that the conduct disorder was brought about by an inherent
brain structure or whether an environmental/psychosocial restructuring has
taken place.
Burnett and her colleagues have put forward the following proposals:
"Recent brain imaging studies have demonstrated that the human brain
continues to develop throughout the adolescent years. Although there are
differences between male and female teenagers in terms of the time course
of neural development, similar brain areas undergo significant
restructuring in both sexes. Brain regions in which development is
particularly protracted include the prefrontal cortex and the
temporalparietal cortex. These regions are involved in a number of
cognitive functions, including decision-making and social cognition (the
understanding of other people). The development of these brain regions
might contribute to behaviours typically associated with the teenage
years, such as increased risk-taking, susceptibility to peer pressure, and
reduced self-control. These findings have potentially important
implications for how we as a society treat this age group. For example,
research on decision-making and impulse control might influence questions
of criminal responsibility and anti-social behaviour." [1]
[1] Burnett, S; Sebastian, C & Blakemore, S. Understanding
the changing adolescent brain. Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience,
University College London; February 2009 [Beyond Current Horizons: http://www.beyondcurrenthorizons.org.uk/wp-
Rapid Response:
Post hoc
I am tempted to send this rapid response even though I have only had
access to the Abstract. The temptation arises because of the title.
"Imaging studies link teenage conduct disorder to brain structure"
Isn't all behaviour linked in some way to the individual's brain
structure?
The important issue in the context of this study is whether it is
being suggested that the conduct disorder was brought about by an inherent
brain structure or whether an environmental/psychosocial restructuring has
taken place.
Burnett and her colleagues have put forward the following proposals:
"Recent brain imaging studies have demonstrated that the human brain
continues to develop throughout the adolescent years. Although there are
differences between male and female teenagers in terms of the time course
of neural development, similar brain areas undergo significant
restructuring in both sexes. Brain regions in which development is
particularly protracted include the prefrontal cortex and the
temporalparietal cortex. These regions are involved in a number of
cognitive functions, including decision-making and social cognition (the
understanding of other people). The development of these brain regions
might contribute to behaviours typically associated with the teenage
years, such as increased risk-taking, susceptibility to peer pressure, and
reduced self-control. These findings have potentially important
implications for how we as a society treat this age group. For example,
research on decision-making and impulse control might influence questions
of criminal responsibility and anti-social behaviour." [1]
[1] Burnett, S; Sebastian, C & Blakemore, S. Understanding
the changing adolescent brain. Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience,
University College London; February 2009 [Beyond Current Horizons:
http://www.beyondcurrenthorizons.org.uk/wp-
content/uploads/final_blakemore_understandingthechangingadolescentbrain_0090202.pdf
Competing interests: No competing interests