Background: Recent research has identified a general psychopathology factor (GPF), which explains overlap in presentation of psychopathological symptoms. Unresolved–disorganized attachment (Ud) is another transdiagnostic risk factor that may be relevant to explain differences in patient characteristics within diagnostic classifications. Objective: In the current study, we examined unique relations of resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) with Ud and GPF. Method: RSFC data were collected from a mixed group of adolescents (N = 74) with and without psychiatric disorder, as part of the Emotional Pathways’ Imaging Study in Clinical Adolescents (EPISCA) study. Ud was measured using the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Associations between Ud, GPF, and RSFC of the amygdala and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and with amygdala–medial frontal connectivity were examined. Results: Ud was positively associated with greater functional connectivity between the left amygdala and the left lateral occipital cortex, precuneus, and superior parietal lobule. Furthermore, Ud was negatively associated with left amygdala–medial frontal cortex connectivity. GPF was not significantly associated with dACC or amygdala connectivity. Conclusions: Atypical amygdala connectivity may reflect a vulnerability factor rather than a biomarker of psychopathology. The unique association of Ud and amygdala RSFC, adjusted for a GPF, across participants with and without various classifications of psychopathology illustrates that dimensional approaches based on the AAI may complement psychiatric classifications in clinical research and practice.

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doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2019.1583525, hdl.handle.net/1765/121687
European Journal of Psychotraumatology
Department of Psychology

van Hoof, M.-J., Riem, M., Garrett, A.S. (Amy S.), van der Wee, N., van IJzendoorn, R., & Vermeiren, R. R. J. M. (2019). Unresolved–disorganized attachment adjusted for a general psychopathology factor associated with atypical amygdala resting-state functional connectivity 控制一般精神病理因素的紊乱依恋与杏仁核静息态功能连接失常相关 Apego no resuelto desorganizado ajustado a un Factor de Psicopatología General asociado con conectividad funcional atípica de la amígdala en estado de reposo. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 10(1). doi:10.1080/20008198.2019.1583525