Chugani et al (development, bio) Flashcards

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1
Q

Aim

A

To compare brain development in Romanian orphans to similar-aged children and adults.

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2
Q

Procedure

A
  • Small sample: 10 children, mean age of 8.8, lived in orphanage for average 38 months before adoption
  • Those with pre-existing conditions were excluded but lack of record-keeping might not have taken all info into account
  • Infants spent up to 20 hours a day unattended, caregiver ratios were 10:1 for children over 3
  • Two control groups: 17 “normal adults, 7 children who suffered from epilepsy (affected areas of the brain were not compared)
  • All children received a profile based on several cognitive tests and all groups completed PET scans
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3
Q

Findings

A
  • After one year in adoptive home, children showed substantial “catch up” to peers (according to parents at time of the PET scan)
  • Many still suffered from attentional, behavioral and academic achievement difficulties
  • PET scans showed decreased glucose metabolism in prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, lateral temporal cortex
  • These scans are known to be strongly interconnected with vulnerable to prolonged periods of stress
  • Researchers concluded that dysfunction in these areas may be a result of early deprivation and be involved in some long-term cognitive and behavioral disturbances observed in some orphans
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4
Q

Strengths

A
  • “Naturally-occurring situation” allows neglect to be studied without creating an unethical situation
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5
Q

Limitations

A
  • Small sample (generalizability)
  • Not longitudinal or prospective
  • Record keeping in orphanages was poor
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6
Q

Ethical Considerations

A
  • Informed consent (parental consent)
  • Protection from harm (should know the PET process before consenting)
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7
Q

Research Method

A

Case Study

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