Symptom-specific links between internalizing problems and functional connectivity in adolescents: a network analysis

Journal article

Previous fMRI studies have documented links between internalizing problems in youth and brain functional connectivity of the default (DN), frontoparietal (FP), and salience (SA) networks. Characterized by a large symptom heterogeneity and comorbidity, it remains elusive how individual internalizing symptoms relate to DN, FP, and SA connectivity. Leveraging a large population-based sample of adolescents (N = 2426; mean age = 14.1 years) and an integrated network modelling approach, we identified symptom-specific associations between internalizing problems and functional connectivity and explored sex and timing-specific differences in these links. Our findings revealed small negative associations between self-reported feelings of worthlessness and guilt and DN within-network connectivity and positive associations between fearfulness and FP within-network connectivity. Moreover, sadness and fearfulness were positively associated with DN-SA between-network connectivity. Exploratory analyses revealed no significant sex differences but indicated that DN within-network connectivity around age 10 was negatively associated with self-reported worthlessness at age 14. Our findings show symptom-specific associations between internalizing problems and brain functional circuitry in youth and highlight the complex interplay of symptoms and brain networks.Graphical Abstract

Authors: Karl, V; Bjørndal, LD; Aksnes, ER; Teulings, IJE; MacSweeney, N

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Springer
• Journal: European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Pages: 1-16
• Publication date: 2026-02-25
• DOI: 10.1007/s00787-026-02989-6
• EISSN: 1435-165X
• ISSN: 1018-8827
• Language: English
• Keywords: Default mode network; Feeling; Functional connectivity; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Sadness; Salience (neuroscience); Functional analysis; Neuroimaging; Exploratory analysis