Individuals with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and a family history of mental health issues may face an increased risk of aggressive behavior in middle age, as indicated by a recent study.
A recent study, highlighted in the November 27, 2024, online edition of Neurology®, the esteemed journal of the American Academy of Neurology, suggests that people suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) who also have relatives with mental illness might experience a greater likelihood of exhibiting aggression as they reach middle age.
CTE is a progressive brain condition caused by repeated head traumas, frequently found in athletes and military service members, potentially resulting in mood alterations and dementia.
Study author, Dr. Jesse Mez, from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Neurology, noted, “It seems that these risk factors combined lead to a higher probability of aggression than when they exist independently. Those with both CTE and a family history of mental illness are significantly more prone to aggressive behaviors compared to individuals with either condition alone.”
The research involved 845 men who experienced repeated head injuries through contact sports or military activities. Among the participants, 329 had played professional football. After passing away at an average age of 60, they all contributed their brains for research purposes. From the entire group, 589 (70%) were diagnosed with CTE, and 383 (45%) had a family history of mental illness.
To gauge their aggressive behaviors, researchers spoke with family members or spouses of the participants. They inquired if any immediate family members were ever diagnosed with significant mental health disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or other psychiatric conditions. If any family member had such a diagnosis, the participant was classified as having a family history of mental illness.
The participants were organized into four distinct groups: 256 individuals (30%) had CTE and a family history of mental illness; 333 individuals (40%) had CTE without a family history of mental illness; 127 individuals (15%) had no CTE but a family history of mental illness; and 129 individuals (15%) neither had CTE nor a family history of mental illness.
Family members were asked about the participants’ aggressive behaviors, determining the severity of instances like intense arguments or physical altercations, using a scoring system from zero to 44. The findings revealed that adults with both CTE and a family history of mental illness scored an average of 19, whereas those with CTE alone had an average score of 17.
Dr. Mez remarked, “This connection was notably significant for individuals who died between the ages of 40 and 59.”
After accounting for additional factors such as the total time spent in contact sports and military service, researchers found that individuals aged 40 to 59 with CTE alongside a history of mental illness had aggression scores averaging 0.64 standard deviations higher compared to those with CTE who lacked a family history of such issues. Conversely, individuals without CTE did not see an increased risk of aggression from a family history of mental illness.
“The relationship between a family history of mental illness and aggressive behavior may stem from shared genetics, as well as common environments and behaviors, including childhood interactions with family members,” explained Dr. Mez. “Recognizing those likely to exhibit aggressive symptoms based on family mental health history could help us better predict the effects of CTE and identify individuals who could most benefit from treatment.”
One limitation of the study was its reliance on recollections from family members and spouses, who might not have fully recalled past events accurately.
This investigation was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Nick and Lynn Buoniconti Foundation.
