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. 2015 Feb 12:21:459-67.
doi: 10.12659/MSM.893373.

Abnormal functional connectivity of the amygdala-based network in resting-state FMRI in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder

Wen-jing Liu  1 , Da-zhi Yin  2 , Wen-hong Cheng  1 , Ming-xia Fan  2 , Mei-na You  1 , Wei-wei Men  1 , Li-li Zang  2 , Dian-hong Shi  1 , Fang Zhang  1
Affiliations

Abnormal functional connectivity of the amygdala-based network in resting-state FMRI in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder

Wen-jing Liu et al. Med Sci Monit. .

Abstract

Background: We aimed to investigate the disruptions of functional connectivity of amygdala-based networks in adolescents with untreated generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Material and methods: A total of 26 adolescents with first-episode GAD and 20 normal age-matched volunteers underwent resting-state and T1 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We analyzed the correlation of fMRI signal fluctuation between the amygdala and other brain regions. The variation of amygdala-based functional connectivity and its correlation with anxiety severity were investigated.

Results: Decreased functional connectivity was found between the left amygdala and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. An increased right amygdala functional connectivity with right posterior and anterior lobes of the cerebellum, insula, superior temporal gyrus, putamen, and right amygdala were found in our study. Negative correlations between GAD scores and functional connectivity of the right amygdala with the cerebellum were also observed in the GAD adolescents.

Conclusions: Adolescents with GAD have abnormalities in brain regions associated with the emotional processing pathways.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Independent sample t test was applied for intergroup comparison, and the threshold value was set to P<0.05. The minimum number of voxels was 12 (324 mm3), the correction value was P<0.05. (A) The functional connectivity of the left amygdala in GAD patients and normal controls. (B–H) The functional connectivity of the right amygdala in GAD patients and normal controls.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mean intensity of the functional connectivity of the bilateral amygdala with different brain regions. Bar diagram and error bars represent the mean value and standard deviation of the functional connectivity in GAD patients and normal controls. GAD: generalized anxiety disorder, HC: health control, DLPFC: dorsolateral prefrontal gyrus, CAL: anterior cerebellum lobe, APH: right amygdala extending to parahippocampus, LPH: left amygdala extending to parahippocampus, STG: superior temporal gyrus, ACL: anterior cerebellum gyrus.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A, B) Scores on GAD factor of SCARED and total score of SCARED were negatively correlated with the functional connectivity of the right amygdala and posterior cerebellum lobe. SCARED: Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders; GAD: generalized anxiety disorder. FC: functional connectivity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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