Network abnormalities in generalized anxiety pervade beyond the amygdala-profrontal cortex circuit - Insights from graph theory.pdf (458.04 kB)
Network abnormalities in generalized anxiety pervade beyond the amygdala-prefrontal cortex circuit: insights from graph theory
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 15:28 authored by Elena Makovac, Matteo Mancini, Sabrina Fagioli, David R Watson, Frances Meeten, Charlotte RaeCharlotte Rae, Hugo CritchleyHugo Critchley, Cristina OttavianiGeneralized anxiety (GAD) has excessive anxiety and uncontrollable worry as core symptoms. Abnormal cerebral functioning underpins the expression and perhaps pathogenesis of GAD: Studies implicate impaired communication between the amygdala and the pre-frontal cortex (PFC). Our aim was to longitudinally investigate whether such network abnormalities are spatially restricted to this circuit or if the integrity of functional brain networks is globally disrupted in GAD. We acquired resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 16 GAD patients and 16 matched controls at baseline and after 1 year. Using network modelling and graph-theory, whole-brain connectivity was characterized from local and global perspectives. Overall lower global efficiency, indicating sub-optimal brain-wide organization and integration, was present in patients with GAD compared to controls. The amygdala and midline cortices showed higher betweenness centrality, reflecting functional dominance of these brain structures. Third, lower betweenness centrality and lower degree emerged for PFC, suggesting weakened inhibitory control. Overall, network organization showed impairments consistent with neurobiological models of GAD (involving amygdala, PFC, and cingulate cortex) and further pointed to an involvement of temporal regions. Such impairments tended to progress over time and predict anxiety symptoms. A graph-analytic approach represents a powerful approach to deepen our understanding of GAD.
Funding
Italian Ministry of Health; GR2011-02348232
Italian Ministry of Health; GR-2010-2312442
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
Psychiatry Research: NeuroimagingISSN
0925-4927Publisher
ElsevierVolume
281Page range
107-116Department affiliated with
- BSMS Neuroscience Publications
Research groups affiliated with
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science Publications
- Sussex Neuroscience Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2018-10-12First Open Access (FOA) Date
2019-09-27First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2018-10-11Usage metrics
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