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What do brain imaging studies tell us about anxiety disorders?
1Psychopharmacology Unit, University of Bristol, UK. Andrea.L.Malizia@bristol.ac.uk
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|February 10, 2000
Summary
Neuroimaging studies reveal key brain areas like the orbitofrontal cortex involved in anxiety. Benzodiazepine-gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA(A)) receptor binding studies show reductions in panic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- In-vivo neuroimaging is crucial for understanding brain circuits in anxiety.
- Anxiety disorders are associated with changes in specific neuroreceptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review brain activation maps in various anxiety conditions.
- To examine binding studies of the benzodiazepine-gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA(A)) receptor.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of brain activation maps from different anxiety studies.
- Review of binding studies focusing on the benzodiazepine-GABA(A) receptor.
Main Results:
- Orbitofrontal cortex/anterior insula and anterior cingulate are consistently implicated across anxiety types.
- Methodological issues limit interpretation of many benzodiazepine-GABA(A) receptor studies.
- Reductions in benzodiazepine-GABA(A) receptor binding are a consistent finding in panic disorder.
Conclusions:
- The orbitofrontal cortex/anterior insula and anterior cingulate may be central to integrating anxiety symptoms.
- Further research with improved methodologies is needed for benzodiazepine-GABA(A) receptor binding studies in anxiety.