Amygdala reactivity to faces at varying intensities of threat in generalized social phobia: an event-related functional MRI study
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Heide Klumpp1, Mike Angstadt, Pradeep J Nathan
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2700, United States. heidek@umich.edu
Abstract:
Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we measured amygdala reactivity to faces varying on threat intensity in patients with generalized social phobia (GSP) and healthy controls. GSP patients exhibited greater amygdala reactivity to threat faces at high and moderate intensities. More subtle displays of social threat are sufficient to evoke a fear-related neural response.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Amygdala in Memory
One of the...
Social Anxiety Disorder
Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
Facial Feedback Hypothesis
Preparedness and Phobias

