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Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Extending the amygdala in theories of threat processing
Andrew S Fox1, Jonathan A Oler2, Do P M Tromp2
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; HealthEmotions Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Lane Neuroimaging Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Center for Investigating Healthy Minds at the Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
Abstract:
The central extended amygdala is an evolutionarily conserved set of interconnected brain regions that play an important role in threat processing to promote survival. Two core components of the central extended amygdala, the central nucleus of the amygdala (Ce) and the lateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) are highly similar regions that serve complimentary roles by integrating fear- and anxiety-relevant information. Survival depends on the ability of the central extended amygdala to rapidly integrate and respond to threats that vary in their immediacy, proximity, and characteristics. Future studies will benefit from understanding alterations in central extended amygdala function in relation to stress-related psychopathology.
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