Intolerance of uncertainty predicts increased striatal volume

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Brain Structure
• Anxiety Research

Background:

• Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a key trait related to anxiety.
• Previous neuroimaging focused on brain function, not structure, in relation to IU.
• Limited research exists on brain structural correlates of IU.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and brain structural properties.
• To examine gray and white matter correlates of IU in healthy adults.

Main Methods:

• Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis of gray matter.
• Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis of white matter.
• Study included 61 healthy participants.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was found between IU and striatal volume, specifically the putamen.
• No significant relationship was observed between IU and white-matter tract integrity.
• Findings align with studies on anxiety disorders like OCD and GAD.

Conclusions:

• Striatal volume, particularly the putamen, may be a preclinical structural marker for IU.
• This relationship suggests striatal volume reflects uncertainty processing relevant to anxiety.
• Findings could inform understanding of the onset of OCD and GAD.