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An elevated plus-maze in mixed reality for studying human anxiety-related behavior
Sarah V Biedermann1,2,3, Daniel G Biedermann1, Frederike Wenzlaff1
1Human Behavior Laboratory, Institute for Sex Research and Forensic Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
BMC Biology
|December 23, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a mixed reality approach-avoidance task to study human anxiety, validating it as a translational measure. This novel laboratory assay effectively tracks anxiety-related behaviors and responses to pharmacological interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Translational Research
Background:
- Limited laboratory tests for human approach-avoidance behavior hinder anxiety research.
- The rodent elevated plus-maze (EPM) is a standard model for approach-avoidance behavior.
- Translating rodent models to humans is crucial for advancing anxiety disorder research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To translate the elevated plus-maze (EPM) rodent model to humans using mixed reality.
- To validate a novel human approach-avoidance assay for studying anxiety.
- To investigate the behavioral, physiological, and subjective correlates of anxiety in a controlled laboratory setting.
Main Methods:
- Developed a mixed reality (MR) human elevated plus-maze (hEPM) integrating virtual and real-world elements.
- Conducted two validation studies measuring behavioral, physiological, and subjective anxiety responses.
- Performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment using pharmacological agents (GABAergic and alpha-2-adrenergic).
Main Results:
- Participants exhibited increased anxiety, avoidance of open arms, and stress system activation.
- Higher anxiety levels correlated with greater avoidance of open arms.
- Pharmacological interventions modulated open arm avoidance, with GABAergic stimulation decreasing and alpha-2-adrenergic antagonism increasing avoidance.
Conclusions:
- Open arm avoidance in the MR hEPM serves as a valid cross-species translational measure of anxiety.
- This study introduces the first ecologically valid laboratory assay for tracking human approach-avoidance behavior.
- Findings support the use of this MR assay for preclinical and clinical anxiety research.
