Abnormal dynamic functional connectivity during fear extinction learning in PTSD and anxiety disorders
Zhenfu Wen1, Jeehye Seo2,3, Edward F Pace-Schott2,3
1Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Molecular Psychiatry
|February 11, 2022
Summary
Individuals with anxiety disorders (AX) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) show abnormal brain network connectivity during fear extinction learning. This impaired neural flexibility may underlie their persistent fear and anxiety symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Understanding fear extinction mechanisms is crucial for treating anxiety disorders (AX) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- The role of large-scale neural network interplay during fear extinction in these disorders requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dynamic functional connectivity (FC) alterations during conditioned fear extinction in individuals with AX or PTSD.
- To explore the relationship between neural network changes during extinction learning and clinical symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed neuroimaging data from 338 participants (healthy controls, trauma-exposed controls, AX, PTSD) using a two-day fear conditioning and extinction paradigm.
- Utilized dynamic functional connectivity (FC) analysis to assess brain network interactions during extinction learning and recall.
Main Results:
- Healthy controls (HC) showed increased dynamic FC during extinction learning, unlike AX and PTSD groups.
- Impaired FC changes in patients were prominent within/between default mode, frontoparietal control, and somatomotor networks, particularly involving the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
- Extinction-induced FC predicted memory recall only in HC; FC impairments correlated with clinical fear/anxiety measures.
Conclusions:
- AX and PTSD patients exhibit widespread abnormal FC in cognitive and attention networks during extinction learning.
- Patients fail to link neural signatures of extinction learning and memory retrieval, potentially impacting conscious awareness and attention.
- These findings highlight disrupted neural network dynamics as a key factor in the pathophysiology of AX and PTSD.
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