Sex-specific differences in amygdala resting-state functional connectivity with trait anxiety.
Aliesha M Kemp1, Kyle T S Pattinson2, Paul Glue3
1Department of Psychology, University of Otago.
Neuropsychology
|June 4, 2026
Summary
Higher anxiety levels correlate with increased amygdala functional connectivity. Sex differences were observed, with females showing reduced connectivity related to anxiety compared to males, suggesting distinct neural pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging and neuroscience
- Psychiatry and mental health research
- Brain function and connectivity
Background:
- Anxiety disorders are prevalent global mental health conditions, disproportionately affecting females.
- The amygdala and its subregions are critical in anxiety-related neural circuitry.
- Understanding neural underpinnings of anxiety is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine resting-state functional connectivity of the amygdala and its subregions in relation to trait anxiety levels.
- To investigate potential sex differences in amygdala functional connectivity associated with trait anxiety in a nonclinical population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 7 Tesla resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans from 40 participants (50% female).
- Employed seed-based functional connectivity analyses using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait component scores.
- Analyzed connectivity between amygdala subregions (basolateral and centromedial amygdala) and other brain regions.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in trait anxiety scores were found between males and females.
- Increased resting-state functional connectivity was associated with higher trait anxiety in the bilateral amygdala and centromedial amygdala (CMA).
- Exploratory analyses revealed sex differences: females exhibited reduced amygdala and CMA connectivity related to trait anxiety compared to males.
Conclusions:
- Findings enhance understanding of the neural circuitry underlying anxiety.
- Highlight the necessity for further research into sex-specific differences in neural connectivity related to anxiety.
- Emphasize the importance of investigating clinical anxiety populations to address sex-disparate prevalence rates.
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