Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
04:20
Social Isolation Model: A Noninvasive Rodent Model of Stress and Anxiety
Published on: November 11, 2022
Regional structural-functional coupling in generalized anxiety disorder and association with neurotransmitter and
Mengyu Song1, Zhipeng Zhu2, Yue Yu1
1Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
Brain Research Bulletin
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves abnormal structural-functional coupling (SC-FC coupling) in brain networks. These alterations are linked to neurotransmitter systems and gene expression, offering new insights for GAD diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) often presents with somatic symptoms.
- Previous research focused on isolated brain connections, not their interplay.
- This study investigates abnormal structural-functional coupling (SC-FC coupling) in GAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify abnormal SC-FC coupling in GAD patients.
- To explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying GAD.
- To assess the diagnostic and predictive value of SC-FC coupling.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 36 GAD patients and 36 healthy controls (HCs).
- Analyzed SC-FC coupling across brain networks.
- Developed a support vector machine (SVM) model for diagnostic prediction.
- Investigated associations with neurotransmitter distribution and gene expression.
Main Results:
- GAD patients exhibited significant SC-FC coupling abnormalities in multiple brain networks (DMN, attention, frontoparietal, subcortical, sensorimotor).
- The SVM model showed strong diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.857, ACC = 0.792).
- SC-FC coupling alterations correlated with five neurotransmitter systems and specific gene expression patterns.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal SC-FC coupling is diagnostically significant in GAD.
- These coupling changes are associated with neurotransmitters and gene expression.
- Findings provide novel insights into GAD mechanisms and potential targeted interventions.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
01:28Human Genetics
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...