Generalized Anxiety Disorder Papers
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Visual Abstract
A pilot study of amygdala volumes in pediatric generalized anxiety disorder
Amygdala Volumes in Pediatric Anxiety Disorder
November 25, 2024
author
De Bellis MD, Casey BJ, Dahl RE, Birmaher B, Williamson DE, Thomas KM, Axelson DA, Frustaci K, Boring AM, Hall J, Ryan ND
journal
Biol Psychiatry
Date Published
2000 Jul 1
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Study Summary
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What They Studied
The main research question was whether there are differences in amygdala volumes between children with generalized anxiety disorder and those without.
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What They Found
The study found that children with generalized anxiety disorder have significantly larger right and total amygdala volumes compared to the control group.
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What This Means
These findings suggest that there might be structural differences in the brains of children with generalized anxiety disorder compared to those without, aligning with current evidence that highlights the amygdala's role in anxiety.
Study Summary
Study Overview
The study focused on children with generalized anxiety disorder, hoping to explore how their brains differ from those without. It found that the amygdala, a brain region linked to fear and anxiety, was larger in these children. This suggests a possible connection between brain structure and anxiety disorders.
The researchers emphasized that these changes could be critical in understanding how anxiety develops in children, yet they weren't certain if the larger amygdala is a cause or a result of anxiety.
The researchers emphasized that these changes could be critical in understanding how anxiety develops in children, yet they weren't certain if the larger amygdala is a cause or a result of anxiety.
Abstract: background
The neurodevelopment of childhood anxiety disorders is not well understood. Basic research has implicated the amygdala and circuits related to these nuclei as being central to several aspects of fear and fear-related behaviors in animals.
Amygdala Volume Comparison
"Children and adolescents with GAD were found to have significantly larger right and total amygdala volumes than matched control subjects."
Role of the Amygdala
"The amygdala has been consistently implicated in the regulation of fear and anxiety, making it a key target for studying anxiety disorders."
Marker of Vulnerability
"The results of this study suggest that dysmorphometry of the amygdala could serve as an early marker of vulnerability to anxiety disorders in children, particularly those with generalized anxiety disorder."
Study Summary
Methods
Researchers conducted brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on children and adolescents. They examined amygdala sizes in 12 participants with generalized anxiety disorder, comparing them with 24 participants without the disorder.
Both groups were similar in terms of age, sex, height, and hand preference. They also maintained similarity concerning weight, social, and economic backgrounds, as well as intelligence levels to ensure a fair comparison.
Both groups were similar in terms of age, sex, height, and hand preference. They also maintained similarity concerning weight, social, and economic backgrounds, as well as intelligence levels to ensure a fair comparison.
Abstract: methods
Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure amygdala volumes and comparison brain regions in 12 child and adolescent subjects with generalized anxiety disorder and 24 comparison subjects. Groups were matched on age, sex, height, and handedness and...more
Study Summary
Results
The study found that participants with generalized anxiety disorder had larger right and overall amygdala volumes compared to the non-anxious group. This suggests a possible link between brain size in certain areas and anxiety.
Other regions of the brain, like gray and white matter, temporal lobes, and hippocampus, showed no significant size differences. This implies that the amygdala might specifically be more involved with anxiety than other brain regions.
Other regions of the brain, like gray and white matter, temporal lobes, and hippocampus, showed no significant size differences. This implies that the amygdala might specifically be more involved with anxiety than other brain regions.
Abstract: results
Right and total amygdala volumes were significantly larger in generalized anxiety disorder subjects. Intracranial, cerebral, cerebral gray and white matter, temporal lobe, hippocampal, and basal ganglia volumes and measures of the midsagittal area of...more
Study Summary
Conclusions
Although the study's sample size was small, its findings indicate that changes in the amygdala's structure could be connected to anxiety disorders in children. These results align with ideas suggesting that brain alterations are associated with anxieties.
Future studies with larger sample sizes can build on this work to better understand the role of brain structures in developing childhood anxiety, and potentially inform treatments.
Future studies with larger sample sizes can build on this work to better understand the role of brain structures in developing childhood anxiety, and potentially inform treatments.
Abstract: conclusions
Although these data are preliminary and from a small sample, the results are consistent with a line of thinking that alterations in the structure and function of the amygdala may be associated with pediatric generalized anxiety disorder.
Background Information
Patient Guide
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Neurodevelopment of Anxiety
Current studies link amygdala function with fear and anxiety, despite limited knowledge on childhood anxiety development.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder Basics
GAD involves persistent worry, impacts life significantly; associated with excessive fear response in relevant brain areas.
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Amygdala's Role in GAD
Biological predispositions and neurotransmitter imbalances involve amygdala in fear-response, relevant in GAD development.
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Comorbidities in Anxiety Disorders
GAD frequently overlaps with depression, indicating a shared pathway in neurodevelopmental disruptions.
Professional Guide
Expert Opinion: Amygdala Volumes in Pediatric Anxiety Disorder
In line with the structural alterations seen in amygdala volumes, children with behavioral inhibition may face increased anxiety risk.
An overactive amygdala, linked to anxiety disorders, highlights this connection.
SSRIs are recommended as first-line treatment for pediatric anxiety, while cognitive-behavioral therapy aids in managing fear effectively.
Parental influence can also play a role in anxiety development, urging a holistic approach to treatment.
Combining CBT with SSRIs may enhance outcomes for children with severe anxiety disorders.
An overactive amygdala, linked to anxiety disorders, highlights this connection.
SSRIs are recommended as first-line treatment for pediatric anxiety, while cognitive-behavioral therapy aids in managing fear effectively.
Parental influence can also play a role in anxiety development, urging a holistic approach to treatment.
Combining CBT with SSRIs may enhance outcomes for children with severe anxiety disorders.
Evidence Summary
Tracking Progress with Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety
Group cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to help people manage Generalized Anxiety Disorder. It focuses on addressing anxiety symptoms through group sessions, allowing participants to engage in shared experiences.
The therapy's progress is tracked over time, offering insights into how patients respond and improve in a group setting as they work to reduce symptoms and build coping mechanisms.
The therapy's progress is tracked over time, offering insights into how patients respond and improve in a group setting as they work to reduce symptoms and build coping mechanisms.
Evidence Summary
Effectiveness and Safety of GAD Medications
Medications for Generalized Anxiety Disorder are reviewed, focusing on their effectiveness and safety in managing symptoms. The discussion draws from clinical studies and expert guidelines, offering insights into which drugs are most effective and safe.
The article breaks down various treatments for GAD, comparing their benefits and potential risks, helping to clarify options for managing anxiety symptoms through medication.
The article breaks down various treatments for GAD, comparing their benefits and potential risks, helping to clarify options for managing anxiety symptoms through medication.
Evidence Summary
Understanding Symptoms and Treatments for GAD
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is marked by excessive worry and has a significant impact on daily life. This text explains the common symptoms of GAD and how these symptoms can interfere with normal activities. It also covers several approaches to managing the condition, including medical treatments and coping strategies.
These options aim to help those affected by GAD reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.
These options aim to help those affected by GAD reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life.
