Neural Correlates of Attentional Processing of Threat in Youth with and without Anxiety Disorders.

Neural Correlates of Attentional Processing of Threat in Youth with and without Anxiety Disorders.
J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2018 Apr 02;:
Authors: Bechor M, Ramos ML, Crowley MJ, Silverman WK, Pettit JW, Reeb-Sutherland BC
Abstract
Late-stage attentional processing of threatening stimuli, quantified through event-related potentials (ERPs), differentiates youth with and without anxiety disorders. It is unknown whether early-stage attentional processing of threatening stimuli differentiates these groups. Examining both early and late stage attentional processes in youth may advance knowledge and enhance efforts to identify biomarkers for translational prevention and treatment research. Twenty-one youth with primary DSM-IV-TR anxiety disorders (10 males, ages 8-15 years) and 21 typically developing Controls (15 males, ages 8-16 years) completed a dot probe task while electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded, and ERPs were examined. Youth with anxiety disorders showed significantly larger (more positive) P1 amplitudes for threatening stimuli than for neutral stimuli, and Controls showed the opposite pattern. Youth with anxiety showed larger (more negative) N170 amplitudes compared with Controls. Controls showed significantly larger (more positive) P2 and P3 amplitudes, regardless of stimuli valence, compared with youth with anxiety disorders. ERPs observed during the dot probe task indicate youth with anxiety disorders display distinct...

Source: Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology - April 2, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Bechor M, Ramos ML, Crowley MJ, Silverman WK, Pettit JW, Reeb-Sutherland BC Tags: J Abnorm Child Psychol Source Type: research