Attempts at memory control induce dysfunctional brain activation profiles in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: An exploratory fMRI study

Suppression of aversive memories through memory control has historically been proposed as a central psychological defense mechanism. Inability to suppress memories is considered a central psychological trait in several psychiatric disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Yet, few studies have attempted the focused identification of dysfunctional brain activation profiles when patients with generalized anxiety disorders attempt memory control. Using a well-characterized behavioral paradigm we studied brain activation profiles in a group of adult GAD patients and well-matched healthy controls (HC).

Source: Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging - May 25, 2017 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Vaibhav A. Diwadkar, Marta Re, Filippo Cecchetto, Marco Garzitto, Sara Piccin, Carolina Bonivento, Marta Maieron, Serena D ’Agostini, Matteo Balestrieri, Paolo Brambilla Source Type: research