BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the disruptions of functional connectivity of amygdala-based networks in adolescents with untreated generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 26 adolescents with first-episode GAD and 20 normal age-matched volunteers underwent resting-state and T1 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We analyzed the correlation of fMRI signal fluctuation between the amygdala and other brain regions. The variation of amygdala-based functional connectivity and its correlation with anxiety severity were investigated.

RESULTS: Decreased functional connectivity was found between the left amygdala and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. An increased right amygdala functional connectivity with right posterior and anterior lobes of the cerebellum, insula, superior temporal gyrus, putamen, and right amygdala were found in our study. Negative correlations between GAD scores and functional connectivity of the right amygdala with the cerebellum were also observed in the GAD adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with GAD have abnormalities in brain regions associated with the emotional processing pathways.

Keywords: Amygdala - physiology, Adolescent, Anxiety Disorders - pathology, Emotions - physiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nerve Net - abnormalities, Prefrontal Cortex - physiology, Questionnaires