Open AccessWorry is associated with inefficient functional activity and connectivity in prefrontal and cingulate cortices during emotional interference
Author(s) -
Barker Holly,
Munro James,
Orlov Natasza,
Morgenroth Elenor,
Moser Jason,
Eysenck Michael W.,
Allen Paul
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.1137
Subject(s) - worry , anterior cingulate cortex , psychology , dorsolateral prefrontal cortex , anxiety , insula , attentional control , cognition , neuroimaging , functional magnetic resonance imaging , brain activity and meditation , prefrontal cortex , error related negativity , cognitive psychology , neuroscience , electroencephalography , psychiatry
Abstract Introduction Anxiety is known to impair attentional control particularly when Task demands are high. Neuroimaging studies generally support these behavioral findings, reporting that anxiety is associated with increased (inefficient) activity in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during attentional control Tasks. However, less is known about the relationship between worry (part of the cognitive dimension of trait anxiety) and DLPFC/ACC function and connectivity during attentional control. In the present study, we sought to clarify this relationship. Methods Forty‐one participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a composite Faces and Scenes Task with high and low emotional interference conditions. Individual worry levels were assessed using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Results During high but not low emotional interference, worry was associated with increased activity in ACC, DLPFC, insula, and inferior parietal cortex. During high emotional interference, worry was also associated with reduced functional connectivity between ACC and DLPFC. Trait anxiety was not associated with changes in DLPFC/ACC activity or connectivity during either Task condition. Conclusions The results are consistent with cognitive models that propose worry competes for limited processing resources resulting in inefficient DLPFC and ACC activity when Tasks demands are high. Limitations of the present study and directions for future work are discussed.