Research about anxiety
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Research on Anxiety: A Comprehensive Overview
Modifiable Risk Factors in Anxiety
Research on modifiable risk factors in anxiety has been highlighted as crucial for understanding the etiology and maintenance of anxiety disorders. The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework has been instrumental in guiding this research. A scoping review identified 170 cases across 94 studies focusing on RDoC-relevant correlates of anxiety. The findings revealed a disparate research focus across different domains, with limited research on Positive Valence Systems, Systems for Social Processes, and Arousal/Regulatory Systems. Additionally, there were inconsistent findings within Cognitive Systems and a lack of research on cross-domain interactions1.
Trends in Anxiety Disorder Research
A quantitative review of anxiety disorder research from 1990 to 1992 showed that 14% of empirical research publications in psychology and psychiatry journals focused on anxiety disorders. Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, was the most frequently studied, followed by obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. Notably, almost one-third of the papers were treatment-outcome studies, but there were few comparisons between pharmacological and cognitive-behavioral treatments2.
Brain Imaging and Neurobiology of Anxiety
Recent literature on brain imaging in anxiety disorders underscores the importance of neuroimaging in understanding the neurobiology of these conditions. Key brain regions implicated include the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, and insula. These findings support the role of these regions in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders and highlight the potential for neuroimaging to validate neurobiological hypotheses, influencing both pharmacological treatments and the nosology of anxiety disorders3.
Treatment of Child and Adolescent Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are prevalent among children and adolescents. A review of 111 treatment outcome studies identified cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as a well-established and effective first-line treatment. Other treatments, although not primarily CBT-based, also showed efficacy, providing alternative options for those who do not respond well to CBT. The review emphasized the importance of treatments that improve overall functioning in addition to reducing symptoms4.
Neurocognitive Mechanisms and Cognitive Biases
Anxiety significantly disrupts daily life, with individuals showing increased attentional capture by potential threats and negative interpretations of events. Neuroimaging studies have identified common amygdala-prefrontal circuitry underlying these cognitive biases. This altered balance of activity within the circuitry creates a bias towards threat-related responses, suggesting targets for future translational research and interventions5.
Associative Fear and Avoidance Learning
Associative fear and avoidance learning play a critical role in the development and treatment of anxiety disorders. Research has shown that aversive associative learning explains how fear and anxiety emerge, spread, persist, and resurge. However, more research is needed on specific mechanisms like extinction generalization and avoidance, as well as the moderating influences of individual differences such as age, sex, and comorbid depression6.
Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Anxiety is prevalent in children with ASD, with studies showing higher levels of anxiety compared to control groups. Common symptoms include specific, social, and generalized fears. Correlates of anxiety in these children include sensory over-responsivity, sleep disturbances, aggression, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Cognitive-behavioral treatments and developmental interventions targeting ASD symptoms have shown promise in reducing anxiety7.
Pediatric Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders often emerge during childhood and adolescence, associated with multiple risk factors such as early inhibited temperament and environmental stress. Structural and functional abnormalities in the prefrontal-amygdala circuitry, as well as the default mode and salience networks, are also implicated. Effective treatments include CBT, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)8.
Cognitive Aspects of Anxiety Disorders
Cognitive dysfunction in anxiety disorders can be classified into four domains: executive functions, memory, maladaptive cognitions, and metacognitions. These dysfunctions contribute to the maintenance and aggravation of anxiety disorders. Understanding these cognitive aspects is crucial for developing and implementing effective interventions9.
Research Anxiety in Undergraduates
Research anxiety, defined as worry or apprehension associated with conducting research, negatively impacts undergraduates' intentions to pursue scientific research careers. Factors such as experiencing failure and feeling underprepared increase research anxiety, while a positive lab environment and strong mentor-mentee relationships alleviate it. This highlights the importance of addressing research anxiety to support students' persistence in scientific careers10.
Conclusion
The research on anxiety spans various domains, from neurobiological underpinnings and cognitive mechanisms to treatment efficacy and specific populations like children with ASD. Understanding these diverse aspects is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving outcomes for individuals with anxiety disorders. Future research should continue to explore these areas, focusing on cross-domain interactions and individual differences to optimize treatment strategies.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A scoping review on the extent and nature of anxiety-related research within the research domain criteria (RDoC) framework: Limited coverage using non-disorder-specific search terms
There is limited research on modifiable risk factors in anxiety, with limited focus on Positive Valence Systems, Social Processes, and Arousal/Regulatory Systems, and inconsistent findings in Cognitive Systems.
Systematic ReviewPublication trends in anxiety disorders research: 1990–1992
Anxiety disorders research from 1990-1992 focused on panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, with few comparisons between pharmacological and cognitive-behavioral treatments.
Systematic ReviewCurrent status of brain imaging in anxiety disorders
Brain imaging research in anxiety disorders reveals a crucial role for the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, and insula in the pathophysiology of these disorders, offering insights into their neurobiology and treatment options.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedEvidence Base Update: 50 Years of Research on Treatment for Child and Adolescent Anxiety
CBT is an effective first-line treatment for youth with anxiety disorders, but there are other evidence-based approaches available for those who don't respond well to CBT.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedNeurocognitive mechanisms of anxiety: an integrative account
Anxiety is linked to altered activity in the amygdala-prefrontal circuitry, leading to a bias towards threat-related responses and highlighting the need for targeted pharmacological and cognitive interventions.
Highly CitedThe role of associative fear and avoidance learning in anxiety disorders: Gaps and directions for future research
Aversive associative learning plays a key role in anxiety disorders, but more research is needed on specific mechanisms, individual differences, and clinical translation studies to optimize treatment.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedA Scoping Review of Anxiety in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience higher levels of anxiety, with common symptoms being specific, social, and generalized fears, and cognitive behavioral treatments show promise in reducing anxiety.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedResearch Review: Pediatric anxiety disorders - what have we learnt in the last 10 years?
Anxiety disorders in children and adolescents are highly prevalent, early-onset conditions with a distinct neurobiological fingerprint, and are effectively treated with cognitive behavioral therapy and SSRIs.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly CitedCurrent research on cognitive aspects of anxiety disorders
Recent advances in cognitive dysfunction in anxiety disorders can be classified into four domains, which may contribute to their development and maintenance, and may help tailor interventions.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedResearch Anxiety Predicts Undergraduates’ Intentions to Pursue Scientific Research Careers
Higher research anxiety levels in undergraduates are associated with a lower intent to pursue a research-related career, with factors like failure and underpreparedness increasing anxiety.
Observational Study