Various studies using neuroimaging techniques have identified structural differences between the brains of people with anxiety disorders and the general population.1-3 More research using more advanced techniques is needed to disentangle the exact nature of these structural changes, and understand whether they are specific to certain anxiety disorders.3
A meta-analysis found that the brains of people with GAD showed altered volumes relative to controls, and people with fear-related anxiety disorders (social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, or panic disorder) had alterations relative to GAD and controls.2
GAD=generalized anxiety disorder
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