Neurocircuitry of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders have the highest lifetime prevalence rates (33.7%) and the youngest age of onset (median age, 11 years old) than any other mental illness in the United States. Further epidemiological research suggests that anxiety disorders often precede onset of other psychiatric conditions and worsen prognosis compared to individuals without anxiety. Current neuropsychiatric research exploring the biological underpinnings of anxiety and stress disorders such as generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), specific phobia, panic disorder (PD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be able to identify which structures can be targeted in treatment and interventions for said disorders.