Scientists from the Amsterdam University Medical Center and Leiden University have conducted a large-scale study that identified the neuroanatomical foundations of panic disorder (PD). The paper, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, is based on brain scan data from nearly 5,000 individuals. This work stands as the most reliable and extensive study ever conducted in this field.
The researchers established that individuals with panic disorder exhibit a slightly thinner cerebral cortex and reduced volume in several regions, including the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. The study showed that structural changes are particularly evident in parts of the brain responsible for the perception, processing, and regulation of emotionally significant information.
In addition to the cortex, alterations were also observed in subcortical structures. Interestingly, some changes are age-dependent: for example, an early onset of panic disorder (before age 21) is associated with an enlargement of the lateral ventricles.
The scientists utilized standardized ENIGMA protocols. This method allows for the integrated analysis of data collected from various locations worldwide. The research confirms that panic disorder is not merely a psychological condition; it is also characterized by specific neuroanatomical features linked to impairments in emotion processing.
Scientists plan to observe how these neuroanatomical markers change during treatment and psychotherapy. Such large-scale studies will help researchers understand the effectiveness of various therapies, not only in terms of symptom relief but also regarding structural improvements in the brain.
