Abstract
The thalamus is believed to play crucial role in processing viscero-sensory information, and regulating the activity of amygdala in patients with panic disorder (PD). Previous functional neuroimaging studies have detected abnormal activation in the thalamus in patients with PD compared with healthy control subjects (HC). Very few studies, however, have investigated for volumetric abnormalities in the thalamus in patients with PD. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no previous study has investigated for shape abnormalities in the thalamus in patients with PD. Twenty-five patients with PD and 25 HC participants (all female) were recruited for the study. A voxel-wise volume comparison analysis and a vertex-wise shape analysis were conducted to evaluate structural abnormalities in the PD patients compared to HC. The patients with PD demonstrated significant gray matter volume reductions in the thalamus bilaterally, relative to the HC. The shape analysis detected significant inward deformation in some thalamic regions in the PD patients, including the anterior nucleus, mediodorsal nucleus, and pulvinar nucleus. PD patients showed shape deformations in key thalamic regions that are believed to play a role in regulating emotional and cognitive functions.
Highlights
Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks
The voxel-based morphometry (VBM)-small-volume correction (SVC) analysis revealed that the female patients with PD had significant gray matter volume reductions in the thalamus bilaterally, compared with the female healthy control subjects (HC)
Correlation analyses showed no significant associations between these volumes and scores on the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) or Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) in the patients with PD
Summary
Panic disorder (PD) is characterized by recurrent unexpected panic attacks. Symptoms of panic attacks include palpitations, feelings of choking, chest pain, and fear of dying. PD is related with high levels of social, occupational, and physical disability, and considerable economic cost [1, 2]. In light of its substantial social, occupational, and physical burden, it is necessary to clarify neuroanatomical basis of PD. Recent neuroimaging studies have detected structural and functional abnormalities in some brain regions, such as limbic and prefrontal regions, in patients with PD compared with healthy control subjects (HC).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
