This study consists of 2 visits: an intake assessment and an MRI visit. Participants will complete 4 tasks in the scanner in order to locate areas of the brain associated with anxiety and worry. Participants are paid for the MRI visit.
Organization:
Hartford Hospital’s Institute of Living, Yale University School of Medicine
Eligibility Criteria:
Individuals with the following will be considered for this study:
- Diagnosed with GAD as the principal or co-principal disorder
- Clinical Global Impression Score ≥ 4
- Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale ≥ 18
- Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ≤ 17
- Fluency in English
- Capacity to understand the nature of the study and willingness to sign informed consent form
A control group of participants will also be enrolled who have no current (past 3 months) psychiatric disorders and no current or past psychiatric treatment.
Exclusion Criteria:
Individuals with the following will not be considered for the study:
- History of epilepsy or head trauma (LOC > 5 minutes) within the past 6 months. Lifetime history of increased intracranial pressure, seizure disorder, stroke, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, or brain surgery
- A review of patient medications by the study physician indicates an increased risk of seizure
- An active autoimmune, endocrine, viral, or vascular disorder affecting the brain; any unstable cardiac disease; hypertension; or severe renal or liver insufficiency
- Substance use disorder or post traumatic stress disorder within the past 6 months. Lifetime obsessive-compulsive disorder,bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, mental retardation, or pervasive developmental disorder. Any psychotic features, including dementia or delirium
- Concurrent psychotherapy and unwillingness to discontinue
- Medication change within past 3 months
- Current serious suicidal or homicidal ideation, and/or serious suicidal attempt within past 6 months
- Serious, unstable, or terminal medical condition or clinically judged too psychiatrically unstable to participate in the study
- Any contraindication for participation in MRI scan
Contact:
Laura Bragdon, 860-545-7386, lbragdon@harthosp.org
