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The Cognitive Neuroscience of Psychological Treatment Action in Depression and Anxiety

  • Mood and Anxiety Disorders (C Harmer, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Psychological treatments for anxiety and depression are not universally effective, with many individuals continuing to experience symptoms after treatment. A better understanding of how these treatments work has the potential to inform treatment development and optimization. Neuroimaging studies provide one level of analysis to investigate mechanisms of treatment action. Here, we review recent studies using this approach to assess mechanisms of psychological treatments.

Recent Findings

Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression was associated with changes in activation of amygdala, ACC, and medial/inferior prefrontal cortices. Changes in connectivity between amygdala and prefrontal cortical regions were also demonstrated highlighting a role for altered functioning of neural circuitry implicated in emotion regulation.

Summary

Greater concordance between neuroscience and clinical researchers would allow more focused investigation of treatment-specific and treatment-general mechanisms. More standardization in study design would facilitate the ability to compare effects across studies.

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  1. Anxiety and Depression Research Center (ADRC), Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Katherine S. Young & Michelle G. Craske

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  1. Katherine S. Young
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  2. Michelle G. Craske
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Correspondence to Michelle G. Craske.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Mood and Anxiety Disorders

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Young, K.S., Craske, M.G. The Cognitive Neuroscience of Psychological Treatment Action in Depression and Anxiety. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 5, 13–25 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40473-018-0137-x

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