Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder: Their Impact on the Processing of Information and Learning

Study Summary

The purpose of this study is to increase researchers understanding of the biological basis of generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. They will investigate how the brain activity associated with specific thoughts and feelings may play a role in these anxiety disorders. This knowledge will be used to design interventions to help those with these illnesses. To qualify for this study, participants must be evaluated via an initial telephone screening interview and material sent through the mail. Participants will then be required to make three visits to NIH. During the first visit, they will be asked questions about their general mood, degree of nervousness, thinking skills, and behavior. They will undergo a thorough physical exam, including an EKG, blood work, urinalysis, and a pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential. During the second visit, participants will spend about 2.5 hours doing various tasks while sitting and looking at a computer screen. These tasks will guide them to experience specific kinds of thoughts and emotions. Researchers will attach electrodes to the participants hands to monitor the amount of electricity conducted by the skin. The third visit will be similar to the second visit, but participants will perform the tasks while lying in a MRI scanner. Participants will be compensated up to $400 for their involvement in this study.