Exploring Neural Correlates between Anxiety and Inhibitory Ability: Evidence from Task-Based fNIRS

Background. Cognitive control impairments in anxiety disorders are thought to be associated with deficiencies in the prefrontal network. However, a precise neural explanation for these impairments is still lacking. This study seeks to compare inhibitory ability between individuals with anxiety and healthy controls, as well as to explore the neural correlates of anxiety-related inhibitory deficits within a clinical context. 

Materials and Methods. A total of 118 participants were recruited, including 59 patients with anxiety and 59 matched healthy controls (HCs). Anxiety and inhibitory ability were evaluated using Zung’s Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the color word Stroop task, and verbal fluency task (VFT). Additionally, changes in oxyhemoglobin (Oxy-Hb)concentrations were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS). 

Results. Compared to HCs, the anxiety group exhibited reduced cortical activation in prefrontal cortex (PFC) channels, prolonged inhibitory speed and lower inhibitory accuracy during Stroop task, and diminished VFT performance (all p < 0.05). Significant negative correlations were observed between SAS scores and inhibitory ability, as well as with PFC activation. Conversely, PFC activation showed positive correlations with inhibitory ability. Importantly, activation in the dorsolateral PFC during VFT partially mediated the association between anxiety and inhibitory performance. 

Conclusions. This study reveals neural characteristics associated with inhibitory abilities in anxiety disorders and identifies neural correlations between anxiety and inhibitory performance. These findings illuminate the impact of anxiety on inhibitory abilities and propose intervention targets to enhance these abilities in individuals with anxiety disorders, thereby suggesting more effective therapeutic strategies.