Taking Action in the Face of Threat: Neural Synchronization Predicts Adaptive Coping

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2152-14.2014
• Publication Date: 2014-10-29T17:07:51Z
• Authors: Katherine A. Collins; Avi Mendelsohn; Christopher K. Cain; Daniela Schiller
• Keywords: Ventromedial prefrontal cortex

The ability to take action in the face of threat is highly diverse across individuals. What are neural processes that determine individual differences cope with danger? We hypothesized extent synchronization between amygdala, striatum, and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) would predict successful active coping performance. To test this, we developed a novel computer task based on principals Sidman avoidance. Healthy human participants learned through trial error move marker virtual game board compartments once every 3 s avoid mild shocks. Behaviorally, exhibited large differences. Strikingly, both amygdala-mPFC caudate-mPFC coupling during trials covaried final performance participants. These findings indicate mPFC subregions, amygdala caudate predicts whether individuals will achieve by end training. Thus, adaptive actions requires functional circuit consisting mPFC, amygdala. Malfunction crosstalk these components might underlie anxiety symptoms impair individuals' actively under stress. This opens an array possibilities for therapeutic targets fear disorders.