Health · Mental Health · 1 day ago
Study links brain circuit changes with anxiety in young people
Researchers studied brain scans and anxiety in nearly 3,500 young people.
They found that weaker connections in a circuit involving the cerebellum, amygdala and thalamus were linked with higher anxiety.
Some other brain networks appeared to offer protection.
The differences were measurable by ages 11–12, which researchers say highlights the importance of early support.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital found an association between anxiety in young people and changes in a brain circuit involving the cerebellum, amygdala and thalamus.
The study examined nearly 3,500 young people from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study.
Altered organization and weaker connections in the circuit were associated with higher anxiety and a greater likelihood of related disorders.
The researchers also found that efficient and resilient networks elsewhere in the brain were associated with protection against social and/or generalized anxiety disorders.
Anxiety-related brain differences were measurable at ages 11–12 and were associated with lower ability to process spatial information.
The researchers said the findings could help guide precision interventions, while emphasizing the importance of early support.
- Who
- Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital, led by Caterina Stamoulis
- What
- A study found associations between anxiety in young people and alterations in brain structures and circuits
- When
- Published October 10, 2026; brain alterations were measurable at ages 11–12
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To better understand links between brain development and anxiety, and identify potential targets for precision interventions
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Precision psychiatry is likely to play an important role in future mental health care,
In this study, we have identified specific circuits that are implicated in anxiety, which could become the targets of precision interventions to improve short- and longer-term mental health outcomes in youth.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Study sample
- Nearly 3,500 young people
- Study
- Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study
- Brain circuit identified
- Cerebellum, amygdala and thalamus
- Age when alterations were measurable
- 11–12
- Publication
- Imaging Neuroscience; reported by News-Medical on October 10, 2026
Sources
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