Navigation
Transdiagnostic reduction in cortical choline-containing compounds in anxiety disorders: a 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy meta-analysis
Anxiety disorders (AnxDs) are prevalent yet frequently untreated, with inconsistencies in understanding their neurometabolic profiles. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 1H-MRS studies encompassing social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder was conducted, incorporating 25 datasets involving 370 patients and 342 controls. The analysis revealed significant reductions in total choline (tCho) across the prefrontal cortex and all cortical regions, with a mean effect size of Hedges’ g = -0.64, indicating an 8% reduction. N-acetylaspartate (NAA) levels remained unchanged in the prefrontal cortex but showed reductions across all cortical regions. Notably, these neurometabolic abnormalities were consistent across the three anxiety disorders studied. No significant differences were observed in other neurometabolites. The findings suggest that reduced choline-containing compounds in cortical regions may represent a transdiagnostic marker of AnxDs. Elevated arousal in AnxDs could be linked to increased neurometabolic demand for choline without adequate uptake, resulting in decreased tCho levels. Additionally, the reduction in cortical NAA indicates potential neuronal dysfunction. Future research should explore the clinical implications of reduced tCho and the potential therapeutic benefits of choline supplementation in treating anxiety disorders. [NPID: Anxiety disorder, panic, cortical, generalized anxiety disorder, neurometabolic, choline]
Year: 2025
