Error-Related Negativity and Task Performance in Young Adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (2024)

Undergraduate: Wu(Dylan) Li

Faculty Advisor: Frohlich Flavio
Department: Psychology & Neuroscience

---

This study examines error-related negativity (ERN), an electrophysiological marker derived from EEG recordings, in the context of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among young adults. Focusing on the age group of 18 to 21 years, we explored the ERN's potential as a neurobehavioral indicator of GAD by analyzing its relationship with task performance, reaction times, and anxiety severity. Participants included 12 individuals diagnosed with GAD and 7 healthy controls, who undertook an arrow version of the Eriksen Flanker task during EEG monitoring. Contrary to expectations, ERN amplitude did not significantly differ between the GAD and control groups. Within the GAD cohort, however, a notable negative correlation emerged between ERN amplitude and task accuracy, suggesting a nuanced error-processing mechanism that may not directly mirror subjective anxiety levels. did not significantly alter ERN or ΔERN amplitudes, and no direct correlation was observed between ERN amplitude and self-reported anxiety measures. ERN might represent an underlying neurocognitive process rather than directly reflecting subjective anxiety symptoms. Given the complexity of error processing in GAD highlighted by this study, further research with larger sample sizes is warranted. Additionally, exploring the effects of therapeutic interventions like Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) on ERN modulation may offer insights into personalized treatment approaches for GAD, enhancing our understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of anxiety disorders.