Two fMRI paradigms were utilized, a fractal n-back working memory task probing executive system function, and an emotion identification task probing amygdala responses to threatening faces (Figure 1A&B ). The n-back task 31 (link),32 (link) employed fractals and a robust block design to measure activation of the executive system across three levels of working memory load. To examine amygdala responses to threat, we applied a validated emotion identification paradigm, 33 (link),34 (link) grouping expressions into threatening (anger, fear) and non-threatening (happy, sad) emotions for event-related analysis, as in prior work 12 (link),34 (link)–36 (link). This grouping is based on prior theoretical and empirical work (see Satterthwaite et al.34 (link) pp. 354–355 for detailed rationale); it is worth noting, however, that interpretations of this grouping not directly related to Threat are possible (e.g., negative and positive emotions), and subjective responses to particular emotional categories may vary according to individual subject characteristics including psychiatric symptomatology.
All imaging data were acquired on the same scanner (Siemens Tim Trio 3 Tesla; 32 channel head coil) using the same imaging sequences. Imaging acquisition sequences, procedures, and pre-processing methods have been previously reported 30 (link) and are described in eMethods.
All imaging data were acquired on the same scanner (Siemens Tim Trio 3 Tesla; 32 channel head coil) using the same imaging sequences. Imaging acquisition sequences, procedures, and pre-processing methods have been previously reported 30 (link) and are described in eMethods.
