Effects of Escitalopram Administration on Face Processing in Intermittent Explosive Disorder: An fMRI Study.

ABSTRACT: The neurobiological underpinnings of intermittent explosive disorder (IED) are traditionally linked to deficiencies in the serotonergic system. In this study, we investigated the effects of escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), on brain activation during face processing. We expected that escitalopram would reduce amygdala activity in IED and in addition, we explored the effect in other social-emotional-related brain regions. A total of 17 subjects with current IED and 14 healthy controls participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced fMRI face processing study. The analysis focused on the faces compared to a fixation baseline contrast, and a factorial model with Group as between-subject and Drug as within-subject factor was tested.

SUBMITTER: Cremers H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5130134 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature