Using Neuroimaging to Predict CBT Outcomes for Social Anxiety Disorder: A Systematic Review

Description

Page: 16-21

Meera Raghunathan¹ and Mahimna Vyas² (At-Risk Mental State Team, CNTW NHS Foundation Trust, North Cumbria, United Kingdom¹ and Department of Psychology, University of Bolton, Bolton, UK and Research Assistant VIA Institute on Character, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA²)

To examine the use of neuroimaging in predicting Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) treatment response in individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The SPIDER framework was used to formulate the review question. A comprehensive search was performed across three databases: PubMed, EBSCO, and Semantic Scholar, with no restrictions on publication date. Two reviewers independently screened the papers. Nine studies were included in this review. Findings consistently highlighted the role of prefrontal cortex and amygdala connectivity in predicting treatment response. Additionally, structural connectivity, such as the microstructural integrity of the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus, was associated with better treatment outcomes. Combining neuroimaging with clinical measures, such as the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), significantly improved prediction accuracy. Neuroimaging shows promise in predicting CBT treatment response in SAD, paving the way for more personalized treatment approaches.