Neurobiological Basis of Anxiety Risk and Resilience

Jennifer Blackford, PhD is the director of research at the Munroe-Meyer Institute and Hattie B. Munroe Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dr. Blackford obtained her PhD in developmental psychology with minors in quantitative psychology and developmental disabilities from Vanderbilt University.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in children and adolescents, impacting more than 30% of youth. Childhood anxiety typically emerges early in development, has a chronic course, and leads to an increased risk for developing mood and substance use disorders. For psychiatric disorders, prevention is considered one of the most important, yet still unsolved, problems. For anxiety disorders, a risk phenotype — inhibited temperament — has been well described; however, little is known about whether there are associated brain alterations. My lab has completed a series of neuroimaging studies in children and adults at high risk for anxiety. In this talk, I will review this program of research and our discoveries related to the factors that contribute to risk and resilience for anxiety.

• Describe the association between inhibited temperament and anxiety risk.
• Identify neurobiological mechanisms for anxiety risk and resilience.
• Discuss implications for future research, prevention, and interventions.

The Child Mind Institute Visiting Professor Lecture Series invites leaders in the field of child and adolescent mental health to talk about the latest research and treatment protocols. All events are open to the public. Continuing medical education (CME) credits for psychiatrists and continuing education (CE) credits for psychologists and social workers are available to registered course participants. Learn more.

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