Functional Connectivity in Emotional Working Memory and Anxiety

[morganglover]

Research question(s)

Are there differences in functional connectivity during the emotional n-back task and can they be predicted by self-reported anxiety scores on the diagnostic interview for DSM-5?

Description

Identifying differences in functional connectivity during the Emotional N-Back Task during fMRI portion of ABCD. Linking any difference/contrast in functional connectivity to the Mental Health protocols wherein there is a Diagnostic Interview for DSM-5, focusing on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder measures.

Tools and algorithms to be used

Use the ABCD Task fMRI nBack Runs with either SEM/Beta Weights Destrieux Parcellations. Use the ABCD Youth Diagnostic Interview for DSM-5/Background Items.

Create a contrast of interest (TBD? emotion vs neutral face?). Discuss with collaborators on ideal regions of interest to spotlight for functional connectivity analyses with the contrast of interest. Regress findings with the DSM variable measures. I'm open to using other diagnostic criteria but definitely think it would be interesting to use the nBack against a stress or anxiety measure.

Ideally, use FSL to compute task-based analyses. (I have previous experience with this.) Would love to hear more ideas!

Skills we could use help with (optional)

I am not super strong in Python, so if you are, that is great!

Link to analysis plan (optional)

No clear analysis plan yet, will take suggestions! I have listed some ideas above but am open to change.

Suggested keywords/tags

working memory
anxiety
stress
functional connectivity
mental health

[tsalo]

Would you mind adding a bit of information about the planned analyses, necessary skills, and skills you could use help with in this project? It should make it easier for prospective collaborators to determine how and if they can contribute. Specifically, our new template has sections named "Tools and algorithms to be used", "Skills we could use help with", and "Link to analysis plan" (if you have been working on a more detailed plan than would fit in this issue).

[dakotakliam]

Hi Morgan! I think this is a really interesting and idea, and I would love to help contribute during Project Week if you're looking for collaborators 😃 I haven't worked with task-based fMRI data from ABCD yet, but I do have some experience analyzing data from the K-SADS. I'd love to talk more about potential analysis plans! I was also curious about whether you'd be interested in adding an analysis of behavior (accuracy, reaction times, etc.) on the Emotional N-Back task as it relates to anxiety?

[morganglover]

Sorry for the delay, @tsalo but I have added some information! Please let me know if you need any other information.

Hi @dakotakliam! Great! Analysis of the behavior would be an excellent addition. I think it would be interesting to see the reaction times in relation to anxiety or stress, as those may positively correlate. I have not worked with task-based data from ABCD but have worked with my own task-based data. Let me know if you're still interested and we can chat!

[morganglover]

ProjectPitch_MMGlover.pptx

This is the slide that I provided for the synchronous session today (February 26, 2021) if you need any reference or my contact information! Any background information can be discussed or provided.

[Howaran]

Hi Morgan! I would love to help with your project during project week. I don't have much experience working with task-based MRI processing techniques, and am new to the ReproNim world, but have some Python experience and lots of experience with the ABCD data (on the collection side). I am happy to help in any way that I can as I think your project is right up my alley in terms of what I'm interested in!

[morganglover]

@Howaran Shoot me a message if you are on the Slack, I don't know your name so I can't search for you to talk further on this. Happy to chat :)

[AdefunkeOmosefe]

Hi, I would love to join your team. I am good with R but not python.