Stress-related changes in amygdala-prefrontal network functional connectivity

Chronic stress contributes to multiple physical and mental disorders. The regulatory relationship between prefrontal cortex (PFC) executive control regions and the amygdala has been of particular interest in understanding brain response to stress. The main goal of the present study was to investigate changes in amygdala-PFC functional connectivity in healthy individuals without history of psychiatric disorders who experience different levels of chronic stress. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in participants from general population (N = 40), we found that intrinsic functional interactions between the amygdala and prefrontal cortical regions within its network is differentially affected by daily and chronic stress. Furthermore, the impact of stress on the amygdala functional network extends beyond the PFC. Our findings suggest that higher anxiety and increased perceived stress level reduce communication between the amygdala and the dorsolateral prefrontal as well as frontopolar cortices, while depression severity is linked to stronger functional connections between the amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, and medial PFC. These findings further emphasize the role of the amygdala network in stress response and stress-related disorders.