Behavioral and Brain Mechanisms of Active Avoidance and Their Relevance to Anxiety Disorders.

Abstract

Avoidance behaviors are paramount for the survival of all species. While adaptive in response to genuine danger, avoidance can become maladaptive when generalized or persistent in the absence of threat. In anxiety disorders, maladaptive avoidance behaviors frequently arise and impede everyday life for individuals with these mental health conditions. Given the central role of avoidance in anxiety disorders, understanding the neural circuits that underly these behaviors is essential for developing both targeted and effective treatments. This review explores avoidance through both a behavioral and neural mechanistic lens, while also examining the current behavioral and pharmacological treatments aimed at addressing avoidance. Understanding of the neural underpinnings of avoidance, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy may improve clinical care and outcomes for those suffering with anxiety disorders.