Induced worry increases risk aversion in patients with generalized anxiety

Abstract

Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by disruptions in decision-making, including an enhanced aversion to uncertain outcomes (i.e., risk aversion), which is not specific to negative outcomes (i.e., no loss aversion). It is unknown if this uncertainty bias is a trait-like causal factor contributing to anxiety symptoms, or a state-like feature triggered by anxiety symptoms such as worry chains. Here, in-patients with Major Depression Disorder (MDD), with (N = 16) or without (N = 24) Generalized anxiety (GA) symptoms, and healthy controls (N = 23), completed an economic decision-making task before and after worry induction. They were asked to choose between a certain monetary payoff, and an uncertain gamble, allowing for estimation of risk and loss aversion through a computational prospect-theoretic model. There were no significant differences in risk and loss aversion between any of the three groups at baseline. After worry induction, patients with GA symptoms, compared to those without, showed increased risk aversion. This increase was modulated by the severity of anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest that decision-making disruptions in anxiety disorder may be driven by anxiety symptoms such as worry, rather than causing them. This could shape etiological models, motivate standardization of emotional state in research on decision-making in anxiety disorders, support treatment strategies primarily aimed at worry management, and could guide novel interventions focusing on uncertainty exposure across aversive and appetitive domains.