The influence of threat-induced anxiety on inhibitory control, sustained brain responses, and the changes associated with impulsivity and addiction

The thesis explores the behavioural and neurobiological relationship between anxiety and self-control. The thesis found that anxiety impairs self-control, and that this impairment is underpinned by neurobiological changes in areas associated with self-control. Further, the thesis found that anxiety is associated with neurobiological changes that favour action-readiness. The thesis discusses the implication of these findings in relation to those with addiction. This thesis improves society’s understanding of how two important features of psychological disorders (anxiety and impaired self-control) interact, which may lead to more targeted treatments for those who have disorders characterised by both features.