The Role of the Default Mode in Anxiety Disorders El Papel del Modo Predeterminado en los Trastornos de Ansiedad O Papel do Modo Padrão nos Transtornos de Ansiedade

The default mode network (DMN) is a large brain network that is most active when we are at rest or thinking about ourselves. It plays a key role in shaping our sense of self through memory, understanding others, and imagining the future. Recent research shows that problems with the DMN has a major role in anxiety disorders. People with anxiety often show a mix of DMN underconnectivity during rest, which disrupts their internal narrative, and overactivity when facing threats or focusing on tasks. These issues are made worse by poor coordination with the brain’s salience network and executive control networks, creating an imbalance that leads to symptoms like constant rumination, negative memory bias, and unhelpful self-focus. We look at these patterns in generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and show how a disrupted self-narrative and increased self-other monitoring contribute to symptoms. We also discuss how treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and new medications can help rebalance the DMN and reduce anxiety. While current research has some limitations, focusing on the DMN may help guide the development of better treatments for anxiety disorders.