PMC7270062_01
Functional MRI. Tasks with happy faces and threat-related cues show a significant activation map (T-score 3-6) of the amygdalae, superimposed on a T1-weighted volumetric interpolated brain sequence. The ICU task involved images of intubated patients and healthcare personal with protective equipment, evoking the COVID-19 emergency and a stronger bilateral activation of the basolateral amygdala. ICU, intensive care unit.
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Italy, one of the red areas, underwent a functional MRI with a visual task where happy faces and threat-related cues were shown. Images of an intensive care unit correlated with a stronger activation of bilateral amygdala than did other tasks (p < 0.05, corrected) (Fig. 1). Indeed, when rating fear, the amygdala gives priority to 2019-nCoV in people subjected to the psychological consequences of the pandemic.