The amygdala is involved in threat detection, processing of emotional stimuli, and generating a fear response to said threat or negative stimulus. Neuroimaging studies show increased amygdalar activation in individuals with symptoms of social anxiety following the anticipation of, and subsequent exposure to, aversive images (as determined by the International Affective Picture System). Additionally, individuals with SAD demonstrated hyperactivity in the amygdala when tasked with giving an impromptu speech. Increased activity in the amygdala is therefore associated with symptoms of SAD, namely the fear of aversive social situations.