Increased error-related brain activity in youth with obsessive-compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders

► The error-related negativity (ERN) reflects activity in the medial frontal cortex. ► Compared to controls, the ERN was increased in youth with anxiety disorders. ► Anxiety problems scale scores correlated with ERN amplitude in all subjects. ► Serotonergic antidepressants and cognitive-behavior therapy had no effect on the ERN. ► Pediatric anxiety disorders involve a dysfunction in the medial frontal cortex.