Altered negative BOLD responses in the default-mode network during emotion processing in depressed subjects.
Simone Grimm1, Peter Boesiger, Johannes Beck
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Summary
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to reduced negative blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses in the default-mode network. These neural changes correlate with depression severity and negative emotions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by emotional-cognitive disturbances.
- Alterations in the default-mode network (DMN) are implicated in MDD.
- The relationship between DMN alterations and negative blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses (NBRs) in MDD is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neural activity, specifically NBRs within the DMN, during emotional tasks in patients with MDD.
- To determine if DMN NBR abnormalities are associated with emotional-cognitive disturbances in MDD.
Main Methods:
- Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was employed.
- Neural activity was measured in patients with MDD during various emotional tasks.
- NBRs in DMN regions were analyzed and correlated with clinical measures.
Main Results:
- MDD patients exhibited significantly reduced NBRs in multiple DMN regions.
- The degree of NBR reduction in the DMN correlated with depression severity.
- Decreased NBRs were also associated with increased feelings of hopelessness in MDD patients.
Conclusions:
- Default-mode network NBRs are diminished in individuals with major depressive disorder.
- Reduced DMN NBRs may play a role in modulating the abnormally negative emotions experienced by MDD patients.
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