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Exploring the Neural Correlates of Cognitive Reappraisal in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Task-based Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Medial prefrontal cortex and the self in major depression.

Cédric Lemogne¹, Pauline Delaveau², Maxime Freton³

¹CNRS USR 3246, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de médecine, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of C-L Psychiatry, European Georges Pompidou Hospital, Paris, France.

Journal of Affective Disorders

|December 28, 2010

Summary

Major depression involves self-focus, a process linked to medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) activity. Conflicting findings suggest two distinct MPFC activation modes in depression, impacting cognitive processes.

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Published on: May 19, 2015

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Psychiatry
Cognitive Psychology

Background:

Self-referential processing is central to major depression.
Medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) is crucial for self-processing in healthy individuals.
Previous fMRI studies show inconsistent MPFC activation in depressed patients.

Purpose of the Study:

Reconcile conflicting findings on MPFC activation in depression.
Investigate distinct modes of self-focus in major depression.
Explore the neural underpinnings of depressive self-focus.

Main Methods:

Analysis of four functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies.
Distinguishing between event-related and block-based experimental designs.
Examining medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) activation patterns.

Main Results:

Two modes of elevated MPFC activation identified in depression: tonic ventral and phasic dorsal.
Automatic self-focus linked to ventral MPFC (event-related design).
Strategic self-focus linked to dorsal MPFC (block-based design), involving ACC and lateral PFC.
Aberrant dorsal MPFC connectivity suggests impaired default mode network inhibition.

Conclusions:

Depressive self-focus may stem from a competition for brain resources due to a lack of default mode network inhibition.
This competition can negatively impact externally-oriented cognitive functions.
Further research needed to clarify biomarker nature (trait vs. state) and predictive value for treatment outcomes.