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Published on: August 11, 2015
Blunted reward responsiveness in remitted depression
Pia Pechtel1, Sunny J Dutra, Elena L Goetz
1McLean Hospital & Harvard Medical School, USA.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|September 26, 2013
Summary
Individuals with remitted major depressive disorder (rMDD) exhibit blunted reward responsiveness, even after symptom remission. A history of depression predicts reduced reward learning, suggesting a persistent trait abnormality.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to impaired reward processing.
- It remains unclear if these reward abnormalities persist after achieving remission from depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate reward responsiveness in adults with remitted major depressive disorder (rMDD).
- To determine if a history of depression predicts reward learning deficits independent of residual symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Two independent studies were conducted involving 47 adults with rMDD and 37 healthy controls.
- Participants completed a Probabilistic Reward Task assessing behavioral modulation based on social or monetary feedback.
Main Results:
- Adults with rMDD demonstrated significantly blunted reward responsiveness compared to healthy controls.
- A history of depression was a significant predictor of reduced reward learning, irrespective of current depressive symptoms or stress levels.
Conclusions:
- Blunted reward responsiveness appears to be a persistent trait-related abnormality in MDD, enduring even in remission.
- Further research is needed to explore the predictive value of blunted reward responsiveness for future depressive episodes and its potential as a target for relapse prevention.
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