Difference in binocular rivalry rate between major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder

Binocular rivalry (BR) occurs when monocular images are presented simultaneously to corresponding regions of the two eyes. Rather than forming a stable composite, perception alternates spontaneously between each monocular view. Over recent decades, considerable interest in examining BR in psychiatric populations has demonstrated clear differences in the dynamics of BR when compared to healthy populations. However, the available data with respect to rivalry rates in depression and anxiety are limited, and previous studies have shown inconsistent results. Also, depression and anxiety are highly comorbid and can be difficult to distinguish. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether patients with depression and anxiety have abnormal rivalry rates and whether rivalry rates differ between these conditions. Thirty-five patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), 30 patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and 30 control participants matched on sex, age and education were recruited. Our results showed MDD participants had slower BR rates than controls and GAD, and controls were significantly slower than GAD. Our findings raise prospects that BR could be a promising behavioral tool to differentiate depressive and anxiety disorders.