Neural Changes in Reward Processing Following Approach Avoidance Training for Depression.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Computational Psychiatry

Background:

• Altered approach motivation is a key factor in maintaining depression.
• Computerized approach-avoidance training (AAT) shows promise in increasing approach tendencies and improving outcomes.
• Neural changes following AAT require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine neural changes, specifically activation and connectivity patterns, following AAT in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
• To assess the impact of AAT on reward processing during social reward anticipation.
• To explore the relationship between neural changes, AAT, and affective responses to social interaction.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial comparing AAT (n=13) with a control procedure (n=15) in participants with MDD.
• Neural activation and connectivity were assessed using functional MRI during a social reward anticipation task.
• A social affiliation task measured affect during anticipation of real-world social activity post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The AAT group exhibited increased activation in reward processing regions during social reward anticipation compared to the control group.
• Post-training, widespread connectivity across reward regions was observed.
• Connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and caudate nucleus correlated with positive anticipatory affect before social interaction.

Conclusions:

• Computerized AAT effectively modifies approach-oriented behavioral tendencies.
• AAT leads to significant alterations in the brain's reward circuitry.
• Findings support AAT as a potential intervention for depression by targeting neural mechanisms of reward processing.