Lower functional connectivity state transitions during affective processing correlate with subsequent impairment in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Affective Science

Background:

• Subthreshold depression (StD) is characterized by a diminished capacity for maintaining positive affect (PA).
• Previous research has explored affective dynamics in StD, but the link between early emotional processing deficits and PA maintenance remains unclear.
• The association between brain connectivity patterns in StD and PA maintenance requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between early emotional processing impairments and the capacity to prolong PA in individuals with StD.
• To examine how brain connectivity patterns in StD are associated with PA maintenance.

Main Methods:

• Utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and dynamic functional connectivity analysis.
• Assessed PA maintenance by quantifying the slope of mood change after a PA-inducing movie task.
• Correlated brain-related measures with PA maintenance in 25 StD participants and 25 healthy controls (HC).

Main Results:

• Individuals with StD showed a reduced capacity in sustaining PA, with a notable decrease in the early maintenance stage.
• StD participants exhibited fewer transitions between brain states during movie viewing, correlating with impaired PA maintenance.
• Weaker static functional connectivity (FC) between the left inferior frontal gyrus and right middle occipital gyrus in StD was associated with a steeper decline in PA.

Conclusions:

• Identified specific brain features contributing to PA dysregulation in StD.
• Findings suggest potential targets for future interventions aimed at improving PA maintenance in StD.