Altered negative BOLD responses in the default-mode network during emotion processing in depressed subjects.
Studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) show predominant negative blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses (NBRs) in regions of the default-mode network such as the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and the posterior cingulate cortex. Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) show emotional-cognitive disturbances, which have been associated with alterations within the default-mode network. However, it remains unclear whether these default-mode network alterations are related to abnormalities in NBRs. We therefore investigated neural activity in the default-mode network during different emotional tasks in patients with MDD in an event-related fMRI design. MDD patients showed significantly reduced NBRs in several regions of the default-mode network. Decreased NBRs in MDD patients correlated with depression severity and feelings of hopelessness. In sum, our findings demonstrate that default-mode network NBRs are reduced in MDD and modulate these patients' abnormally negative emotions.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Simone
S
Grimm
Peter
P
Boesiger
Johannes
J
Beck
Daniel
D
Schuepbach
Felix
F
Bermpohl
Martin
M
Walter
Jutta
J
Ernst
Daniel
D
Hell
Heinz
H
Boeker
Georg
G
Northoff
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment / Q000502:physiology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011930:Reaction Time; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology
D010100:Oxygen