title: The default mode network and recurrent depression: a neurobiological model of cognitive risk factors.
abstract: A neurobiological account of cognitive vulnerability for recurrent depression is presented based on recent developments of resting state neural networks. We propose that alterations in the interplay between task positive (TP) and task negative (TN) elements of the Default Mode Network (DMN) act as a neurobiological risk factor for recurrent depression mediated by cognitive mechanisms. In the framework, depression is characterized by an imbalance between TN-TP components leading to an overpowering of TP by TN activity. The TN-TP imbalance is associated with a dysfunctional internally-focused cognitive style as well as a failure to attenuate TN activity in the transition from rest to task. Thus we propose the TN-TP imbalance as overarching neural mechanism involved in crucial cognitive risk factors for recurrent depression, namely rumination, impaired attentional control, and cognitive reactivity. During remission the TN-TP imbalance persists predisposing to vulnerability of recurrent depression. Empirical data to support this model is reviewed. Finally, we specify how this framework can guide future research efforts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. Igor.Marchetti@UGent.be
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Marchetti
authors.forename: Ernst H W
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Koster
authors.forename: Edmund J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Sonuga-Barke
authors.forename: Rudi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Raedt
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003071:Cognition; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D059907:Functional Neuroimaging; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009434:Neural Pathways; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors