title: Heightened reward learning under stress in generalized anxiety disorder: a predictor of depression resistance?
abstract: Stress-induced anhedonia is associated with depression vulnerability (Bogdan & Pizzagalli, 2006). We investigated stress-induced deficits in reward learning in a depression-vulnerable group with analogue generalized anxiety disorder (GAD, n = 34), and never-depressed healthy controls (n = 41). Utilizing a computerized signal detection task, reward learning was assessed under stressor and neutral conditions. Controls displayed intact reward learning in the neutral condition, and the expected stress-induced blunting. The GAD group as a whole also showed intact reward learning in the neutral condition. When GAD subjects were analyzed as a function of prior depression history, never-depressed GAD subjects showed heightened reward learning in the stressor condition. Better reward learning under stress among GAD subjects predicted lower depression symptoms 1 month later. Robust reward learning under stress may indicate depression resistance among anxious individuals.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of South Florida.
authors: Bethany H
authors: BH
authors: Morris
authors: Department of Psychology, University of South Florida.
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Rottenberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D059445:Anhedonia / Q000502:physiology; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012201:Reward; D017603:Signal Detection, Psychological / Q000502:physiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult