A Neurobiological Model of Anhedonia
Purpose
The purpose of this research study is to better understand anhedonia in Major Depressive Disorder by investigating the reward-related neural and inflammatory correlates.
Conditions
- Anhedonia
- Depression
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Between 18 Years and 65 Years
- Eligible Genders
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- Current diagnosis of MDD based on the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) - For treatment resistant depression participants: unsuccessful treatment with at least 2 types or doses of antidepressant medication treatment - Right-handed - Capacity for informed consent - Score a 9 or higher on the MADRS
Exclusion Criteria
- Comorbid Bipolar Disorder - Substance use disorder in the last 12 months - Schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders - Comorbid illness such as endocrinological illness (e.g. Cushing's disease) rheumatologic illness (e.g., systemic Lupus erythematosus, current treatment with glucocorticoids), and autoimmune diseases (e.g. psoriasis) - Pregnancy - Daily NSAID or aspirin use and any metallic implant - Visual/Hearing Impairments that would keep participant from being able to complete tasks
Study Design
- Phase
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Cohort
- Time Perspective
- Prospective
Arm Groups
| Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
|---|---|---|
| Participants with Major Depressive Disorder including TRD | Treatment resistant depression (TRD) participants are defined as participants with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who fail to respond to at least two lines of antidepressant medication treatment interventions. |
Recruiting Locations
More Details
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Detailed Description
Background: Despite extensive research on the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) relapse rates are as high as 80%. Of those, 30-40% fall into the severe spectrum called treatment resistant depression (TRD) as they fail to respond to at least two lines of antidepressant treatment interventions. TRD has been linked with anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure or interest in usually enjoyable activities. The neurobiology of anhedonia is poorly understood with recent literature examining an inflammatory association and linking it to deficits in reward-related brain circuitry. The present study examines neurobiological correlates of anhedonia in MDD and TRD, specifically C-Reactive Protein (CRP), IL-6 and ventral striatal (VS) activity. The study also explores whether VS activity mediates the association between inflammation and anhedonia.
