Reduced negative BOLD responses in the default-mode network and increased self-focus in depression

Simone Grimm, Jutta Ernst, Peter Boesiger, Daniel Schuepbach, Heinz Boeker, Georg Northoff

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

101 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives. Functional imaging studies in major depressive disorder (MDD) indicate abnormal resting state neural activity and negative blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) responses (NBRs) in regions of the default-mode network (DMN). Methods. Since activity in DMN regions has been associated with self-relatedness, we investigated neural activity in these regions during self-related emotional judgement and passive picture viewing in 25 patients with MDD and 25 healthy controls in an event-related fMRI design. Results. Behaviourally, MDD subjects showed significantly higher ratings of self-relatedness that also correlated with depression symptoms such as hopelessness. Neuroimaging results in MDD patients showed significantly lower negative BOLD responses (NBRs) in anterior medial cortical regions during judgement of self-relatedness while posterior medial regions showed increased NBRs. Unlike in healthy subjects, the anterior medial cortical NBRs were no longer parametrically modulated by the degree of self-relatedness in MDD patients. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that reduced NBRs in the anterior regions of the default-mode network may signify decoupling from self-relatedness in MDD patients with the consecutive abnormal increase of self-focus.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)627-637
Number of pages11
JournalWorld Journal of Biological Psychiatry
Volume12
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Default-mode network
  • Event-related fMRI
  • Major depression
  • Negative BOLD responses
  • Self-related processing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biological Psychiatry
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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