A Neurobiological Model of Anhedonia

Last updated: October 14, 2024
Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Depression

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT05629520
STUDY00011450
UL1TR002014
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The purpose of this research study is to better understand anhedonia in Major Depressive Disorder by investigating the reward-related neural and inflammatory correlates.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Current diagnosis of MDD based on the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)

  • For treatment resistant depression participants: unsuccessful treatment with atleast 2 types or doses of antidepressant medication treatment

  • Right-handed

  • Capacity for informed consent

  • Score a 9 or higher on the MADRS

Exclusion

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 withglucocorticoids), 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 completetasks

Study Design

Total Participants: 60
Study Start date:
February 19, 2020
Estimated Completion Date:
July 30, 2024

Study 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.

Connect with a study center

  • Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

    Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033
    United States

    Site Not Available

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