Amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) of spontaneous and induced rumination in major depression: An fNIRS study

Abstract

In the current study, we investigated the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) at rest and during a rumination induction. Specifically, we explored the differences of cortical blood oxygenation using fNIRS in subjects with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and healthy controls (HC). Rumination was assessed as state and trait measure, as well as with a qualitative semi-structured interview. Qualitative and quantitative measures of rumination indicated that the MDD group showed elevated rumination regarding state and trait measures. Furthermore, rumination differed qualitatively between the groups. The MDD group showed higher levels of general rumination and increased rumination during the rumination induction. However, the MDD group did not show a carry-over effect of elevated rumination after the induction paradigm to the following resting-state measurement. On a neuronal level, we observed a general hypoactivity in the MDD group compared to the HC group. Moreover, both groups showed increased ALFF during the rumination induction compared to the rest phase, especially in temporo-parietal areas. However, no interaction effect of MDD status and rumination induction was found. The current findings are discussed with respect to the literature of paradigms used in the investigation of rumination and suggestions on general improvements in rumination research are given.

Increased low-frequency brain responses to music after psilocybin therapy for depression

“…The medial PFC has also been implicated in the acute brain action of psychedelics (Carhart-Harris et al, 2012, 2015). Previous work using ALFF methods has identified frontal lobe abnormalities in major depression (Rosenbaum et al, 2020) and in depressed Parkinson’s disease patients (Wen, Wu, Liu, Li, & Yao, 2013). The medial frontal lobe has been implicated in the action of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) treatment (Di Simplicio, Norbury, & Harmer, 2012; Godlewska, Browning, Norbury, Cowen, & Harmer, 2016; Ma, 2015).…”

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Recurrent MDD Patients With Residual Symptoms: Alterations in Resting-State Theta Oscillation Dynamics Associated With Changes in Depression and Rumination

“…The left parietal region plays a particularly central role in supporting complex object-directed action, social cognition (e.g., successful perspective-taking and ability to infer thoughts and beliefs), and language processes (52,53). Parietal regions, such as the inferior parietal lobe (IPL) and precuneus, as the major hub in the DMN, have been verified to, in part, subserve intrinsic awareness and self-referential processing during analytical reflective responses (54)(55)(56)(57). Some research has also attempted to regulate functional connectivity between the precuneus and temporoparietal junction to control rumination (57).…”

Trait rumination and social anxiety separately influence stress-induced rumination and hemodynamic responses

“…Since then, different models have been established and broadened the conceptualization of rumination. In the investigation of depressive rumination, experimental designs often use instructions to think a certain way, for instance about negative emotions/negative personality attributes 11 – 13 or negative life events 14 – 16 to induce ruminative processes. However, these approaches, even though they assess self-referential thoughts, which are a typical content of depressive rumination, do not capture other aspects of rumination like uncontrollability or repetitiveness.…”