Reward‐related neural dysfunction across depression and impulsivity: A dimensional approach

Abstract

Recent theoretical models underline reward sensitivity as a potential endophenotype for major depressive disorder. Neural and behavioral evidence reveals depression is associated with reduced reward sensitivity. However, reward dysfunction is not unique to depression, as it is also common across disorders of poor impulse control. We examined the interrelationships of depression (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale [DASS-21]) and impulsivity (UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale) with reward sensitivity among a large, representative sample (N = 260). ERPs were recorded to isolate two neural indicators of consummatory reward processing: initial evaluation of rewards in the 250-350 ms time window postonset of feedback (reward positivity [RewP]), and salience to monetary outcomes (P3). Significant interactions were observed between depression and impulsivity facets across these two stages of reward processing: depression and positive urgency predicted RewP amplitude to reward outcomes (win vs. loss); depression and one other impulsivity trait, (lack of) premeditation, predicted P3 amplitude to monetary outcomes. Conversely, high symptoms of depression were related to three biobehavioral profiles: (1) blunted RewP in conjunction with high positive urgency, (2) combination of blunted RewP and low (lack of) premeditation, and (3) blunted P3 to monetary wins/losses, in conjunction with low (lack of) premeditation. Findings illustrate that reward-related dysfunctions may be optimally conceptualized when examining the interactions between dimensions of internalizing and externalizing psychopathology.

Serial Progression from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder to Alcohol Use Disorder: Serial Multiple Mediated Effects of Externalizing Disorders and Depression

“…Also, depression symptoms increased with the CD symptoms and callous-unemotional traits 37). Interestingly, the latest theoretical models predict that depression shares a common potential endophenotype, or reward dysfunction, with the impulsivity-based disorders including substance abuse, which is substantiated by accumulating physiological grounds 38–41). Also, a large-scale twin study reported that the genetic covariation between depression and AUD could be explained by negative emotionality and behavioral control 42).…”

Blunted neural response to gains versus losses associated with both risk‐prone and risk‐averse behavior in a clinically diverse sample

“…Adopting a dimensional approach toward defining risk‐taking propensity and neural differentiation between gains and losses may help to clarify the transdiagnostic utility of these constructs and inform our understanding of psychopathology. Initial work examining the interrelationships of reward responding and externalizing traits has demonstrated that different biobehavioral profiles (e.g., low RewP amplitude and low impulsivity) can predict depressive symptoms (Ait Oumeziane & Foti, ). Further study of the interactions among neural and behavioral systems as they relate to symptoms may help to explain how clinically distinct psychopathologies arise from similar core features, such as reduced response to reward compared to loss.…”

“…In clinical populations, a blunted RewP has been associated with depression (Foti & Hajcak, ; Liu, Wang, Shang, Shen, & Li, ; Nelson, Perlman, Klein, Kotov, & Hajcak, ; Weinberg, Liu, & Shankman, ) and vulnerability to depression (Bress et al, ; Foti, Kotov, Klein, & Hajcak, ; Kujawa, Proudfit, & Klein, ; Weinberg, Liu, Hajcak, & Shankman, ). Studies have also shown a blunted RewP in individuals high in broad externalizing traits (Bernat, Nelson, Steele, Gehring, & Patrick, ; although see Ait Oumeziane & Foti, ) as well as in substance abusing samples (Baker, Stockwell, Barnes, Haesevoets, & Holroyd, ; Baker, Stockwell, Barnes, & Holroyd, ) and problem gamblers (Hewig et al, ; Oberg, Christie, & Tata, ).…”

“…Yet, rather than increased risk-taking propensity, evidence suggests that individuals with internalizing psychopathology tend to be risk averse (Auerbach et al, 2007;Chapman et al, 2007;Charpentier et al, 2016;Smoski et al, 2008). As such, it appears that reward deficits may influence both types of dysfunctional risk taking; however, to date, this issue has remained largely unexplored, as few studies have linked these two constructs dimensionally (Ait Oumeziane & Foti, 2016;Baskin-Sommers & Foti, 2015). Furthermore, many studies have relied on self-report measures to assess reward sensitivity and risk behavior, which are susceptible to inaccurate or biased reporting.…”

Corrigendum

“…While preparing an unrelated follow‐up project using the original sample, the authors of Ait Oumeziane and Foti () found an error wherein approximately fifty percent of the study data was affected. We have corrected this error, and the corrected results are shared here.…”