Psychology ETDs

Publication Date

Fall 12-16-2024

Abstract

Anhedonia refers to a complex deficit in depression, characterized by deficits in reward processing. An EEG signal of reward, the Reward Positivity, has been proposed as a potential biomarker of depressive symptoms. In this investigation, we define generative neural sources of the Reward Positivity using MEG and examine the source level deficits of this signal associated with anhedonia. A composite measure of anhedonia was defined in this sample, combining several self-report measures of anhedonia. Ventral hypoactivation was present in depressed individuals alongside a counterintuitive positive correlation with anhedonia. An independent study using fMRI in the same subjects found similar, but underpowered trends. Joint analysis combining the two methods provided strong support for the generative structures found with MEG but did not suggest any differences between groups. This study provides strong evidence of ventral source generators of the Reward Positivity and suggests that these sources are associated with anhedonic symptoms.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

James Cavanagh

Second Committee Member

Jeremy Hogeveen

Third Committee Member

Kent Kiehl

Fourth Committee Member

Justin Riddle

Document Type

Dissertation

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Psychology Commons

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