anhedonia

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anhedonia

Electrophysiology Featured Neurology Neuroscience Pain Psychology

·September 26, 2019·4 min read

Molecular link between chronic pain and depression revealed

Inhibitory inputs to the neural circuit between the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dlBNST) to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) increase when a person is in chronic pain. This alteration is mediated by enhanced corticotropin-releasing factor signaling within the dlBNST, leading to suppression of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. The result is depressive mood and anhedonia associated with chronic pain.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·September 5, 2019·4 min read

Brain circuit connects feeding and mood in response to stress

A new study identifies a novel neural network regulating feeding and mood in response to chronic stress. Inhibiting the POMC to ventral tegmental area circuit increases body weight and food intake while reducing depressive symptoms in mouse models.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·August 8, 2019·4 min read

Genetic variation contributes to individual differences in pleasure

What we find pleasurable may be down to our genetics. Researchers found nucleus accumbens activation and physical anhedonia were influenced by shared genes. The experience of pleasure and physical anhedonia also appear to share some of the same genes.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·May 22, 2019·3 min read

New therapeutic target for depression identified

A fragment of the neuropeptide Galanin appears to play a role in anhedonia in mouse models of depression. Galanin could be a potential target for the treatment of depression.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·May 15, 2019·3 min read

Inflammation induces anhedonia in women but not men

Inflammation appears to reduce reward response in females. Reduced activity in the brain's reward system is a key component of anhedonia, the loss of enjoyment in activities, a core feature of depression. The findings may explain why depression is more prevalent in women than in men.

Featured Neuroscience

·March 13, 2019·5 min read

Differences in brain activity in children with anhedonia

Using fMRI to examine the brains of children while resting, researchers discover anhedonia is associated with hyperconnectivity between the cingulo-opercular network and ventral striatum.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·December 4, 2018·6 min read

New Insights Into Loss of Pleasure in Depression

A new study reveals a brain region that contributes to anhedonia, the loss of pleasure, in those with depression. The study also shows how ketamine acts on this brain region, explaining why the drug appears to be so effective at treating anhedonia.

Featured Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·November 20, 2018·4 min read

Personality and Mood Affect Brain Response to Personal Choice

Researchers report personality traits and psychological health impact how we value personal control when making decisions. The study reports brain activity in the motivation system is dampened in those with passive personalities and depression when we receive rewards that we have earned or feel in personal control of situations.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·December 18, 2017·5 min read

Could Cognitive Interventions be Useful in Treating Depression?

Researchers report cognitive bias modification may be a useful method for treating depression.

Featured Psychology

·December 9, 2017·2 min read

People with Anhedonia Do Experience Pleasure, Just Not As Often

It is possible for those with anhedonia to enjoy experiences and feel pleasure, however, those with the disorder find it hard to maintain their positive emotions, a new study reports.

Featured Open Neuroscience Articles Psychology

·December 8, 2017·5 min read

Many Different Types of Anxiety and Depression Exist

Stanford researchers have identified five new categories of specific symptoms and brain area activation that can be applied to the diagnosis of anxiety and depression in a more specific manner.