Abstract
A neurobiological account of cognitive vulnerability for recurrent depression is presented based on recent developments of
resting state neural networks. We propose that alterations in the interplay between task positive (TP) and task negative (TN)
elements of the Default Mode Network (DMN) act as a neurobiological risk factor for recurrent depression mediated by cognitive
mechanisms. In the framework, depression is characterized by an imbalance between TN-TP components leading to an overpowering
of TP by TN activity. The TN-TP imbalance is associated with a dysfunctional internally-focused cognitive style as well as
a failure to attenuate TN activity in the transition from rest to task. Thus we propose the TN-TP imbalance as overarching
neural mechanism involved in crucial cognitive risk factors for recurrent depression, namely rumination, impaired attentional
control, and cognitive reactivity. During remission the TN-TP imbalance persists predisposing to vulnerability of recurrent
depression. Empirical data to support this model is reviewed. Finally, we specify how this framework can guide future research
efforts.
resting state neural networks. We propose that alterations in the interplay between task positive (TP) and task negative (TN)
elements of the Default Mode Network (DMN) act as a neurobiological risk factor for recurrent depression mediated by cognitive
mechanisms. In the framework, depression is characterized by an imbalance between TN-TP components leading to an overpowering
of TP by TN activity. The TN-TP imbalance is associated with a dysfunctional internally-focused cognitive style as well as
a failure to attenuate TN activity in the transition from rest to task. Thus we propose the TN-TP imbalance as overarching
neural mechanism involved in crucial cognitive risk factors for recurrent depression, namely rumination, impaired attentional
control, and cognitive reactivity. During remission the TN-TP imbalance persists predisposing to vulnerability of recurrent
depression. Empirical data to support this model is reviewed. Finally, we specify how this framework can guide future research
efforts.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Review
- Pages 1-23
- DOI 10.1007/s11065-012-9199-9
- Authors
- Igor Marchetti, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Ernst H. W. Koster, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Edmund J. Sonuga-Barke, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Rudi De Raedt, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Journal Neuropsychology Review
- Online ISSN 1573-6660
- Print ISSN 1040-7308