Impaired Functional Connectivity Associated with Anhedonia in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

De Wilde Manon, 2023
Depression touches the lives of millions, turning each day into a struggle. Anhedonia, a key facet of depression, robs us of the ability to find joy in things we once treasured. It transforms life into a monochrome maze, where even the simplest tasks feel like an uphill climb. Anhedonia is intimately connected with our brain's "reward network," which is responsible for motivating us to engage in activities that have the potential to bring us happiness. This network is like a guide leading us towards what could make us happy. However, the intricate connections between this "reward network" and other parts of the brain are crucial in allowing us to experience pleasure. Imagine these connections as a complex puzzle where each piece has a role in the big picture. Our research aims to uncover the links between altered brain connectivity and anhedonia, much like solving a puzzle to understand why happiness can feel out of reach for those with depression. We've made interesting discoveries - many changes in connections are found within the brain's "reward network." But what's even more fascinating is that the entire brain plays a role in anhedonia. Connections to regions that govern our emotions and regulate them appear to be impaired. Additionally, there are disruptions in connections related to finding a balance between our inner thoughts and the world around us. When this balance is disrupted, it becomes difficult to pick up on happy cues. By delving into these connections and understanding how they influence anhedonia, we can develop more effective treatments for individuals dealing with depression. It's like finding the missing pieces of the puzzle and helping those suffering to rediscover the vibrancy and joy in life.

Promotor Chris Baeken
Opleiding Geneeskunde
Domein Psychiatrie
Kernwoorden depression functional connectivity Anhedonia fMRI