BACKGROUND: Behavioral activation system (BAS) deficits are hypothesized to increase risk for depression. This study tested the hypothesis that BAS deficits, measured with both self-report and electrophysiological methods, would predict the six-month course of depression. METHODS: 67 participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) with or without pre-existing dysthymia were assessed at baseline with Carver and White's [Carver, C.S., White, T.L., 1994. Behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, and affective responses to impending reward and punishment: the BIS/BAS scales. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 67, 319-333.] BIS/BAS scales and resting EEG. The week-by-week course of their depressive symptoms was assessed six months later with the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation (LIFE). RESULTS: Baseline self-reported BAS sensitivity predicted depression diagnosis (MDD or dysthymia) at follow-up, number of MDD symptoms at follow-up, average weekly level of depression, and time to recovery. These effects persisted after controlling for baseline clinical variables associated with a worse course. Baseline resting EEG alpha asymmetry did not significantly predict the course of depression. LIMITATIONS: Although BAS sensitivity predicted the subsequent course of depression, we cannot determine whether it played a causal role in maintaining depression. CONCLUSIONS: Lower self-reported BAS sensitivity predicts a worse course of depression but EEG asymmetries do not.
BACKGROUND: Behavioral activation system (BAS) deficits are hypothesized to increase risk for depression. This study tested the hypothesis that BAS deficits, measured with both self-report and electrophysiological methods, would predict the six-month course of depression. METHODS: 67 participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) with or without pre-existing dysthymia were assessed at baseline with Carver and White's [Carver, C.S., White, T.L., 1994. Behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, and affective responses to impending reward and punishment: the BIS/BAS scales. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 67, 319-333.] BIS/BAS scales and resting EEG. The week-by-week course of their depressive symptoms was assessed six months later with the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation (LIFE). RESULTS: Baseline self-reported BAS sensitivity predicted depression diagnosis (MDD or dysthymia) at follow-up, number of MDD symptoms at follow-up, average weekly level of depression, and time to recovery. These effects persisted after controlling for baseline clinical variables associated with a worse course. Baseline resting EEG alpha asymmetry did not significantly predict the course of depression. LIMITATIONS: Although BAS sensitivity predicted the subsequent course of depression, we cannot determine whether it played a causal role in maintaining depression. CONCLUSIONS: Lower self-reported BAS sensitivity predicts a worse course of depression but EEG asymmetries do not.
Authors: Sophie R DelDonno; Lisanne M Jenkins; Natania A Crane; Robin Nusslock; Kelly A Ryan; Stewart A Shankman; K Luan Phan; Scott A Langenecker Journal: J Affect Disord Date: 2017-06-15 Impact factor: 4.839
Authors: Stephanie S Daniel; David B Goldston; Alaattin Erkanli; Joseph C Franklin; Andrew M Mayfield Journal: J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol Date: 2009-09
Authors: Elske Vrieze; Diego A Pizzagalli; Koen Demyttenaere; Titia Hompes; Pascal Sienaert; Peter de Boer; Mark Schmidt; Stephan Claes Journal: Biol Psychiatry Date: 2012-12-08 Impact factor: 13.382
Authors: Daniel G Dillon; Ryan Bogdan; Jesen Fagerness; Avram J Holmes; Roy H Perlis; Diego A Pizzagalli Journal: Hum Brain Mapp Date: 2010-02 Impact factor: 5.038