Assessing Reward Functioning Across Distinct Symptom Dimensions of Internalizing Psychopathology

Belel Ait Oumeziane, Purdue University

Abstract

Recent work has linked deficits in reward processing as a potential endophenotype for major depressive disorder. Neural and behavioral evidence demonstrated that reduced reward sensitivity is more characteristic of depression than other internalizing psychopathologies such as anxiety disorders. However, emerging evidence indicates the presence of reward processing abnormalities across different anxiety disorders, including generalized and social anxiety disorders. Differences across studies may in part be due to the heterogeneity within anxiety disorders. We sought to explore differences in patterns of reward sensitivity across distinct internalizing symptoms dimensions on two laboratory paradigms: social and monetary reward. ERPs were recorded to isolate distinct neural indicators of anticipatory and consummatory reward processing. The results showed that depressive and anhedonic symptomatology were unique predictors of attenuated neural indicators of anticipatory reward sensitivity to uncertain social outcomes (i.e., Stimulus Preceding Negativity) and the early evaluation of social rewards (i.e., Reward Positivity). We also found that neural sensitivity of monetary and social reward was predicted by multiple interrelationships of distinct internalizing symptom dimensions. The results are discussed in the context of previous work on reward processing and psychiatric conditions. The findings underlines the significance of attending to the heterogeneity of reward and symptom dimensions.

Degree

M.S.

Advisors

Foti, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Neurosciences|Clinical psychology

COinS