Effort-based decision-making in major depressive disorder: A translational model of motivational anhedonia.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0028813
• Publication Date: 2012-07-09T17:41:36Z
• Authors: Michael T. Treadway; Nicholas A. Bossa...; Richard C. Shelton; David H. Zald
• Keywords: Anhedonia; Anticipation (artificial intelligence)

Anhedonia is a core feature of major depressive disorder (MDD), but the precise nature anhedonic symptoms unknown. Whereas anhedonia has traditionally been viewed as deficit in experience pleasure, more recent evidence suggests that reduced anticipation and motivation may also be this symptom. Here, we provide data from study MDD patients healthy controls using translational measure reward motivation, Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task (EEfRT or "effort"). This task offers subjects series trials where they choose to expend less effort opportunity win varying amounts monetary rewards. We found were willing rewards than controls. Additionally, observed able effectively use information about magnitude probability guide their choice behavior. Finally, within patient group, duration current episode was significant negative predictor EEfRT performance. These findings offer novel support theoretical models proposing reflect specific impairments reward-based decision-making.