Background
Stress, one of the strongest risk factors for depression, has been linked to “anhedonic”
behavior and dysfunctional reward-related neural circuitry in preclinical models.
Methods
To test if acute stress reduces reward responsiveness (i.e., the ability to modulate
behavior as a function of past reward), a signal-detection task coupled with a differential
reinforcement schedule was utilized. Eighty female participants completed the task
under both a stress condition, either threat-of-shock (n = 38) or negative performance feedback (n = 42), and a no-stress condition.
Results
Stress increased negative affect and anxiety. As hypothesized based on preclinical
findings, stress, particularly the threat-of-shock condition, impaired reward responsiveness.
Regression analyses indicate that self-report measures of anhedonia predicted stress-induced
hedonic deficits even after controlling for anxiety symptoms.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that acute stress reduces reward responsiveness, particularly
in individuals with anhedonic symptoms. Stress-induced hedonic deficit is a promising
candidate mechanism linking stressful experiences to depression.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 28, 2006
Accepted:
March 29,
2006
Received in revised form:
February 21,
2006
Received:
February 21,
2006
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
