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Intensity of repetitive negative thinking in depression is associated with greater functional connectivity between semantic processing and emotion regulation areas

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 August 2022

Aki Tsuchiyagaito*
Affiliation:
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
Stella M. Sánchez
Affiliation:
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
Masaya Misaki
Affiliation:
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
Rayus Kuplicki
Affiliation:
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
Heekyong Park
Affiliation:
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
Martin P. Paulus
Affiliation:
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
Salvador M. Guinjoan
Affiliation:
Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
*
Author for correspondence: Aki Tsuchiyagaito, E-mail: atsuchiyagaito@laureateinstitute.org

Abstract

Background

Repetitive negative thinking (RNT), a cognitive process that encompasses past (rumination) and future (worry) directed thoughts focusing on negative experiences and the self, is a transdiagnostic construct that is especially relevant for major depressive disorder (MDD). Severe RNT often occurs in individuals with severe levels of MDD, which makes it challenging to disambiguate the neural circuitry underlying RNT from depression severity.

Methods

We used a propensity score, i.e., a conditional probability of having high RNT given observed covariates to match high and low RNT individuals who are similar in the severity of depression, anxiety, and demographic characteristics. Of 148 MDD individuals, we matched high and low RNT groups (n = 50/group) and used a data-driven whole-brain voxel-to-voxel connectivity pattern analysis to investigate the resting-state functional connectivity differences between the groups.

Results

There was an association between RNT and connectivity in the bilateral superior temporal sulcus (STS), an important region for speech processing including inner speech. High relative to low RNT individuals showed greater connectivity between right STS and bilateral anterior insular cortex (AI), and between bilateral STS and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Greater connectivity in those regions was specifically related to RNT but not to depression severity.

Conclusions

RNT intensity is directly related to connectivity between STS and AI/DLPFC. This might be a mechanism underlying the role of RNT in perceptive, cognitive, speech, and emotional processing. Future investigations will need to determine whether modifying these connectivities could be a treatment target to reduce RNT.

Information

Type
Original Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press

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