The role of the brain reward system in depression

摘要: The goal of this review is to familiarize the reader about potential involvement brain reward system (BRS) in symptoms Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). authors introduce a novel approach study pathophysiology MDD that includes pharmacological probing BRS pathways (e.g. d-amphetamine, hydromorphone) together with an elicited and measurable behavioral component pleasant effects, increased energy, altered cognition). To date, major focus studies has been characterize biological differences between healthy subjects depressed patients such as alteration monoaminergic endocrine systems. relative importance various changes not elucidated, is, linking these specific manifestations have rarely attempted. One core symptom decreased experience pleasure or interest previously enjoyed activities (i.e. anhedonia) work hobbies, accompanied by motivation drive. consists neural involved eliciting rewarding experiences animals humans. hypothesis function may be underlying mechanism loss pleasure/interest experienced MDD, will manifested through response probe. examined introducing probe d-amphetamine/d-amph). Amphetamine defined due its ability release dopamine within components mesocorticolimbic system.) In addition objective effects heart rate), probes like d-amph elicit reliable behavior, hedonic effects. A neurobiology BRS, rationale for implicating depressive symptoms, preliminary data, are presented article.