A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging indicates that individuals who have recovered from depression show reduced motivation to pursue rewards compared to those who have never experienced depression, unless the rewards are substantial and highly certain.

Led by Diego A. Pizzagalli, PhD, the study aimed to explore the decision-making processes that contribute to the vulnerability of relapse and enhance long-term recovery for those with a history of depression.

The research utilized advanced computational modeling techniques to analyze decision-making processes, revealing insights that traditional methods had previously overlooked.

First author Manuel Kuhn, PhD, highlighted that these advanced techniques helped identify subtle motivational deficits in individuals who have recovered from depression.

Persistent motivational deficits in these individuals may increase their risk of relapse, as they often face challenges in reward processing.

Editor-in-Chief Cameron S. Carter noted that understanding how motivation is influenced by the balance of reward and effort is crucial for addressing motivational issues in major depressive disorder.

The study also sheds light on hidden cognitive and motivational deficits that can impede daily activities and functional recovery after depression.

Pizzagalli emphasized that choosing low-effort options can reinforce behaviors that may lead to a relapse into depression.

Participants in the study included unmedicated individuals with remitted major depressive disorder and a control group of healthy individuals, who made choices between low-effort, low-reward tasks and high-effort, high-reward tasks.

Findings revealed that while individuals with a history of depression generally preferred less effortful tasks, they could be equally or more motivated than healthy individuals when presented with large and certain rewards.

The insights gained from this research could inform the development of targeted treatments aimed at enhancing recovery and preventing relapse in those with a history of depression.

Kuhn stated that the study's findings could significantly contribute to the creation of strategies that promote sustained recovery and overall well-being.