Neural correlates of self-referential processing and implicit self-associations in chronic XXXX .

@entity1 @entity1314 @entity308
BACKGROUND: @entity1 with @entity308 tend to process negative information with regard to the self (i.e. self-referential processing). A better understanding of the neural underpinnings of self-referential processing in @entity1 with @entity308 is clinically important as it can inform on potential treatment targets. METHOD: This fMRI study sought to study the neural correlates of self-referential processing in @entity1 with chronic @entity308 (cMDD) (n=17) and non- @entity1 controls (n=18) using a passive processing paradigm. Stimuli consisted of positive, negative, negative @entity308 related and @entity1314 trait words or non-words. @entity1 were instructed to indicate whether a presented word was an existing word or a non-word while undergoing an fMRI scan. @entity1 also completed an explicit and an implicit measure of positive and negative self-associations outside the scanner. RESULTS: Non- @entity1 controls had relatively increased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during processing of negative @entity308 related vs. neutral words whereas @entity1 with cMDD had relatively decreased activity. Non- @entity1 controls had relatively increased dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) activity during processing of positive vs. neutral words whereas @entity1 with cMDD had relatively decreased activity. Explicit but not implicit self-associations with @entity308 related words were associated with neural activity in the mPFC and the dlPFC. LIMITATIONS: The study did not include a clinical control group and therefore the specificity of findings remains unknown. CONCLUSIONS: The distinct neural processing of emotional self-relevant stimuli in the mPFC and the dlPFC in @entity1 with cMDD might represent an emotional blunting response towards negative self-relevant stimuli.
