@article{ref1,
title="Behavioral activation system deficits predict the six-month course of depression",
journal="Journal of affective disorders",
year="2006",
author="McFarland, Brian R. and Shankman, Stewart A. and Tenke, Craig E. and Bruder, Gerard E. and Klein, Daniel N.",
volume="91",
number="2-3",
pages="229-234",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Behavioral activation system (BAS) deficits are hypothesized to increase risk for depression. This study tested the hypothesis that BAS deficits, measured with both self-report and electrophysiological methods, would predict the six-month course of depression. METHODS: 67 participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) with or without pre-existing dysthymia were assessed at baseline with Carver and White's [Carver, C.S., White, T.L., 1994. Behavioral inhibition, behavioral activation, and affective responses to impending reward and punishment: the BIS/BAS scales. J. Pers. Soc. Psychol. 67, 319-333.] BIS/BAS scales and resting EEG. The week-by-week course of their depressive symptoms was assessed six months later with the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation (LIFE). RESULTS: Baseline self-reported BAS sensitivity predicted depression diagnosis (MDD or dysthymia) at follow-up, number of MDD symptoms at follow-up, average weekly level of depression, and time to recovery. These effects persisted after controlling for baseline clinical variables associated with a worse course. Baseline resting EEG alpha asymmetry did not significantly predict the course of depression. LIMITATIONS: Although BAS sensitivity predicted the subsequent course of depression, we cannot determine whether it played a causal role in maintaining depression. CONCLUSIONS: Lower self-reported BAS sensitivity predicts a worse course of depression but EEG asymmetries do not.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0165-0327",
doi="10.1016/j.jad.2006.01.012",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2006.01.012"
}