On the neural basis of emotion processing in depression and anxiety. An fMRI study in outpatients

PhD ceremony: Ms. L.R. Demenescu, 13.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Thesis: On the neural basis of emotion processing in depression and anxiety. An fMRI study in outpatients

Promotor(s): prof. A. Aleman, prof. J.A. den Boer

Faculty: Medical Sciences

The findings presented in this thesis indicate that dysfunctions in the neural circuitry of emotional processing are different in depression and anxiety. Furthermore we find that comorbidity of depression and anxiety cannot be regarded as a summation of the two. We also show that even if there are no gross abnormalities at the neural level, abnormalities in the neural network may cause dysfunctions of emotional processes in mild-remitted patients and participants with high vulnerability for affective disorders. This finding unveils a much more complex picture of emotion perception than the present day theories account for.