Work

Cognitive effort devaluation and the salience network: a computational model of amotivation in depression

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Amotivation in depression is linked to impaired reinforcement learning and effort expenditure via the dopaminergic reward pathway. To understand its computational and neural basis, we modeled incentive, temporal and cognitive burden effects, identifying key components and brain networks of cost-benefit valuation. Methods Data from 43 psychotropic-free individuals (31 non- or minimally depressed individuals), including Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES), n-back task performance, and resting-state fMRI, were analyzed. Cost-benefit valuation was modeled using loss aversion, learning, temporal, and cognitive effort discounting factors. Model fitting and comparison (two-learning rate vs. two-temporal discounting) were performed. Principal Component Analysis and linear regression identified factors predicting amotivation severity. Correlations of estimated factors with nucleus accumbens and anterior insular cortex (AIC) functional connectivity were analyzed. Results Overall, greater 2-back than 0-back accuracy occurred in longer, positively incentivized tasks. Non- or minimally depressed individuals showed accuracy difference by N-back load at higher rewards, with divergence between reward and loss tasks at higher incentive and longer lengths. The two-temporal discounting model best explained these results. Cognitive effort discounting specifically predicted amotivation scores, derived from BDI and AES, and correlated with AIC-anterior mid cingulate cortex (aMCC) functional connectivity. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate amotivation is specifically associated with cognitive effort devaluation in a cost-benefit analysis incorporating loss aversion, incentive learning, temporal discounting, and cognitive effort discounting. Modulation of effort valuation via the AIC-aMCC network suggests a potential treatment target.

Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1581802

Authors: Il Ho Park, Chae Eun Lee, Kyungun Jhung

Institutions: Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University

Language: English

Topic: Neural and Behavioral Psychology Studies

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801