Pharmacologic and expectancy effects in depression: Associations with inter-network resting-state connectivity.
Andrew R Gerlach, Alyssa Neppach, Ian Snyder et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the relationship between baseline resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) and treatment response in 60 depressed participants receiving either an SSRI or placebo. The study found that specific connectivity patterns predicted responses to pharmacological versus expectancy-driven treatments, highlighting distinct neural pathways for each. Notably, higher connectivity between salience and default mode networks predicted better outcomes with the SSRI.
Key findings
- Baseline connectivity between attention and salience networks predicted placebo response.
- Higher connectivity between salience and default mode networks predicted better outcomes with SSRI.
- Lower connectivity between salience and default mode networks predicted better outcomes with placebo.
- Network reorganization occurred only when drug assignment and belief aligned.
Why it matters
Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying treatment responses in depression can help tailor interventions and improve outcomes. Identifying distinct pathways for pharmacological and expectancy effects may enhance treatment personalization.