How stress affects brain chemistry and treatment response in depression

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates how prolonged exposure to stress can lead to anhedonia, a common symptom in major depressive disorder (MDD) where individuals lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. By examining changes in glutamate levels in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex during stress, the study aims to understand the biological mechanisms behind this condition. The researchers will use advanced brain imaging techniques to measure glutamate responses before and after stress challenges in both healthy individuals and those with MDD. The findings could help identify why some patients do not respond to traditional treatments and how ketamine may offer relief for anhedonia symptoms.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Emory University
  Atlanta, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Treadway, Michael Tilghman — Emory University
• Study coordinator: Treadway, Michael Tilghman

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Synaptic changes behind ketamine’s quick relief of stress-related anhedonia

  Researchers are studying how a single low dose of ketamine rapidly eases anhedonia by changing brain connections, aiming to help people with treatment-resistant depression.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11380643

• Ketamine's effects on anhedonia and anxiety in depression explored with ultra-high-field brain imaging

  Researchers will study how specific brain circuits relate to anhedonia and anxiety in adults with depression using ultra-high-field MRI and ketamine-related insights.

  NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11311804

• Stress-related glutamate changes in the brain and ketamine for loss of pleasure

  This work looks at whether stress changes a brain chemical called glutamate in people with depression and whether ketamine can help reverse loss of pleasure.

  NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11248777

• How ketamine can quickly reverse stress-related loss of pleasure

  This work looks at how a single low dose of ketamine can rapidly restore pleasure and motivation for people with stress-related depression.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11129906

• Investigating how ketamine affects depression-related symptoms using advanced MRI technology

  This study is looking at how ketamine helps people with depression feel better, especially when it comes to feeling joy and managing anxiety, by using advanced brain scans to see how certain parts of the brain work in adults with depression.

  NIH research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · New York, United States · NIH-11078253

• Investigating how stress affects reward response and treatment with ketamine

  This study is looking at how long-term stress can make people with major depressive disorder lose interest in things they used to enjoy, and it aims to understand how a brain chemical called glutamate is involved, especially with the hope that ketamine might help improve these feelings.

  NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11003680

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.