Friday, April 4, 2025
4/4/2025
EEG Coherence as a Biomarker for Psychomotor Disturbance and Course of Depression - Project Summary Psychomotor disturbance is a core feature of depression which, despite longstanding recognition and evidence that it may be predictive of clinical course, is not well-studied. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is an inexpensive and easily implemented method for recording neural activity and increased resting-state EEG coherence in the beta band (13-30 Hz) has been linked with motor dysfunction (e.g., in Parkinson’s, normal aging). Similarities in Parkinson’s and depression such as hypodopaminergic activity in the basal ganglia and altered functional connectivity of motor-related brain regions suggests that shared mechanisms may underlie motor dysfunction in both populations; however, no research has examined the connection between psychomotor disturbance and resting state EEG coherence in the beta band. Additionally, assessment of psychomotor disturbance has often relied on self-report measures or behavioral coding performed by trained raters which may both be subject to bias (e.g., a rater who knows an individual has been diagnosed with depression may be more likely to indicate presence of psychomotor disturbances). The identification of a biomarker could eliminate this concern in assessment and inform improved development of treatment for depression and individualized treatment recommendations. The current proposal will address these questions using a longitudinal investigation of neural abnormalities in currently depressed, remitted depressed, and never depressed individuals (Aim 1). Resting-state EEG coherence in the beta band will be compared to state-of-the-art instrumental measurements of psychomotor disturbance (Aim 2) to validate this marker of motor dysfunction which has been recorded in other populations (e.g., Parkinson’s) against psychomotor disturbance. To determine the predictive utility of EEG coherence as a biomarker for course of illness in depression, associations between the neural measures from Aim 1 and symptom severity, functioning, and quality of life 6 months later will be examined (Aim 3). Training Plan: An extensive training plan has been developed to enable the Applicant to effectively complete the project. Through coursework, colloquia/conference attendance, workshops, and weekly meetings with the sponsors, the Applicant will develop theoretical expertise in motor pathology in depression, as well as specialized skills in the EEG coherence technique and longitudinal research design and statistical analysis. This training plan was designed to facilitate the Applicant’s career aspirations as a research scientist with the sound theoretical foundation and methodological expertise necessary to conduct her own independent program of research. Training Environment: The project will take place at Northwestern University, an ideal training environment given the accessibility to cutting-edge resources, equipment, and coursework at the site. Further, both the Sponsor and Co-Sponsor are located at the institution and are experts in the theory and methods needed to meet the Applicant’s training aims.
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