Using Plasticity in the Treatment of Children with Depression.

Abstract

Early Life Adversity is common, and is strongly linked to psychopathology. Researchers have sought to establish the mechanisms that create this link, and one compelling suggestion is reward learning. The deficit in reward learning has specific relevance for depression, as it relates to anhedonia, a primary symptom of depression. Current treatment options for depression in this population have not proven to be successful. A possible approach for new treatment options would involve targeting the reward learning deficit that links ELA to depression. Reward learning works through brain plasticity, which tends to be lower in this population due to accelerated stress levels at a young age. Therefore, new avenues for treatment should focus on reintroducing plasticity so that the appropriate reward learning can take place