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Volume 27, Issue 3 (Autumn 2025)
Advances in Cognitive Sciences 2025, 27(3): 1-15 |
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Ethics code: IR.IUMS.REC.1399.326
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Aminzadeh H, Moradi A, Farsinejad Marj M, Hassani-Abharian P, Edalat A. Evaluating the effects of self-attachment therapy on anterior-striatum in response to facial emotions. Advances in Cognitive Sciences 2025; 27 (3) :1-15
URL: http://icssjournal.ir/article-1-1753-en.html
URL: http://icssjournal.ir/article-1-1753-en.html
Hajar Aminzadeh1 
, Alireza Moradi *2 , Masumeh Farsinejad Marj3 , Peyman Hassani-Abharian4 , Abbas Edalat5
, Alireza Moradi *2 , Masumeh Farsinejad Marj3 , Peyman Hassani-Abharian4 , Abbas Edalat5
1- Cognitive Science Modeling, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2- Professor of Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Kharazmi University, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran
3- PhD in Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4- PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran
5- Professor of Computer Sciences and Mathematics Algorithmic Human Development Group, Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, UK
2- Professor of Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Kharazmi University, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran
3- PhD in Psychology, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
4- PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran
5- Professor of Computer Sciences and Mathematics Algorithmic Human Development Group, Department of Computing, Imperial College London, London, UK
Abstract: (1550 Views)
Abstract
Introduction: This study examines the effects of Self-Attachment Therapy (SAT) on the dynamics of the brain’s reward network, particularly in the ventral striatum and Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). MDD is associated with impaired emotional and cognitive processing, leading to a bias toward negative emotions and difficulty in recognizing positive emotions. Attachment issues, especially insecure attachment, are linked to a higher risk of depression. SAT focuses on strengthening secure attachment and emotional regulation, aiming to improve emotional responses in depressed individuals.
Methods: In this study, 20 patients with MDD underwent SAT. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data were collected at three stages: Before treatment, immediately after treatment, and three months post-treatment during an emotional face-processing task (happiness, sadness, and fear). Using Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) and Bayesian analysis, changes in the effective connectivity of the brain’s reward network and the impact of treatment were analyzed.
Results: Findings indicated that, before treatment, emotional processing was primarily driven by the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc). Post-treatment, connectivity between the NAc and the PFC increased, reflecting improved emotional regulation and resilience. These changes suggest a reorganization of neural circuits following SAT.
Conclusion: The results provide new evidence for the role of the brain’s reward network in treating depression and improving emotional processing. This study highlights the potential to develop targeted, personalized therapeutic approaches for individuals with MDD.
Introduction: This study examines the effects of Self-Attachment Therapy (SAT) on the dynamics of the brain’s reward network, particularly in the ventral striatum and Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), in individuals with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). MDD is associated with impaired emotional and cognitive processing, leading to a bias toward negative emotions and difficulty in recognizing positive emotions. Attachment issues, especially insecure attachment, are linked to a higher risk of depression. SAT focuses on strengthening secure attachment and emotional regulation, aiming to improve emotional responses in depressed individuals.
Methods: In this study, 20 patients with MDD underwent SAT. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data were collected at three stages: Before treatment, immediately after treatment, and three months post-treatment during an emotional face-processing task (happiness, sadness, and fear). Using Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) and Bayesian analysis, changes in the effective connectivity of the brain’s reward network and the impact of treatment were analyzed.
Results: Findings indicated that, before treatment, emotional processing was primarily driven by the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc). Post-treatment, connectivity between the NAc and the PFC increased, reflecting improved emotional regulation and resilience. These changes suggest a reorganization of neural circuits following SAT.
Conclusion: The results provide new evidence for the role of the brain’s reward network in treating depression and improving emotional processing. This study highlights the potential to develop targeted, personalized therapeutic approaches for individuals with MDD.
Keywords: Major depressive disorder, Self-Attachment Therapy, Brain reward network, Dynamic causal modeling, Functional magnetic resonance imaging
Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2025/01/11 | Accepted: 2025/03/2 | Published: 2025/03/13
Received: 2025/01/11 | Accepted: 2025/03/2 | Published: 2025/03/13
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