Inflammation-Induced Depressed Mood: The Role of Social Neurocognitive Mechanisms

Although substantial evidence has demonstrated links between inflammation and depression, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are poorly understood. Based on the observation that inflammation triggers social withdrawal, coupled with evidence that feelings of social disconnection play a critical role in depression, the proposed research will examine the social psychological consequences of inflammation and their relation to depressive symptoms for the first time. In addition, the proposed research will examine the neural correlates that underlie these social psychological changes to better understand the central mechanisms that contribute to inflammatory-induced depressive symptoms.