Depression

Anhedonia, a loss of pleasure or motivation, occurs in one-third of people with depression. Equally, up to half of people with epilepsy that is resistant to medication experience depression, with anhedonia being a common symptom, impacting quality of life and seizure control.

Prior research in animals has highlighted changes in brain circuits that are associated with anhedonia, however it is uncertain how this research translates to humans.

Using this launchpad grant, Dr Umesh Vivekananda from University College London will use state-of-art analytical tools to measure brain activity in patients with epilepsy and anhedonia.

Dr Umesh Vivekananda said: “This research will significantly broaden our understanding of the neural basis of anhedonia, to inform future treatments aimed at managing this crucial component of depression.”