Abstract
ObjectiveThe feedback negativity (FN) is an event-related potential that differentiates unfavorable versus favorable outcomes. Although thought to reflect error-related activity within the anterior cingulate cortex, recent work indicates the FN may also reflect reward-related activity that has been linked to the basal ganglia. To date, it remains unclear how to reconcile these conflicting perspectives. MethodsWe decomposed the FN by applying time–frequency analysis to isolate activity unique to monetary losses and gains. The FN was recorded from 84 individuals during a laboratory gambling task. ResultsTwo signals contributed to the FN elicited by unpredictable outcomes: theta activity (4–7Hz) was increased following monetary loss, and delta activity (<3Hz) was increased following monetary gain. Predictable outcomes elicited delta but not theta activity. Source analysis revealed distinct generators, with loss-related theta localized to the anterior cingulate cortex and gain-related delta to a possible source in the striatum. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress reactivity were specifically associated with blunted gain-related delta. ConclusionsThe FN may be a composite of loss- and gain-related neural activity, reflecting distinct facets of reward processing. SignificanceGain-related delta activity may provide unique information about reward dysfunction in major depression and other internalizing psychopathology.
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