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Behavioral activation and inhibition systems and the severity and course of depression JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY Kasch, K. L., Rottenberg, J., Arnow, B. A., Gotlib, I. H. 2002; 111 (4): 589-597

Abstract

Theorists have proposed that depression is associated with abnormalities in the behavioral activation (BAS) and behavioral inhibition (BIS) systems. In particular, depressed individuals are hypothesized to exhibit deficient BAS and overactive BIS functioning. Self-reported levels of BAS and BIS were examined in 62 depressed participants and 27 nondepressed controls. Clinical functioning was assessed at intake and at 8-month follow-up. Relative to nondepressed controls, depressed participants reported lower BAS levels and higher BIS levels. Within the depressed group, lower BAS levels were associated with greater concurrent depression severity and predicted worse 8-month outcome. Levels of both BIS and BAS showed considerable stability over time and clinical state. Overall, results suggest that BAS dysregulation exacerbates the presentation and course of depressive illness.

View details for DOI 10.1037//0021-843X.111.4.589

View details for Web of Science ID 000178941600006

View details for PubMedID 12428772