Neuroimaging and neuroelectrophysiological features of music's effects on anhedonia in major depressive disorder: A minireview.

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD), one of the most prevalent mental illnesses, is characterized by anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure from rewarding activities. This minireview examines the complex relationship between music, anhedonia, and neural activity from neuroimaging and neuroelectrophysiological perspectives. It synthesizes the latest advances in music neuroscience, exploring music's potential to modulate emotional responses and alleviate anhedonia in depressed individuals. Anhedonia has been linked to dysfunctional brain reward circuits. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have revealed that the potential mechanism by which music exerts its anti-depressive effect may involve the reactivation of the anterior cingulate cortex, while electroencephalographic studies have revealed that oscillatory network dysfunction significantly impairs music perception engagement in patients with MDD. Musical chills, representing intense emotional peaks during musical experiences, can evoke profound pleasure in healthy individuals and may offer a therapeutic modality for alleviating anhedonia in MDD. This review discusses how music therapy may support emotional regulation by activating these neural pathways and enhancing affective processing. Despite promising developments, this field remains understudied. A more nuanced research approach is urgently needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying music's effects on anhedonia and to develop effective interventions.