In line with these negative processing biases, depressed individuals also exhibit abnormal error-related activity. For example, while performing a Stroop task, depressed subjects had greater ERN amplitude compared to controls (Holmes & Pizzagalli, 2008). Additionally, while performing a Flanker’s task, depressed subjects had greater ERN amplitude in neutral and punishment conditions compared to controls, but no difference in ERN amplitude during a reward condition which supports the notion that depressed individuals are especially sensitive to punishment (Chiu & Deldin, 2007). An fMRI study likewise found increased rostral ACC activity in depressed patients compared to controls during error trials (Steele, Meyer, & Ebmeier, 2004).
