0263 Slow-wave Disruption Improves Irritability in Males with Major Depression: Potential Implications for Understanding the Impact of Sex Differences on Sleep and Neuroplasticity

Abstract Introduction Irritability has been proposed to be a core symptom of male-specific major depressive disorder (MDD), with greater propensity experiencing anger attacks and overreacting minor annoyances compared females MDD. Males MDD have also shown exhibit pattern reduced slow-wave sleep (SWS) that is not characteristic females. Because SWS implicated in the homeostatic regulation neuroplasticity, it possible this mood dysfunction males result alterations via impairments neuroplasticity. Therefore, study we aimed manipulate examine its impact on mood. Methods 19 individuals (11 F) were recruited for an ongoing clinical trial. Participants spent two nights laboratory one week apart: baseline (BL) night, night disruption (SWD) utilizing auditory stimulation. was assessed morning following each overnight visit using 5-item Brief Test (BITe). Repeated measures ANOVA used evaluate change irritability SWD condition (BL, SWD) as within-subject factor sex (M, between-subjects factor. Results revealed significant Condition x Sex interaction (F(1,17) =10.1, p=.006) scores, post-hoc t-tests indicating showed decrease SWD, t(7)=2.22, p<.05 while women increase irritability, t(10)=-2.34, p<.05. Changes found associated changes N3. Conclusion These data demonstrate experimentally reducing decreases dysfunction, As theorized facilitate synaptic downscaling, these results may indicate maintaining waking levels strength improves symptomatology point importance differences psychopathology. Moreover, suggest modulation neuroplasticity manipulation potential therapeutic target. Support (If Any) K23MH118580 (JG)