Aberrant functional metastability and structural connectivity are associated with rumination in individuals with major depressive disorder

Abstract

Highlights Higher synchrony and lower metastability in adults with higher levels of rumination. Prefrontal white matter integrity deficits are also associated with rumination. Most prominent aberrations were found in the genu of the corpus callosum. Structural connectivity as the basis between dynamic connectivity and rumination. New outlook on altered structural integrity and metastability subserving rumination.

Trait repetitive negative thinking in depression is associated with functional connectivity in negative thinking state rather than resting state

“…As such, the sensitivity for detecting RNT-related changes in brain function may be lower in the NT state than in the resting state. In fact, previous resting-state studies have often assumed that RSFC changes in MDD may reflect frequent spontaneous rumination at rest (Bessette et al, 2018; Connolly et al, 2013; Feurer et al, 2021; Hamilton et al, 2015; Jacob et al, 2020; Lois and Wessa, 2016; Nejad et al, 2013; Satyshur et al, 2018; Zhang et al, 2020; Zhang et al, 2022; Zhu et al, 2017). If this assumption is true, then resting and NT states should show similar changes in FC in depressed individuals, and FC in both states may be indicative of the severity of RNT in depression.…”