Adolescent depression and resting-state fMRI brain networks: a scoping review of longitudinal studies

Abstract

The neurobiological factors associated with the emergence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescence are still unclear. Previous cross-sectional studies have documented aberrant connectivity in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) networks. However, whether these findings precede MDD onset has not been established. This scoping review mapped key methodological aspects and main findings of longitudinal rs-fMRI studies of MDD in adolescence. Three sets of neuroimaging methods to analyze rs-fMRI data were identified: seed-based analysis, independent component analysis, and network-based approaches. Main findings involved aberrant connectivity within and between the default mode network (DMN), the cognitive control network (CCN), and the salience network (SN). Accordingly, we utilized Menon’s (2011) triple-network model for neuropsychiatric disorders to summarize key results. Adolescent MDD was associated with hyperconnectivity within the SN and between DMN and SN, as well as hypoconnectivity within the CCN. These findings suggested that dysfunctional connectivity among the three main large-scale brain networks preceded MDD onset. However, there was high heterogeneity in neuroimaging methods and sampling procedures, which may limit comparisons between studies. Future studies should consider some level of harmonization for clinical instruments and neuroimaging methods.

Specific alterations of resting‐state functional connectivity in the triple network related to comorbid anxiety in major depressive disorder

“…Here, however, other functions of the DMN and ECN are considered central to the symptomology, namely, their role in the regulation of emotion and fear response (Sylvester et al, 2012). The DMN has been shown to be linked to emotion regulation (Macêdo et al, 2022), with a focus on emotion perception (Kim & Yoon, 2018), reinforcement expectancy (Blair, 2007) and fear extinction (Sylvester et al, 2012). The ECN on the other hand has been associated with more conscious and control‐oriented emotional regulation strategies, such as redirection of attention towards non‐emotional stimuli and suppression of amygdala responses when attention is engaged with a non‐emotional stimulus (Bishop et al, 2004; Sylvester et al, 2012).…”

Specific alterations of resting-state functional connectivity in the triple network related to comorbid anxiety in major depressive disorder

“…Here, however, other functions of the DMN and ECN are considered central to the symptomology, namely their role in the regulation of emotion and fear response (Sylvester et al, 2012). The DMN has been shown to be linked to emotion regulation (Macêdo et al, 2022), with a focus on emotion perception (Kim & Yoon, 2018), reinforcement expectancy (Blair, 2007) and fear extinction (Sylvester et al, 2012). The ECN on the other hand has been associated with more conscious and control oriented emotional regulation strategies, such as redirection of attention towards non-emotional stimuli and suppression of amygdala responses when attention is engaged with a non-emotional stimulus (Bishop et al, 2004;Sylvester et al, 2012).…”

Brain-Based Formulation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Compass of Therapists across the Brain Ocean

“…This is because the brain of the patient keeps the SN overly attentive to DMN activity, and the persistent DMN activity interferes with the utilization of the CEN. The papers cited above and related reviews [27,49,50] provide readers with further insight into the relationship between the three networks and depression.…”