Anomalous functional connectivity within the default-mode network in treatment-naive patients possessing first-episode major depressive disorder

Abstract

Background and Objective: Previous studies have shown that the default-mode network (DMN) has a substantial role in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, there is a shortage of information regarding variations in the functional connectivity (FC) of the DMN of treatment-naive patients with first-episode MDD. The present study aims to explore the FC of the DMN in such patients. Methods: The study population consisted of 33 patients and 35 controls, paired regarding age, gender, education level, and health condition. Depression severity was assessed through the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), and subjects underwent evaluation during the resting-state through functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). To assess the result, we used FC and ICA. We used Spearman's correlation test to detect potential correlations between anomalous FC and severity of HAM-D scores. Results: We have found a decreased FC in the left medial orbitofrontal gyrus (MOFG) and right marginal gyrus (SMG) in depressive patients compared to controls. There was a negative correlation between abnormal FC in the right SMG and HAM-D scores. We have not found any increase in FC of the DMN in treatment-naive, first-episode of MDD patients. Conclusions: Our study provided evidence of a negative correlation between abnormal FC in the DMN and severity of depression symptoms measured by HAM-D in treatment-naive MDD patients. This finding could shed some light on the relevance of DMN for understanding the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment in MDD.

Antidepressants combined with psychodrama improve the coping style and cognitive control network in patients with childhood trauma-associated major depressive disorder

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Cerebral blood flow in adolescents with drug-naive, first-episode major depressive disorder: An arterial spin labeling study based on voxel-level whole-brain analysis

“…At present, the pathogenesis of MDD remains unclear, with its clinical diagnosis being mainly based on symptoms ( Gao et al, 2019 ; Yu et al, 2021 ). At the same time, due to self-reports and doctor bias, misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis may also occur.…”

Global Functional Connectivity Analysis Indicating Dysconnectivity of the Hate Circuit in Major Depressive Disorder

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