The default mode network as a biomarker for monitoring the therapeutic effects of meditation

Abstract

The default mode network (DMN) is a group of anatomically separate regions in the brain found to have synchronized patterns of activation in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Mentation associated with the DMN includes processes such as mind wandering, autobiographical memory, self-reflective thought, envisioning the future, and considering the perspective of others. Abnormalities in the DMN have been linked to symptom severity in a variety of mental disorders indicating that the DMN could be used as a biomarker for diagnosis. These correlations have also led to the use of DMN modulation as a biomarker for assessing pharmacological treatments. Concurrent research investigating the neural correlates of meditation, have associated DMN modulation with practice. Furthermore, meditative practice is increasingly understood to have a beneficial role in the treatment of mental disorders. Therefore we propose the use of DMN measures as a biomarker for monitoring the therapeutic effects of meditation practices in mental disorders. Recent findings support this perspective, and indicate the utility of DMN monitoring in understanding and developing meditative treatments for these debilitating conditions.

Gray Matter and Functional Connectivity in Anterior Cingulate Cortex are Associated with the State of Mental Silence During Sahaja Yoga Meditation

“…The parahippocampal gyrus is also an important part of the default mode network, which is thought to reflect mind wandering (Raichle, 2015), and has been previously shown to be deactivated with meditation (Simon and Engstrom, 2015). It is interesting to note, however, that the FC between the rACC/mPFC and the thalamus/parahippocampal gyrus was not specific to the MS, but was also observed during the RS, suggesting the learned deactivation through meditation extends into daily life.…”

Mindfulness-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: a review of the treatment literature and neurobiological evidence

“…102 Default mode network activity and connectivity has been suggested as a potential biomarker for monitoring the therapeutic effects of meditation. 103 Specifically, whereas selfreferential processing and activity within the DMN is associated with mind wandering, the antithesis of mindful awareness of the present moment, mindfulness promotes de tach ment of identification with the contents of conscious thoughts, known as "reperceiving" or "decentering." 103,104 Activation of the DMN during mindful states is decreased in experienced meditators 105,106 and following MBSR training in meditation-naive participants, 107 and greater activation of the mPFC and functional connectivity of the mPFC with the DMN during rest (e.g., during self-referential processing) has been shown among meditators compared with controls 108 (Fig.…”

Differences in Default Mode Network Connectivity in Meditators and Non-meditators During an Attention Task

“…Results of our study point to the same direction: connectivity in regular meditators reflects less distraction or less interference during SWCT, outside the formal meditation practice. Simon and Engström (2015) have also suggested that DMN can be a biomarker to evaluate meditation effects on the treatment of mental disorders, such as anxiety or attention-deficit hyperactivity, because DMN abnormalities have been associated with the severity of their symptoms, and, on the other hand, meditation practice has been associated with DMN modulation.…”