Altered white matter integrity in individuals with cognitive vulnerability to depression: a tract-based spatial
Jing Xiao1, Yini He1, Chad M McWhinnie2
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Learning and Cognition and Department of Psychology, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China.
Scientific Reports
|May 19, 2015
Summary
White matter integrity is altered in major depressive disorder (MDD). These microstructural changes, specifically lower fractional anisotropy, are also present in individuals with cognitive vulnerability to depression (CVD) before disease onset.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Microstructural white matter abnormalities are documented in major depressive disorder (MDD).
- It is not yet understood if these white matter changes precede the development of MDD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate white matter integrity in individuals with cognitive vulnerability to depression (CVD), MDD, and healthy controls (HC).
- To determine if white matter alterations are present before the onset of MDD.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was employed to assess white matter integrity.
- Participants included individuals with CVD, MDD, and HC.
Main Results:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) patients showed significantly lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in ten brain regions compared to healthy controls (HC).
- Individuals with cognitive vulnerability to depression (CVD) exhibited reduced FA in six brain regions compared to HC.
- No significant differences in white matter integrity were found between CVD and MDD groups.
Conclusions:
- Alterations in white matter integrity in individuals with CVD may serve as a potential biomarker for vulnerability to MDD.
- These observed white matter changes might indicate a predisposition to developing depression before the clinical onset of the disorder.
