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White matter microstructural differences across major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: A
Yue Cui1, Jiahao Dong2, Yongfeng Yang3
1Brainnetome Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Background:
White matter abnormalities have been implicated in mental disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia (SZ); however, the shared and distinct white matter integrity across mental disorders is still unclear.
Methods:
A total of 290 participants (MDD = 85, BD = 42, SZ = 68, and healthy controls = 95) were included in the present study. Tract-based spatial statistics were performed to measure fractional anisotropy (FA) and characterize shared and distinguishing white matter changes across mental disorders.
Results:
We found that decreased FA converged across MDD, BD and SZ in the body and genu of the corpus callosum, bilateral anterior and posterior corona radiata, and right superior corona radiata. By contrast, diagnosis-specific effect was only found in MDD in the anterior portion of anterior corona radiata.
Limitations:
The small and imbalanced sample size, and possible confounding effects of medication.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that abnormally reduced white matter integrity in the interhemispheric and thalamocortical circuit could be consistently involved in the pathogenesis of MDD, BD and SZ.
Insights
Reduced white matter integrity in the corpus callosum and corona radiata is common across major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. These findings highlight shared neuropathological mechanisms in these mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- White matter abnormalities are linked to major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia (SZ).
- Understanding shared and distinct white matter integrity across these disorders is crucial for clarifying their underlying neuropathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate shared and distinct white matter integrity across MDD, BD, and SZ.
- To identify common white matter alterations contributing to the pathogenesis of these mental disorders.
Main Methods:
- Utilized tract-based spatial statistics on diffusion tensor imaging data.
- Analyzed fractional anisotropy (FA) in 290 participants (85 MDD, 42 BD, 68 SZ, 95 controls).
Main Results:
- Decreased FA was observed across MDD, BD, and SZ in the corpus callosum and corona radiata.
- Diagnosis-specific white matter changes were identified, particularly in MDD within the anterior corona radiata.
Conclusions:
- Abnormally reduced white matter integrity in interhemispheric and thalamocortical circuits is consistently implicated in the pathogenesis of MDD, BD, and SZ.
- These findings suggest common neurobiological pathways underlying these distinct mental health conditions.
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