White matter microstructural differences across major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia: A...

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.