Resting-state functional connectivity in women with PMDD

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Women's Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe condition affecting women.
• Evidence suggests prefrontal cortical and limbic system dysfunction in PMDD.
• This study investigates brain network connectivity in women with PMDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare intrinsic functional connectivity of the executive control network (ECN), default mode network (DMN), and amygdala in women with PMDD versus controls.
• To explore potential differences in brain network dynamics related to PMDD.
• To examine the influence of menstrual cycle phase on brain connectivity in PMDD.

Main Methods:

• fMRI scans were conducted on 36 women (18 PMDD, 18 controls) during follicular and luteal menstrual phases.
• Resting-state functional connectivity was assessed before and after an emotion regulation task.
• The ECN was identified using independent components analysis; amygdala connectivity was also evaluated.

Main Results:

• Women with PMDD exhibited significantly stronger connectivity between the left ECN and a cluster in the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) across all sessions.
• No differences in functional connectivity were observed between menstrual cycle phases in women with PMDD.
• While amygdala connectivity varied with menstrual phase (stronger in follicular phase), no group differences were found.

Conclusions:

• Women with PMDD demonstrate distinct intrinsic network dynamics within the left executive control network compared to healthy controls.
• These findings highlight potential neural underpinnings of PMDD related to executive control.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the role of ECN dysfunction in PMDD pathophysiology.