Structural brain correlates in major depression, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder: A voxel-based
Maria Serra-Blasco1, Joaquim Radua2, Carles Soriano-Mas3
1Mental Health Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), Spain; Department of Psychology, Abat Oliba CEU University, Spain; Programa E-Health ICOnnecta't, Institut Català d'Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain; Carlos III Health Institute, Mental Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERSAM), Spain.
Abstract:
The high comorbidity of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Anxiety Disorders (ANX), and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has hindered the study of their structural neural correlates. The authors analyzed specific and common grey matter volume (GMV) characteristics by comparing them with healthy controls (HC). The meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies showed unique GMV diminutions for each disorder (p < 0.05, corrected) and less robust smaller GMV across diagnostics (p < 0.01, uncorrected). Pairwise comparison between the disorders showed GMV differences in MDD versus ANX and in ANX versus PTSD. These results endorse the hypothesis that unique clinical features characterizing MDD, ANX, and PTSD are also reflected by disorder specific GMV correlates.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Brain Imaging
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...