Multi-modal morphometric association study of subclinical depressive symptoms using voxel-based morphometry, cortical
Julia Schräder1, Tina Meller1, Ulrika Evermann1
1Cognitive Neuropsychiatry Lab, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|February 1, 2024
Summary
This study found that reduced axial diffusivity in the left cingulum bundle is linked to higher subclinical depressive symptoms. These findings suggest potential brain biomarkers for early detection of depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Psychiatry
- Brain Structure
Background:
- Major depression studies show regional grey and white matter changes in fronto-limbic areas.
- Brain structural studies of subclinical depression are limited, especially using multi-modal imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between subclinical depressive symptoms and brain structure.
- To utilize multi-modal neuroimaging to explore structural variations in a non-clinical sample.
Main Methods:
- Employed voxel-based and surface-based morphometry (cortical thickness) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
- Correlated grey and white matter structural variation with subclinical depressive symptoms using Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) in 300 participants.
Main Results:
- Found decreased axial diffusivity in the left cingulum bundle correlating with higher BDI scores.
- Observed trends for non-linear negative correlation between cortical thickness and depressive symptoms in the right pre/postcentral cortex.
- Noted a trend for decreased grey matter volume in the inferior frontal gyrus in women.
Conclusions:
- The study identifies correlations between specific depressive symptoms and brain structure.
- Findings suggest potential for early detection and identification of biomarkers for subclinical depression.
- Early identification of brain correlates for minor depressive symptoms may aid in developing early psychological treatments.
