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Updated: May 8, 2025

Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
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White matter hyperintensities and their role in major depressive episodes: a cross-sectional study in adults under 65

Edouard Baudouin1, Emmanuelle Corruble2, Pietro Gori3

  • 1MOODS Team, L'Institut National de la Santéet de la Recherche Medicale, Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Santédes Populations, Facultéde Médecine Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France. Department of Geriatrics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Villejuif, France.

Revista Brasileira De Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)
|December 28, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

In adults under 65, white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume did not differ between Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) patients and controls. However, WMH volume mediated the effect of age on MDE severity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Psychiatry
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are linked to Major Depressive Episodes (MDE) in older adults.
  • The association between WMH volume and MDE in adults under 65 is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between WMH volume and MDE, and its severity, in individuals under 65.
  • To explore WMH as a potential mediator in the age-MDE severity relationship.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 69 MDE patients and 32 healthy controls (<65 years).
  • WMH volume quantified by expert raters.
  • MDE severity assessed using the Hamilton Rating Scale.
  • Mediation analyses performed.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in WMH volume between MDE patients and controls.
  • Significantly higher WMH volume observed in extremely severe MDE cases.
  • WMH volume fully mediated the effect of age on MDE severity.

Conclusions:

  • WMH volume is not a distinguishing factor for MDE in adults under 65 compared to controls.
  • WMH may play a mediating role in how age influences MDE severity.
  • Findings suggest WMH could contribute to depression severity in later life.

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