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Distinction in the function and microstructure of white matter between major depressive disorder and generalized

Yue Yu1, Ting Zhang2, Qianqian Li3

  • 1Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.

Journal of Affective Disorders
|January 10, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study reveals distinct white matter (WM) differences in major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Automated fiber quantification (AFQ) shows potential for differentiating these mental health conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimaging
  • Psychiatry
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) significantly impair mental health.
  • Overlap in symptoms and neurobiology complicates differential diagnosis of MDD and GAD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate white matter (WM) microstructure and function differences between MDD and GAD patients.
  • To explore the utility of multimodal MRI and automated fiber quantification (AFQ) in distinguishing these disorders.

Main Methods:

  • 102 participants (40 MDD, 32 GAD, 30 healthy controls) underwent multimodal MRI.
  • Automated fiber quantification (AFQ) assessed white matter (WM) microstructure (fractional anisotropy - FA) and function (amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation - ALFF).
  • Analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified group differences; correlations with clinical symptoms were explored.

Main Results:

  • GAD patients showed higher FA in the right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR) compared to MDD and healthy controls.
  • MDD patients exhibited decreased ALFF in forceps major, forceps minor, bilateral corticospinal tracts (CST), and left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF).
  • ALFF in the right CST negatively correlated with HAMA scores in GAD patients.

Conclusions:

  • White matter (WM) microstructure and function analysis using AFQ shows promise for differentiating psychiatric conditions like MDD and GAD.
  • This multimodal MRI approach offers potential for improved diagnostic specificity in mental health.
Keywords:
Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuationAutomated fiber quantificationFractional anisotropyGeneralized anxiety disorderMajor depressive disorder

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