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Meta-analysis of Voxel-Based Neuroimaging Studies using Seed-based d Mapping with Permutation of Subject Images SDM-PSI
Published on: November 27, 2019
Altered gray matter volume in major depressive disorder patients with psychomotor retardation
Yiyun Wang1,2, Lijin Yuan1,2, Xiaoyun Luo1,2
1Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University.
Background:
Psychomotor retardation (PMR) is a clinically significant but under-investigated neuropsychiatric manifestation of major depressive disorder (MDD). Its neuroanatomical features remain poorly understood. This study aims to examine differences in gray matter volume (GMV) alterations between MDD patients with and without PMR.
Methods:
The study enrolled 107 first-episode, treatment-naïve MDD patients (diagnosed per DSM-IV criteria) and 112 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Participants were divided into two clinical subgroups based on the retardation factor score of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale: an MDD with retardation (MDD-WR) group (score ≥ 8, n = 51) and an MDD without retardation (MDD-WoR) group (score < 8, n = 56). Structural MRI scans were obtained for all participants.
Results:
Compared with healthy controls, the MDD-WR group showed significantly smaller GMV in the bilateral posterior cerebellum and left calcarine gyrus. In contrast, the MDD-WoR group demonstrated larger GMV in the left postcentral gyrus (PoCG) and right angular gyrus. Among all of the MDD patients, patients of the MDD-WR group had smaller GMV in the right PoCG, right superior frontal gyrus, and left olfactory bulb compared with the MDD-WoR group.
Conclusion:
Our findings identify distinct neuroanatomical patterns of GMV changes in MDD patients with PMR compared with those without PMR. This provides novel insights into the neural basis of PMR in MDD.
Insights
Major depressive disorder (MDD) with psychomotor retardation (PMR) shows distinct brain gray matter volume (GMV) differences compared to MDD without PMR. These findings offer new insights into the neural basis of PMR in depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- Psychomotor retardation (PMR) is a significant but understudied symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Neuroanatomical correlates of PMR in MDD are not well understood.
- This study investigates gray matter volume (GMV) differences in MDD patients with and without PMR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct neuroanatomical patterns associated with PMR in MDD.
- To compare GMV alterations between MDD patients with PMR and those without.
Main Methods:
- 107 first-episode, treatment-naïve MDD patients and 112 healthy controls underwent structural MRI.
- MDD patients were classified into MDD with retardation (MDD-WR) and MDD without retardation (MDD-WoR) groups based on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores.
- GMV differences were analyzed between groups.
Main Results:
- MDD-WR patients exhibited smaller GMV in the bilateral posterior cerebellum and left calcarine gyrus compared to controls.
- MDD-WoR patients showed larger GMV in the left postcentral gyrus (PoCG) and right angular gyrus compared to controls.
- MDD-WR patients had smaller GMV in the right PoCG, right superior frontal gyrus, and left olfactory bulb compared to MDD-WoR patients.
Conclusions:
- Distinct patterns of GMV alterations characterize MDD patients with PMR versus those without.
- These findings provide novel insights into the neural underpinnings of PMR in MDD.
- The study highlights specific brain regions involved in the neurobiology of PMR in depression.

