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Scientists Use fMRI to Discover Larger Brain Network and Biomarker in Depression

Sep 4, 2024, 05:53 PM

Scientists have discovered that a part of the brain network is significantly larger in individuals with depression. This finding, which identifies a trait-like brain network topology, may confer risk for depression and predict mood-state-dependent connectivity changes in frontostriatal circuits. The study suggests that fMRI could be used to phenotype different circuits associated with various depression subtypes and their response to therapy. These new insights could help psychiatrists use brain scans to assess how patients might respond to behavioral interventions for depression. Researchers repeatedly scanned the brains of patients and found that those with larger salience networks were predisposed to depression. The study also highlights the potential of identifying a new biomarker for depression and tracking the emergence and remission of depressive symptoms over time.