Altered functional connectivity in first-episode and recurrent depression: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Abstract

BackgroundFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies examining differences in the activity of brain networks between the first depressive episode (FDE) and recurrent depressive episode (RDE) are limited. The current study observed and compared the altered functional connectivity (FC) characteristics in the default mode network (DMN), cognitive control network (CCN), and affective network (AN) between the RDE and FDE. In addition, we further investigated the correlation between abnormal FC and clinical symptoms.MethodsWe recruited 32 patients with the RDE, 31 patients with the FDE, and 30 healthy controls (HCs). All subjects underwent resting-state fMRI. The seed-based FC method was used to analyze the abnormal brain networks in the DMN, CCN, and AN among the three groups and further explore the correlation between abnormal FC and clinical symptoms.ResultsOne-way analysis of variance showed significant differences the FC in the DMN, CCN, and AN among the three groups in the frontal, parietal, temporal, and precuneus lobes and cerebellum. Compared with the RDE group, the FDE group generally showed reduced FC in the DMN, CCN, and AN. Compared with the HC group, the FDE group showed reduced FC in the DMN, CCN, and AN, while the RDE group showed reduced FC only in the DMN and AN. Moreover, the FC in the left posterior cingulate cortices and the right inferior temporal gyrus in the RDE group were positively correlated with the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17), and the FC in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortices and the right precuneus in the FDE group were negatively correlated with the HAMD-17.ConclusionsThe RDE and FDE groups showed multiple abnormal brain networks. However, the alterations of abnormal FC were more extensive and intensive in the FDE group.

A Study of Differential Resting-State Brain Functional Activity in Males and Females with Recurrent Depressive Disorder

“…Experienced psychiatrists evaluated patients with RDE according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria. The patients were required to meet the following inclusion criteria [ 23 , 35 ]: (1) age 18–60 years, (2) right-handedness, (3) a 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) score >17, and (4) the RDE group having a previous history of MDD that was remitted with antidepressants or other therapies and was now relapsing, and they had not been taking antidepressants for at least 4 weeks before enrollment. Meanwhile, we used advertising recruitment to include a total of 43 healthy controls (HCs) who were relatively matched to the RDE group in terms of sex and age.…”

“…Meanwhile, we used advertising recruitment to include a total of 43 healthy controls (HCs) who were relatively matched to the RDE group in terms of sex and age. The HCs were required to meet the following inclusion criteria [ 23 , 35 ]: (1) age 18–60 years, (2) right-handedness, (3) a HAMD-17 score <7, and (4) first-degree relatives without any history of mental illness.…”

“…The exclusion criteria for the patients and HCs were as follows [ 23 , 35 ]: (1) presence of contraindications to the MRI, (2) bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric disorders, (3) tumors or cardiovascular or other major diseases, (4) pregnant or lactating status, and (5) a history of drug abuse.…”

“…With the development of psychiatric imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a wide range of applications in psychiatric disorders, including MDD [ 19 , 20 ], schizophrenia [ 21 ], and bipolar disorder [ 22 ]. In addition, research is gradually being applied to the subtypes of MDD, including FDE [ 23 ], RDE [ 24 ], and treatment-resistant depression [ 25 ]. Previous studies have found that patients with MDD have structural abnormalities in the brain, including the prefrontal lobe and limbic system [ 26 , 27 ].…”

Sex Differences of the Functional Brain Activity in Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Study

“…In recent years, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been widely used in the field of psychiatric disorders, including TRD, recurrent depressive episode and other subtypes of MDD [ 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Moreover, MRI studies have been conducted in MDD patients of different sexes to provide some implications for the understanding of the differences in neuropathological mechanisms between the sexes.…”