Default-mode network connectivity in depression:A resting-state fMRI study / 中国神经精神疾病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the role of default mode network (DMN) in the pathophysiology of depression and the correlations between the functional connectivity (FC) of DMN and the clinical characteristics of depression through the resting-state fMRI scan in depressed patients. Methods Sixteen medication-na?ve patients with major depressive disorder and 15 healthy controls were recruited and underwent the resting-state MRI scan. Hamiliton depression rating scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate patients’symptom. The FC of DMN and its correlations with clinical features of pa-tients were analyzed. Results Compared with healthy controls, the FC within DMN in depressed patients is disturbed. There were negative correlations between the left mPFC-left hippocampus FC and HAMD total scores (r=-0.569, P=0.021) and subscale scores for sluggishness (r=-0.498, P=0.050). The left mPFC-right hippocampus FC in patients was negatively correlated with HAMD scores (r=-0.508, P=0.045). There were negative correlations between FC in the hippo-campus and HAMD subscale scores for cognitive impairment (r=-0.509, P=0.044). Conclusions The results suggest that there is abnormal FC within DMN in drug-na?ve patients with depression during resting state and some abnormal altera-tions of FC may be correlated with the clinical characteristics in depression.