Work

Shared and distinct neural signatures in major depressive disorder and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder: Insights from structural and functional imaging

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: AIMS: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly prevalent psychiatric disorders that frequently co-occur, yet the neural mechanisms underlying their shared and distinct pathophysiology remain unclear. This study aimed to delineate the shared and disorder-specific structural and functional neural alterations in individuals with MDD and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (MDD-PTSD), which may potentially improve diagnostic precision and inform targeted interventions. METHODS: Neuroimaging data were collected from 63 participants, including 18 MDD, 17 MDD-PTSD, and 28 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and education. Symptom severity was assessed using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version. Structural MRI and functional connectivity analyses were conducted to identify neural alterations. Canonical correlation analysis was used to link connectivity patterns with clinical symptoms. RESULTS: Structural analyses revealed hippocampal atrophy and cortical thinning in the anterior cingulate cortex and insula as key features of MDD, whereas MDD-PTSD exhibited additional reductions in cerebellar and para-hippocampal volumes. Functional connectivity analysis identified default mode network disruptions in MDD and hyperconnectivity in motor, sensory, and cerebellar-prefrontal circuits in MDD-PTSD. Canonical correlation analysis highlighted distinct neural components associated with depressive and trauma-specific symptoms, emphasizing default mode network and hippocampal alterations in MDD and motor-prefrontal and cerebellar circuits in PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: This study uncovers shared and distinct neural signatures in MDD and MDD-PTSD, offering potential biomarkers for targeted interventions. These findings deepen our understanding of the neural basis of trauma-related psychiatric disorders and suggest potential new avenues for precision medicine in MDD and PTSD.

Source: Journal of Affective Disorders

DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2025.120414

Authors: Qing Wang, Liyuan Guo, Liyuan Luo, Huichao Li, Lanying Liu

Institutions: Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province

Language: English

Topic: Functional Brain Connectivity Studies

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,790