A brain network was found to be significantly larger in people living with depression than in people without it, according to a new study released yesterday. The findings suggest the presence of an expanded network could be a risk factor for depression, potentially leading to earlier avenues for diagnosis and treatment for the 20% of US adults affected by the condition.
Researchers analyzed brain activity scans taken of 141 people with depression and 37 without it (see study). The technique, known as precision functional mapping, revealed the size of the frontostriatal salience network—a circuit used for screening external stimuli—to be 73% larger than the controls on average. Scientists believe the network's large size displaces room on the brain's cortex—its outer surface—for other network functions (explore 3D model).
A related analysis of brain scans of children who later developed depression showed the abnormal size of the network remained stable over time, indicating it could be used to identify the condition before symptoms develop. Researchers plan to study whether the larger network stems from genetics or experiences.
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