Hemispheric asymmetries and network dysfunctions in adolescent depression: A neuroimaging study using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Currently, adolescent depression is one of the most significant public health concerns, markedly influencing emotional, cognitive, and social maturation. Despite advancements in distinguish the neurobiological substrates underlying depression, the intricate patterns of disrupted brain network connectivity in adolescents warrant further exploration.

AIM

To elucidate the neural correlates of adolescent depression by examining brain network connectivity using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

METHODS

The study cohort comprised 74 depressed adolescents and 59 healthy controls aged 12 to 17 years. Participants underwent rs-fMRI to evaluate functional connectivity within and across critical brain networks, including the visual, default mode network (DMN), dorsal attention, salience, somatomotor, and frontoparietal control networks.

RESULTS

Analyses revealed pronounced functional disparities within key neural circuits among adolescents with depression. The results demonstrated existence of hemispheric asymmetries characterized by enhanced activity in the left visual network, which contrasted the diminished activity in the right hemisphere. The DMN facilitated increased activity within the left prefrontal cortex and reduced engagement in the right hemisphere, implicating disrupted self-referential and emotional processing mechanisms. Additionally, an overactive right dorsal attention network and a hypoactive salience network were identified, underscoring significant abnormalities in attentional and emotional regulation in adolescent depression.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study underscore distinct neural connectivity disruptions in adolescent depression, underscoring the critical role of specific neurobiological markers for precise early diagnosis of adolescent depression. The observed functional asymmetries and network-specific deviations elucidate the complex neurobiological architecture of adolescent depression, supporting the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Adolescent depression; Brain network connectivity; Neuroimaging biomarkers; Functional magnetic resonance imaging; Default mode network; Salience network; Hemispheric asymmetry

Core Tip: This study explores the neural underpinnings of adolescent depression by investigating disrupted brain network connectivity through resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Key findings highlight significant hemispheric asymmetries, with enhanced activity in the left visual and default mode networks and reduced engagement in the right hemisphere. Additionally, the overactivity of the right dorsal attention network and hypoactivity of the salience network were observed, indicating impairments in emotional and attentional regulation. These distinct neurobiological markers emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and personalized therapeutic interventions for adolescent depression.