summary: New findings reveal important genetic and cognitive factors associated with depression. Research reveals genetic variations that affect brain structure in adolescents, enlarged brain regions associated with emotional processing that point to targets for early intervention, and how depression profoundly impacts reasoning in older adults. is showing.
Additionally, unique epigenetic markers have been identified in blood samples of depressed youth, paving the way for more effective and personalized treatments.
Important facts:
- Genetic variations are correlated with depression risk and changes in brain structure, and sex-specific variations have been observed in adolescence.
- Brain regions associated with attention and emotion have increased size in adolescents with depression, suggesting they are potential targets for early intervention.
- Depression has a more pronounced negative impact on reasoning abilities in older adults, highlighting the need for age-appropriate treatment approaches.
sauce: SFN
In studies examining the depressed brain, researchers were able to identify specific genes, molecules, brain regions, and cognitive functions associated with the disorder.
The findings will be presented on Monday, November 13th from 10am to 11am EST at Neuroscience 2023, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news in brain science and health. It is scheduled to be done.
More than 8% of adults in the United States suffer from severe depression, and rates are higher in certain groups such as adolescents and older adults. Depression is a complex condition that involves a variety of genetic and environmental risk factors.
Scientists are working to understand the precise mechanisms in the brain that respond to the risk and development of depression, with the aim of early detection and the development of more effective treatment options.
New research shows:
- Genetic variation appears to coincide with risk for depression in both sex-specific and non-sex-specific ways, as shown by changes in brain structure during adolescence. (Yale University, Yu Chen)
- In depression, distributed brain regions involved in attention and emotion processing (i.e., salience networks) have increased size/representation in adolescents, and this is a potential biological target for early intervention. (Sanju Koirala, University of Minnesota)
- Studies over several years have shown that higher levels of depressive symptoms have a strong negative effect on reasoning in older adults. (Dennis Park, University of Texas at Dallas)
- Blood samples from adolescents diagnosed with depression exhibit unique epigenetic signatures. (Cecilia Flores, McGill University)
“Identifying brain markers and risk factors for depression brings us closer to more effective diagnosis and treatment of depression,” said Diego A., professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and moderator of the press conference.・Mr. Pizzagalli said.
“This study will ultimately allow us to pursue more targeted approaches, especially with regard to early intervention and individualized treatment strategies in vulnerable populations.”
Funding: This research was supported by national funding agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and private funding organizations.
About this depression research news
author: Dina Radtke
sauce: SFN
contact: Dina Radtke – SfN
image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original research: The results of this study will be presented at Neuroscience 2023.
