Open AccessA brain network model for depression: From symptom understanding to disease intervention
Author(s) -
Li BaoJuan,
Friston Karl,
Mody Maria,
Wang HuaNing,
Lu HongBing,
Hu DeWen
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
cns neuroscience and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1755-5949
pISSN - 1755-5930
DOI - 10.1111/cns.12998
Subject(s) - default mode network , dysphoria , rumination , anhedonia , psychology , neuroscience , depression (economics) , antidepressant , cognition , mood , functional connectivity , deep brain stimulation , task positive network , clinical psychology , disease , anxiety , psychiatry , pleasure , medicine , hippocampus , parkinson's disease , economics , macroeconomics
Understanding the neural substrates of depression is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Here, we review recent studies of functional and effective connectivity in depression, in terms of functional integration in the brain. Findings from these studies, including our own, point to the involvement of at least four networks in patients with depression. Elevated connectivity of a ventral limbic affective network appears to be associated with excessive negative mood (dysphoria) in the patients; decreased connectivity of a frontal‐striatal reward network has been suggested to account for loss of interest, motivation, and pleasure (anhedonia); enhanced default mode network connectivity seems to be associated with depressive rumination; and diminished connectivity of a dorsal cognitive control network is thought to underlie cognitive deficits especially ineffective top‐down control of negative thoughts and emotions in depressed patients. Moreover, the restoration of connectivity of these networks—and corresponding symptom improvement—following antidepressant treatment (including medication, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation techniques) serves as evidence for the crucial role of these networks in the pathophysiology of depression.