Bigger Brain Network Linked to Depression: New Study Reveals Surprising Findings 🧠

Summary:


  1. Expanded Brain Network
    Researchers have found that individuals with depression have a frontostriatal salience network that is 73% larger compared to healthy individuals. This network takes up more brain surface area, while other neighboring networks are smaller.

  2. Methodology
    The study utilized precision functional mapping, analyzing numerous fMRI scans from both depressed and healthy participants. This approach allowed accurate measurement of brain network sizes.

  3. Implications and Future Research
    The findings suggest that an expanded brain network could be a risk factor for developing depression, rather than a consequence. The research also indicates that this network’s size remains constant regardless of mood changes or treatment, potentially paving the way for personalized treatments.

Read more at: The Guardian