Neuroimaging findings of adolescent depression: A review by the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework

• Published in: Psychiatry research. Neuroimaging 2024-12, Vol.347, p.111917, Article 111917
• Main Authors: Jeong, Harim, Luo, Tianqi, Kang, Minjoo, Garvey, William Frederick, Blankenau, George, Suk, Ji-Woo, Tarzaben, Mohadese, Hwang, Soonjo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent depression; Brain connectivity; Neuroimaging; Research Domain Criteria (RDoC)
• ISSN: 0925-4927; 1872-7506; 1872-7506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2024.111917

This review examines neuroimaging studies on adolescent depression (AD) within the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, focusing on fMRI, DTI, and EEG findings. The research highlights disrupted connectivity in several neural networks—such as the affective, reward processing, cognitive control, and default mode networks—that underpin emotional and cognitive dysfunctions in AD. Notably, hypoconnectivity in the affective and cognitive control networks correlates with deficits in emotional processing and executive functioning, while hyperactivity in the default mode network relates to excessive self-referential thoughts. Additionally, blunted reward responses and frontal-striatal connectivity are discussed alongside the therapeutic potential of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to modulate these dysfunctional circuits. Despite these insights, variability in findings due to small sample sizes and diverse methodologies suggests a need for further research to validate neuroimaging biomarkers for treatment efficacy and to explore less studied treatments like ECT and TMS in this population. This review underscores the importance of integrating neuroimaging findings to enhance understanding and treatment of AD. [Display omitted] •Identified key brain regions such as the amygdala, insula, striatum, and hippocampus, and discussed their association with various RDoC domains and adolescent depression.•Employed machine learning techniques to efficiently summarize a vast number of studies, resulting in the analysis of 793 relevant studies out of 2013.•Highlighted the multifaceted roles of identified brain regions across different RDoC domains, emphasizing their significance in emotional and cognitive processes in adolescent depression.•Suggested further research to explore the impact of emerging treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on neural connectivity in adolescent depression.