Certain people are more vulnerable to MDD than others. Here are the highlights of 3 new studies that can help identify those at risk.[1-3] Scroll through the slides for the latest findings and take-home messages.
1. Brain Network Activity Aids Understanding of Cognitive Vulnerability: Neuroimaging studies of interconnected brain networks may provide the link between behavioral and biological models of cognitive vulnerability to MDD. A neural system perspective might help clarify cognitive vulnerability versus resilience to depression, perhaps leading to the development of targeted interventions for MDD.[1]
Take-home message: The neural system framework may help explain how specific forms of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral or mindfulness therapy, are clinically effective for patients with depression.
2. Children of Depressed Parents at High Risk for Depression: MDD typically begins during adolescence, but children with a family history are more likely to have recurrent episodes of depression and poor outcomes as they mature. The latest analysis from a 30-year study confirms that children of depressed parents have a 3-fold increase in the risk of MDD. High-risk offspring with early-onset depression also have a higher risk of a recurrence after age 20.[2]
Take-home message: A family history of MDD can help identify individuals at long-term risk for depression.
3. Depressed Mothers Not in Sync With Their Children: Researchers found that a maternal history of MDD moderates mother-child physiological synchrony, as measured by heart rate variability, during positive and negative discussions. Mothers with a history of depression were not in sync with their children, whereas mothers who had no history of depression matched their children’s physiology in the moment.[3]
Take-home message: Physiological synchrony is disrupted in families with a history of maternal MDD and may be a potential risk factor for the intergenerational transmission of depression.
