Shared and Unique Alterations of Large-Scale Network Connectivity in drug-naïve Adolescent-onset and Adult-onset Major Depressive Disorder

Motivation: The motivation is to explore the influence of onset age on large-scale brain networks in MDD patients. Goal(s): The purpose of this study is to explore the shared and unique alterations of large-scale network connectivity between adolescent-onset and adult-onset MDD. Approach: This was a single-center cross-sectional study. Volunteers underwent R-fMRI scans. The 2×2 ANOVA was used to analyze the main effects of diagnosis, age and their interaction effect on FCs. Results: Adolescent-onset and adult-onset MDD have shared and unique large-scale network alterations. The shared altered FCs included VN, LN, VN-DAN VN-LN and LN-DMN. The unique altered FCs included DAN and LN. Impact: Our findings provide the physiological mechanisms of adolescent-onset and adult-onset MDD for improving clinical subtyping and treatment strategies. The results also suggested that when we explore biomarkers of MDD, we should include onset age as a consideration.