Common and distinct patterns of structural and functional alterations in gray matter between primary insomnia and major depressive disorder

Motivation: Primary insomnia (PI) and major depressive disorder (MDD) frequently present overlapping symptoms, but neurobiological mechanisms underlying their common and dissociable symptomatology have not been clearly elucidated. Goal(s): Comparative meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the common and distinct patterns of structual and functional alterations in gray matter in patients with PI and MDD. Approach: A systematic literature search and the seed-based d mapping software was used for comparative meta-analysis. Results: Patients with PI and MDD shared common increased brain activity in the left temporal pole (superior temporal gyrus), and right amygdala, and exhibited distinct patterns of alterations of GMV and brain activity. Impact: Our findings advances understanding of the brain alterations that lead to common and distinct behavioral manifestations of PI and MDD. Overlapping alterations in brain activity may indicate potential transdiagnostic phenotypes, while distinct alterations may provide robust biomarkers differential diagnoses.