Cross-sectional and longitudinal network analyses depict variations of symptom networks in depression patients across the lifespan: insight from a large-scale sample

This study emphasises the dynamic and developmentally specific structuring of depressive symptom networks across the lifespan. Distinct central symptoms and varying levels of symptom connectivity across age groups suggest stage-specific psychological vulnerabilities. These structural characteristics inform intervention strategies: tightly connected networks in earlier life stages may benefit from focused treatment targeting central symptoms, whereas the more diffuse networks observed in late life may require integrative, multimodal approaches. The findings support a developmental systems perspective on depression and emphasize the need for age-sensitive clinical assessment and intervention.