Neuroimaging In People With Depression:

Searching For Patterns Among Adolescents

Abstract

Neuroimaging visualizes the brain’s activity and structure, focusing on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetic resonance imaging’s (MRI) role in analyzing brain functions and deviations. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a condition of the brain, known for continuous feelings of grief and loss of interest in life, accompanied by diverse physical issues in adolescence - the pivotal phase of growth - during which the brain undergoes notable transformations in both its structure and function. This makes it an important stage to investigate the onset of conditions, like depression as highlighted by research studies. The current review focuses on using neuroimaging techniques, specifically fMRI with MRI, to explore abnormalities in adolescents with MDD. The findings reveal structural changes in specific brain regions: the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus, which are connected to both cognitive performance and emotional regulation. Consequently, during a time of significant brain development, understanding such neural mechanisms via neurofeedback could be key to developing more targeted treatments for adolescent depression.