WASHINGTON — In studies that examine the depressed brain, researchers were able to identify specific genes, molecules, brain regions, and cognitive features that are associated with the disorder. The findings will be presented on Monday, November 13, 10–11 a.m. EST at Neuroscience 2023 , the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.
More than 8% of adults in the United States suffer from severe depression, and the percentage is higher among specific groups, including adolescents and older adults. Depression is a complex condition that includes many different genetic components and environmental risk factors. Scientists are working to understand the exact mechanisms in the brain that correspond with the risk or development of depression in the hopes of developing earlier identification and more effective treatment options.
New findings show that:
“Identifying brain markers and risk factors for depression gets us closer to diagnosing and treating the disorder more effectively,” said Diego A. Pizzagalli, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and moderator of the press conference. “This research will ultimately allow us to pursue a more targeted approach, especially with regards to early intervention and personalized treatment strategies in vulnerable populations.”
This research was supported by national funding agencies including the National Institutes of Health and private funding organizations. Find out more about depression and the brain on BrainFacts.org .
Monday, November 13, 2023
10–11 a.m. EST
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 202B
Press Conference Summary
Gray matter volumetric correlates of depression and genetic risks in children: preliminary evidence from the Adolescent Brain Cognition Development (ABCD) study
Yu Chen, yu.chen.yc838@yale.edu , Abstract PSTR098.07
Individual variation in the size of salience network relates to depression
Sanju Koirala, koira019@umn.edu , Abstract PSTR098.16
Aging and depression trajectories on cognition
Denise Park, denise@utdallas.edu , Abstract PSTR307.10
MicroRNA expression profiles from peripheral blood may serve as biomarkers for depression risk in children and adolescents
Cecilia Flores, cecilia.flores@mcgill.ca , Abstract PSTR225.12
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The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is an organization of nearly 35,000 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and the nervous system.