Depression Prevalence

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a chronic and severe disorder, which over 8 million people develop each year. Approximately 17% of the population suffers from MDD during their lifetime (Kessler, R.C., et al., 1994). Epidemiological and family/twin studies show that between 40-50% of those at risk for MDD are due to genetics, suggesting a neurobiological basis for the disorder (Shih, R.A., et al, 2004). Through the use of modern neuroimaging techniques, researchers are able to explore the activity and function of potentially abnormal neural systems. In turn, the results of imaging studies in these populations may help to identify areas of dysfunction for the organization of more timely and appropriate treatment plans.

Why Study Adolescents?

MDD is estimated to affect more than 1 in 30 adolescents (Costello, E.J., et al., 2003) at any given time. Several studies have found evidence for developmental immaturity of brain regions important for behavioral control. This raises the possibility of age-related differences between adults and teen-agers in the relationship between brain function and behavior (Giedd, J.N., et al., 1996, 1999). Though there are numerous studies of the relationship between MDD clinical presentation and neurobiology in adults, there is little information about neural function in adolescents with MDD. Some neuroimaging studies have used emotional provocation paradigms to examine specifically how these functional abnormalities influence processing of emotional information. With the availability of these tools, we are therefore able to explore whether acute adolescent MDD and adult MDD have similar or different neurocognitive correlates.
 

Currently Active Studies