How do resting state changes in depression translate into psychopathological symptoms? From 'Spatiotemporal correspondence' to 'Spatiotemporal Psychopathology'

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review the recent findings in resting-state activity in major depressive disorder (MDD) and link them to psychopathological symptoms.

Recent findings: MDD shows changes in resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) mainly within the default-mode network with a focus on especially the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex. rsFC in perigenual anterior cingulate cortex is abnormally high in MDD and decreased in the lateral prefrontal cortex with the central executive network (CEN). rsFC in other networks like the salience network, including the insula, amygdala, and supragenual anterior cingulate cortex and the sensorimotor network is also affected in MDD.

Summary: Resting-state activity in MDD shows abnormal topographical and spatiotemporal pattern. The spatiotemporal alterations in resting state may translate into corresponding spatiotemporal changes underlying the sensorimotor, affective, and cognitive functions, and thus, the various symptoms. Such spatiotemporal correspondence between resting state changes and psychopathological symptoms may make necessary the development of what I describe as 'Spatiotemporal Psychopathology'.