Stanford Medicine-led Research Identifies A Subtype of Depression 

The Mind Store has stressed that depression leads to cognitive decay. Our goal is to measure this cognitive decay and treat it. 

Researchers at Stanford Medicine conducted a survey describing a cognitive biotype. This is supposed to account for 27% of depressed patients who are not effectively treated by antidepressants. 

Cognitive decay involves difficulty with self-control, trouble focusing, impulsivity, and difficulty planning ahead. There is decreased activity in the two brain regions responsible for these cognitive functions. 

Traditionally, depression is thought of as a mood disorder. Mood disorders are treated with antidepressants. These are not effective for people with cognitive dysfunction. 

This study takes a look at finding treatments that target depression biotypes. Over 1,000 adults with previously unmedicated depressive disorder were randomly given 1 of 3 typical antidepressants and had their depressive symptoms measured with two different surveys. A self-assessment, and a clinician-administered test. These tests involved questions like quality of sleep and eating, social function, occupational health, and overall quality of life. 

The participants also completed a series of cognitive tests before and after the treatment. The researchers were measuring capabilities in verbal memory, working memory, decision speed, sustained attention, etc. 

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to randomly assess 96 of the participants in a reaction speed test. The fMRI tracked neuronal activity by measuring changes in blood oxygen levels, which showed varying levels of activity in different brain regions corresponding to the cognitive test. These brain scans were compared with those of people without depression.  

27% of the participants had prominent signs of cognitive decay and impaired cognitive function. Most significantly, reduced activity in the frontal brain region. This is exactly what TMS aims to do and treat. 

Behavior measurement and imaging could help diagnose depression and lead to better treatment. 

This is why we stress the importance of TMS! The world is coming around to the idea that depression is cognitive decay instead of just a mood disorder.

Source: Stanford Medicine-led research identifies a subtype of depression | News Center | Stanford Medicine