Changes in the development of the brain during adolescence could predict the onset of depressive disorders in young people, a 15-year longitudinal study has revealed.
The study, published today in The American Journal of Psychiatry, is the first of its kind to analyse whether certain age-related brain changes exist before the onset of depression, and if they could therefore point to a pre-existing vulnerability to the illness.
Lead author of the research, Professor Sarah Whittle (pictured above) from Orygen, said the study was the largest of its kind, and was unique in that it tracked brain changes in a community sample of young people, rather than focusing on people with a family history of mental ill-health.
“We know the brain undergoes a lot of changes as adolescents grow into adulthood – but until now it has been unclear whether certain changes in the structure of the brain happen before or after depression develops,” Professor Whittle said.
“This new analysis, using MRIs to track brain development over the entire adolescent period, has found that disturbance in the growth of certain brain structures appear to predispose some people to developing a depressive disorder in their teens or twenties.
“Previous research has shown that changes in the structure of the brain are often present in people experiencing depression – but we didn’t know if these changes were a result of the illness or if they were pre-existing – so this is a major step forward in our understanding.”
The study tracked the brain development of 161 people, using neuroimaging to measure brain changes from ages 12 to 19, while also assessing the participants’ mental health up to their late twenties.
Professor Whittle said that results showing certain brain changes were associated with the onset of depressive disorder could have far-reaching implications.
“Depressive disorders are the leading cause of global disease burden in young people, so it’s imperative we gain a better understanding of the how and why these conditions develop – including the role brain development plays,” Professor Whittle said.
“With better understanding of what causes these brain changes – for example, genetics or adverse experiences in childhood – we can work towards better ways of recognising or predicting those at risk of developing a depressive disorder.
“This opens the door to early detection of mental ill-health, and therefore early intervention – which we know gives young people the best chance of recovery, and the best chance to thrive.”