Association of depressive symptoms with hippocampal volume in 1936 adults
Document Type
Article
Abstract
Hippocampal atrophy is reported in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, sample sizes were generally modest, and participant characteristics, including age, differed between studies. This study used a community sample to examine relationships between current depressive symptom severity and hippocampal volume across the adult lifespan. A total of 1936 adults with magnetic resonance images of the brain and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (QIDS-SR) scores were included. Brain volumes were quantified using the FSL program. Multiple linear regressions were performed using left, right, and total hippocampal volume as criterion variables, and predictor variables of QIDS-SR total, total brain volume, age, gender, education, psychotropic medications, alcohol use, and race/ethnicity. Post hoc analyses were conducted in participants with QIDS-SR scores 11 (moderate or greater depressive symptom severity) and <11, and older and younger adults. In the primary analysis (sample as a whole) QIDS-SR was inversely associated with total hippocampal volume (b=-0.044, p=0.032, (CI-0.019 to -0.001)) but not with left or right hippocampal volume evaluated individually. In participants with QIDS-SR scores of <11, hippocampal volumes were not associated with QIDS-SR scores. In those with QIDS-SR scores 11 total, right, and left hippocampal volumes were modestly, but significantly, associated with QIDS-SR scores. The association between QIDS-SR scores and the hippocampal volume was much stronger in older persons. Findings suggest smaller hippocampal volumes among those with greater reported depressive symptom severity-an association that is strongest in people with at least moderate depressive symptom levels.
Medical Subject Headings
Adult; Depression (pathology); Female; Functional Laterality; Hippocampus (pathology); Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Linear Models; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Publication Date
2-1-2014
Publication Title
Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology
E-ISSN
1740-634X
Volume
39
Issue
3
First Page
770
Last Page
9
PubMed ID
24220026
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1038/npp.2013.271
Recommended Citation
Brown, E Sherwood; Hughes, Carroll W.; McColl, Roderick; Peshock, Ronald; King, Kevin S.; and Rush, A John, "Association of depressive symptoms with hippocampal volume in 1936 adults" (2014). Neuroradiology. 37.
https://scholar.barrowneuro.org/neuroradiology/37