What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore the differences and similarities in brain connectivity and cognitive function between subthreshold depression (StD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

March 12, 2026Psychological Medicine2 citationsOpen Access

Shared and distinct alterations in brain connectivity and cognitive function in subthreshold and major depression

SZShuming ZhongFirst Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University CCChao Chen PCPan Chen

Key Points

To explore the differences and similarities in brain connectivity and cognitive function between subthreshold depression (StD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Compared brain connectivity patterns in individuals with StD and MDD.
Analyzed connectivity of key brain networks including the salience network (SN), affective network (AN), and default mode network (DMN).
Assessed cognitive functions related to social cognition.
Identified abnormal connectivity patterns in the SN and AN in both StD and MDD that may contribute to depressive symptoms.
Found that altered functional connectivity of the DMN is involved in the onset of both conditions.
Noted that social cognition deficits manifested first in individuals with StD linked to SN connectivity.

Abstract

Abnormal connectivity patterns of the SN and AN may contribute to the development of depressive symptoms in StD and MDD, while altered FC of the DMN may be involved in the onset of the disease. A social cognition deficit appeared first in StD, relating to the abnormal connectivity of the SN.

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