Desynchronized white matter function and structure in drug-naive first-episode major depressive disorder patients

Objective. To describe the abnormalities in WM function and structure in drug-naive first-episode MDD patients. Methods. 33 patients and 34 HCs were included. Different frequency bands of ALFF and FA were used to analyze the differences between the two groups. Results. Compared to HCs, patients showed decreased ALFF in PTR and SLF in slow-5 band, which were negatively correlated with the HAMD-17 anxiety/somatization factor items. No difference in FA between two groups. Conclusions. WM dysfunction relate to the pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD and predates structural damage. Compared to the typical and slow-4 bands, the slow-5 band is more sensitive for early detecting WM dysfunction.