Multivariate association between brain functional networks and symptoms and psychosocial environment in adolescent depression

The current study investigated the multivariate correlations between resting-state functional network connectivity and symptoms and environmental measures in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) using the sparse canonical correlation analysis. We identified one stable association mode which showed primary correlation of environmental stressors, especially the interpersonal stress, with functional connectivity of networks that support salience processing, reward and sensory processing. Based on this brain-behavior association, we were able to categorize adolescents with MDD into two subgroups and delineate how psychosocial factors contributed to the neurobiological mechanism underlying adolescent depression.