Using Neuroimaging to Investigate Major Depressive Disorder

The purpose of this study is to test whether the structural and functional connectivity between the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and amygdala will decline as symptoms of co-morbid anxiety (Anxiety Factor Score) increase in patients with MDD. This decrease in connectivity will also account for decrease in treatment response. The structural connectivity will be assessed using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and the functional connectivity will be assessed using resting state BOLD fMRI.We propose to use the fMRI and DTI to identify biological markers that are associated with treatment response in a cohort of patients with a spectrum of Anxiety Factor Scores.

Inclusion criteria

• Competent to give informed consent
• Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder
• Males and females
• Ages 18-50 years old
• All races and ethnicities
• Able to read, speak, and understand English*

Exclusion criteria

• History of psychiatric illness except Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, or Specific Phobia
• Alcohol or substance abuse within the last 6 months or alcohol or substance dependence within the last year
• Diagnosis of an organic brain disease
• Serious unstable medical illness
• History of serious head injury
• Unsafe or unable to have an MRI or previous inability to tolerate MRI
• Pregnancy or breast feeding