Researchers at Stanford Medicine have discovered a previously unknown subtype of depression, named the “cognitive biotype.” This classification makes up 27% of patients who do not respond well to conventional antidepressants. Symptoms of this subtype include impaired planning and self-control, with decreased activity in certain brain areas, indicating a requirement for specialized treatment.
The researchers employed various tools like surveys, cognitive tests, and brain imaging to reveal this form of depression that affects about a quarter of patients. The goal is to accurately diagnose and treat this condition.
In the recent study, this new type of depression was identified, affecting approximately 27% of people with depression, and standard antidepressants did not treat it effectively.
Those suffering from this subtype experienced difficulties in areas such as planning, self-control, concentration, and inhibiting inappropriate behavior. Brain scans showed reduced activity in two key brain regions responsible for these functions.
Traditionally, doctors have treated depression as a mood disorder, often prescribing SSRIs targeting serotonin. These are found to be less effective for those with cognitive dysfunction. Researchers suggest that focusing on these cognitive issues with different antidepressants or treatments could improve symptoms and help restore social and occupational skills.
Recently published in JAMA Network Open, this study is part of a broader initiative to find targeted treatments for different depression biotypes. Senior author Leanne Williams, Ph.D., emphasized the need for a new approach to accelerate the healing process and avoid a one-size-fits-all treatment.
The study involved 1,008 adults with major depressive disorder, who were given one of three popular antidepressants. After an eight-week course, participants’ symptoms and life quality were measured. They also underwent cognitive tests and brain imaging using fMRI, which tracked activity in different brain regions during specific tasks.
The findings revealed that 27% of the subjects showed more pronounced symptoms like cognitive slowing, insomnia, impaired cognitive function, and reduced activity in specific frontal brain areas – identified as the cognitive biotype.
The research’s lead author, Laura Hack, MD, Ph.D., stressed the importance of this study as it provides novel measurement tools for individualized treatment in depression.
The study also found significant differences in the treatment’s effectiveness for those with the cognitive biotype compared to those without. Leanne Williams and Laura Hack propose using behavioral measurement and imaging to diagnose depression subtypes for personalized treatment. They are further exploring alternative treatments, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and cognitive behavioral therapy, that could be more effective for patients with the cognitive subtype.
The study’s authors hope this groundbreaking research will change the traditional trial-and-error process, recognizing the depression’s complex nature and tailoring treatment accordingly.
The research involved collaboration from various institutes and was funded by the Brain Resource Company Operations Pty Ltd. and Stanford University’s Clinical and Translation Science Award Program, overseen by the National Institutes of Health.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about depression
What is the “cognitive biotype” of depression discovered by Stanford Medicine researchers?
The “cognitive biotype” is a newly discovered subtype of depression, affecting 27% of patients. It is characterized by impaired cognitive functions, including planning and self-control, and is less responsive to standard antidepressants. This subtype has led to the identification of the need for more targeted treatments for those suffering from it.
How did the researchers identify this new subtype of depression?
The researchers employed a combination of methods such as surveys, cognitive examinations, and brain scans, specifically using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), to uncover this new subtype. By analyzing cognitive tasks and brain activity, they were able to identify a distinct profile, labeled as the cognitive biotype.
What makes the cognitive biotype different from other types of depression?
The cognitive biotype exhibits specific symptoms such as impaired planning, self-control, cognitive slowing, and insomnia. Brain imaging revealed diminished activity in particular frontal brain regions responsible for these tasks. Traditional antidepressants targeting serotonin are less effective for this subtype, requiring unique treatment approaches.
Are there any proposed new treatments for the cognitive biotype?
Yes, the researchers propose targeting cognitive dysfunctions with less commonly used antidepressants or other treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation and cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, researchers at Stanford are studying a medication called guanfacine that targets specific brain regions and might be more effective for patients with this subtype.
Who funded the study, and where was it published?
The study was funded through Brain Resource Company Operations Pty Ltd. and Stanford University’s Clinical and Translation Science Award Program, overseen by the National Institutes of Health. It was published in JAMA Network Open.
What implications does the discovery of the cognitive biotype have on depression treatment?
The discovery of the cognitive biotype highlights the heterogeneous nature of depression and emphasizes the need for individualized care. By diagnosing and treating specific subtypes, medical professionals can avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and improve treatment outcomes. It also opens doors to new therapies specifically designed for this subtype, potentially accelerating the recovery process.
More about depression
- Stanford Medicine
- JAMA Network Open
- National Institutes of Health
- Brain Resource Company Operations Pty Ltd.
- Stanford Center for Precision Mental Health and Wellness
6 comments
this is one of those things that proves how complex our brains are. Different depressions types and we’re just scratching the surface. Can’t wait to see what else they uncover in future.
its about time! Mental health is a complicated issue, and it’s good to see research diving deeper. can’t wait to see where this leads and how it can help those in need.
Really interesting, wonder if other types of depression will be found as well? Medicine is always evolving, good to see that theyre not settling for one size fits all.
This is big news for those dealing with depression. Hopefully, new treatments will come out of it! They really need to think outside the box, and this seems like a start.
I read about this on the Stanford website and its groundbreaking. Identifying subtypes and personalized care will change lives. kudos to the researchers.
Have a friend who’s been struggling for years, maybe this is the answer he’s been looking for? I hope they fast track these treatments. people really need them!