title: Cognition-related brain networks underpin the symptoms of unipolar depression: Evidence from a systematic review.
abstract: This systematic review sources the latest neuroimaging evidence for the role of cognition-related brain networks in depression, and relates their abnormal functioning to symptoms of the disorder. Using theoretically informed and rigorous inclusion criteria, we integrate findings from 59 functional neuroimaging studies of adults with unipolar depression using a narrative approach. Results demonstrate that two distinct neurocognitive networks, the autobiographic memory network (AMN) and the cognitive control network (CCN), are central to the symptomatology of depression. Specifically, hyperactivity of the introspective AMN is linked to pathological brooding, self-blame, rumination. Anticorrelated under-engagement of the CCN is associated with indecisiveness, negative automatic thoughts, poor concentration, distorted cognitive processing. Downstream effects of this imbalance include reduced regulation of networks linked to the vegetative and affective symptoms of depression. The configurations of these networks can change between individuals and over time, plausibly accounting for both the variable presentation of depressive disorders and their fluctuating course. Framing depression as a disorder of neurocognitive networks directly links neurobiology to psychiatric practice, aiding researchers and clinicians alike.
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (Austin Campus), Brain Research Institute, Melbourne Brain Centre, 245 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia. Electronic address: raynerg@unimelb.edu.au.
authors.forename: Genevieve
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rayner
authors.affiliation: The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (Austin Campus), Brain Research Institute, Melbourne Brain Centre, 245 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Comprehensive Epilepsy Programme, Austin Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, 245 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
authors.forename: Graeme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.affiliation: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (Austin Campus), Brain Research Institute, Melbourne Brain Centre, 245 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia; Comprehensive Epilepsy Programme, Austin Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, 245 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003863:Depression / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D059907:Functional Neuroimaging / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: Affect; Cognition; Depressive Symptoms; Functional Neuroimaging; Neural networks (anatomic); Neuropsychiatry; Neuropsychology