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Resting-state network alterations in depression: a comprehensive meta-analysis of functional connectivity

Zhi-Hui Zhang, Yijing Zhang, Heng-Liang Wang, Minghuan Lei, Yi-Fan Jiang, Di Xiong, Yayuan Chen, Yu-Jie Zhang et al.

Psychological Medicine, 2025

2,321 participants · 63 citations

Abstract

Abstract Background Depression has been linked to disruptions in resting-state networks (RSNs). However, inconsistent findings on RSN disruptions, with variations in reported connectivity within and between RSNs, complicate the understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression. Methods A systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science identified studies that employed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore RSN changes in depression. Studies using seed-based functional connectivity analysis or independent component analysis were included, and coordinate-based meta-analyses were performed to evaluate alterations in RSN connectivity both within and between networks. Results A total of 58 studies were included, comprising 2321 patients with depression and 2197 healthy controls. The meta-analysis revealed significant alterations in RSN connectivity, both within and between networks, in patients with depression compared with healthy controls. Specifically, within-network changes included both increased and decreased connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) and increased connectivity in the frontoparietal network (FPN). Between-network findings showed increased DMN–FPN and limbic network (LN)–DMN connectivity, decreased DMN–somatomotor network and LN–FPN connectivity, and varied ventral attention network (VAN)–dorsal attentional network (DAN) connectivity. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 2,321 participants or records.

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