Longitudinal assessment of brain volume and shape alterations in depressive patients with differential suicidality.

Abstract

<h4>Background and aims</h4>In recent years, the study of brain structural changes in individuals experiencing suicidal ideation and depression has attracted increasing interest. This study investigated changes in gray and white matter volumes among different groups. We recruited 86 patients, including 26 healthy controls (HCs), 29 with depression (NS), 18 with suicidal ideation (SI), and 13 improved (IM), to further understand the impact of treatment on suicidal ideation.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>We used MRI to analyze four groups of participants at two time points over one-year intervals. Additionally, evaluations were conducted using clinical assessment scales (HAM-D, HADS-A, BSS, RRS).<h4>Results</h4>Repeated measures Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and paired t tests revealed significant changes in brain volume across different groups at two time points. Notable differences were observed in regions such as the cingulate gyrus, corpus callosum, insula, amygdala, and hippocampus, indicating dynamic structural changes related to suicidal ideation and its treatment.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Our findings highlight the potential value of brain structural changes in evaluating depression and suicidal ideation, supporting the effectiveness of early interventions in improving mental health. The observed alterations in gray and white matter emphasized the importance of targeted treatments for better patient outcomes.