Individual differences in amygdala-medial prefrontal anatomy link negative affect, impaired social functioning, and polygenic depression risk

The quote only partly states this claim.

In the same sample, higher trait negative affect is associated with thinner left medial prefrontal cortex in a region that includes subgenual and rostral anterior cingulate cortex.

“reduced thickness in a left mPFC region encompassing the subgenual and rostral anterior cingulate cortex”

• Also stated in: § Decreased medial prefrontal thickness is associated with negative affect · plain

  “reduced left mPFC thickness was associated with increased negative affect (F(1,1043) = 8.28; p <0.005; r =−0.09; Fig. 2B).”

May combine two claims.

Among men, negative affect was associated with right amygdala (F(1,475) = 4.11; p < 0.05; r = 0.09) and bilateral hippocampal volumes (left: F(1,475) = 5.17; p < 0.05; r = 0.10; right: F(1,475) = 4.44; p < 0.05; r = 0.10), with no other subcortical structures approaching significance (F < 1.02; p > 0.31; r < 0.05).

“Among men, negative affect was associated with right amygdala (F(1,475) = 4.11; p < 0.05; r = 0.09) and hippocampal volumes (left: F(1,475) = 5.17; p <0.05; r =0.10; right: F(1,475) = 4.44; p < 0.05; r = 0.10). No other subcortical structures approached significance (F < 1.02; p > 0.31; r < 0.05; Fig. 3C).”

May combine two claims.

When the sample was split into low, medium, and high negative affect groups, there was no detectable relation between amygdala volume and mPFC thickness for the low (F(1,168) = 1.04; p = 0.31; r = 0.08) or medium groups (F(1,698) < 0.01; p = 0.97; r < −0.01), but an inverse correlation between left amygdala volume and mPFC thickness was evident among individuals with the most extreme negative aff

“When considered in isolation, there was no detectable relation between amygdala volume and mPFC thickness for either the low (F(1,168) = 1.04; p = 0.31; r = 0.08; Fig. 5A) or medium groups (F(1,698) < 0.01; p = 0.97; r < −0.01; Fig. 5B). However, an inverse correlation between left amygdala volume and mPFC thickness was evident among individuals reporting the most extreme negative affect (F(1,163)”

May combine two claims.

In the sample, left mPFC thickness was negatively associated with four of the five self-report measures (STAI trait, NEO neuroticism, POMS total mood disturbance, TCI harm avoidance), with F(1,1043) between 4.90 and 7.86, p < 0.05, and r between −0.09 and −0.07; BIS showed a non-significant trend in the same direction.

“The opposing effects in the mPFC were also evident in four of the scales (STAI trait: F(1,1043) = 6.81; p < 0.01; r = −0.08; NEO neuroticism: F(1,1043) = 4.90; p < 0.05; r = −0.07; POMS total mood disturbance: F(1,1043) = 7.86; p < 0.005; r = −0.09; TCI harm avoidance: F(1,1043) = 6.80; p < 0.01; r = −0.08). Although the behavioral inhibition scale did not display a significant relation with mPFC”

May combine two claims.

After excluding participants with a family history of psychiatric illness (n = 189), the associations between negative affect and both left amygdala volume (F(1,853) = 11.27; p < 0.001; r = 0.11) and mPFC thickness (F(1,854) = 3.88; p < 0.05; r = −0.07) remained.

“Additional analyses were run excluding participants with a family history of psychiatric illness (n = 189). The associations between negative affect with both left amygdala volume (F(1,853) = 11.27; p < 0.001; r = 0.11) and mPFC thickness (F(1,854) = 3.88; p <0.05; r =−0.07) remained.”

May combine two claims.

Among women, left hippocampus volume was significantly associated with negative affect (F(1,561) = 6.56; p < 0.01; r = 0.11), with a trend for right amygdala (F(1,561) = 2.80; p = 0.09; r = 0.07), and no other subcortical structures approached significance (F < 2.45; p > 0.12; r < 0.07).

“Among women, the left hippocampus (F(1,561) = 6.56; p < 0.01; r = 0.11) demonstrated a significant relation with negative affect, while a trend emerged in the right amygdala (F(1,561) = 2.80; p = 0.09; r = 0.07). No other subcortical structures approached significance (F < 2.45; p > 0.12; r < 0.07; Fig. 3B).”

May combine two claims.

No relation was observed between mPFC thickness and the other imputed psychiatric (F < 1.46; p > 0.23; r < 0.06) or non-psychiatric genetic risk scores (F < 1.23; p > 0.26; r < 0.06).

“No relation was observed between mPFC thickness and the other imputed psychiatric (F < 1.46; p > 0.23; r < 0.06) or non-psychiatric genetic risk scores (F < 1.23; p > 0.26; r < 0.06).”

May combine two claims.

In the sample, right amygdala volume was positively associated with four of the five self-report measures (NEO neuroticism, BIS, POMS total mood disturbance, TCI harm avoidance), with F(1,1042) between 3.86 and 11.46, p < 0.05, and r between 0.06 and 0.10; STAI trait anxiety showed a non-significant trend in the same direction.

“Increasing right amygdala volume was associated with increased scores on four of the scales (NEO neuroticism: F(1,1042) = 5.13; p <0.05; r =0.07; BIS: F(1,1042) = 3.86; p < 0.05; r = 0.06; POMS total mood disturbance: F(1,1042) = 4.64; p < 0.05; r = 0.07; TCI harm avoidance: F(1,1042) = 11.46; p < 0.001; r = 0.10). STAI trait anxiety displayed a trend in the same direction (F(1,1042) = 3.23; p =0.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Participants in the high negative affect group were more likely to report a family history of psychiatric illnesses relative to the low and medium groups.

“Of further note, participants in the high negative affect group were more likely to report a family history of psychiatric illnesses relative to the low and medium groups (Table 3).”

May combine two claims.

A rolling correlation across the full sample revealed opposing relations between negative affect and the structure of the left amygdala and cortex, with a robust negative correlation between amygdala volume and mPFC thickness emerging in individuals reporting the most severe negative affect.

“The rolling average revealed opposing relations between negative affect and the structure of the left amygdala and cortex (Fig. 4A). While there was an absence of a cross-structure relation over much of the sample, a robust negative correlation between amygdala volume and mPFC thickness emerged in individuals reporting the most severe negative affect (Fig. 4B, C).”

May combine two claims.

Caudate, globus pallidus, nucleus accumbens, putamen, and thalamus volumes are not significantly associated with negative affect.

“The remaining subcortical structures (caudate, globus pallidus, nucleus accumbens, putamen, thalamus) were not significantly associated with negative affect (F < 3.25; p > 0.07; r < 0.06; Fig. 3A).”

May combine two claims.

After excluding the extreme subjects from the full sample, the association between negative affect and left amygdala volume remained (F(1,872) = 9.175; p < 0.005; r = 0.10), as did the inverse relation with mPFC thickness (F(1,873) = 5.84; p < 0.05; r = −0.08).

“After excluding these extreme subjects from the full sample, the association between negative affect and left amygdala volume remained (F(1,872) = 9.175; p < 0.005; r = 0.10), as did the inverse relation with mPFC thickness (F(1,873) = 5.84; p < 0.05; r = −0.08).”

May combine two claims.

The inverse relation between left mPFC thickness and negative affect was observed and of similar magnitude for both women (F(1,562) = 5.60; p < 0.05; r = −0.10) and men (F(1,476) = 4.50; p < 0.05; r = −0.10).

“The inverse relation between left mPFC thickness and negative affect was observed and of similar magnitude for both sexes (women, F(1,562) = 5.60; p <0.05; r =−0.10; men, F(1,476) = 4.50; p <0.05; r = −0.10; Fig. 3E, F).”

May combine two claims.

In the sample, left amygdala volume was positively associated with each of five self-report measures of negative affect, anxiety, and personality (STAI trait, NEO neuroticism, BIS, POMS total mood disturbance, TCI harm avoidance), with F(1,1042) between 9.71 and 21.51, p < 0.005, and r between 0.09 and 0.14.

“When considering left amygdala volume, increased scores on each scale were associated with increased volume (STAI trait: F(1,1042) = 13.31; p < 0.001; r =0.12; NEO neuroticism: F(1,1042) = 13.98; p <0.001; r =0.12; BIS: F(1,1042) = 9.71; p < 0.005; r = 0.09; POMS total mood disturbance: F(1,1042) = 10.61; p < 0.001; r = 0.11; TCI harm avoidance: F(1,1042) = 21.51; p <0.001; r =0.14).”

May combine two claims.

In this cohort of clinically healthy young adults, negative affect was associated with increased amygdala volume and reduced mPFC thickness.

“Here, we found that negative affect associates with increased amygdala volume and reduced mPFC thickness in a cohort of clinically healthy young adults.”

May combine two claims.

The association between reduced mPFC thickness and increased errors in emotion perception was specific to the neutral (error rate 0.14 ± 0.13; F(1,521) = 15.68; p < 0.001; r = −0.17) and fear (error rate 0.19 ± 0.11; F(1,521) = 5.49; p < 0.05; r = −0.10) conditions, with no other effects reaching significance (anger, happy, sad; p > 0.41, r < 0.04).

“Follow-up analyses revealed that this effect was specific to the neutral (error rate 0.14 ± 0.13; F(1,521) = 15.68; p <0.001; r =−0.17) and fear (error rate 0.19 ± 0.11; F(1,521) = 5.49; p < 0.05; r = −0.10) conditions with no other effects reaching significance (anger, error rate 0.39 ± 0.14; happy, error rate 0.03 ±0.06; and sad, error rate 0.21 ±0.14; p > 0.41, r < 0.04).”

May combine two claims.

After accounting for social functioning, the relation between negative affect and amygdala volume remained for the left (F(1,170) = 4.90; p < 0.05; r = 0.13), but not the right (F(1,170) = 1.18; p = 0.28; r = 0.06), amygdala.

“After accounting for social functioning, the relation between negative affect and amygdala volume remained for the left (F(1,170) = 4.90; p < 0.05; r = 0.13), but not the right (F(1,170) = 1.18; p = 0.28; r = 0.06), amygdala.”

May combine two claims.

While reduced mPFC thickness is independently present in men and women with increased anxiety, women as a group displayed thicker mPFC and yet heightened anxiety.

“While reduced mPFC thickness is independently present in men and women with increased anxiety, women as a group displayed thicker mPFC and yet heightened anxiety.”

May combine two claims.

No relation was observed between the polygene MDD factors (PT < 0.1 to 0.5) and negative affect (F < 0.42; p > 0.52; r < 0.03) or amygdala volumes (F < 0.85; p > 0.36; r < 0.04).

“No relation was observed between the polygene MDD factors (PT < 0.1 to 0.5) and negative affect (F < 0.42; p > 0.52; r < 0.03) or amygdala volumes (F < 0.85; p > 0.36; r < 0.04).”

May combine two claims.

Male participants displayed a greater percentage of errors in emotion perception than females (0.19 ± 0.01 vs 0.18 ± 0.01; t(531) = 2.32, p < 0.05), but there were no sex differences in the relations between task performance and mPFC thickness (Z = 1.30, p = 0.19).

“Although male participants displayed a greater percentage of errors in emotion perception than females (0.19 ± 0.01 vs 0.18 ± 0.01; t(531) = 2.32, p < 0.05), there were no sex differences in the relations between task performance and mPFC thickness (Z =1.30, p =0.19).”

May combine two claims.

The association between reduced left mPFC thickness and social functioning was seen in each of the three self-report measures included in the composite: IAS aloof introverted (F(1,200) = 11.93; p < 0.001; r = −0.24), BAPQ aloof personality (F(1,200) = 10.86; p < 0.001; r = −0.23), and RSRI social/school (F(1,200) = 4.31; p < 0.05; r = −0.14).

“This effect was seen in each of the three self-report measures included in the social functioning composite score (IAS aloof introverted: F(1,200) = 11.93; p < 0.001; r = − 0.24; BAPQ aloof personality: F(1,200) = 10.86; p <0.001; r = −0.23; RSRI social/school: F(1,200) = 4.31; p < 0.05; r = −0.14; Fig. 6B).”

May combine two claims.

The study's results show associations linking individual variation in affect, social behavior, polygenic depression risk, and structural differences in the amygdala-mPFC network.

“Second, the current findings indicate relations between individual differences in affect, social functioning, polygenic MDD risk, and structural variation within the amygdala–mPFC network.”

• Also stated in: § Caveats · hedged

  “Through the use of relatively crude morphometric measures, the present findings suggest how specific neural systems differ in ways that are associated with negative affect, social functioning, and genetic risk.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The social functioning composite had internal consistency between r = 0.50 and 0.75 and Cronbach's alpha of 0.80.

“The social functioning composite score was calculated as the average of the Z-scores for each individual scale (r = 0.50 to 0.75; Cronbach’s α = 0.80).”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Median response time was adjusted for in analyses of errors in emotional perception.

“Median response time was partialed out during analyses of errors in emotional perception.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Abnormalities in medial prefrontal network structure and function have been established in psychiatric disorders other than major depressive disorder, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and ADHD.

“Abnormalities within the structure and function of the mPFC network have been established in a range of psychiatric disorders in addition to MDD”

• cites Drevets et al., 1997Not checked yet

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• cites Phillips and Vieta, 2007Not checked yet

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• cites Price and Drevets, 2010Not checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Polygenic risk score analyses adjusted for population stratification using the first four MDS factors and for number of nonmissing SNPs.

“we took the additional step of partialing out the variance associated with potential population substratification (the first four MDS factors, C1–C4), and number of nonmissing SNPs.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Reported results adjust for variance associated with collection site and software upgrade.

“Reported results are after partialing out variance associated with site (Harvard Bay 1, MGH Bay 4, MGH Bay 8, etc.) and software upgrade.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Major depressive disorder is thought to be influenced by many common allelic variants of very small effect.

“thought to be influenced by a large number of common allelic variations of very small effect”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Amygdala volume analyses adjusted for site, console software version, estimated IQ, age, sex, and intracranial volume.

“These analyses partialed out the variance associated with site, console software version, estimated IQ, age, sex, and ICV and then examined the relation between amygdala volume and negative affect.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

After genetic quality control, 442 participants and 763,104 SNPs were retained.

“After QC, data for 442 participants were retained with 763,104 SNPs.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Intracranial volume estimates have been validated against manual measurement.

“ICV has also been validated against manual measurement (Buckner et al., 2004).”

• cites Buckner et al., 2004Not checked yet

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The final sample had a total genotyping rate of 99.50%.

“Total genotyping rate for the final sample was 99.50%.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala have reciprocal connections.

“the mPFC and amygdala share reciprocal connections”

• cites Milad and Quirk, 2012Not checked yet

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• cites Phelps and LeDoux, 2005Not checked yet

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• cites Price and Drevets, 2010Not checked yet

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Polygenic vulnerabilities for major depressive disorder have been identified, but their neurobiological influence has not been established.

“Although polygenic vulnerabilities have been identified (Ripke et al., 2012), their neurobiological influence has yet to be established.”

• cites Ripke et al., 2012Not checked yet

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FreeSurfer-derived structural estimates have been validated against histological analysis and manual measurements.

“The accuracy of FreeSurfer-derived structural estimates have been validated against histological analysis (Rosas et al., 2002) and manual measurements (Kuperberg et al., 2003).”

• cites Rosas et al., 2002Not checked yet

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• cites Kuperberg et al., 2003Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

In a supplementary dataset of 91 participants, intracranial volume, amygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal phenotypes showed high test-retest reliability, with r values from 0.76 to 0.99.

“Analyses revealed high test–retest reliability of each of our phenotypes of interest (r = 0.76 to 0.99; Fig. 1).”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Analyses were restricted to non-Hispanic Caucasians of European ancestry to prevent spurious effects from population admixture and cultural biases in self-reported affect.

“To prevent possible spurious effects resulting from population admixture and cultural biases in self-reported affect (Markus and Kitayama, 1991), analyses were restricted to non-Hispanic Caucasians of European ancestry.”

• cites Markus and Kitayama, 1991Not checked yet

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In healthy people, high anxiety or related behavioral profiles are associated with weaker intrinsic and task-evoked amygdala-medial prefrontal coupling and altered white matter.

“In healthy populations, the strength of intrinsic (Kim et al., 2011a) and task-evoked (Cremers et al., 2010; Pezawas et al., 2005) amygdala–mPFC coupling decreases, and white-matter is altered (Kim and Whalen, 2009) in individuals with high levels of anxiety or related behavioral profiles.”

• cites Kim et al., 2011aNot checked yet

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• cites Cremers et al., 2010Not checked yet

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• cites Pezawas et al., 2005Not checked yet

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Imputation increases genomic coverage and provides additional support for genotyped-allele-based analysis.

“Imputation increases genomic coverage providing additional support for genotyped-allele-based analysis (de Bakker et al., 2008).”

• cites de Bakker et al., 2008Not checked yet

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Cortical thickness and surface area are genetically and phenotypically distinct measures.

“Cortical thickness and surface area, which sum to reflect total gray matter volume, are genetically and phenotypically distinct measures (Panizzon et al., 2009; Winkler et al., 2010).”

• cites Panizzon et al., 2009Not checked yet

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• cites Winkler et al., 2010Not checked yet

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The five negative affect scales showed strong cross-measure correlations, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.84.

“the scales displayed strong cross-measure correlations (Table 1; Cronbach’s α =0.84)”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

Medial prefrontal thickness analyses adjusted for site, console software version, estimated IQ, age, and sex.

“block linear regressions were conducted by first partialing out the variance associated with site, console software version, estimated IQ, age, and sex and then by examining the relation between thickness estimates and the negative affect composite score.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

The medial prefrontal effect was established within an a priori defined region.

“As the effect in the mPFC was established within an a priori defined region”

May combine two claims.

Although transient amygdala-mPFC responses can be sex- or individual-specific, the circuit's core role in affective and social processes generalizes across both sexes.

“However, although transient amygdala–mPFC responses can be sex- (or even individual) specific, our findings suggest that the circuit’s core role in affective and social processes generalizes across both sexes.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

This raises the possibility that genetically mediated reductions in mPFC network integrity may contribute to an exaggerated stress response, the exacerbation of stress-induced dendritic remodeling, and heightened negative affect.

“This raises the possibility that genetically mediated reductions in mPFC network integrity may contribute to an exaggerated stress response, the exacerbation of stress-induced dendritic remodeling, and heightened negative affect.”

Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

The sgACC participates in the dampening of fear responses as well as the experience and regulation of negative affect.

“The sgACC participates in the dampening of fear responses as well as the experience and regulation of negative affect (Etkin, 2010; Kim et al., 2011b; Phelps and LeDoux, 2005).”

• cites Etkin, 2010Not checked yet

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• cites Kim et al., 2011bNot checked yet

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• cites Phelps and LeDoux, 2005Not checked yet

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The largest effects were present in individuals with extreme negative affect, but a relation in the remaining sample should not be ruled out.

“Thus, the results show the largest effects were present in those individuals with extreme negative affect, but also that a relation in the remaining sample should not be ruled out.”

May combine two claims.

Disrupted mPFC network integrity could result in the perception of emotions in nonemotional stimuli, contributing to the fear and avoidance of social situations.

“Disrupted mPFC network integrity could result in the perception of emotions in nonemotional stimuli, contributing to the fear and avoidance of social situations.”

May combine two claims.

These findings support the hypothesis that amygdala-mPFC circuit dysfunction may set the stage for MDD onset in vulnerable populations and suggest the presence of diagnostic specificity within the neuro-anatomical correlates of polygenic risk.

“These findings support the hypothesis that amygdala–mPFC circuit dysfunction may set the stage for MDD onset in vulnerable populations and suggest the presence of diagnostic specificity within the neuro-anatomical correlates of polygenic risk.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The present findings raise the possibility that imbalance within the basolateral amygdala-mPFC network may underlie dysregulated cortical control over central nucleus output and an associated increase in visceral responsivity.

“The present findings raise the possibility that imbalance within the basolateral amygdala–mPFC network may underlie dysregulated cortical control over central nucleus output and an associated increase in visceral responsivity (Price and Drevets, 2010).”

• cites Price and Drevets, 2010Not checked yet

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In rodents, mPFC inputs to the basolateral nucleus and intercalated cells gate basolateral-central amygdala impulse transmission.

“In rodents, mPFC inputs to the basolateral nucleus (al Maskati and Zbrozyna, 1989) and intercalated cells gate basolateral–central amygdala impulse transmission (Milad and Quirk, 2012).”

• cites al Maskati and Zbrozyna, 1989Not checked yet

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• cites Milad and Quirk, 2012Not checked yet

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A failure to modulate hippocampal hyperactivity is hypothesized to result in affective dysregulation.

“While our analyses targeted the amygdala–mPFC network, a failure to modulate hippocampal hyperactivity is also hypothesized to result in affective dysregulation (Mayberg, 1997; Price and Drevets, 2010).”

• cites Mayberg, 1997 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Price and Drevets, 2010Not checked yet

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According to tracing studies in rodents and nonhuman primates, problems with affect and social functioning probably stem from an imbalance between the medial prefrontal cortex and the basolateral amygdala.

“Rodent and nonhuman primate tracing literature suggests impaired affect and reduced social functioning likely result from imbalances between the mPFC and basolateral amygdala.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Drevets et al. (1997) established mPFC gray matter loss in unipolar and bipolar depression.

“In their landmark study, Drevets et al. (1997) established mPFC gray matter loss in unipolar and bipolar depression.”

• cites Drevets et al. (1997)Not checked yet

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In healthy populations, amygdala and hippocampal volumes track each other over the lifespan.

“Consistent with a strong cross-structure correlation within the present sample, in healthy populations, amygdala and hippocampal volumes track each other over the lifespan (Grieve et al., 2005; Mu et al., 1999; Walhovd et al., 2005).”

• cites Grieve et al., 2005Not checked yet

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• cites Mu et al., 1999Not checked yet

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• cites Walhovd et al., 2005Not checked yet

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Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

In rodents, chronic stress results in symptoms characteristic of MDD including anhedonia, changes in weight, sleep disturbances, decreased locomotion, as well as dendritic retraction and synapse loss in the mPFC.

“In rodents, chronic stress results in symptoms characteristic of MDD including anhedonia, changes in weight, sleep disturbances, decreased locomotion (Willner, 1997), as well as dendritic retraction and synapse loss in the mPFC (Cook and Wellman, 2004).”

• cites Willner, 1997Not checked yet

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• cites Cook and Wellman, 2004Not checked yet

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Amygdala-mPFC connections are concentrated within the basolateral nucleus.

“Amygdala–mPFC connections are concentrated within the basolateral nucleus (Price and Drevets, 2010).”

• cites Price and Drevets, 2010Not checked yet

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Subsequent meta-analyses have replicated these mPFC volumetric reductions, predominantly in patients with familial MDD.

“Subsequent meta-analyses have replicated these mPFC volumetric reductions, predominantly in patients with familial MDD (Hajek et al., 2008).”

• cites Hajek et al., 2008Not checked yet

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There are sex differences in the prevalence of disorders of affect and social functioning.

“There are sex differences in the prevalence of disorders of affect and social functioning (Nolen-Hoeksema and Girgus, 1994).”

• cites Nolen-Hoeksema and Girgus, 1994Not checked yet

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Rodent and nonhuman primate research implicates the mPFC in social as well as affective, habitual, and evaluative processes.

“Rodent and nonhuman primate research implicates the mPFC in social as well as affective, habitual, and evaluative processes (Devinsky et al., 1995; Graybiel, 2008; Price and Drevets, 2010; Rushworth et al., 2007).”

• cites Devinsky et al., 1995Not checked yet

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• cites Graybiel, 2008Not checked yet

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• cites Price and Drevets, 2010Not checked yet

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Prior research has suggested the presence of reduced hippocampal formation gray matter in healthy young adults with heightened neuroticism and patients with MDD, although results have been inconsistent.

“Yet prior research has suggested the presence of reduced hippocampal formation gray matter in healthy young adults with heightened neuroticism (DeYoung et al., 2010) and patients with MDD (Bremner et al., 2000), although results have been inconsistent (Price and Drevets, 2010).”

• cites DeYoung et al., 2010Not checked yet

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• cites Bremner et al., 2000Not checked yet

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• cites Price and Drevets, 2010Not checked yet

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Decreased social support and neuroticism predict the onset of depressive episodes.

“Decreased social support (Coyne and Downey, 1991; Repetti et al., 2002; Vaughn and Leff, 1976) and neuroticism (Clark et al., 1994), a facet of negative affect, predict the onset of depressive episodes.”

• cites Coyne and Downey, 1991Not checked yet

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• cites Repetti et al., 2002Not checked yet

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• cites Vaughn and Leff, 1976Not checked yet

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Depression is associated with decreased left mPFC gray matter.

“Depression is associated with decreased left mPFC gray matter (Hajek et al., 2008; Price and Drevets, 2010).”

• cites Hajek et al., 2008Not checked yet

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• cites Price and Drevets, 2010Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

In rodents, repeated stress results in dendritic atrophy and reduced glial cell counts in hippocampal regions as well as increased dendritic branching in the basolateral amygdala.

“In rodents, repeated stress results in dendritic atrophy and reduced glial cell counts in hippocampal regions (McEwen and Magarinos, 2001) as well as increased dendritic branching in the basolateral amygdala (Vyas et al., 2002).”

• cites McEwen and Magarinos, 2001Not checked yet

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• cites Vyas et al., 2002 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The central nucleus plays a role in the modulation of autonomic and endocrine responses for a host of visceral functions.

“The central nucleus plays a role in the modulation of autonomic and endocrine responses for a host of visceral functions (LeDoux, 2000, 2012).”

• cites LeDoux, 2000, 2012Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The relation between psychological health and social functioning is well established.

“The relation between psychological health and social functioning is well established (Coyne and Downey, 1991; Repetti et al., 2002; Vaughn and Leff, 1976).”

• cites Coyne and Downey, 1991Not checked yet

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• cites Repetti et al., 2002Not checked yet

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• cites Vaughn and Leff, 1976Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Abnormalities within the structure and function of the mPFC have been established in a range of psychiatric disorders.

“Abnormalities within the structure and function of the mPFC have been established in a range of psychiatric disorders.”

May combine two claims.

A compromised amygdala-mPFC circuit, found in many healthy young adults, might at the same time be linked to emotional difficulties, poorer social functioning, and polygenic risk for major depressive disorder.

“These results indicate that compromised amygdala–mPFC circuitry, which is present in a considerable percentage of healthy young adults, may simultaneously relate to emotional impairments, reduced social functioning, and polygenic vulnerability for the onset of MDD.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In healthy populations, women and men exhibit differential hemodynamic responses to affective and social stimuli.

“In healthy populations, women and men exhibit differential hemodynamic responses to affective and social stimuli (Cahill, 2006; Koch et al., 2007; McRae et al., 2008; Thomas et al., 2001; But see, Wager et al., 2003).”

• cites Cahill, 2006Not checked yet

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• cites Koch et al., 2007Not checked yet

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• cites McRae et al., 2008Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

MDD is not purely genetic in origin, and stressful life events contribute to the occurrence of depressive episodes.

“However, MDD is not purely genetic in origin, and stressful life events contribute to the occurrence of depressive episodes (Kendler et al., 1999).”

• cites Kendler et al., 1999 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.