Review: The use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in clinical trials and experimental research studies for depression
Frontiers in Neuroimaging June 27, 2023 Vasileia Kotoula, Jennifer W. Evans, Claire Punturieri et al. 26 citations
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can identify brain areas linked to depression symptoms and potential treatment targets. A review of fMRI studies on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and ketamine found that both conventional and fast-acting antidepressants normalize amygdala hyperactivity in response to negative emotional stimuli, suggesting a common pathway for antidepressant action. Ketamine's rapid effects on brain activity and connectivity also trend toward normalizing depression-related abnormalities. While fMRI shows promise for identifying treatment targets, improved methodology and study design are needed before its findings can be used as primary clinical trial outcomes.