Preschool-Onset Depression Linked with Increased Amygdala Activity During Face Processing

Similar findings in depressed preschoolers, adults, and adolescents raise the possibility of a neural biomarker for depression.

Pediatric depression is not limited to school-age children and adolescents. Although the diagnosis may be more challenging in pre-school age children, diagnostic criteria for younger children are available. Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies show disrupted amygdala activity in depressed adolescents and adults while viewing facial expressions of emotion. Researchers examined functional brain activity and its relationships to emotion regulation in a case-control study of 54 medication-naive 4- to 6-year-old children recruited from pediatricians' offices and other community resources.

Caretakers completed two standardized questionnaires to identify depressive symptoms consistent with preschool-onset depression. Childr…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics