Use of Multiple Brain Imaging Modalities (PET and MRS) to Identify Metabolic Abnormalities in Major Depression

• regional cerebral glucose metabolism, as measured by FDG PET [ Time Frame: cross-sectional ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• NAA metabolite intensity, as measured by proton MRS [ Time Frame: cross-sectional ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• severity of depressive symptoms, as scored on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) [ Time Frame: cross-sectional ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Several lines of evidence support the existence of an underlying abnormality in brain energy metabolism may play a key role in the biology of mood disorders. The current study utilizes two distinct but complementary imaging techniques, FDG PET and multinuclear MRS, to better understand the nature of these metabolic abnormalities in major depressive disorder (MDD). The investigators hypothesize that individuals with depression will have increased metabolic activity as measured by PET in certain brain regions involved in mood regulation, but that this metabolic activity will be inefficient based on MRS findings. For this study, the investigators will study 10 medication-free, currently depressed participants with recurrent MDD, 10 depressed participants with recurrent MDD currently taking antidepressant medication, and up to 20 healthy control participants matched to depressed participants for age and gender. Depressed and healthy participants will each undergo one PET scan and one MRS scanning session.

Community sample

• Depressed, unmedicated
  Participants with MDD who are not treated with any antidepressant medication
• Depressed, on antidepressant
  Participants with MDD, currently depressed but on a stable dose of an SSRI antidepressant
• Healthy control
  Healthy participant with no MDD or other psychiatric condition, matched by age and gender to MDD participants

Inclusion Criteria:

• Meet DSM-IV TR criteria for MDD, Recurrent
• Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score > 18

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any coexisting psychiatric illness other than generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social/specific phobias
• Any history of substance dependence
• Substance abuse within the past 6 months
• Significant risk of suicide, as defined by score >4 on item 10 of the MADRS or in the clinical judgment of the study physician
• Any significant medical or neurological condition which is likely to impact the central nervous system and/or affect the results of MRS or PET imaging
• For the subset of unmedicated MDD patients, any psychotropic medications within 4 weeks prior to scanning. For the subgroup of medicated patients, they may be taking a stable dose (i.e., same dose for at least 4 weeks at the time of scanning) of standard antidepressant medications, but may not be taking any other psychotropic medication.
• Inability to give informed consent
• Contraindication to MRI (e.g., pacemaker, ferromagnetic implants in the body)

• Western Institute for Biomedical Research
• University of Utah
• Molecular Imaging Program, Huntsman Cancer Institute