Magnetic resonance imaging signatures of neuroinflammation in major depressive disorder with religious and spiritual problems.

ABSTRACT: Religious and spiritual (R/S) struggles, such as questioning of faith, existential and ethical concerns, and interpersonal conflicts, are associated with depressive symptoms. Neuroinflammation is critical in major depressive disorder (MDD) and is linked to stress associated with R/S problems. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of DSM-5 R/S problems contributes to neuroinflammation. We recruited 93 MDD patients and 93 healthy controls with and without R/S problems. MRI-based restricted fraction (RF) values, an index of neuroinflammation, were measured in the hippocampus, amygdala, and neocortex. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales (HAM-D, HAM-A), while R/S problems were quantified using the Religious and Spiritual St

SUBMITTER: Kaszas A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11825903 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature