White matter hyperintensities and their role in major depressive episodes: a cross-sectional study in adults under 65.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are associated with major depressive episodes (MDE) in individuals aged 65 and older. WMH are prevalent in adults under 65, yet the association between their volume and MDE in this population remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the association of WMH volume with MDE and its severity in patients aged < 65.

Methods

Cross-sectional study (ancillary to clinical trial NCT02051413) of subjects under the age of 65. Overall, 69 patients with MDE and 32 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Severity was assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale (HRS) and WMH were quantified by two experts. Post-hoc mediation analyses were conducted if associations were found between independent variables and WMH.

Results

Mean age was 34.5 (

SUBMITTER: Baudouin E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12815310 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature