Distinct patterns of default mode network functional connectivity between adolescents with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder - Report - MDSpire
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Differential Functional Connectivity Patterns in the Default Mode Network Among Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder Compared to Major Depressive Disorder

  • By

  • Yuxi Wang

  • Pengyu Zhu

  • Jialin Xiang

  • Junchen Gu

  • Xiong Chen

  • Fang Chen

  • Lulu Zou

  • Fuyi Qin

  • Dan Cheng

  • Dong Guan

  • Kun Qin

  • Chunqi Ai

  • Wen Chen

  • June 30, 2026

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Differential Functional Connectivity Patterns in the Default Mode Network Among Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder Compared to Major Depressive Disorder

Overview

This study investigates the functional connectivity patterns in the default mode network (DMN) among adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Findings indicate distinct connectivity patterns.

Background

Bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder share overlapping clinical features, complicating accurate diagnosis and treatment. Misclassification can lead to inappropriate interventions and poorer outcomes.

Data Highlights

GroupConnectivity Findings
Bipolar DisorderReduced FC between aMPFC and bilateral STG, right TPOsup; reduced FC between pIPL and left MTG, left STG
Major Depressive DisorderStronger FC between aMPFC and left STG; stronger FC between pIPL and right IFG
Healthy ControlsNo significant differences detected

Key Findings

  • Adolescents with BD showed reduced functional connectivity (FC) in specific DMN regions compared to healthy controls.
  • MDD patients exhibited stronger FC in certain DMN pathways compared to BD patients.
  • No significant differences were found in DMN connectivity between MDD patients and healthy controls.
  • Machine learning analysis yielded a classification performance for distinguishing BD from MDD.
  • Altered DMN connectivity did not correlate with clinical symptoms in the studied population.

Clinical Implications

Further research is warranted to explore these neurobiological markers as potential tools for differential diagnosis.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that adolescents with BD and MDD exhibit unique DMN connectivity patterns.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Investigation of region-of-interest-based functional connectivity within the default mode network among adolescents with depression complicated by obesity
  2. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Abnormalcerebral-limbic functional connectivity between bipolar mania and bipolar depression under resting state
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Cortical high-threshold and low-activation characteristics in adolescent depression: a cross-age differential analysis
  4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Structural covariance network in the striatum is modulated by non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with major depressive disorder
  5. NICE, Recommendations | Depression in children and young people: identification and management, 2025
  6. Recommendations | Depression in children and young people: identification and management | Guidance | NICE
  7. Distinct within- and between-network functional dysconnectivity of the default-mode and frontoparietal networks in young individuals with first-episode bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder - ScienceDirect
  8. Efficacy and safety of pharmacological and non-invasive brain stimulation for adolescent bipolar depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis | International Journal of Bipolar Disorders | Springer Nature Link

Original Source(s)

Distinct patterns of default mode network functional connectivity between adolescents with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder

  • by Yuxi Wang, Pengyu Zhu, Jialin Xiang, Junchen Gu, Xiong Chen, Fang Chen, Lulu Zou, Fuyi Qin, Dan Cheng, Dong Guan, Kun Qin, Chunqi Ai, Wen Chen

  • June 30, 2026

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