Brain development and the onset of depression in youth

Depression is one of the most common and disabling human health problems worldwide. Depression most often starts in adolescence or in early adulthood, at a time when a rapid phase of brain development is culminating. Mapping brain development through adolescence may help predict which youth are at risk. Pinpointing the timing and nature of the brain characteristics preceding depression will help us understand how and why depression develops. We have completed accurate brain scans in 200 youth at increased risk for depression. We will follow these youth for three years to find out which aspects of the developing brain predict depression. It is important to confirm that brain findings can be reproduced. Therefore, we will also scan a second group of 200 youth and follow them for three years. We will test each finding from the first group in the second group. Analysis of repeat brain scans across the two groups will help us map the areas of the brain that are important and pinpoint the age when the brain development in those who are going to get depression diverges from those who are going to remain healthy. The results will be used to develop a model of depression development and framework for early identification of youth who may benefit from preventive interventions.