Longitudinal MR study of brain structure and hippocampus volume in major depressive disorder.

Objective: To determine whether long-term course of treated major depression has an effect on the structure of the brain and the hippocampal volume.

Method: An 11-year follow-up procedure was used with data collection at baseline and again at follow-up. Tensor-based morphometry (TBM) and automatic hippocampal volume measure was performed on different datasets.

Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation inferior to electroconvulsive therapy in treating depression.

Objectives: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a potential new antidepressant method and alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The efficacy of right prefrontal low-frequency rTMS was shown in a previous placebo-controlled, randomized study but has never been compared with ECT. The aim of this study was to compare the antidepressant efficacy and adverse effects of right prefrontal low-frequency rTMS with that of ECT.

Hippocampal visuospatial function and volume in remitted depressed patients: an 8-year follow-up study.

Background: Several lines of evidence suggest hippocampal dysfunction in major depression, but the prevalence and nature of specific dysfunctions during the long-term course of major depression is yet to be assessed. A 3D virtual environment navigation task and measurements of hippocampal volume were assessed in remitted former inpatients with moderate to severe depression after an 8 year follow-up period to evaluate whether functional and structural differences existed in the hippocampus beyond depression.

Methods: Performance on a right hippocampus-dependent 3D virtual reality navigation task, memory tests and right and left hippocampal volumes were assessed in 31 remitted depressed (unipolar) patients and 37 healthy subjects.

[Cognitive symptoms of depression--importance for treatment and prognosis].

Depression is often accompanied by cognitive disturbances, and by focusing on these deficits practitioners can obtain important information about the status of the disease and the prognosis of the patient. From this perspective, patients may also gain useful insight into their own condition. Medical and psychological treatment interventions can be applied on different levels particularly in relation to the cognitive symptoms of depression.

Hippocampal volume and depression: a meta-analysis of MRI studies.

Objective: Several studies have found reduced hippocampal volume in patients with unipolar depression, but discrepancies exist. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of volumetric studies of the hippocampus in patients with mood disorders.

Method: Studies of hippocampal volume in unipolar and bipolar patients were identified.