ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the difference of resting-state default-mode network functional connectivity in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and in healthy subjects. Methods Ten patients with TRD and 12 healthy control subjects underwent 440 s fMRI scans while resting quietly. Functional connectivity analysis was used to isolate the default mode network in each subject. Group maps of the default-mode network were generated and compared between the two groups. A within-group analysis was performed in the depressed group to explore effects of depression refractoriness on network functional connectivity. Results Functional connectivity of both side of middle temporal gyrus, rectal gyrus, precuneus gray matter, left orbital gyrus, right inferior parietal lobule, and post cingulate gyrus in TRD group weakened compared with that of the control subjects. Conclusion There are resting default network connection weakening in multiple brain areas in TRD patients, which may lead to self-control and emotional behavior abnormal in patients.