A new type of depression has been named

'More people can get better sooner'

Scientists from Stanford University have identified a new subtype of depression. Image: Getty

Research from Stanford University has uncovered a new subsect of depression, in a development that means more people with major depressive disorders can be properly diagnosed. 

Scientists from Stanford University have identified a new subtype of depression, they're calling the cognitive biotype. 

While symptoms differ slightly from the conventional understanding of depression, this advancement could mean those suffering from more pronounced cognitive dysregulation can finally understand why current treatments have failed to relieve symptoms – along with how best to properly treat them.

Like what you see? Sign up to our bodyandsoul.com.au newsletter for more stories like this.

According to the researchers, 27 per cent of depression sufferers in the US alone fall under the new cognitive biotype subtype, making up around five million people.

Characterised by behaviours such as lack of self-control, difficulty planning ahead, and poor focus, the research team used surveys, tests and brain imaging to chart the 712 participants with major depressive disorders.

Prior to the study, all participants were all unmedicated. They were then given one of three common antidepressants – escitalopram and sertraline, which act on serotonin, and venlafaxine-XR, which acts on both serotonin and norepinephrine.

PIC 

“Depression presents in different ways in different people, but finding commonalities – like similar profiles of brain function – helps medical professionals effectively treat participants by individualising care,” said Leanne Williams, senior author and professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences told New Atlas after the findings were published.

After eight weeks, the team found that 27 per cent of participants had more significant cognitive impairment and reduced activity in specific frontal brain areas – namely, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate regions. They also showed the least improvement from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), widely used antidepressants.

“This study is crucial because psychiatrists have few measurement tools for depression to help make treatment decisions,” said Dr Laura Hack, lead author of the study and an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences.

“It’s mostly making observations and self-report measures. Imaging while performing cognitive tasks is rather novel in depression treatment studies.”

According to the researchers, 27 per cent of depression sufferers in the US alone fall under the new subtype. Image: Getty

The researchers' aim now, is for a test to be developed to pick up on the subtype, so the patient can undergo the best possible treatment for them.

“One of the big challenges is to find a new way to address what is currently a trial-and-error process so that more people can get better sooner,” Williams added. “Bringing in these objective cognitive measures like imaging will make sure we’re not using the same treatment on every patient.”

Given the symptoms of the cognitive subtype, it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that instances often align with ADHD – another reason why Hack insists on further investigation into the new subtype.

“I regularly witness the suffering, the loss of hope and the increase in suicidality that occurs when people are going through our trial-and-error process,” Hack said. “And it’s because we start with medications that have the same mechanism of action for everyone with depression, even though depression is quite heterogeneous. I think this study could help change that.”

Originally published as A new type of depression has been named