Higher-order interactions in functional brain networks in major depressive disorder

Neuroscience explores the anatomy, function and development of the central and peripheral nervous system. Neuroscientists lately study functional brain networks to understand mental disorders like depression. Analysis of these networks can aid in diagnosing depression. Q-analysis, a higher-order interaction approach, may be more effective in identifying brain regions relevant to depression, compared to the standard paired approach. This study examined functional brain networks, by using higher-order interaction approach with Q-analysis method, in depressed patients and healthy subjects using fMRI data. Results indicated fewer and weaker higher-order interactions in depressed patients compared to controls. Modularity and clustering were also reduce in depression. These findings highlight the importance of studying higher-order interactions in functional brain networks for diagnosing and understanding depression.