
28/06/2025
Lingering Brain Changes May Raise Depression Relapse Risk
A new brain imaging study reveals that individuals who have recovered from depression may still exhibit abnormal neural responses to negative stimuli.
Specifically, researchers found heightened activity in the habenula—a brain region involved in processing aversive outcomes—when participants anticipated punishment.
This heightened sensitivity persisted even after depressive symptoms had subsided, suggesting a lingering vulnerability.
The study also showed weaker connectivity between the habenula and the brain’s dopamine reward system.
These neural patterns could help explain why relapse rates in depression remain so high, with many patients experiencing a return of symptoms within five years.
Understanding these residual changes may enable more personalized approaches to prevent relapse.
https://neurosciencenews.com/brain-depression-relapse-29363/