Abstract
Background Cognitive impairment is a key characteristic of depression. While sex differences in various aspects of depression have been well-documented, fewer studies investigated gender differences in abnormal brain region activation during specific cognitive tasks. This study aimed to explore sex differences in cognitive deficits using fNIRS technology, providing neurobiological evidence for gender-specific therapy approaches.
Methods 853 young adults participated in the study, 422 healthy individuals (224 male, 198 female) and 431 individuals with depression (233 male, 198 female). The average oxyhemoglobin levels in the prefrontal cortex were measured using a 53-channel fNIRS imaging device.
Results Compared to male healthy controls, lower oxyhemoglobin activation was observed in the male depression group in the frontopolar cortex, Broca's area, and left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Similarly, lower oxyhemoglobin activation was found in the female depression group in the right BA, FPC, and left dlPFC compared to female healthy controls. Additionally, a significant difference in oxyhemoglobin activation was noted between male and female depression groups in the left and right dlPFC.
Conclusion Females and males had similar but unique prefrontal brain activations. FPC and BA may be the shared neural basis, whereas dlPFC may be distinct underlying physiological mechanisms for depression between genders.