Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate neurobiological markers and gender difference for diagnosing anxious major depressive disorder (aMDD) through a meta-analysis. METHODS: We systematically searched multiple databases for whole-brain neuroimaging studies comparing anxious major depression disorder (aMDD), pure MDD, and healthy controls, with publication dates through December 2024. We extracted brain coordinates and their corresponding peaks, for further analysis using the Seed-based d Mapping software package. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included in this study, encompassing 829 aMDD patients, 681 MDD patients, and 865 healthy controls. The meta-analysis revealed that aMDD patients exhibited increased functional alteration in the left middle temporal gyrus compared to individuals diagnosed with MDD. In the comparison between individuals with aMDD and healthy controls, the meta-analysis revealed increased functional alteration in the anterior commissure and decreased functional alteration the right middle frontal gyrus. Furthermore, the meta-regression analysis revealed heightened neural activity of the left middle cingulate gyrus and right anterior thalamic regions, as well as weakened neural activity of the left rolandic operculum in females with aMDD compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We identified specific functional alterations in brain regions that may serve as potential neurobiological markers for aMDD and associated differences.