To Predict the Recurrence of Major Depressive Disorder Within an Integrated Bio-Psycho-Social Framework---A Follow-up Study

Major depressive disorder causes a substantial distress through its high recurrent rate. To explore factors contributing to the recurrence of major depressive disorder might be clinically significant. Factors associated with the recurrence of major depressive disorder may involve bio-psycho-social aspects. Thus, in this integrative project, we try to collaborate with experts from different background including biology, engineering, humanities and clinical medicine to explore and establish the predict model of the recurrence of major depressive disorder. We may use the quantitative RT-PCR to analyze the gene of biological rhythm and the polymorphism of BDNF Val66Met in the peripheral lymphocytes. The techniques of engineering will be applied to establish the adaptive non-linear analysis of the interaction between activity of electroencephalogram (EEG) and the autonomic nervous system. Besides, we will utilize the advanced neuroimaging skills to detect the change of nerve bundles link of white matter in the brain. We also try to explore the circadian rhythm of patients with major depressive disorder and apply bright light therapy to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Furthermore, we will explore the patients’ social support networks and its impact on the recurrence of major depressive disorder. This integrative project aims to explore factors related to the recurrence of major depressive disorder based on a comprehensive viewpoint and hopefully, will pave the way to further studies and contribute to effective interventions.