SYDNEY, April 7 (Xinhua) -- Neuroscientists in Australia say distinctive brain activity patterns linked to childhood maltreatment could help pave the way for more objective diagnosis and treatment of depression.

Researchers at Australia's University of New England (UNE) found three distinctive brain patterns among people who suffered childhood maltreatment and depression, according to a UNE statement released Tuesday.

Based on the comprehensive review of existing research on the topic, the analysis found that individuals affected by the condition were more likely to exhibit altered brain wave activity, an imbalance between the brain's left and right frontal brain regions, and disruptions in brain areas responsible for emotional processing.

"Childhood maltreatment and depression are serious global issues with high prevalence and lifelong impacts on physical and mental health," said PhD candidate Christopher Watson at UNE, who led the study to address critical gaps in the knowledge.

"Experiencing childhood maltreatment has been shown to increase an individual's risk of developing depression in adulthood by two-and-a-half times; however, very little is known about the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of this association," Watson said.

The UNE Brain Behavior Research Group is now expanding the work through PROFILE-D, a large regional mental health study examining immunological, hormonal, psychological, relationship and brain-based profiles among local residents, the statement said.

Using electroencephalography (EEG), researchers are recording brain activity from about 300 volunteers, some of whom have experienced childhood maltreatment and depression.

"Through this, we'll be looking for biomarkers that have the potential to create a more objective approach to depression diagnosis, improving the existing subjective self-report and clinical assessment approaches," Watson said. ■