The Journey of the Default Mode Network: Development, Function, and Impact on Mental Health
Biology April 1, 2025 F. R. Azarias, Gustavo Henrique Doná Rodrigues Almeida, Luana Felix de Melo et al.
The Default Mode Network (DMN) is a brain network active during rest, supporting self-reflection, emotional processing, social interaction, and mental exploration. It is not exclusive to humans and appears in non-human animals, indicating evolutionary importance. The DMN shapes cognitive and emotional abilities during childhood and adolescence and continues to influence brain function through adulthood. Understanding the DMN's structural, functional, and evolutionary aspects can deepen knowledge of how the brain supports thinking, behavior, and mental health, potentially leading to more effective treatments for neuropsychiatric conditions.