Default mode network (DMN)

The Default mode network (DMN) is a large-scale, intrinsic resting-state brain network comprising primarily the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus, and lateral parietal cortex, with additional contributions from subcortical structures like the thalamus and basal forebrain. The DMN demonstrates heightened activity during internally focused cognitive processes, such as autobiographical memory, future planning, social cognition, and self-reflection, and is relatively suppressed during externally oriented, attention-demanding tasks. Disruptions in DMN connectivity are implicated in several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, major depression, and autism. The DMN is not a druggable molecular target, but its activity is often assessed in clinical research studying neurological and psychiatric illness.

Other names

Default networkDefault state networkMedial frontoparietal network (M-FPN)Task-negative network

Not applicable as a molecular target; however, modulation (e.g., increased or decreased DMN coupling/disruption) is observed in response to psychoactive drugs (e.g., psilocybin).