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Neurochemical brain imaging studies in bipolar disorder

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

Lakshmi N. Yatham  and
Gin S. Malhi
Lakshmi N. Yatham*
Affiliation:
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Gin S. Malhi
Affiliation:
University of New South Wales, Mood Disorders Unit, Sydney, Australia
*
Lakshmi N. Yatham MBBS FRCPC, University of British Columbia, Department of Psychiatry, UBC Hospital, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 2A1. Tel: (604) 822-7325; Fax: (604) 822-7922; Email: yatham@interchange.ubc.ca
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Abstract

Objective:

We reviewed the neurochemical brain imaging literature in bipolar disorder to synthesize the findings and provide directions for future research.

Methods:

Relevant articles were retrieved by computerized Medline Ovid search (up to and including 2002) and complemented by bibliographic manual searches of reviews known to the authors.

Results:

PET and SPECT studies in bipolar disorder have identified changes in various aspects of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. Ligands for other neurotransmitters are actively being pursued. Spectroscopy studies have utilized a number of MRS-sensitive nuclei to chemically ‘biopsy’ the brain of patients with bipolar disorder. Few consistent findings are emerging, however, the majority of nuclei that can be measured are not directly related to the pathophysiology of the disorder.

Conclusions:

Brain imaging has the potential to unravel the neurochemical underpinnings of bipolar disorder, however, there is a continuing need for clinical, technical and methodological sophistication.

Keywords

PETSPECTMRSbipolar disorderaffective disorder
Type
Research Article
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 15 , Issue 6 , December 2003 , pp. 381 - 387
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 Blackwell Munksgaard

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