MRI signs of mental disorders

Abstract

Radiology methods were believed to be used to assess only structural changes in the brain. Therefore, for a long time, their use in psychiatry was seen ineffective. However, the subsequent development and emergence of new visualization techniques led to the appearance of previously inaccessible opportunities. In modern psychiatric practice magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), taskbased functional MRI (fMRI) and resting state fMRI are methods of the greatest interest. Both structural and functional changes of brain can be assessed with these techniques. Using MRI with high spatial resolution, it’s possible to assess changes in the gray matter of the brain, including its regional volume, cortical thickness, shape of the convolutions and subcortical structures. With the use of fMRI it became possible to evaluate neural activity and neural circuits of the brain. In task-based fMRI patient complete certain tasks, which leads to an increase in blood supply and oxygenation of activated parts of the brain. Resting MRI, on the other hand, evaluates spontaneous fluctuations in the brain activity. Although the diagnosis of mental illness is not based on MRI alone, imaging techniques can facilitate the process. MR-signs such as hypo- or hyperactivation of brain areas, an increase or decrease in the volume of brain zones can be observed. The text describes examples of MR-characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and MR-features of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis.