Sabine Hellwig1, Katharina Domschke1,2. 1. Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg. 2. Center for NeuroModulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To give an update on recent imaging studies probing positron emission tomography (PET) as a tool for improving biomarker-guided diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: Several studies confirmed the value of imaging of regional neuronal activity and imaging of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and other neuroreceptor function in the diagnostic process of neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, depression/bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Additionally, imaging brain microglial activation using translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) radiotracer allows for unique in-vivo insights into pathophysiological neuroinflammatory changes underlying schizophrenia, affective disorders, and OCD. SUMMARY: The role of PET imaging in the biomarker-guided diagnostic process of neuropsychiatric disorders has been increasingly acknowledged in recent years. Future prospective studies are needed to define the value of PET imaging for diagnosis, treatment decisions, and prognosis in neuropsychiatric disorders.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To give an update on recent imaging studies probing positron emission tomography (PET) as a tool for improving biomarker-guided diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: Several studies confirmed the value of imaging of regional neuronal activity and imaging of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and other neuroreceptor function in the diagnostic process of neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, depression/bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Additionally, imaging brain microglial activation using translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) radiotracer allows for unique in-vivo insights into pathophysiological neuroinflammatory changes underlying schizophrenia, affective disorders, and OCD. SUMMARY: The role of PET imaging in the biomarker-guided diagnostic process of neuropsychiatric disorders has been increasingly acknowledged in recent years. Future prospective studies are needed to define the value of PET imaging for diagnosis, treatment decisions, and prognosis in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Authors: Raffaella Calati; Charles B Nemeroff; Jorge Lopez-Castroman; Lisa J Cohen; Igor Galynker Journal: Int J Neuropsychopharmacol Date: 2020-04-21 Impact factor: 5.176