Visual imaging in psychiatry.

Although they have not yet profoundly affected the clinical practice of psychiatry, five new imaging techniques--computed tomography, brain electrical activity mapping, cerebral blood flow techniques, positron emission tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance--show promise for furthering knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric patients. Through a survey of the literature, the authors discuss the applicability of each technique to the study of certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia; the latest research findings produced by studies using the techniques; the advantages and disadvantages, if any, of each technique; and the potential role for each technique in the field of psychiatry.