Neuroimaging and genetics of bipolar disorders

作者：Bermpohl F^*; Heinz A; Walter H

来源：Nervenheilkunde, 2011, 30(5): 313-319.

• Mania
• depression
• magnetic resonance imaging
• genome-wide association studies

Despite of the high prevalence and morbidity of bipolar disorders, little is known about the underlying neurobiology. Here we review recent neuroimaging and genetics studies of bipolar disorders. The review includes structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging studies, positron emission tomography studies, genome-wide association studies, and imaging genetics studies. Overall, the results of these studies suggest a dysfunction of the emotion network of the brain in patients with bipolar disorders. Hyperactivity of the ventral emotion system has been associated with affective symptoms like euphoric or depressed mood states. Hypoactivity of the dorsal emotion system may account for impairments of executive functions and emotion regulation. The studies reported improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of bipolar disorders. Future clinical applications may include detection of individuals at risk, improvement of diagnostic accuracy, identification of subtypes, individualized treatment, outcome prediction and development of novel therapies.

• 出版日期2011