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Behavioral Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder and its Treatment pp 227–245Cite as

Functional Neuroimaging Research in Bipolar Disorder

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Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 5))

Abstract

Functional neuroimaging techniques have been important research tools in the study of bipolar disorder (BPD). These methods provide measures of regional brain functioning that reflect the mental state at the time of scanning and have helped to elucidate both state and trait features of BPD. This chapter will review converging functional neuroimaging evidence implicating state and trait dysfunction in a ventral prefrontal cortex–amygdala neural system in BPD. Emerging evidence that suggests a developmental progression in dysfunction in this neural system over the course of adolescence will be considered. Finally, new research approaches that have begun to reveal the contribution of specific genetic mechanisms to regional dysfunction in the disorder, potential salutary effects of medications, and structure–function relationships will be discussed.

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Abbreviations

ACC:

Anterior cingulate cortex

AdolBPD:

Adolescents with BPD

BOLD:

Blood oxygen level dependent

BPD:

Bipolar disorder

dlPFC:

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

DTI:

Diffusion tensor imaging

fMRI:

Functional MRI

MRI:

Magnetic resonance imaging

OFC:

Orbitofrontal cortex

PET:

Positron emission tomography

PFC:

Prefrontal cortex

rCBF:

Regional cerebral blood flow

vACC:

Ventral anterior cingulate cortex

vPFC:

Ventral prefrontal cortex

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA

    Benjamin N. Blond & Hilary P. Blumberg

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  1. Benjamin N. Blond
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  2. Hilary P. Blumberg
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Correspondence to Hilary P. Blumberg .

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  1. Research & Development, LLC, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical, Trenton-Habourton Road 1125, Titusville, 08560, New Jersey, USA

    Husseini K. Manji

  2. Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Res. Center, Lab. of Molecular Pathophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Center Drive 10, Bethesda, 20892, Maryland, USA

    Carlos A. Zarate Jr.

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Blond, B.N., Blumberg, H.P. (2010). Functional Neuroimaging Research in Bipolar Disorder. In: Manji, H., Zarate Jr., C. (eds) Behavioral Neurobiology of Bipolar Disorder and its Treatment. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 5. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2010_67

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