Visual Imaging in Psychiatry

Although they have not yet profoundly affected the clinical practice of psycbiatry, 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 ofcertain 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.