Schizophrenia: A review of neuroimaging techniques and findings

Abstract: Neuroimaging has been used in schizophrenia since the invention of computed tomography and new modalities are introduced as technology advances. Magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, diffusion tensor imaging, functional magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide imaging are such techniques that are currently used in neuroimaging. Although neuroimaging is an indispensible tool for psychiatric reseach, its clinical utility is questionable until new modalities become more accessible and regularly used in clinical practice. The aim of this paper is to provide clinicians with an introductory knowledge on neuroimaging in schizophrenia including basic physics principles, current contributions to general understanding and treatment of schizophrenia and possible future applications of neuroimaging. Keywords: Schizophrenia, Neuroimaging, CT, MRI, Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fMRI, Diffusion tensor imaging, SPECT, PET.