Magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies of pediatric mood disorders: a selective review.
OBJECTIVE
This review article presents a summary of the recent magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies of pediatric mood disorders.


RESULTS
Magnetic resonance imaging is a promising tool for investigating the biologic substrates of neuropsychiatric disorders without the use of ionizing radiation. This novel technique has been recently applied to pediatric patients with mood disorders. Structural, chemical, and functional abnormalities in pediatric patients with mood disorders have been reported.


CONCLUSIONS
To date, only modest numbers of pediatric studies using magnetic resonance imaging have been conducted. Most of these studies have small sample sizes and heterogeneous subject groups. These studies have provided important information regarding the underlying neuro-circuitry and pathophysiology of these complex and disabling disorders, however.
Unal
Sencan Solay
SS
Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55906, USA. solay@mayo.edu
Port
John D
JD
Mrazek
David A
DA
D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*