title: Neurochemical brain imaging studies in bipolar disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We reviewed the neurochemical brain imaging literature in bipolar disorder to synthesize the findings and provide directions for future research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Relevant articles were retrieved by computerized Medline Ovid search (up to and including 2002) and complemented by bibliographic manual searches of reviews known to the authors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  PET and SPECT studies in bipolar disorder have identified changes in various aspects of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. Ligands for other neurotransmitters are actively being pursued. Spectroscopy studies have utilized a number of MRS-sensitive nuclei to chemically 'biopsy' the brain of patients with bipolar disorder. Few consistent findings are emerging, however, the majority of nuclei that can be measured are not directly related to the pathophysiology of the disorder.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Brain imaging has the potential to unravel the neurochemical underpinnings of bipolar disorder, however, there is a continuing need for clinical, technical and methodological sophistication.
authors.affiliation: 1University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
authors.forename: Lakshmi N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Yatham
authors.affiliation: 2University of New South Wales, Mood Disorders Unit, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: Gin S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Malhi