Abstract
Objective:
Usage of both structural and functional neuroimaging in evaluation of psychiatric disorders has been increasing in recent years. The aim of this article is to review the neuroimaging data about the most intensely studied child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.
Method:
Neuroimaging studies on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and chilhood-onset schizophrenia were searched from the literature and their findings were discussed.
Results:
In many studies structural and functional abnormalities were detected in fronto-striatal-thalamocortical loop and cerebellum in ADHD and temporal region in autism. Most consistent finding in chilhood-onset schizophrenia was decreased brain and cortical grey matter volumes and increased ventricular volumes.
Discussion:
There are no specific and consistent neuroimaging findings about child and adolescent psychiatric disorders yet. Although they are not used as diagnostic tools, neuroimaging studies play an important role in elucidating pathophysiologic mechanisms of psychiatric disorders.
Keywords: Neuroimaging, child, adolescent, psychiatry
