Biological psychiatry
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Biological psychiatry · Nov 2011
Multivariate searchlight classification of structural magnetic resonance imaging in children and adolescents with autism.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with a prevalence of nearly 1:100. Structural imaging studies point to disruptions in multiple brain areas, yet the precise neuroanatomical nature of these disruptions remains unclear. Characterization of brain structural differences in children with ASD is critical for development of biomarkers that may eventually be used to improve diagnosis and monitor response to treatment. ⋯ Multiple brain regions, including those belonging to the default mode network, exhibit aberrant structural organization in children with autism. Brain-based biomarkers derived from structural magnetic resonance imaging data may contribute to identification of the neuroanatomical basis of symptom heterogeneity and to the development of targeted early interventions.
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Biological psychiatry · Oct 2011
Comparative StudyAltered temporal difference learning in bulimia nervosa.
The neurobiology of bulimia nervosa (BN) is poorly understood. Recent animal literature suggests that binge eating is associated with altered brain dopamine (DA) reward function. In this study, we wanted to investigate DA-related brain reward learning in BN. ⋯ This is the first study that relates reduced brain DA responses in BN to the altered learning of associations between arbitrary visual stimuli and taste rewards. This attenuated response is related to frequency of binge/purge episodes in BN. The brain DA neurotransmitter system could be an important treatment target for BN.
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Biological psychiatry · Oct 2011
Mapping corticocortical structural integrity in schizophrenia and effects of genetic liability.
Structural and diffusion tensor imaging studies implicate gray and white matter (WM) abnormalities and disruptions of neural circuitry in schizophrenia. However, the structural integrity of the superficial WM, comprising short-range association (U-fibers) and intracortical axons, has not been investigated in schizophrenia. ⋯ Results extend previous findings restricted to deep WM pathways to demonstrate that disturbances in corticocortical connectivity are associated with schizophrenia and might indicate a genetic predisposition for the disorder. Because the structural integrity of WM plays a crucial role in the functionality of networks linking gray matter regions, disturbances in the coherence and organization of fibers at the juncture of the neuropil might relate to features of schizophrenia at least partially attributable to disease-related genetic factors.
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Biological psychiatry · Sep 2011
The AVPR1A gene and substance use disorders: association, replication, and functional evidence.
The liability to addiction has been shown to be highly genetically correlated across drug classes, suggesting nondrug-specific mechanisms. ⋯ The findings of this study call for expansion of research into the role of the arginine vasopressin and other neuropeptide system variation in DUD liability.