Structural and functional neuroimaging studies of the suicidal brain
S Desmyter1, C van Heeringen, K Audenaert
1University Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. stefanie.desmyter@ugent.be
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry
|January 11, 2011
Summary
Neuroimaging studies reveal limited consensus on structural brain differences in suicidal individuals. Functional imaging suggests reduced prefrontal cortex activity and altered neurotransmitter binding in suicidal patients, highlighting potential neurobiological underpinnings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Radiology
Background:
- Suicidality presents a significant healthcare challenge with limited understanding of its neurobiological basis.
- Cognitive differences in suicidal patients suggest underlying neurobiological alterations.
- Brain imaging offers non-invasive in vivo assessment of brain structure, function, and molecular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize findings from neuroimaging studies investigating the suicidal brain.
- To classify and analyze results from structural and functional neuroimaging modalities.
- To identify consensus and discrepancies in the neurobiological correlates of suicidality.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neuroimaging studies including Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT), and functional MRI (fMRI).
- Classification of studies into structural and functional imaging categories.
- Analysis of findings related to brain structure, regional perfusion, neurotransmitter transporter, and receptor binding.
Main Results:
- No significant structural differences were found using CT. MRI studies showed inconsistent results, with trends towards white and grey matter hyperintensities and reduced volumes in frontal and temporal lobes.
- Functional imaging commonly revealed decreased prefrontal cortex perfusion in resting and activated states. Altered metabolism in the prefrontal cortex correlated with suicide attempt lethality.
- Limited evidence on serotonin transporter (SERT) and dopamine transporter (DAT) binding showed no significant differences in binding potential, but correlations with impulsivity and mental energy were noted. Reduced 5-HT(2A) binding was observed in recent suicide attempters.
Conclusions:
- There is no established consensus on structural neuroimaging findings in the suicidal brain.
- Functional neuroimaging suggests impaired prefrontal cortex activity and potential alterations in neurotransmitter systems.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex neurobiological underpinnings of suicidality.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Brain Imaging
Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
01:15Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...