Project Summary

Kelly N. Botteron, M.D. (Independent Investigator 2005) of Washington University, proposes using a new imaging technology called diffusion tensor imaging, DTI, to study brain structure in early-onset mood disorders. Anatomical MRI imaging, Dr. Botteron says, has demonstrated structural differences in specific prefrontal limbic brain structures in early-onset mood disorders, including both bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder (MDD). These changes seem to represent cortical and subcortical gray matter decreases in specific regions. Other studies have shown abnormalities in white matter in subjects with bipolar disorder and late onset MDD, however little is known about white matter integrity in early onset MDD. DTI is a new technique that allows study of white matter integrity and the organization of white matter tracts between regions. One report using DTI showed differences in prefrontal regions between controls and adults with bipolar disease. In this study, Dr. Botteron will use DTI in large cohort of twins, between 10 and 24 years old, to study early-onset MDD. No studies, to date, have been published about early-onset mood disorders using DTI.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Unipolar/Bipolar

Search Again