Project Summary

Gwenn Smith, Ph.D. (Independent Investigator 2003) of Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, will use the brain imaging method, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), to measure changes in brain glucose metabolism (as an index of brain function) and concentrations of the receptors for the neurotransmitter dopamine (D2 subtype) in patients with psychotic depression and to evaluate the effects of mifepristone treatment on these brain chemicals. Dr. Smith hypothesizes that after mifepristone treatment, patients with psychotic depression will demonstrate increased brain metabolism in cortical and limbic structures and increased dopamine (D2) receptor binding, indicative of decreased dopamine concentrations. A better understanding of the neurobiological substrates of psychotic depression will inform the development of more effective treatments and will improve clinical management.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Psychotic Major Depression

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