Brainstorm: Structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia and depression

Abstract

In this thesis a variety of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder are described. The importance of genetic research by means of twin models, or the search for candidate genes and relating them to brain morphometry is highlighted. Furthermore, evidence is provide to show the importance of longitudinal (MRI) studies when investigating age-related changes or the confounding influences of antipsychotic medication on brain morphometry. In addition, the combination of different MRI techniques such as cortical thickness measurements and voxel-based morphometry can provide a better understanding of what is going on in the brain, not only cortical but also subcortical. Finally, the application of meta-analytic methods in MRI research increases our knowledge of which brain structures are affected, and shows the path to which future research should be directed.