Functional magnetic resonance imaging

Explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying major mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Discuss genetic, neurochemical, and neuroanatomical factors implicated in the etiology and pathophysiology of these disorders, including neurotransmitter dysregulation, synaptic pruning, and structural brain abnormalities. Analyze the role of environmental stressors, prenatal insults, and gene-environment interactions in shaping vulnerability to mental illness. Evaluate neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), in elucidating brain circuits and biomarkers associated with psychiatric disorders, and their potential for informing diagnostic classification and treatment development.