Valizadeh P, Cattarinussi G, Sambataro F, Brambilla P, Delvecchio G. Neuroimaging alterations associated with medication use in early-onset bipolar disorder: An updated review.
J Affect Disord 2023;
339:984-997. [PMID:
37481130 DOI:
10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.098]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) is a severe disorder characterized by mood fluctuations starting at a young age. Several neuroimaging studies revealed a specific biological signature of PBD involving alterations in the amygdala and prefrontal regions. Considering the growing concerns regarding the effects of PBD treatments on developing brains, this review aims to provide an overview of the studies investigating the effect of mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anticonvulsants on neuroimaging findings in PBD.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify all structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies exploring the effects of medications on neuroimaging findings in PBD. A total of 18 studies met our inclusion criteria (fMRI n = 11, sMRI n = 6, DTI n = 1).
RESULTS
Although the findings varied highly across the studies, some investigations consistently indicated that medications primarily affect the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. Moreover, despite some exceptions, the reported medication effects predominantly lean towards structural and functional normalization.
LIMITATIONS
The reviewed studies differ in methods, medications, and fMRI paradigms. Furthermore, most studies used observational approaches with small sample sizes, minimizing the statistical power.
CONCLUSIONS
Evidence suggests the potential of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers to modulate the neuroimaging findings in PBD patients, mostly normalizing brain structure and function in key mood-regulating regions.
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