The study of neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders using magnetic resonance imaging

This paper reviews the current evidence from imaging studies for biological abnormalities in the neurodevelopmental disorders of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) and major depression. Although these disorders differ in their behavioural manifestations, they have all been associated with abnormalities in fronto-striatal and fronto-cerebellar networks. The frontal lobes and their connections develop relatively late and are more susceptible to abnormal development. Although there is an overlap between these disorders in impairment of frontal and striatal brain regions, there is also evidence for disorder-specific differences regarding the exact anatomical location, laterality, and developmental trajectories of these abnormalities.