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Our research focuses on molecular alterations that underlie differences which can be observed via non-invasive methods of brain imaging. These methods consist of macroscopic anatomical assessments of cortical thickness and other measures of atrophy in areas, that subserve crucial functions involved in affective psychiatric diseases.
Such areas can be defined by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) either under certain experimental tasks or conditions or under rest. Resting State fMRI allows for a unique and unbiased observation of functional connectivity and fluctuations of brain activity at rest. Connectivity between relevant brain regions is further investigated at the anatomical level using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
To get a better understanding of potentially dysbalanced metabolites or transmitters, we use magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) especially in these regions that show either anatomical or functional deficits. This allows not only to develop future biomarkers predicting subsequent progress on the basis of subtle biochemical changes but it may also lead towards therapeutical interventions that can be related to a specific molecular deficit under certain psychopathological conditions.
