Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI): additional methods for psychiatric research

In psychiatric research, there is a growing interest in the microstructural and functional characteristics of brain networks, which often form the bas is of current etiological concepts. As a result of novel magnetic resonance imaging techniques, the pathogenic characteristics of neuronal activity an d connectivity can be examined in a noninvasive, safe, and repeatable manne r. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) uses blood oxygenation leve l-dependent (BOLD) measures for identifying the gray matter contribution to cognition. Diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) reveals the course and structural integrity of white matter projections. Because DTI does not require specia l motivation and performance, group differences in psychiatry are more easi ly interpreted in terms of underlying pathology. To date few studies have t ried to investigate both, i.e. dynamic and microstructural data in the sens e of a modern multi-dimensional investigation approach. The combination of both techniques, however, seems to offer a promising vehicle to further ext ent our current understanding of mental disorders and to identify populatio ns at risk. In addition to addressing findings in psychiatric research, the present article presents a technical overview of DTI and examines the limi tations and potential applications of both techniques.