ISMRM SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP ~ 13-16 October 2011
 

Neuroimaging Biomarkers of Psychiatric Disorders:
What are They?
 Hotel Schloss Montabaur, Montabaur, Germany

 

OVERVIEW
The workshop program will focus on the critical evaluation of some of the most promising neuroimaging biomarkers of psychiatric disorders, with emphasis on establishing the potential utility of either an individual or a composite neuroimaging modality to enable objective disease diagnosis, progression monitoring and/or assessment of response to emerging treatment strategies. Another emphasis will be to reach out beyond MR-based biomarkers by exploring the potential of other imaging modalities (PET/MEG/EEG), either individually or in combination with MR methods, for objective assessment of neurochemical, structural and functional integrity. The format will include both educational and topical presentations describing current leading-edge neuroimaging modalities, with the aim to enhance mutual understanding and bridge knowledge gaps across various areas of psychiatric and neuroscience research. Abstracts will be solicited for possible inclusion as either short proffered presentations or as posters. Invited presenters will include seasoned researchers in their respective areas of neuroimaging research as well as junior scientists from around the world.
 

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of the meeting participants should be able to:

  • Describe the most consistent and promising neuroimaging findings in psychiatric disorders;

  • List currently available established or emerging neuroimaging biomarkers for psychiatric disorders;

  • Compare the advantages and challenges of combining various imaging methods;

  • Explain the appropriate use of neuroimaging methods in individualized treatment of psychiatric disorders;

  • Identify methodologies and techniques appropriate for assessing neurochemical, structural and functional integrity in psychiatric disorders; and

  • Design high quality single or multimodal imaging studies in psychiatric disorders.
 

AUDIENCE DESCRIPTION
This workshop is designed for basic scientists and physicians using neuroimaging (MR, PET) in psychiatry research, and psychiatrists who seek to expand the role of imaging methods in their work. A familiarity with basic concepts will be important, and the content will be presented at an intermediate to advanced level.