Attempts to elucidate the pathophysiology of symptom production in mood
disorders can be enhanced by information from two sources. First, insights
into localization can be gained from the secondary mood disorders; these
clinical problems suggest the brain regions that, when altered, are
associated with specific symptoms. Second, both structural and functional
brain imaging suggest specific regions where abnormalities are associated
with mood disorders. Data that emerge from these sources implicate the
basal ganglia, frontal cortex, and temporal lobes in the production of mood
disorder symptoms. However, the specific neuroanatomic subregions involved
and the associated biochemical changes await full elucidation.Abstract Teaser