Brain Imaging Methods in Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are the most common mental illnesses with a lifetime prevalence of up to 20% worldwide (1). Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are significant health problems in the United States and worldwide (2). In the United States alone, the lifetime prevalence of MDD is up to 17%, and that of BD about 2.1% (2) that can go up to 4% of individuals with mood episodes not meeting episodic criteria included. Both are chronic illnesses characterized by recurrent episodes of depression and mania and depression in MDD and BD, respectively. Severe and disabling forms of BD and MDD are associated with increased risk of suicide, decline of physical health, and reduced productivity, and both conditions are associated with high rates of completed suicide of up to 8% (3).