Applications of MRI to psychopharmacology

Pharmacological functional magnetic resonance (pharmacoMRI or phMRI) refers to the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) after administration of a psychotropic agent [1], but can be defined more broadly as the application of MRI methods to basic and clinical psychopharmacology questions. There has been significant growth in this field over the past decade, with a steady increase in published papers, perhaps attesting to the significant potential of phMRI for advancing psychopharmacological knowledge in important ways [2–9]. In this chapter, we begin by outlining some general issues in phMRI, outlining some of its advantages and limitations. We then go on to illustrate the potential value of phMRI by discussing both animal and clinical work.