The neuropathologic basis of major affective disorders: neuroanatomic insights.

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.