Neuroimaging and neurophysiologic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder: an evidence map - Report - MDSpire

Neuroimaging and neurophysiologic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder: an evidence map

  • By

  • Catherine Sowerby

  • Adrienne Landsteiner

  • Kristen Ullman

  • Maylen Anthony

  • Caleb Kalinowski

  • Michele R. Spoont

  • Scott Sponheim

  • Kelvin Lim

  • Jose V. Pardo

  • Timothy J. Wilt

  • Wei Duan-Porter

  • May 6, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Neuroimaging and Neurophysiological Markers in Mental Health

Overview

This report reviews the use of neuroimaging and neurophysiological biomarkers for diagnosing and prognosing mood disorders, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and substance use disorders. It highlights the current evidence base, gaps in research, and the need for further studies to translate findings into clinical practice.

Background

The integration of precision medicine in mental health aims to enhance diagnosis and treatment through biomarkers. Neuroimaging techniques have shown promise in identifying these biomarkers, yet challenges remain in their clinical application due to symptom overlap and heterogeneity among psychiatric disorders. Understanding the state of research in this area is crucial for advancing mental health care.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Neuroimaging and neurophysiological assessments have potential for improving diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
  • Current studies show variability in the quality and characteristics of evidence regarding these biomarkers.
  • Challenges in clinical application include the need for larger studies and standardized methodologies.
  • Precision medicine approaches are being explored to personalize mental health treatment.
  • Ongoing research initiatives, such as the UK Biobank, aim to enhance the understanding of psychiatric disorders through neuroimaging.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the evolving role of neuroimaging and neurophysiological markers in mental health diagnosis and treatment. While promising, these tools require further validation and standardization before they can be routinely integrated into clinical practice.

Conclusion

The evidence review underscores the potential of neuroimaging and neurophysiological biomarkers in mental health, while also highlighting significant gaps that need to be addressed through future research.

Related Resources & Content

  1. VA Evidence Synthesis Program, 2023 -- Neuroimaging and Neurophysiological Markers for Mental Health
  2. Brain — Deficits in Associative Learning Among Individuals with Unipolar and Bipolar Depression
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Comparative Analysis of Brain Activity in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Insights from a Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
  4. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Associations of Multi-Voxel MR Spectroscopy Findings with EEG Network Hyperexcitability and Clinical Features in Borderline Personality Disorder
  5. Brain — Abnormalities in Associative Learning in Treatment-Resistant Recurrent Unipolar and Bipolar Depression
  6. VA/DoD Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder Guideline Summary
  7. Structural Covariance of Early Visual Cortex Is Negatively Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms
  8. Predicting Antidepressant Treatment Response From Cortical Structure on MRI: A Mega-Analysis From the ENIGMA-MDD Working Group - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Neuroimaging and neurophysiologic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder: an evidence map

  • by Catherine Sowerby, Adrienne Landsteiner, Kristen Ullman, Maylen Anthony, Caleb Kalinowski, Michele R. Spoont, Scott Sponheim, Kelvin Lim, Jose V. Pardo, Timothy J. Wilt, Wei Duan-Porter

  • May 6, 2026

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