J Neurosci Cogn Stud | Volume 3, Issue 1 | Review Article | Open Access

In Pursuit of Non-Invasive Psychopharmacology: Developing fNIRS Repertoire

Denis Larrivee^1,2*

¹Department of Psychiatry, Loyola University Chicago, USA
²Department of Brain, University of Navarra Medical School, Spain

^*Correspondance to: Denis Larrivee 

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Abstract

The need for objective physical criteria in psychiatric diagnosis has greatly increased the use of imaging and electrical recording that can monitor brain activity. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has assumed a dominant role in evaluation due to its relatively high spatial resolution; however, supporting technologies are increasingly important adjuncts that offer important confirmatory determinations. Among these Functional Near Infrared Imaging Spectroscopy (fNIRS) has proved valuable for its ability to monitor brain activity in mobile patients, the capacity to measure both oxygenated deoxygenated forms of hemoglobin, and relatively low cost. Due to current technological and biological constraints the technique's theoretical potential for improved spatial resolution and compositional analysis remains latent, however, which potentially could exceed that of fMRI in functional analysis. A cluster of new experimental methods for improving light delivery and sampling suggest that prospects for developing this latent ability and for assessing functional connectivity and psychopharmacological variables is likely to be positive.

Citation:

Larrivee D. In Pursuit of Non-Invasive Psychopharmacology: Developing fNIRS Repertoire. J Neurosci Cogn Stud. 2019; 3(1): 1012.