PSYCH 025: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy: Basic Principles and Recent Findings in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Clinical Deep Dives · Jun 9, 2026 · 1h 4m

Much of psychiatry has historically relied on inference - understanding brain function indirectly through behaviour and experience. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, including MRI and spectroscopy, have transformed this landscape, allowing us to visualise both structure and chemistry in vivo.

In this episode, we explore the principles underlying magnetic resonance imaging - how magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals are used to generate detailed images of brain anatomy. We then move beyond structure to spectroscopy, which provides insight into the brain’s biochemical…