Abstract
Functional neuroimaging methods (PET, SPECT,fMRI and dynamic CT reveal changes in brain metabolism, perfusion and neurotransmitter activity. For the correct evaluation and interpretation of these findings it is necessary to
1) standardize the methodology and acquisition to get reliable and comparable data,
2) set up an extensive interdisciplinary co-operation between physicists, biochemicists, radiologists, psychologists, psychiatrists and other neuroscientists,
3) monitor physiological changes due to gender, age, laterality and other interindividual factors,
4) make systematic research of psychoactive substances, cognitive and emotional task effects in healthy and mentally ill subjects,
5) prospectively monitor patients during different phases of illness as well as before and after the treatment.