Which of the following findings is most commonly observed in brain scans of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder?

• A. Abnormal activity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala
• B. Significantly reduced hippocampal volume compared to healthy controls
• C. Widespread degeneration of motor neurons
• D. Increased dopamine receptor density in the occipital lobe

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key brain regions involved in bipolar disorder, focusing on the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which are linked to mood regulation and emotional processing.
2. Review neuroimaging studies that compare brain activity patterns in individuals with bipolar disorder versus healthy controls, noting common abnormalities.
3. Recognize that abnormal activity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala is frequently reported, reflecting dysregulation in emotional control circuits.
4. Differentiate these findings from other brain changes such as hippocampal volume reduction, which is more commonly associated with disorders like depression or PTSD, and motor neuron degeneration, which relates to conditions like ALS.
5. Conclude that increased dopamine receptor density in the occipital lobe is not typically linked to bipolar disorder, reinforcing that abnormal activity in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala is the most common neuroimaging finding.