Neuroimaging and Neurophysiology in Psychiatry By David E. J. Linden. Oxford University Press. 2016. £29.99 (pb). 140 pp. ISBN 9780198739609

The ever-growing availability of brain investigation techniques opens up new avenues for the improvement of psychiatric practice. However, busy psychiatrists do not always find it easy to keep up to speed with all technological developments and their multifaceted clinical applications, and so this book by David Linden is a welcome help. As an agile and introductory volume, it clearly explains the basic physics and physiology behind the main techniques of neuroimaging, including magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, as well as non-invasive neurophysiology (mainly electroencephalography). It comprehensively covers clinically relevant aspects of neuroimaging and neurophysiology, which are discussed in the light of up-to-date information in a concise and clinically relevant manner.

An introductory chapter on the clinical and research uses of neuroimaging and neurophysiology in psychiatry is followed by two chapters presenting an overview of the most relevant techniques of neuroimaging and neurophysiology (with brain stimulation). Chapters 4 and 5 locate the clinical indications of neuroimaging and neurophysiology within the diagnostic workup of patients with psychiatric disorders. Neuroimaging and diagnostic disease markers are covered, as are key insights into the mechanisms of mental disorders provided by modern neuroimaging techniques. Of particular interest is chapter 8, as it touches on the forensic implications of ‘mind reading’. The final two chapters outline the therapeutic applications of neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques. Both the iconography and the bibliographic apparatus are of the highest standard.

Thanks to the author's knowledge and first-hand experience with the latest research, this book provides a valuable and easy-to-read reference that will help clinical neuropsychiatrists in their everyday practice. It is at most a minor exaggeration to say that with his recent books David Linden is personally responsible for charting the rapidly changing territory between neurology and psychiatry for the benefit of the current generation of neuropsychiatrists. His efforts and endeavours have achieved the important goals of informing psychiatric practice and ultimately improving the quality of patient care.