Development of a pharmacodynamic biomarker of opioid antagonism in adolescents with eating disorders: Study protocol for the naltrexone neuroimaging randomized controlled trial (NN-RCT).

Eating disorders (ED) affect 5 % of youth, are associated with reward system alterations, and lead to substantial morbidity. Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, is used to treat ED behaviors such as binge eating and purging. However, not all patients respond, and the optimal dose is unknown.

Neuroimaging as a Tool for Advancing Pediatric Psychopharmacology.

Neuroimaging, specifically magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and positron emission tomography (PET), plays an important role in improving the therapeutic landscape of pediatric neuropsychopharmacology by detecting target engagement, pathway modulation, and disease-related changes in the brain. This review provides a comprehensive update on the application of neuroimaging to detect neural effects of psychotropic medication in pediatrics. Additionally, we discuss opportunities and challenges for expanding the use of neuroimaging to advance pediatric neuropsychopharmacology.