RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Brain imaging and its implications for studying centrally targeted treatments in irritable bowel syndrome: a primer for gastroenterologists JF Gut JO Gut FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Society of Gastroenterology SP 569 OP 573 DO 10.1136/gut.2004.058446 VO 54 IS 5 A1 D A Drossman YR 2005 UL http://gut.bmj.com/content/54/5/569.1.abstract AB Research into brain-gut interactions, and the use of brain imaging, as potential investigative tools for functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, is a promising new area. Studies are beginning to identify the structure and function of regions of the brain and their relationships to pain perception, stress, and other psychosocial variables. These imaging modalities may also have diagnostic potential, and perhaps even therapeutic applications, particularly with regard to understanding the benefit of centrally targeted modalities such as antidepressants and psychological treatments.