Dependent Personality Disorder: An Approach Based on fMRI

Abstract

Background: Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is one of the most frequent diagnosed personality disorders. People with DPD become over-dependent on other people and unable to make even everyday decisions. Objective: To detect the neuron network and activation in Brodmann areas (BA 10, BA 11, & BA 47) of the human brain by using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and to identify voxels used in decision making process. Material and Methods: It is an experimental study conducted on a single subject under a controlled observed environment using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). The respondent selected was performing a task based on two visual conditions in which two different types of images (easy and hard birds) were displayed to the respondent. The subject was asked for identification of the particular bird image to visualize voxels used in decision making process. Three Brodmann areas (BA 10, BA 11, & BA 47) from prefrontal cortex were selected as a region of interest. The current study analyzed activated brain regions during making ordinary decisions related to two visual conditions. A multivariate technique Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network was applied for the categorization of two ordinary decisions made by respondent while performing visual task. Results: The experimental results show the high classification accuracy 92.9% for ordinary decisions between two visual conditions. Sensitivity and specificity of MLP neural network is represented by ROC curve. The MLP neural network technique also detected some important voxels of Brodmann areas 10, 11 and 47 in prefrontal cortex of brain, which engaged in primary role of ordinary decision making process. The current study tracked down the area of that particular prevailing voxels in prefrontal cortex of brain in context of MNI coordinates. Conclusion: In conclusion, the MLP neural network proficiently classified the voxels which were activated in decision making and provided high classification rates. It also identified significant voxels helping a person in ordinary decision making. The locations of that particular voxels were found in context of MNI coordinates. This study can be helpful in the treatment of patients with DPD by combination of medication and psychotherapy. Advances in Knowledge: This paper explains precise location of dominant voxels discovered in decision making process which can be used in treatment methods among dependent personality disorder patients. At present, the treatment options are limited, and this paper will give psychiatrists and psychologists the knowledge they need to advance their combination therapies.