In this issue, Falkenberg et al explore the practicability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of the initial clinical assessment in patients with first-episode psychosis and the prevalence, nature and clinical significance of radiological abnormalities in these patients. They provide evidence for the use of MRI data to detect gross brain abnormalities. In addition, improvements in quantitative analyses makes MRI an indispensable tool to elucidate the neurobiological substrates that might underlie primary (or idiopathic) psychotic illness.
