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Re: fMRI Scans to diagnose mental illness

Posted by rjk on July 31, 2002, at 6:40:05

In reply to Re: fMRI Scans to diagnose mental illness » rjk, posted by fairnymph on July 30, 2002, at 22:16:57

> > > I am skeptical. I have been in two fMRI studies and I have OCD...and they have never noticed...
> > >
> > > Are you perhaps thinking of PET scans?
> >
> > Excuse my ignorance, but what is a PET scan? Also, would you know what CT scanning is?
> >
>
> Here is a link that explains what a PET (Positron emission tomography) scan is: http://www.falange.demon.co.uk/explain-petscan.htm
>
> Basically, it shows where there is increased glucose metabolism (= increased brain activity). In ADD, parts of the brain are LESS active (see: http://hsc.virginia.edu/medicine/clinical/pediatrics/devbeh/adhdlin/Zamet.html ). In OCD, certain parts of the brain are MORE active (see: http://www.tourettesyndrome.net/ocd_petscan.htm ).
>
> I believe they also use PET scans to observe certain types of cancer.
>
> A CT scan is:
>
> "A  CT scan (also known as a "CAT scan," for "Computed Axial Tomography") is a diagnostic test that combines the use of X-rays with computer technology. A series of X-ray beams from many different angles are used to create cross-sectional images of the patient's body. These images are assembled in a computer into a three- dimensional picture that can display organs, bones, and tissues in great detail. "
>
> I believe CT scans are used to diagnose various diseases and tumors etc...but I don't believe it has any applications in diagnosing psychiatric illnesses at the current time.
>
> Hope this helps.
> >

Thanks very much. It sounds like PET scans are used to detect tumours, so not really appropriate for depression etc.

Richard


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