Mental illness affects millions of people each year, yet the complexity of these conditions makes them challenging to understand and diagnose accurately. Traditional methods, such as psychological evaluations and symptom tracking, have been the mainstay of diagnosis, but brain scans may contribute to the overall picture of what happens in the brain during mental illness. This post explores how brain scans for mental illness can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
The Role of Brain Scans in Mental Health
Brain scans are used to observe the brain’s structure and activity. Unlike X-rays or CT scans that show only brain anatomy, certain scans can illustrate how the brain functions over time, offering insights into the biological roots of mental health disorders. The most common types used to study mental illness include:
1. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Functional MRI (note: this is not currently offered at our location) looks at blood flow in the brain to detect areas of activity. When a brain area has increased blood flow, it indicates greater activity. By comparing the brains of people with and without mental illness, researchers can identify specific brain patterns that contribute to symptoms.
2. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
PET scans involve injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the body. This tracer is absorbed by active brain tissue. PET scans can show how tissues and organs are functioning, highlighting metabolic changes in the brain that might be linked to mental health issues.
3. Electroencephalography (EEG)
Though not a brain scan in the traditional sense, EEG measures electrical activity in the brain. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like epilepsy, but it’s also used in understanding how brain activity differs in people with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
What Patients Can Expect
Undergoing a brain scan can seem daunting, but knowing what to expect can ease some of that anxiety. Here’s a brief overview of what happens during each type of scan:
- fMRI: You will lie on a movable bed that slides into a large cylinder-shaped scanner. You’ll need to stay still as the scanner makes loud thumping noises. Sometimes, you’ll be asked to perform tasks during the scan to see which areas of your brain are activated.
- PET: After the radioactive tracer is injected, you’ll wait about an hour before being scanned to allow your body to absorb the tracer. The scan itself is similar to an MRI in terms of the machine and procedure.
- EEG: This test is non-invasive. Electrodes will be attached to your scalp using a special cap. You’ll sit still or perhaps be asked to do specific tasks or be exposed to various stimuli.
Effective Treatment Planning
Understanding the specific areas of the brain that are affected by mental illness helps clinicians tailor treatment strategies. For instance, if a brain scan shows reduced activity in the part of the brain that regulates mood, treatments can focus on stimulating this area.
These scans can also help track the effectiveness of treatment over time, providing objective data that can guide adjustments in therapy or medication. Furthermore, they can aid in differentiating between mental health disorders that present similar symptoms, ensuring a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Need Help? Contact UMI, Sacramento, CA
Using brain scans to diagnose mental illness is a promising field that offers new insights into the biological underpinnings of mental health conditions. At University Medical Imaging, we are dedicated to providing advanced imaging services that help patients and their healthcare providers understand and manage mental health more effectively.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness and could benefit from our imaging services, please reach out to us. Understanding the brain is the first step towards effective treatment and recovery.
Contact University Medical Imaging today to schedule an appointment and take a significant step towards understanding and managing mental health!
Keep reading:
MRA Explained: How it Differs from Traditional MRI
The 2-Minute Guide to Arthrograms
Brain Hemorrhages: The Life-Saving Role of MRI in Early Diagnosis