Posted by SLS on January 22, 2007, at 6:47:05
In reply to What kind of brain scan proves chemical inbalance?, posted by AdamCanada on January 21, 2007, at 15:20:02
PET scans (positron emission tomography) have been useful in detecting brain abnormalities in the depressed state. For instance, frontal and left temporal hypometabolism seems to be a consistent finding in depression. However, differences in receptor numbers are also seen. Interestingly, some areas show hypermetabolism. In addition, PET scans demonstrate a normalization of many of these measurements once remission is achieved.
I had a PET scan (FDG) performed on me in 1993. It was pretty scary to see how broadly my brain exhibited hypometabolism.
One study claimed that they could predict which people would be more responsive to Wellbutrin versus Effexor monotherapy based on PET scans.
While I am not sure PET scans have a place in diagnosis yet, it certainly has helped to resolve some of the biological abnormalities seen in depression.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:724841
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070119/msgs/725084.html