Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) as a Tool for Diagnosis and Treatment Analysis of Mood Disorders

Background: The misdiagnosis rate for mood disorders is high. Psychiatric literature is in much need of a more objective and quantitative tool for the investigation of mood disorders. Although SPECT has been previously used in research for the understanding of the neuroscience behind depressive and bipolar disorders, it is a tool that remains underutilized in clinical settings.

Aims: To study the effectiveness of SPECT as a tool for diagnosis and treatment analysis of mood disorders.

Discussion: SPECT provides a significant insight into the neurochemistry of the brain during normal and abnormal functioning. The involvement of regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) and serotonin transport (SERT) abnormalities as markers of mood disorders are theories that receive backing from single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Conclusion: This neuroimaging technique may be used a tool for differential diagnosis between mood disorders. Moreover, SPECT may be utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment being provided to patients with mood disorders. Additional research to improve sensitivity and specificity of SPECT may encourage its further usage in clinical settings. The future of SPECT as a tool for diagnosis and treatment analysis of mood disorders looks promising.