Brain Imaging Techniques

Question 1

Some people with schizophrenia have been shown to have enlarged ventricles; this finding is associated with a poorer prognosis and marked negative symptoms

Answer 1

Computed Tomography (CT) or Computed Axial Tomography

Question 2

It produces more tissue detail and contrast than CT and can show blood flow patterns and tissue changes such as edema

Answer 2

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 3

It can also be used to measure the size and thickness of brain structures

Answer 3

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 3

Persons with schizophrenia can have as much as 7% reduction in cortical thickness

Answer 3

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 4

These are used to examine the function of the brain

Answer 4

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

Question 5

These are used for research, not for the diagnosis and treatment of clients with mental disorders

Answer 5

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

Question 6

Recent breakthrough is the use of the chemical marker

Answer 6

FDDNP with PET

Question 7

to identify the amyloid
plaques and tangles of
Alzheimer’s disease in
living clients.

Answer 7

FDDNP with PET

Question 8

These scans have shown that clients with Alzheimer disease have decreased glucose metabolism in the brain and decreased cerebral blood flow.

Some persons with
schizophrenia also demonstrate decreased cerebral blood flow.

Answer 8

FDDNP with PET