Glossary / Lexicon

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) refers to a variant of the PET scan that permits a longer and more detailed imaging analysis.

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is a medical imaging technique used to evaluate the function of organs or tissues by detecting gamma rays emitted by a radioactive tracer injected into the bloodstream. In the field of psychology, SPECT is used to study brain function and diagnose various psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and dementia.

Examples of how SPECT is used in psychology include:

  1. Diagnosing and monitoring treatment of depression: SPECT can help identify areas of reduced blood flow in the brain that are associated with depression. By tracking changes in brain function over time, SPECT can also help assess the effectiveness of various treatments for depression.

  2. Identifying areas of brain dysfunction in dementia: SPECT can be used to identify areas of reduced blood flow in the brain that are associated with different types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. This information can help guide treatment and support for individuals with dementia.

  3. Evaluating brain function in traumatic brain injury: SPECT can be used to assess brain function in individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. By identifying areas of reduced blood flow or abnormal activity, SPECT can help guide treatment and rehabilitation efforts.

  4. Assessing the effects of substance abuse: SPECT can be used to evaluate the effects of long-term substance abuse on brain function. By identifying areas of reduced blood flow or abnormal activity, SPECT can help clinicians understand how substance abuse has affected brain function and guide treatment efforts.

Related Articles

Neurophysiology at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■■
Neurophysiology: In psychology, neurophysiology refers to the study of the structure, function, and development . . . Read More
Posterior at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Posterior means located toward the rear end, toward the back or the tail; - - In psychology, the term . . . Read More
fMRI at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a neuroimaging technique that is used to measure brain . . . Read More
Positron emission tomography at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Positron emission tomography: Positron Emission tomography or PET scan refers to a measure of brain activity . . . Read More
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: Positron emission tomography (PET ) scan refers to a measure . . . Read More
Neuroimaging at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Neuroimaging refers to a method of examining the structure and/or function of the brain. Neuroimaging . . . Read More
Neuroimaging techniques at psychology-glossary.com■■■■■
Neuroimaging techniques refer to new technologies that permit imaging of brain activities, which include . . . Read More
Electromagnetic spectrum at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Electromagnetic spectrum is defined as continuum of electromagnetic energy that extends from very-short-wavelength . . . Read More
Cognitive neuroscience at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
- Cognitive neuroscience : Cognitive neuroscience refers to one of the four (4) major approaches in the . . . Read More
Scatology at psychology-glossary.com■■■■
Scatology refers to the chemical analysis of excrement for medical diagnosis or for paleontological purposes; . . . Read More