Q. Can a brain scan tell me what mental disorders I have or might get?

A. No scientific studies to date have shown that a brain scan by itself can be used for diagnosing a mental illness or to learn about a person’s risk for disease. Researchers use brain scans to study brain development in healthy people and people with illnesses, disease progression, and the effects of medications or other treatments on the brain. In practice, when used with other types of medical tests and done by an experienced doctor, brain scans can be used to confirm a diagnosis of a small number of disorders, such as brain tumors, where there is obvious damage in the brain. Brain scans are not usually the first test a doctor would do to

diagnose changes in mood and behavior. Other medical tests a doctor may use include behavioral and cognitive tests or a medical interview.

Q. Should I have a brain imaging scan?

A. When used with other medical tests,

they can provide useful information about:

Brain tumors, infections, and other brain diseases Bleeding, blood clots, or other signs of stroke Skull fractures or brain damage from head injuries Diseases or disorders affecting the skull or blood vessels in the brain.