Brain SPECT imaging: A powerful, evidence-based tool for transforming clinical psychiatric practice.

ABSTRACT:
Over the past 20 years brain single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging has developed a substantial, evidence-based foundation and is now recommended by professional societies for numerous indications relevant to psychiatric practice, including dementia, brain trauma, cerebrovascular disease, seizures and complex neuropsychiatric presentations. Unfortunately, SPECT in clinical practice is utilized by only a very small fraction of psychiatric clinicians. This invited article presents a rationale for a more widespread use of SPECT in clinical practice, especially for complex cases, and includes seven clinical applications where it may be immediately helpful in clinical cases.