Advanced brain imaging such as MRI and fMRI is helping experts understand depression and guide more personalized treatment.
WHERE CAN I GET A BRAIN SCAN FOR DEPRESSION?
WHAT A BRAIN SCAN CAN REVEAL ABOUT DEPRESSION
Brain scans like MRI and fMRI show structural and functional changes in key brain regions involved in mood, decision-making, and emotional control.
HOW MRI AND FMRI HELP IN UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION
MRI shows brain structure, while fMRI reveals real-time activity and how regions communicate..
KEY BRAIN AREAS AFFECTED IN DEPRESSION
Scans often show changes in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and emotional regulation circuits areas crucial for mood and motivation.
WHERE TO GET A BRAIN SCAN
MRI and fMRI for depression are available at major hospitals, neuroimaging clinics, university research centers, and private imaging facilities with mental health programs.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR BRAIN SCAN
You lie on a table that goes into the scanner. MRI shows structure; fMRI measures blood-flow changes during tasks.
Scans cost $500–$3000. Insurance may cover them, and research centers sometimes offer free or reduced-cost imaging.
HOW BRAIN SCANS GUIDE PERSONALIZED TREATMENT
Neuroimaging helps identify depression subtypes and predict treatment response, allowing specialists to tailor therapy based on individual brain patterns.
THE FUTURE OF DEPRESSION NEUROIMAGING
Emerging tools like AI-assisted imaging and advanced connectivity mapping may soon make neuroimaging a routine part of diagnosing and treating depression.
Stories
More
BRAIN SURGERY VS. CARDIAC SURGERY: WHICH IS HARDER?