Can you detect depression on an MRI?
No, an MRI is not a suitable method in the diagnosis of depression, as the structure of the brain usually remains in tact even in depression. From time to time there are anomalies such as a reduced cerebral cortex or inflammatory processes in patients with severe and/or long-standing depression, but these occur late and can also be caused by concomitant diseases (e.g. dementia). An MRI is therefore more likely to be used when other causes of the symptoms are to be excluded.
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