Positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography imaging of antidepressant treatment effects in major depression

Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that have led to the development of intervention research centers. This chapter will focus on the application of functional neuroimaging methods, specifically positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to the evaluation of antidepressant treatment effects in major depression. The reason for this particular emphasis is that, at present, PET and SPECT are the best available methods to visualize functional neuroanatomical pathways and neurochemical substrates. This review includes a discussion of the clinical and methodological considerations that are important in interpreting the literature, followed by a critical review of the literature concerning acute and chronic pharmacological interventions and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Potential future directions in the neuroirnaging of antidepressant treatment effects are discussed.