MRI Brain Scans May Aid ADHD Diagnosis

Researchers hope to use MRI technology to one day provide more accurate and faster diagnosis.

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, along with scientists at Washington University in St. Louis, used MRI brain scans to learn more about mental health disorders and monitor the progress of treatments. By testing the brain at rest, the researchers were better able to distinguish typical function from atypical function, which may lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis.

The researchers say they are especially interested in applying their findings to ADHD, as diagnosis is currently made based on observation, and an MRI screening would aid doctors in diagnosis.

The study is published in Public Library of Science Computational Biology.