One of the most widely used functional neuroimaging techniques for studying ADHD is single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). SPECT can measure regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), as well as localize and determine the densities of various receptors in the living being. Also, rCBF is considered to be an indirect measure of the activity of neurons and the metabolism of glucose in corresponding brain areas. The SPEC study begins with injecting a flow tracer joined with a radionuclide (for example, 99mTc) into the veins of the subject. The flow tracer is then localized to a receptor or to where there is increased blood perfusion. Fleeting g-rays or photons, which are emitted as the radioisotope decays, capture the image by detecting the concentration of the bound nucleotide. The amount of uptake of the tracer can be quantified accurately. Various molecules are used to localize specific receptor such as TRODAT for the dopamine transporter (DAT1).

SPECT is relatively affordable because it does not have to use the cyclotron for radioisotope product. The radioactive decay half-life of most SPECT isotopes is long, so the compounds may be manufactured in one location and shipped to another. SPECT is not used in the diagnosis of people with psychiatric disorders but is used clinically in assessment of brain tumors, seizures, and other anomalies. It is not typically used for research purposes in children because it requires ionizing g-radiation.

Bibliography:

Gozal, David, and Dennis L. Molfese, eds. 2005. Attention deficit hyperactive disorder: From genes to patients. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press.

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