Use of Multiple Brain Imaging Modalities (PET and MRS) to Identify Metabolic Abnormalities in Major Depression

Exclusion Criteria

• •Any coexisting psychiatric illness other than generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social/specific phobias
• •Any history of substance dependence
• •Substance abuse within the past 6 months
• •Significant risk of suicide, as defined by score \>4 on item 10 of the MADRS or in the clinical judgment of the study physician
• •Any significant medical or neurological condition which is likely to impact the central nervous system and/or affect the results of MRS or PET imaging
• •For the subset of unmedicated MDD patients, any psychotropic medications within 4 weeks prior to scanning. For the subgroup of medicated patients, they may be taking a stable dose (i.e., same dose for at least 4 weeks at the time of scanning) of standard antidepressant medications, but may not be taking any other psychotropic medication.
• •Inability to give informed consent
• •Contraindication to MRI (e.g., pacemaker, ferromagnetic implants in the body)