INTEGRATING RADIOLOGICAL FINDINGS INTO PSYCHIATRIC ASSESSMENT:  A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Divya Meghana  Sreevaram; Dr. N Naga  Rajitha; A .Hari  Prasad

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1733

Authors

Divya Meghana Sreevaram Senior Resident , Department of Psychiatry, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Dr. N Naga Rajitha Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana, India
Dr. A. Hari prasad Senior Resident, Department of Radiology, Father Colombo Institute of Medical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1733

Keywords:

Radiology, Psychiatry, Brain Imaging, Psychiatric Assessment, Neuroimaging

Abstract

Background

Psychiatric diagnoses are traditionally based on clinical interviews and behavioral observations, with limited use of neurobiological evidence. Radiological imaging, although underutilized in psychiatry, can reveal structural brain abnormalities that may aid diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. This study evaluates the prevalence and clinical relevance of such findings in psychiatric patients.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and types of structural brain abnormalities detected by non-contrast CT imaging in adult psychiatric patients and assess their impact on diagnosis and management.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 adult psychiatric patients (mean age 38 years; 52% male, 48% female) at a tertiary care center. Psychiatric diagnoses were established using DSM-5 criteria. All participants underwent non-contrast brain CT scans. Radiological findings were analyzed for associations with psychiatric diagnoses and their influence on clinical management.

Results

The most common diagnoses were Major Depressive Disorder (34%), Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (26%), Bipolar Disorder (18%), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (12%). Imaging was normal in 58% of cases. Abnormalities included non-specific white matter changes (17%), cortical atrophy (13%), ventricular enlargement (7%), and other incidental findings (5%). Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between schizophrenia spectrum disorders and ventricular enlargement and cortical atrophy. Radiological findings influenced diagnostic clarification or management in 18% of patients.

Conclusion

Structural brain abnormalities are present in a substantial minority of psychiatric patients, especially those with psychotic disorders. The prevalence of relevant imaging findings supports the integration of radiological evaluation in psychiatric assessments to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment strategies.

Recommendations

It is recommended to integrate radiological imaging more frequently in psychiatric assessments, especially for psychotic disorders, to enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes.

Author Biographies

Divya Meghana Sreevaram, Senior Resident , Department of Psychiatry, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India

Dr. Divya Meghana Sreevaram completed her MBBS from Narayana Medical College, Nellore, and pursued her MD in Psychiatry from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. She served as a Senior Resident in Psychiatry at Government Medical College (GMC), Suryapet, in 2023. Since 2024, she has been continuing her role as a Senior Resident at ESIC Medical College, Sanath Nagar, Hyderabad. Her clinical interests include adult psychiatry, community mental health, and psychosocial interventions. Divya Meghana Sreevaram https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8311-5828

Dr. N Naga Rajitha, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana, India

Dr. N. Naga Rajitha currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, located in Narketpally, Telangana, India. She completed her MBBS and MD in Psychiatry from Bhaskar Medical College. With over 10 years of teaching experience, she has served at various esteemed institutions including Government Medical College, Mahbubnagar, GMC Suryapet, Mahavir Medical College, and Father Colombo Institute of Medical Sciences.N. Naga Rajitha https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8310-1469.

Dr. A. Hari prasad, Senior Resident, Department of Radiology, Father Colombo Institute of Medical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India

Dr. A. Hariprasad is currently serving as a Senior Resident in the Department of Radiology at Father Colombo Institute of Medical Sciences, Warangal, Telangana, India. He earned his MBBS and subsequently completed his DMRD in Radiology from Osmania Medical College. He further pursued a Post Diploma DNB in Radiology from Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences, LB Nagar, Telangana.A. Hariprasad: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5028-2843.

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