Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning for research: the experiences of healthy volunteers and patients with remitted depressive illness

Tischler, Victoria; Bronjewski, Emma; O'Connor, Katherine; Calton, Tim

Abstract

We report the findings from a study exploring the experiences of individuals undergoing MRI scanning for research. Semi structured interviews took place before and after scanning with 17 participants; 12 were healthy volunteers and 5 were patients with a diagnosis of remitted depression. Themes of apprehension and curiosity prior to scanning were common in both groups. Patients were often confused about the procedure. Negative feelings were an issue at the outset, characterised by shock related to the physical surroundings, after which positive feelings, for example relaxation, were often experienced, and in the case of patients, learning more about their brain. Written information about imaging was deemed satisfactory; however the ability to ‘experience’ aspects of scanning beforehand was suggested. Scanning may be viewed as a process beginning prior to the procedure itself and involving positive and negative emotions. Increased information, reassurance and a more interactive intervention to reduce anxiety may be beneficial and may improve individuals’ experience of this widely used procedure.

Citation

Tischler, V., Bronjewski, E., O'Connor, K., & Calton, T. (2009). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning for research: the experiences of healthy volunteers and patients with remitted depressive illness. Mental Health Review Journal, 14(3), https://doi.org/10.1108/13619322200900018

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: Jun 17, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 17, 2014
• Journal: Mental Health Review Journal
• Print ISSN: 1361-9322
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-8758
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 3
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/13619322200900018
• Keywords: : magnetic resonance imaging scanning (MRI); qualitative; support; research; experiences
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1013612
• Publisher URL: http://www.emeraldinsight.com/journals.htm?articleid=1935349
• Additional Information: "This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here (http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/3191/). Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited." - See more at: http://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/authors/writing/author_rights.htm?PHPSESSID=g99jm7oqtmc30vfiqo15k8hev6#sthash.qoEuNMvH.dpuf