Overview of near-infrared spectroscopy studies for depression

Abstract

Multi-channel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive examination which is performed in a natural posture with small measurement apparatus. Therefore, brain functions of mental disorders can be more appropriately evaluated under conditions close to real-world. NIRS has been increasingly used to conduct functional activation studies in depression, including researches on developing biomarker (differential diagnosis, prediction of prognosis, and detection of depression severity) and subtype of depression and researches with new paradigm with settings close to everyday life.