Posted by Frankie on March 2, 2002, at 4:06:38
In reply to Re: dopamine and serotonin test, posted by djmmm on February 28, 2002, at 14:20:57
> That's not true...
>
> My psychiatrist insisted that I get a CBC and a catecholamine urinalysis before putting me on medication
>
> catecholamine urinalysis tests the metabolites of catecholamines (epinephrine, dopamine, norepinephrine)
>
> You can also test for serotonin metabolites.
Yes, you are correct. However, I understand that these tests aren't very accurate. Not in the way of determining where the major problem lies. I am sure that it would be helpful though. I would go with the SPECT scan though for a sure bet to solving the problem. But, this test you mention is most certainly less expensive! These scans run about $7,000. Insurance will not cover them fully either because they are a subdivision of the nuclear medicine practice.Frankie.
poster:Frankie
thread:95684
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020301/msgs/96043.html