Opinion is divided on the proper use of brain scans in psychiatry. In this study, the authors reviewed CT scanning in common psychiatric conditions in a district hospital.In their study about 64 per cent of brain scans showed some abnormality. CT scanning influenced patient diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. In addition,almost 3 per cent of patient scans identified potential reversible,previously unknown,intracranial pathology. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd