Simply put, MRI psychology is the study of common psychological disorders and other causes that may affect a patient’s psyche and cause anxiety in the MRI environment. Although the MRI examination is physically non-invasive, it has been known to place a considerable amount psychological strain on a significant number of patients in the form of claustrophobia and other anxiety-related disorders.

Anxiety in the MRI environment has been a major issue from the beginning, and is a worldwide phenomenon that causes many issues for patients, technologists, imaging departments, ordering physicians, and other medical professionals. 

The MRI environment is like no other in a hospital or imaging center, which may be the reason some patients have such intense psychological reactions. Thus, the idea of creating a new form of psychology specific to MRI not only makes sense, but is essential.

Considering the broad implications, such as the financial effects, vastness of the issue, and considerable academic research affirming its negative effects, it is surprising that this topic hasn’t made its way from the world of academia into formal MRI training programs or continuing education. 

A large gap exists in the training of technologists beyond the amazing science, technical aspects of performing MRI examinations and care for anxious patients. This gap of available information on anxiety in the MRI environment extends beyond technologists, and includes patients and other medical professionals as well. One of the aims of this book is to reduce that gap and focus attention on educating technologists and other medical professionals using evidence-based answers as to why patients may become anxious. 

This knowledge will enable technologists and medical professionals alike to recognize the different types of anxiety disorders, and other potential reasons MRI patients may experience anxiety, resulting in prematurely terminated exams and, more importantly, improve MRI patient care. In turn, it will make our job as technologists and medical professionals easier; if we know the why, then we can more easily figure out the how.”