Accuracy of functional near-infrared diffuse optical spectroscopy to aid in the differentiation of depressive symptoms

Mental health disorders represent a growing public health concern, yet their clinical evaluation 10 frequently relies on subjective questionnaires. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) offers a 11 more quantitative approach by measuring cerebral hemodynamics (e.g., blood oxygenation, blood flow, 12 etc.), which are linked to brain function and psychiatric symptoms. The present editorial, published in 13 this journal (continued in Volume 1), focuses on fNIRS methods for the assessment of psychiatric 14 disorders and brain function, and for the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders.