How Does Electroconvulsive Therapy Work? Theories on Its Mechanism

Overview

Journal Can J Psychiatry

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2011 Feb 18

PMID 21324238

Citations 37

Authors

Tom G Bolwig

Affiliations

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Abstract

This article reviews 3 current theories of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). One theory points to generalized seizures as essential for the therapeutic efficacy of ECT. Another theory highlights the normalization of neuroendocrine dysfunction in melancholic depression as a result of ECT. A third theory is based on recent findings of increased hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis in experimental animals given electroconvulsive seizures. Presently, the endocrine theory has the strongest foundation to explain the working mechanism of ECT.

Citing Articles

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Heart rate variability in schizophrenia: A comparative analysis before and after electroconvulsive therapy.

Yoshida N, Miyajima M, Suzuki Y, Matsushima E, Watanabe T, Omoya R PCN Rep. 2024; 3(4):e70030.

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Vagus nerve stimulation allows to cease maintenance electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depression: a retrospective monocentric case series.

Aboubakr O, Domenech P, Heurtebise I, Gaillard R, Guy-Rubin A, Carron R Front Psychiatry. 2024; 14:1305603.

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Safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in pregnancy: a systematic review of case reports and case series.

Cipolla S, Catapano P, Messina M, Pezzella P, Giordano G Arch Womens Ment Health. 2023; 27(2):157-178.

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