Allopregnanolone and Progesterone in Relation to a Single ECT Seizure and Clinical Outcome: an Observational Cohort Study From Sweden
Out on PubMed, from researchers in Sweden, is this study: Allopregnanolone and progesterone in relation to a single electroconvulsive therapy seizure and subsequent clinical outcome: an observational cohort study. Thörnblom E, Cunningham JL, Gingnell M, Landén M, Bergquist J, Bodén R. BMC Psychiatry. 2024 Oct 15;24(1):687. doi: 10.1186/s12888-024-06167-3. PMID: 39407178 The abstract is copied below: Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an important treatment for several severe psychiatric conditions, yet its precise mechanism of action remains unknown. Increased inhibition in the brain after ECT seizures, mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has been linked to clinical effectiveness. Case series on epileptic patients report a postictal serum concentration increase of the GABAA receptor agonist allopregnanolone. Serum allopregnanolone remains unchanged after a full ECT series, but possible transient effects directly after a single ECT seizure remain unexplored. The primar