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Allopregnanolone and Progesterone in Relation to a Single ECT Seizure and Clinical Outcome: an Observational Cohort Study From Sweden

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 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
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Role of Stimulus Dose on Neuropsychological Functioning After ECT: Small Study From Germany

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 Out on PubMed, from authors in Germany and Canada, is this article: Role of stimulus dose on neuropsychological functioning after electroconvulsive therapy in patients with major depressive disorder. Rummel L, Göke K, Philipsen A, Hurlemann R, Kiebs M. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Sep 26;15:1443270. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1443270. eCollection 2024. PMID:  39398962   The abstract is copied below: Introduction: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression but its use is often limited by the concern for cognitive side effects. This study examines the effect of ECT on autobiographical and verbal memory compared to a healthy control group and the impact of the mean stimulus dose on cognition after ECT. Methods: Autobiographical and verbal memory were assessed in depressed patients and healthy controls before the first and within one week after the last ECT treatment. Neuropsychological testing included the Autobiograp
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ECT Utilization Worldwide: Here is What OpenEvidence Says

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 Once again, from OpenEvidence: I hope you will not mind another "meta" post, that is, not going to a new, original article. But OpenEvidence is so good, I want to encourage its use for ECT questions. Ask away, and let me know what you think!
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MRI Textural Plasticity in Limbic Gray Matter Associated With Clinical Response to ECT for Psychosis: New Data From Korea

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Out on PubMed, from researchers in Korea, is this study:  MRI textural plasticity in limbic gray matter associated with clinical response to electroconvulsive therapy for psychosis. Choe E, Kim M, Choi S, Oh H, Jang M, Park S, Kwon JS. Mol Psychiatry. 2024 Sep 26. doi: 10.1038/s41380-024-02755-7. Online ahead of print. PMID:  39327507 The abstract is copied below: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is effective against treatment-resistant psychosis, but its mechanisms remain unclear. Conventional volumetry studies have revealed plasticity in limbic structures following ECT but with inconsistent clinical relevance, as they potentially overlook subtle histological alterations. Our study analyzed microstructural changes in limbic structures after ECT using MRI texture analysis and demonstrated a correlation with clinical response. 36 schizophrenia or schizoaffective patients treated with ECT and medication, 27 patients treated with medication only, and 70 healthy controls (HCs) were include
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Sugammadex For Neuromuscular Blockade Reversal in ECT: New Review

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 Out on PubMed, from authors in Seattle and New York, is this review: Current evidence on the use of sugammadex for neuromuscular blockade antagonism during  electroconvulsive  therapy - a narrative review. Arora V, Henson L, Kataria S. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2024 Oct 7. doi: 10.4097/kja.24234. Online ahead of print. PMID:  39374950 The abstract is copied below: Depression is a common mental health problem that is associated with significant disability and mortality. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been demonstrated to be effective at resolving expression of suicidal intent in patients with depression. In less acute situations, patients are usually referred for ECT after several medication trials. Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are used to block tonic-clonic motor activity and associated physical harm during the delivery of ECT. Succinylcholine (Sch), with its rapid onset of muscle relaxation, short self-terminating duration of action, and rapid subsequent return of spontaneo
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Mechanism of Action of ECT: Open Evidence Continues to Impress

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  IMO, OpenEvidence gives excellent, nuanced answers to ECT questions. I post about it again so that blog readers are aware of it and can use it to explore the ECT literature. Full disclosure: I have nothing to do with OpenEvidence , I just think it is a very useful resource.
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ECT Curriculum For Medical Students: New Module in India

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Out on PubMed, from educators in India, is this article:  Development and Validation of a Workshop-Based Educational Module: "Basic Course in Electroconvulsive Therapy" for Medical Students. Praharaj SK, Udupa ST, Jammigumpula A, Vadakedom SS. Indian J Psychol Med. 2024 Sep;46(5):445-451. doi: 10.1177/02537176241279245. Epub 2024 Sep 21. PMID:  39377067   The article is here . And from the text: Always good to see an article about ECT education. This one is mainly about the methodology of curriculum development, so... necessary, but pretty boring. Kudos to our Indian colleagues for this excellent effort to educate medical students about ECT. I hope they will share their actual materials (slides, videos) at some point so that others can use them in similar efforts.
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