Mechanisms of Action of ECT: New Review From Romania


Out on PubMed, from authors in Romania, is this review:

Neurobiological mechanisms and therapeutic impact of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Cojocaru AM, Vasile AI, Trifu SC.Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2024 Jan-Mar;65(1):13-17. doi: 10.47162/RJME.65.1.02.PMID: 38527979



The abstract is copied below:

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an efficient therapeutic resource for psycho-pharmacotherapeutic resistant forms of depression. ECT is a form of electrical brain stimulation involving the induction of a controlled seizure, clinically similar to an epileptic seizure, that is initiated in the prefrontal region of the brain and spreads to the cortex and subcortex, including the diencephalic structures. This is achieved by creating a transcranial electric field and synchronously depolarizing neuronal membranes. The mechanisms of action of ECT are not yet fully understood, but several hypotheses have been proposed to explain how it affects the brain: neurotransmitter changes, neuroplasticity, network connectivity, endocrine system regulation and changes in regional cerebral blood flow and regional metabolism.

The review is here.

And fron the text:



This is a surprisingly well-written article; the introductory paragraphs, the description of the ECT procedure, and the side effects review are almost completely accurate. It is worth reading in full, just for that.
The review of mechanisms of action of ECT is good, but not comprehensive, as it could not be expected to be, with only 34 references.
Who knew that such an ECT review would appear in The Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology ?
Kudos to these authors for their contribution to the ECT literature. IMO, the article is good enough to recommend as a generic introduction to ECT. Do other blog readers agree?

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