Neurobiological mechanisms and therapeutic impact of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

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 prefr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inRomanian journal of morphology and embryology Vol. 65; no. 1; pp. 13 - 17
Main Authors Cojocaru, Ana Maria, Vasile, Antonia Ioana, Trifu, Simona Corina
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Romania Academy of Medical Sciences, Romanian Academy Publishing House, Bucharest 01.01.2024
Subjects
Brain
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Humans
Neurobiology
Review
Seizures - therapy
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1220-0522
2066-8279
DOI:10.47162/RJME.65.1.02