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Prolactin and beta-endorphin serum elevations after ECT in manic patients
H R Chaudhry1, P Hofmann, N Loimer
1Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|December 1, 2000
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) causes transient increases in prolactin and beta-endorphin serum levels in patients with acute mania. These hormonal changes appear to be a side effect of ECT, similar to findings in depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alterations in prolactin and beta-endorphin levels are known effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in depression.
- The neuroendocrine response to ECT in acute mania requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the serum prolactin and beta-endorphin response patterns following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with acute mania.
- To explore the relationship between ECT and neurotransmitter systems in manic patients.
Main Methods:
- 19 patients diagnosed with acute mania (DSM-III-R) underwent ECT.
- Blood samples were collected pre-ECT and at 20, 30, and 40 minutes post-ECT for three treatment sessions.
- Serum prolactin and beta-endorphin levels were quantified.
Main Results:
- A significant, transient increase in serum prolactin was observed after ECT.
- Beta-endorphin levels showed a consistent transient increase post-ECT, irrespective of sex or treatment duration.
- In female patients, the maximal prolactin increase diminished over treatment as baseline levels rose.
Conclusions:
- The observed hormonal changes (prolactin and beta-endorphin) following ECT in acute mania mirror those seen in depression.
- These findings suggest that the neuroendocrine effects of ECT are likely epiphenomenal, or secondary, to the treatment itself.