Related Experiment Videos
Relation between electroconvulsive therapy, cognitive side effects, neuron specific enolase, and protein S-100
M W Agelink1, J Andrich, T Postert
1Department of Biological Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Evanglical Clinics Gelsenkirchen, Munckelstrasse 27, D-45879 Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Markus-Willi.Agelink@institute-of-biological-psychiatry.com
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|August 21, 2001
Summary
Modern electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) does not appear to cause brain tissue damage. Neuron specific enolase (NSE) and protein S-100 levels remained stable in patients undergoing ECT.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment for severe mental health conditions.
- Concerns exist regarding potential neurotoxic effects of ECT.
- Neuron specific enolase (NSE) and protein S-100 are biomarkers for brain tissue damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) causes detectable brain tissue damage.
- To investigate changes in serum concentrations of NSE and S-100 following ECT.
Main Methods:
- 14 patients undergoing bilateral ECT were monitored.
- Serial serum concentrations of NSE and S-100 were measured.
- Cognitive function was assessed using psychometric testing before and after ECT.
Main Results:
- No significant increase in average NSE or S-100 serum concentrations was observed during the ECT series.
- Maximal post-ECT NSE and S-100 values were within normal ranges.
- Seizure duration and energy dose did not correlate with NSE or S-100 levels.
Conclusions:
- Modern ECT, adhering to quality standards, does not induce brain tissue damage detectable by NSE or S-100.
- Findings suggest ECT is safe regarding neuronal injury markers.
- Further research may explore long-term effects or alternative biomarkers.