Comparative Efficacy of Augmenting Escitalopram with Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy or High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Depressive Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Cognitive Function in Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) poses significant therapeutic challenges despite available interventions. Escitalopram (ESC) is a highly selective antidepressant. This study aimed to compare ESC alone and ESC combined with modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) or high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) in TRD patients. Ninety participants were randomized into ESC alone, ESC + MECT, and ESC + HF-rTMS groups. Notable differences were observed in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) scores at 12 weeks among ESC (14.37), ESC + MECT (10.27), and ESC + HF-rTMS (10.77) groups (P = 0.006). In terms of overall quality of life (QoL) evaluated using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) at 12 weeks, the ESC, ESC + MECT, and ESC + HF-rTMS groups scored 2, 3, and 3.5, respectively. ESC + MECT/HF-rTMS groups showed reduced depressive symptoms compared to the ESC group, accompanied by higher overall QoL scores and increased satisfaction with health. Patients receiving ESC + MECT demonstrated no significant alterations in short-term memory and orientation, as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), before and after treatment. Moreover, a decline in language was observed compared to baseline (12 weeks: median 2, IQR 2-3; baseline: median 1, IQR 1-3; P = 0.022). The positive impact of ESC with HF-rTMS on cognitive function was evidenced by improvements in all domines MoCA.Combining ESC with MECT or HF-rTMS exhibited enhanced effectiveness in alleviating depressive symptoms and enhancing QoL compared to ESC monotherapy. Specifically, the ESC + HF-rTMS combination displayed potential as a comprehensive treatment strategy for TRD, addressing both emotional and cognitive aspects.

Successful Recovery of a Catatonic Patient with Severe Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure: Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy Following Tracheotomy

Backgroud: Catatonia encompasses a group of severe psychomotor syndromes affecting patients' motor, speech, and complex behaviors. Common features include rigidity, reduced mobility, speech, sputum production, defecation, and eating. Risks associated with catatonia, such as increased muscle tension and reduced swallowing and coughing reflexes, along with risks from therapeutic approaches like prolonged bed rest and sedative drugs, can elevate the risk of aspiration pneumonia, severe pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure. These complications significantly impede catatonia treatment, leading to poor prognosis and jeopardizing patient safety. Case Description: In this report, we present a case of catatonia complicated by severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, successfully managed with modified electroconvulsive therapy alongside tracheotomy. We hope this case provides valuable insights for psychiatrists encountering similar scenarios, facilitating the development of rational therapeutic strategies for prompt improvement of patient condition. (AU)

Rocuronium action can be affected by hyperventilation: a case report and computational simulation.

The neuromuscular blocking potency of rocuronium varies with respiratory pH changes, increasing at lower pH and decreasing at higher pH; thus, hyperventilation-induced respiratory alkalosis is expected to decrease the potency of rocuronium. We report a case of anesthetic management of modified electroconvulsive therapy (m-ECT) for a patient monitored with electromyography-based neuromuscular monitoring during two patterns of ventilation to elucidate their relationship and propose the possible mechanisms underlying the effects by computational simulations. Case presentation: The patient was a 25-year-old man with schizophrenia. In m-ECT, hyperventilation may be used to produce longer seizures. We compared the neuromuscular monitoring data recorded during hyperventilation and during normal ventilation while receiving the same dose of rocuronium. Despite receiving the same dose of rocuronium, the time required for the first twitch to decrease to 80% of the control value was delayed in hyperventilation compared to normal ventilation. Conclusions: This case report and computational simulation suggest that respiratory alkalosis might delay the action of rocuronium. It is necessary to consider the delayed action of rocuronium when hyperventilation is performed.

Sex differences in factors influencing hospital-acquired pneumonia in schizophrenia patients receiving modified electroconvulsive therapy.

Background: Sex differences may be presented in the clinical features or symptoms of schizophrenia patients but also affect the occurrence of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Modified electroconvulsive therapy (mECT) is a common treatment method for schizophrenia, used in combination with antipsychotics. This retrospective research explores the sex difference in HAP affecting patients with schizophrenia who have received mECT treatment during hospitalization. Methods: We included schizophrenia inpatients treated with mECT and antipsychotics between January 2015 and April 2022. Blood-related and demographic data collected on admission were analyzed. Influencing factors of HAP in male and female groups were assessed separately. Results: A total of 951 schizophrenia patients treated with mECT were enrolled in the study, including 375 males and 576 females, of which 62 patients experienced HAP during hospitalization. The risk period of HAP in these patients was found to be the first day after each mECT treatment and the first three sessions of mECT treatment. Statistically significant differences in the incidence of HAP were identified in male vs. female groups, with an incidence in men about 2.3 times higher than that in women (P < 0.001). Lower total cholesterol (Z = -2.147, P = 0.032) and the use of anti-parkinsonian drugs (χ2 = 17.973, P < 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors of HAP in male patients, while lower lymphocyte count (Z = -2.408, P = 0.016), hypertension (χ2 = 9.096, P = 0.003), and use of sedative-hypnotic drugs (χ2 = 13.636, P < 0.001) were identified in female patients. Conclusion: Influencing factors of HAP in schizophrenia patients treated with mECT have gender differences. The first day after each mECT treatment and the first three sessions of mECT treatment were identified to have the greatest risk for HAP development. Therefore, it would be imperative to monitor clinical management and medications during this period according to these gender differences.

Action mechanism of vinpocetine in improving learning and memory disorders in depressive rats after MECT / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To explore the action mechanism of vinpocetine in improving learning and memory disorders in depressive rats after modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT). 【Methods】 The models of depressive rats were constructed by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) method. A total of 30 rats with depression were randomly divided into depression group, MECT group, and MECT+vinpocetine (10 mg/kg) group, with 10 in each group. A total of 10 untreated healthy rats were enrolled as control group. The learning and memory ability were tested by Morris water maze test and novel object recognition test. The depression state was evaluated by sugar preference test. The brain slices of the hippocampus were prepared for electrophysiological experiments. The density of dendritic spine was detected by Golgi staining. The expressions of endocannabinoids related genes [diacylglycerol lipase (DAGLα), monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), and endocannabinoid type-I receptor (CB1R)] were detected by qPCR and Western blotting. The lentivirus was injected to downregulate the expressions of CB1R and DAGLα in the hippocampus. After re-modeling and treatment, behavioral tests were performed. 【Results】 Compared with control group, sugar preference, spatial exploration time, relative discrimination index, long-term potentiation (LTP), density of dendritic spine, expressions of DAGLα and CB1R were decreased, while escape latency and MAGL were increased in depression group (P<0.05). Compared with depression group, sugar preference, escape latency, and MAGL were increased, while spatial exploration time, relative discrimination index, LTP, density of dendritic spine, expressions of DAGLα and CB1R were decreased in MECT group (P<0.05). Compared with depression group, sugar preference, spatial exploration time, relative discrimination index, LTP, density of dendritic spine, expressions of DAGLα and CB1R were increased, while escape latency and MAGL were decreased in MECT+vinpocetine group (P<0.05). Compared with MECT group, sugar preference, spatial exploration time, relative discrimination index, LTP, density of dendritic spine, expressions of DAGLα and CB1R were increased, while escape latency and MAGL were decreased in MECT+vinpocetine group (P<0.05). The down-regulation of DAGLα or CB1R by lentivirus could inhibit the improvement effect of vinpocetine on behavioral performance of depressive rats after MECT. 【Conclusion】 Vinpocetine can significantly improve learning and memory disorders in depressive rats after MECT, which may be related to regulating the expressions of endocannabinoid-related genes and enhancing synaptic plasticity.

Combination therapy of modified electroconvulsive therapy and long-acting injectable aripiprazole for dopamine supersensitivity psychosis: a case report.

In the treatment of schizophrenia, long-term pharmacotherapy with D2-receptor antagonists can induce dopamine supersensitivity psychosis (DSP). We report a male patient with schizophrenia with suspected DSP due to excessive polypharmacy. He was hospitalized for several years. Most psychotropic drugs were reduced and subsequently stopped without the exacerbation of symptoms by administering modified electroconvulsive therapy (mECT). Aripiprazole was then selected as the main drug for treatment, which was subsequently changed to the long-acting injection formulation. He was eventually discharged and returned home. Combination therapy with mECT and aripiprazole, especially the long-acting injectable formulation, may help improve and prevent DSP.

Effects of Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy on Serum Cortisol, Nesfatin-1, and Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Elderly Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Aim: Modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is an effective strategy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD); however, the mechanism underlying effects of MECT remains unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that TRD is closely associated with dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, anorexigenic peptides, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, MECT effects on the HPA axis, anorexigenic peptides, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in elderly patients with TRD remain unclear. In this study, we investigated whether the HPA axis (cortisol), anorexigenic peptides (nesfatin-1), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6, and interleukin-1ß) are involved in the mechanism underlying MECT effects in elderly patients with TRD. Methods: Elderly patients with TRD were enrolled in this study between December 2019 and October 2021; all patients underwent MECT after physical examination. Serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were measured before and after the first, third, and sixth MECT sessions. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 (HAMD-24) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to evaluate depression and cognitive impairment, respectively. We compared pre- and post-MECT serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels to confirm the short-term effects of MECT on these serum indices. We compared these serum indices across three time points (before the first, third, and sixth MECT sessions) to determine the long-term effects of MECT on serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Results: We observed no statistically significant changes in the pre- and post-MECT serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, or pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. No significant changes in serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were observed across the aforementioned time points. Moreover, there were no statistically significant sex-based differences in the aforementioned serum indices. Furthermore, the serum cortisol level was negatively correlated with the serum IL-6 level before and after the first MECT session in patients with high cortisol levels (> the 50th percentile value of all samples). Additionally, the post-MECT HAMD-24 and MMSE scores were significantly lower. Conclusions: MECT reduced depressive symptoms despite an adverse effect on cognition and had no significant effect on the serum cortisol, nesfatin-1, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in elderly patients with TRD.

A Case Report of Leukocytosis During Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy of Paranoid Personality Disorder.

Introduction: Modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) is a viable therapeutic option for patients with mood disorders and schizophrenia. We found that there is a relationship between MECT and leukocytosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of this problem. There are no relevant guidelines recommending the risk of leukocytosis caused by MECT, nor the method to reduce the risk. We hope to share this case to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of similar patients with leukocytosis during or after MECT and remind psychiatrists to pay attention to this risk of leukocytosis before making the decision of MECT while knowing how to deal with it. Case presentation: We describe a case of a 24-year-old woman diagnosed with Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) whose symptoms began at 19 years old. Her main clinical manifestations are feeling targeted, cheated, tracked, misunderstood, and repeating action. Since antipsychotic treatment was ineffective, we considered MECT. After MECT, the patient's body temperature increased, and leukocytosis was found. After excluding infection and other possibilities, we added 1,000 ml physiological saline to the patient through the vein. The white blood cell (WBC) count returned to normal in a short time. Conclusion: Before MECT, it is necessary to screen blood cytology. During and after MECT, we should be alert to leukocytosis that may be related to MECT and deal with it correctly in time.

Comparison of effect of etomidate with propofol on hemodynamics during modified electroconvulsive therapy.

Background and Aims: Studies comparing the effect of propofol and etomidate on hemodynamic parameters during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have shown ambiguous results. Although some studies observed a larger increase in blood pressure and heart rate during the use of etomidate than propofol in ECT, whereas some studies have shown no difference in hemodynamic parameters with the use of etomidate or propofol. Most of the studies done to compare the hemodynamic effects of etomidate and propofol were limited by small sample size or retrospective in nature. Therefore, we conducted a prospective randomized trial to compare the effects of etomidate and propofol on hemodynamics during ECT. Material and Methods: A prospective randomized crossover study was conducted on 30 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status I and II, between age 18 and 65 years, suffering from a mental disorder as per International Classification of Diseases-10 and requiring bilateral ECT as per clinical decision of consultant psychiatrist. They were randomized to receive both the drugs for their successive ECT sessions and were subjected to evaluation after clubbing together the ECT sessions of propofol or etomidate as anesthetic agent. Results: Duration of motor seizures was significantly more in patients receiving etomidate, whereas patients receiving propofol had more stable hemodynamics. Conclusion: Though propofol maintains stable hemodynamics during MECT, yet clinical applicability of etomidate outstrips it by a reasonable margin due to its better effect on seizure parameters.

Non-antipsychotic medicines and modified electroconvulsive therapy are risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia in schizophrenia patients.

Background: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) has a significant and detrimental impact on schizophrenia patients. Non-antipsychotic medicines and modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) are frequently used in conjunction with antipsychotics to treat schizophrenia. Whether non-antipsychotic medicines or MECT are risk factors for HAP in schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics is still unknown. Methods: Patients with schizophrenia who were admitted to the Fourth People's Hospital of Chengdu between January 2015 and April 2022 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Individuals with HAP were 1:1 matched to individuals without HAP (non-HAP) using propensity score matching (PSM). The risk factors for HAP were analyzed by comparing the two groups. Results: A total of 7,085 schizophrenia patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 39.77 ± 14.45 years. 193 patients developed HAP on an average of 22.26 ± 21.68 days after admission with an incidence of 2.73%. After 1:1 PSM, 192 patients from each group (HAP and non-HAP) were included. The HAP group had significantly more patients with MECT and taking benzodiazepines, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-parkinsonians both before and after PSM by Bonferroni correction (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, combined with antipsychotics, non-antipsychotic medicines including benzodiazepines (OR = 3.13, 95%CI = 1.95-5.03, P < 0.001), mood stabilizers (OR =3.33, 95%CI =1.79-6.20, P < 0.001) and MECT (OR =2.58, 95%CI =1.49-4.46, P = 0.001) were associated with a significantly increased incidence of HAP. Conclusion: The incidence of HAP in schizophrenia patients in our cohort was 2.73%. MECT and non-antipsychotic medicines, including benzodiazepines and mood stabilizers were risk factors for HAP in schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotics.

Efficacy of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy combined with quetiapine treatment for manic episode of bipolar disorder / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) combined with quetiapine treatment for manic episodes of bipolar disorder.Methods:A total of 103 patients with manic episodes of bipolar disorder received treatment in Kangci Hospital of Jiaxing from January 2019 to August 2020 and were included in this study. They were randomly divided into observation ( n = 46) and control groups ( n = 57). The observation group was given MECT combined with quetiapine treatment and the control group was treated with magnesium valproate sustained-release tablets combined with quetiapine. All patients received 4 weeks of treatment. Clinical efficacy, total hospital cost, drug cost during hospitalization, drug proportion, adverse reactions, and scores of the Bech-Rafaelsdn Mania Rating Scale and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test pre- and post-treatment were compared between the two groups. Results:After 4 weeks of treatment, total response rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [76.09% (35/46) vs. 56.14% (32/57), χ2 = 4.45, P < 0.05]. In the observation group, total hospital cost, drug cost during hospitalization, and drug proportion were (16074.52 ± 1019.81) yuan, (1374.52 ± 619.81) yuan, and 8.70% respectively, which were not significantly different from those in the control group [(15618.14 ± 1550.34) yuan, (1261.14 ± 750.34) yuan, 10.53%, t = 1.71, 0.82, χ2 = 0.09, all P > 0.05]. After 4 weeks of treatment, Bech-Rafaelsdn Mania Rating score was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group [(7.36 ± 3.04) points vs. (10.23 ± 2.37) points, t = 5.38, P < 0.001]. The number of wrong responses and the number of perseverative errors in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in the observation group were (40.45 ± 3.61) counts and (9.56 ± 1.39) counts, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(48.59 ± 4.51) counts, (12.08 ± 1.25) counts, t = 10.17, 9.56, both P < 0.001]. The number of perseverative errors in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group [(33.85 ± 2.50) counts vs. (29.71 ± 2.14) counts, t = 8.90, P < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in total incidence of adverse reactions between observation and control groups (21.74% vs. 22.81%, χ2 = 0.01, P > 0.05). Conclusion:MECT combined with quetiapine treatment is highly effective on the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. The combined therapy is worthy of clinical application.

The Association Between Hypoxia Improvement and Electroconvulsive Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of depression was related with a state of mild hypoxia for a long time. Hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) modulates the process from acute to chronic hypoxia, consequently regulating changes in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Increasing levels of iNOS combined with major depressive disorder (MDD) have been associated with the concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which increase the severity of depression. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate whether depressive symptoms might be improved by regulating HIF-2α levels to decrease the degree of oxidative stress and inflammation using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). METHODS: In this observational study, 49 MDD patients were divided into the ECT group (n=32) and control group (n=17). The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms of patients at enrollment and after 2 weeks of treatment. The levels of HIF-2α, NOS, IL-6, and TNF-α in plasma were analyzed accordingly. RESULTS: The total score in each dimension of HAMD decreased more efficiently in the ECT group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The plasma levels of IL-6 in the ECT group were notably decreased after the 2-week treatment (t = 3.596, p = 0.001). The decreased trend to statistical significance of HIF-2α was observed after treatment in the ECT group (p = 0.091). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of long-term ECT therapy for MDD may further benefit from and contribute to the improvement of MDD-associated chronic hypoxia.

Case Report: Effect of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Comorbid With Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric condition that is associated with considerable morbidity, and ~90% of individuals with OCD have another psychiatric comorbidity. Patients with comorbid OCD and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) have limited insight and poor psychosocial function, respond poorly to drug treatment, and have an increased risk of suicide. Modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been attempted to improve symptoms of OCD when drug treatment does not have a satisfactory effect. This report describes a patient who had OCD comorbid with BDD that was successfully treated with modified ECT. Although the mechanism of its effect is unclear, modified ECT may be an alternative treatment for patients with comorbid OCD and BDD. Its efficacy and mechanism of action require further investigation in a large sample of patients with these comorbid disorders.

Temporoparietal Connectivity Within Default Mode Network Associates With Clinical Improvements in Schizophrenia Following Modified Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Although modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been reported to be effective for the treatment of schizophrenia (SCZ), its action mechanism is unclear. To elucidate the underlying ECT mechanisms of SCZ, this study used a longitudinal cohort including 21 SCZ patients receiving only antipsychotics (DSZ group) and 21 SCZ patients receiving a regular course of ECT combining with antipsychotics (MSZ group) for 4 weeks. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at baseline (t1) and follow-up (t2) time points. A matched healthy control (HC) group included 23 individuals who were only scanned at baseline. Functional connectivity (FC) within the default mode network (DMN) was evaluated before and after ECT. Significant interaction of the group over time was found in FC between angular gyrus (AG) and middle temporal gyrus (MTG). Post-hoc analysis showed a significantly enhanced FC of left AG(AG.L) and right MTG (MTG.R) in the MSZ group relative to the DSZ group. In addition, the right AG (AG.R) showed significantly enhanced FC between MTG.R and left MTG (MTG.L) after ECT in the MSZ group, but no in the DSZ group. In particular, the FCs change in AG.L-MTG.R and AG.R-MTG.R were positively correlated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative score reduction. Furthermore, the FC change in AG.L-MTG.R was also positively correlated with the PANSS general psychopathology score reduction. These findings confirmed a potential relationship between ECT inducing hyperconnectivity within DMN and improvements in symptomatology of SCZ, suggesting that ECT controls mental symptoms by regulating the temporoparietal connectivity within DMN.

Effects of cluster nursing program on post-MECT delirium / 四川精神卫生

ObjectiveTo observe the intervention effect of cluster nursing in post-MECT delirium，and explore a new method of post-MECT delirium nursing. MethodsA total of 154 inpatients who met the diagnostic criteria of International Classification of Diseases，tenth edition（ICD-10） and received MECT treatment for the first time were selected and they were randomly divided into control group （n = 77） and study group （n = 77）. The intervention lasted for one course of MECT， 6-12 times MECT as one course. Both groups recieved MECT routine nursing， while the study group was given cluster nursing on the basis of routine nursing. After each treatment， Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale （RASS） and nursing adverse events record form were used to collect data. The incidence and duration of post-MECT delirium and the incidence of nursing adverse events caused by post-MECT delirium were compared between the two groups. ResultsAfter one course of MECT， the incidence of post-MECT delirium was 11.80% in the study group and 16.67% in the control group， the difference was statistically significant （χ2= 6.314， P<0.05）. The duration of post-MECT delirium in the study group was（5.78±2.73）min and（11.20±4.44）min in the control group， the difference was statistically significant （t=3.403， P<0.05）. The incidence of nursing adverse events caused by post-MECT delirium was 7.13% in the study group and 12.70% in the control group， and the difference was statistically significant （χ2=10.940， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe implementation of cluster nursing can reduce the incidence of post-MECT delirium， shorten the duration and reduce the nursing adverse events caused by post-MECT delirium.

MECT combined with risperidone in the treatment of schizophrenia complicating 12-month stupor： a case report / 四川精神卫生

The report elaborated a case of a 52-year-old female patients with over 10 years of schizophrenia complicating 12 months of stupor. After a course of modified electroconvulsive therapy（MECT） combined with risperidone oral solution， the patient gradually became active and functionally recovered， and remained stable. This case suggests that MECT combined with risperidone may allow schizophrenia patients in a state of prolonged stupor to obtain clinical rehabilitation and effectively stabilize psychotic symptoms. The discussion is based on this case with a view to providing references for clinical treatment.

Efficacy and safety of modified electroconvulsive therapy for the refractory depression in older patients.

OBJECTIVE: We explored the clinical efficacy and safety of modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the treatment of elderly patients with refractory depression. METHODS: A total of 43 older patients with refractory depression were enrolled in our study from March 2014 to February 2015, with the average age of 65 ± 4.8 years old. Modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was performed in these patients after physical examinations and anesthesia procedures. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used to assessing the efficacy of ECT, and Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) were used to evaluate the memory ability and cognitive function. RESULTS: The rate of efficacy was calculated as 67.44% after 4 weeks of ECT treatment. Our results showed that HAMA and HAMD scores after 2 weeks of ECT treatment were significantly lower than pretreatment, and the differences were more significant after 4 weeks of ECT treatment. Compared with pretreatment, the scores of memory quotient and immediate memory of WMS decreased significantly after 1 week of treatment. However, these events were not be presented with the progress of treatment, except for after 2 weeks of treatment. Our results demonstrated that compared with pretreatment, the scores of MMSE significantly increased after 4 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: ECT is an effective, well-tolerated, and safe method for the treatment of older patients with refractory depression. ECT can be recommended for the treatment of these patients after conducting effective risk control of comorbid somatic diseases.

Altered functional connectivity of the thalamus induced by modified electroconvulsive therapy for schizophrenia.

BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to be effective in schizophrenia (SZ), particularly in drug-refractory cases or when rapid symptom relief is needed. However, its precise mechanisms of action remain largely unclear. To clarify the mechanisms underlying modified electroconvulsive therapy (mECT) for SZ, we conducted a longitudinal cohort study evaluating functional connectivity of the thalamus before and after mECT treatment using sub-regions of thalamus as regions of interest (ROIs). METHODS: Twenty-one SZ individuals taking only antipsychotics (DSZ group) for 4 weeks and 21 SZ patients receiving a regular course of mECT combining with antipsychotics (MSZ group) were observed in parallel. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline (t1) and follow-up (t2, ~4 weeks) time points. Data were compared to a matched healthy control group (HC group) consisting of 23 persons who were only scanned at baseline. Group differences in changes of thalamic functional connectivity between two SZ groups over time, as well as in functional connectivity among two SZ groups and HC group were assessed. RESULTS: Significant interaction of group by time was found in functional connectivity of the right thalamus to right putamen during the course of about 4-week treatment. Post-hoc analysis showed a significantly enhanced functional connectivity of the right thalamus to right putamen in the MSZ group contrasting to the DSZ group. In addition, a decreased and an increased functional connectivity of the thalamus to sensory cortex were observed within the MSZ and DSZ group after 4-week treatment trial, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that changes in functional connectivity of the thalamus may be associated with the brain mechanisms of mECT for schizophrenia.