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Stojanović Z, Simić K, Tepšić Ostojić V, Gojković Z, Petković-Ćurčin A. Electroconvulsive therapy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 21:129. [PMID: 39070111 PMCID: PMC11273193 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
There are very few treatments in psychiatry, even in medicine, that have experienced longevity and effectiveness such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), despite the controversies and stigma that accompany it. The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to strengthen mental health systems in most countries, given that depression is one of the leading health problems and that there is an evident shortage of psychiatrists worldwide. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, has witnessed great progress in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which opens up the possibility of its application both in the diagnosis and in the therapy of mental disorders. It is no exaggeration to suggest that tools such as AI, neuroimaging and blood tests will bring significant change to psychiatry in the coming years, but even so, treating severe mental disorders remains a challenge. The present review summarized the development of ECT over time, its application in clinical practice, neurobiological correlates and mechanisms of action and sheds light on the important place of ECT in the era of technological development, considering that ECT is still the most effective therapy for the treatment of severe mental disorders, especially depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zvezdana Stojanović
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Simić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna Tepšić Ostojić
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zagorka Gojković
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Petković-Ćurčin
- Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Rakesh G, Cordero P, Khanal R, Himelhoch SS, Rush CR. Optimally combining transcranial magnetic stimulation with antidepressants in major depressive disorder: A systematic review and Meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 358:432-439. [PMID: 38740269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
There is a critical knowledge gap in optimally combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and antidepressants to treat patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). TMS is effective in treating MDD in patients who have failed at least one antidepressant trial, with accelerated protocols showing faster remission in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Although clinicians routinely augment antidepressants with TMS, there is a knowledge gap in stopping versus continuing antidepressants or the dosing strategies when starting or tapering TMS. These considerations are important when considering maintenance TMS (delivered alone or in combination with suitable antidepressants) to maintain remission in MDD after the index course of TMS. As the first step towards filling this knowledge gap, we reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and open-label trials from 2 databases (PubMed/Medline and EMBASE) that compared active TMS combined with a pre-specified antidepressant dosed in the same manner for adults with MDD versus sham TMS combined with the same antidepressant as in the active arm. All studies were published between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2023. We excluded case reports, case series, and clinical studies that augmented TMS with antidepressants and vice versa. We found 10 RCTs (n = 654 participants) and performed a meta-analysis. This showed active TMS combined with pre-specified antidepressants had greater efficacy for MDD treatment than sham TMS combined with the same antidepressants as in the active arm (Hedge's g = 1; 95 % CI [0.27, 1.73]). The review and meta-analysis indicate greater short-term efficacy in combining antidepressants with TMS from the get-go in MDD. Given the increasing role of accelerated TMS protocols in expediting remission in MDD and the results of our meta-analysis, we advocate for RCTs examining the short-term and long-term effects of various antidepressant classes on these TMS protocols in MDD. This can also optimize and individualize maintenance TMS protocols to prevent relapse in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopalkumar Rakesh
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America.
| | - Patrick Cordero
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Rebika Khanal
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Seth S Himelhoch
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
| | - Craig R Rush
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States of America
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Isenberg K, Dinwiddie SH, Song J, North CS. A Retrospective Matched Comparison Study of Prolonged Seizures in ECT. J ECT 2024; 40:37-40. [PMID: 37530874 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000000951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the incidence of and risk factors for prolonged seizures (>180 sec) in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). METHOD In 611 adult patients undergoing 6697 ECT treatments administered over a 2.5-year study period, 29 individuals experienced 42 prolonged seizures. A comparison sample (n = 29) was matched on sex, age, and treatment, and compared on psychiatric and medical diagnoses, as well as current medications. To examine the association between the characteristics and prolonged seizure, conditional logistic regression models or exact McNemar tests were conducted. RESULTS Prolonged seizures occurred on average in 1 of every 167 treatments. No specific psychiatric disorders or medical conditions were associated with the prolonged seizure group. Antipsychotic drugs were used in a higher proportion of the comparison group than in the prolonged seizure group, suggesting a protective effect. Atropine was used in a lower proportion of the long seizure group than in the comparison group. No untoward sequelae occurred, and no progression to status epilepticus was observed. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged seizures appear to be an uncommon complication of ECT in adults. The characteristics examined in this study suggest limited association of psychotropic medications with prolonged seizures. Treatment of prolonged seizures was straightforward. Prolonged seizures had no impact on the course of treatment. Further exploration of prolonged seizures would enhance the generalizability of the findings from this single site study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jing Song
- Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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Abbott CC, Miller J, Farrar D, Argyelan M, Lloyd M, Squillaci T, Kimbrell B, Ryman S, Jones TR, Upston J, Quinn DK, Peterchev AV, Erhardt E, Datta A, McClintock SM, Deng ZD. Amplitude-determined seizure-threshold, electric field modeling, and electroconvulsive therapy antidepressant and cognitive outcomes. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:640-648. [PMID: 38212442 PMCID: PMC10876627 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01780-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) pulse amplitude, which dictates the induced electric field (E-field) magnitude in the brain, is presently fixed at 800 or 900 milliamperes (mA) without clinical or scientific rationale. We have previously demonstrated that increased E-field strength improves ECT's antidepressant effect but worsens cognitive outcomes. Amplitude-determined seizure titration may reduce the E-field variability relative to fixed amplitude ECT. In this investigation, we assessed the relationships among amplitude-determined seizure-threshold (STa), E-field magnitude, and clinical outcomes in older adults (age range 50 to 80 years) with depression. Subjects received brain imaging, depression assessment, and neuropsychological assessment pre-, mid-, and post-ECT. STa was determined during the first treatment with a Soterix Medical 4×1 High Definition ECT Multi-channel Stimulation Interface (Investigation Device Exemption: G200123). Subsequent treatments were completed with right unilateral electrode placement (RUL) and 800 mA. We calculated Ebrain defined as the 90th percentile of E-field magnitude in the whole brain for RUL electrode placement. Twenty-nine subjects were included in the final analyses. Ebrain per unit electrode current, Ebrain/I, was associated with STa. STa was associated with antidepressant outcomes at the mid-ECT assessment and bitemporal electrode placement switch. Ebrain/I was associated with changes in category fluency with a large effect size. The relationship between STa and Ebrain/I extends work from preclinical models and provides a validation step for ECT E-field modeling. ECT with individualized amplitude based on E-field modeling or STa has the potential to enhance neuroscience-based ECT parameter selection and improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Danielle Farrar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Miklos Argyelan
- Institute of Behavioral Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
| | - Megan Lloyd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Taylor Squillaci
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Brian Kimbrell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Sephira Ryman
- Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Department of Neurology, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Thomas R Jones
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Joel Upston
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Davin K Quinn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Angel V Peterchev
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Erik Erhardt
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Shawn M McClintock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zhi-De Deng
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Noninvasive Neuromodulation Unit, Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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5
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Li Y, Liu X. Efficacy and safety of non-invasive brain stimulation in combination with antidepressants in adolescents with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1288338. [PMID: 38426000 PMCID: PMC10902042 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1288338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is beneficial to adult patients with depression, but its safety and efficacy in combination with antidepressants in children and adolescents with depression are not clear. We conducted a preliminary meta-analysis to objectively evaluate its clinical effect and provide information for future research and clinical practice. Methods PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched systematically to find clinical trials published in English before April 11, 2023. Stata software was used for meta-analysis, and random or fixed effect models were used to combine effect sizes. Results Nine studies were eligible and included (n = 393). No articles about children were included in the analysis. The results showed that the remission rate was 40% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13% to 71%). The scores of Children's Depression Rating Scale (CRDS) and Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD) significantly decreased compared to baseline value (MD = -27.04, 95% CI: -30.95, -23.12 and MD = -12.78, 95% CI: -19.55 to -6.01). In addition, the incidence of all adverse events was 13% (95% CI: 5%, 23%), and all were minor pain-related events. Conclusion The combination of NIBS and antidepressants has been shown to notably alleviate depressive symptoms in adolescents, offering a considerable level of safety. This therapeutic synergy is particularly effective in patients with major depressive disorder, where repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation augmented with antidepressants can enhance the amelioration of depressive symptoms. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023442215, PROSPERO CRD42023442215.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Hutton TM, Aaronson ST, Carpenter LL, Pages K, Krantz D, Lucas L, Chen B, Sackeim HA. Dosing transcranial magnetic stimulation in major depressive disorder: Relations between number of treatment sessions and effectiveness in a large patient registry. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:1510-1521. [PMID: 37827360 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of sessions in an acute TMS course for major depressive disorder (MDD) is greater than in the earlier randomized controlled trials. OBJECTIVE To compare clinical outcomes in groups that received differing numbers of TMS sessions. METHODS From a registry sample (N = 13,732), data were extracted for 7215 patients treated for MDD with PHQ-9 assessments before and after their TMS course. Groups were defined by number of acute course treatment sessions: 1-19 (N = 658), 20-29 (N = 616), 30-35 (N = 1375), 36 (N = 3591), 37-41 (N = 626), or >41 (N = 349) and compared in clinical outcomes at endpoint and at fixed intervals (after 10, 20, 30, and 36 sessions). The impact of additional treatments beyond 36 sessions was also examined. RESULTS Groups that received fewer than 30 sessions had inferior endpoint outcomes than all other groups. PHQ-9 symptom reduction was greatest in the group that ended treatment at 36 sessions. The extended treatment groups (>36 sessions) differed from all other groups by manifesting less antidepressant response early in the course and had a slower but steady rate of improvement over time. Extending treatment beyond 36 sessions was associated with further improvement without evidence of a plateau. CONCLUSIONS In real-world practice, there are strong relations between the number of TMS sessions in a course and the magnitude of symptom reduction. Courses with less than 30 sessions are associated with diminished benefit. Patients with longer than standard courses typically show less initial improvement and a more gradual trajectory, but meaningful benefit accrues with treatment beyond 36 sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott T Aaronson
- Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Linda L Carpenter
- Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Brown University Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Harold A Sackeim
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, NY, USA; Department of Radiology, Columbia University, NY, USA.
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Salinas FV. Contemporary Anesthetic Evaluation and Management for Electroconvulsive Therapy. Adv Anesth 2022; 40:201-221. [PMID: 36333048 DOI: 10.1016/j.aan.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most often used in patients with severe major depression that has not responded to other treatments. ECT is also indicated for patients with other severe psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, catatonia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Contemporary "modified ECT" involves inducing general anesthesia with neuromuscular blockade before inducing the therapeutic seizure. The goal of this review is to combine an evidence-based update with the experience of the author's institution to provide a practical approach to anesthetic care for the patient undergoing ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis V Salinas
- Swedish Medical Center, Seattle and Issaquah, Washington, USA; Medical Director of Anesthesia Services and Interventional Platform-Swedish Issaquah Hospital, Issaquah, Washington, USA.
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Aarsland TIM, Instanes JT, Posserud MBR, Ulvik A, Kessler U, Haavik J. Changes in Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolism in Patients with Depression Undergoing ECT-A Systematic Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1439. [PMID: 36422569 PMCID: PMC9694349 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism generates multiple biologically active metabolites (kynurenines) that have been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. It has been suggested that modulation of kynurenine metabolism could be involved in the therapeutic effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We performed a systematic review with aims of summarizing changes in Trp and/or kynurenines after ECT and assessing methodological issues. The inclusion criterium was measures of Trp and/or kynurenines before and after ECT. Animal studies and studies using Trp administration or Trp depletion were excluded. Embase, MEDLINE, PsycInfo and PubMed were searched, most recently in July 2022. Outcomes were levels of Trp, kynurenines and ratios before and after ECT. Data on factors affecting Trp metabolism and ECT were collected for interpretation and discussion of the reported changes. We included 17 studies with repeated measures for a total of 386 patients and 27 controls. Synthesis using vote counting based on the direction of effect found no evidence of effect of ECT on any outcome variable. There were considerable variations in design, patient characteristics and reported items. We suggest that future studies should include larger samples, assess important covariates and determine between- and within-subject variability. PROSPERO (CRD42020187003).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maj-Britt Rocio Posserud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Arve Ulvik
- Bevital A/S, Laboratoriebygget, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ute Kessler
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Haavik
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Recurrent Catatonia due to Episodic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Case Rep Psychiatry 2022; 2022:2022474. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/2022474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Catatonia is regarded as a diverse type of motor dysregulation syndrome that includes mutism, immobility, catalepsy, negativism, stereotypies, and echo phenomena. Catatonia is known to coexist with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions, including mood disorders, schizophrenia, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic abnormalities. Albeit, the association between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and catatonia is underreported, and mechanisms are not well elucidated. Study. In this study, we present a case of a 36-year-old woman who developed episodes of catatonia during the course of her obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Success rates have been recorded with both benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Gauging the severity of her symptoms and poor drug compliance, the patient was opted for and successfully treated with ECT. She was also educated about OCD through a series of therapy sessions and exposure and response prevention (ERP) principles. She was maintained on ERP and adjunctive clonazepam upon discharge. On subsequent follow-ups, the patient seemed to be doing well and was eager to begin her job again. Conclusion. Our study shows a possible link between OCD and catatonia. Additionally, robust studies are needed in order to determine the pathophysiology of catatonia and the mechanism of ECT so that more beneficial therapeutics can be developed. A combination of ECT and antidepressants with ERP therapy for recurrent catatonia with OCD could be effective as a therapeutic modality.
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Subramanian S, Lopez R, Zorumski CF, Cristancho P. Electroconvulsive therapy in treatment resistant depression. J Neurol Sci 2022; 434:120095. [PMID: 34979372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.120095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment modality for patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD), defined as failure of two adequate antidepressant medication trials. We provide a qualitative review of ECT's effectiveness for TRD, methods to optimize ECT parameters to improve remission rates and side effect profiles, and ECT's proposed neurobiological mechanisms. Right unilateral (RUL) electrode placement has been shown to be as effective for major depression as bilateral ECT, and RUL is associated with fewer cognitive side effects. There is mixed evidence on how to utilize ECT to sustain remission (i.e., continuation ECT, psychotropic medications alone, or a combination of ECT and psychotropic medications). Related to neurobiological mechanisms, an increase in gray matter volume in the hippocampus-amygdala complex is reported post-ECT. High connectivity between the subgenual anterior cingulate and the middle temporal gyrus before ECT is associated with better treatment response. Rodent models have implicated changes in neurotransmitters including glutamate, GABA, serotonin, and dopamine in ECT's efficacy; however, findings in humans are limited. Altogether, while ECT remains a highly effective therapy, the neurobiological underpinnings associated with improvement of depression remain uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subha Subramanian
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Harlingen, TX, USA.
| | - Ruthzaine Lopez
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Harlingen, TX, USA
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Harlingen, TX, USA
| | - Pilar Cristancho
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Harlingen, TX, USA
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11
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Pluijms EM, Kamperman AM, Hoogendijk WJG, Birkenhäger TK, van den Broek WW. Influence of an adjuvant antidepressant on the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2021; 55:366-380. [PMID: 32900217 PMCID: PMC8020309 DOI: 10.1177/0004867420952543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary indication for electroconvulsive therapy is medication-resistant major depression. There is some evidence that combining electroconvulsive therapy with an antidepressant, instead of electroconvulsive therapy monotherapy, might improve remission rates. However, data on this topic have not been systematically studied. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of an adjuvant antidepressant during electroconvulsive therapy for major depression. METHODS Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, PsychINFO Ovid and Google Scholar were searched up to January 2019. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies reporting on the influence of an adjuvant antidepressant on the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy for major depression were included. Authors independently screened records, extracted data and assessed study quality. We reported this systematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significant advantage of adjuvant antidepressants versus placebo. The overall effect size per category of antidepressant was as follows: tricyclic antidepressants: Hedges' g 0.32 (95% confidence interval: [0.14, 0.51]) (k = 6) with low heterogeneity (I2: 4%, p = 0.39); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors: Hedges' g 0.27 (95% confidence interval: [0.03, 0.52]) (k = 2) with a lack of heterogeneity (I2: 0%, p = 0.89); and monoamine oxidase inhibitors: Hedges' g 0.35 (95% confidence interval: [-0.07, 0.77]) with moderate heterogeneity (I2: 43%, p = 0.17) (k = 3). CONCLUSION An adjuvant antidepressant enhances the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy for major depression. Tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors showed the same effect size. However, the effect sizes of tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are most likely underestimated, due to insufficient doses in most of the included studies. We recommend the routine use of an adequately dosed antidepressant during electroconvulsive therapy for major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther M Pluijms
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC – University
Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid M Kamperman
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC – University
Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Witte JG Hoogendijk
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC – University
Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom K Birkenhäger
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC – University
Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Walter W van den Broek
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC – University
Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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