Neuroendocrine Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Document Type
Review
Publication Date
7-24-1997
Description
Reliable observation of ECT-induced hormone release requires that other processes that affect hormone levels remain constant and not obscure it. This article reviews principles and pitfalls in making such observations. Clinical applicability and limitations of measurements of prolactin, cortisol, oxytocin, in vasopressin, and other hormones are described. Applications, include elucidation of ECT physiology and seizure quality, comparison of ECT techniques, and description of illness severity. Accounting for each of these different effects can be needed to characterize any of them. An important but unrealized application of neuroendocrine measurement is prediction of the stability of individual ECT response.
Citation Information
Swartz, Conrad M.. 1997. Neuroendocrine Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). Psychopharmacology Bulletin. Vol.33(2). 265-271. PMID: 9230641 ISSN: 0048-5764