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What Are The Hormonal Or Chemical Changes That ECT Causes That Helps Depression?
Question: What are the hormonal or chemical changes that ect causes that helps depression ? How does the seizure causethis change ?
Brief Answer:
change in neurotransmitters
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
Electro convulsive therapy ( ECT) is an effective way of treating severe depression, especially if there are suicidal thoughts etc. It involves a small pulse which cause a seizure activity. The exact mechanism is still unknown. However, it is believed that ECT induced seizure alters the way neurotransmitters work in brain ( neurotransmitters are chemicals which help in communication between brain cells). There are no hormonal changes with ECT
Regards
Binu
change in neurotransmitters
Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
Electro convulsive therapy ( ECT) is an effective way of treating severe depression, especially if there are suicidal thoughts etc. It involves a small pulse which cause a seizure activity. The exact mechanism is still unknown. However, it is believed that ECT induced seizure alters the way neurotransmitters work in brain ( neurotransmitters are chemicals which help in communication between brain cells). There are no hormonal changes with ECT
Regards
Binu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Do we know specific neurotransmitter changes? I would like as much detail as possible. ( I have a BS in Human Biology)
Brief Answer:
Mechanisms of ECT in detail
Detailed Answer:
Glad to know that. In that case, I will explain in detail. Infact the exact mechanism of ECT action is not known. Some Human and animal studies show that ECT increases release of neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine .
There is another hypothesis regarding the hormonal action. AGAIN THIS IS ONLY A HYPOTHESIS. It says that ECT relieves depression by causing the hypothalamus or pituitary gland to release hormones, including prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and endorphins.
I hope I am clear now.
Mechanisms of ECT in detail
Detailed Answer:
Glad to know that. In that case, I will explain in detail. Infact the exact mechanism of ECT action is not known. Some Human and animal studies show that ECT increases release of neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine .
There is another hypothesis regarding the hormonal action. AGAIN THIS IS ONLY A HYPOTHESIS. It says that ECT relieves depression by causing the hypothalamus or pituitary gland to release hormones, including prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and endorphins.
I hope I am clear now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
so is it the actual seizure that causes these changes or the elegtrical current passing thru the brain? If its the seizure, why shouldn't epileptics have less depression ?
Brief Answer:
Difference beteen ECT and Seizure(epilepsy)
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sorry for the delay in the reply.
Seizure is an unregulated and chaotic electrical actvity. But ECT is controlled and regulated electrical activity to specefic areas in brain. Actual Seizure dosent have any anti depressive effects.
Regards
Binu
Difference beteen ECT and Seizure(epilepsy)
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sorry for the delay in the reply.
Seizure is an unregulated and chaotic electrical actvity. But ECT is controlled and regulated electrical activity to specefic areas in brain. Actual Seizure dosent have any anti depressive effects.
Regards
Binu
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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