1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
2Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
3Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
Chunbo Li (chunbo_li@163.com)

Abstract 

In spite of the extensive application of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), how it works remains unclear. So far, researchers have made great efforts in figuring out the mechanisms underlying the effect of ECT treatment via determining the levels of neurotransmitters and cytokines and using genetic and epigenetic tools, as well as structural and functional neuroimaging. To help address this question and provide implications for future research, relevant clinical trials and animal experiments are reviewed.

Keywords

Electroconvulsive therapy, Neurotransmitters, Neurotrophins, Inflammatory factors, Epigenetics, Neuroimaging

[SpringerLink]