Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a well-established and effective treatment for severe depression and other conditions. Though ECT induces a generalized seizure, it is unclear why seizures are therapeutic. This study analyzed relationships between pre-treatment brain morphology, stimulation dose, and seizure duration to better understand ECT-induced seizures. Methods: Pre-existing MRI data were analyzed from four cohorts with treatment refractory depression undergoing right unilateral (RUL) ECT (n=166). Regional brain morphometry and magnitude of electrical current (|E|) were analyzed, along with seizure duration and stimulation charge at seizure threshold (ECT1) and 6x seizure threshold (ECT2&3). Linear models controlled for age, sex, and cohort, corrected using false discovery rate q<0.05. Results: Lower ECT1 stimulation charge correlated with less cortical surface area perpendicular to current flow, and greater |E| in nearby white matter. Lower ECT2&3 stimulation charge correlated with less cortical surface area and curvature near the temporal electrode, higher |E| in right amygdala and anterior hippocampus, and lower right thalamic and mid-hippocampal volume. Cortical surface area extending between electrodes (e.g., postcentral gyrus) positively correlated with ECT2&3 seizure duration. Successful antidepressant response associated with less cortical surface area near the temporal electrode and more |E| in anteromedial temporal lobe regions, the latter of which mediated the effects of the former on antidepressant response. Conclusions: Pre-treatment brain morphology influences ECT-induced seizure, particularly in regions near ECT electrodes and those relevant to seizure initiation and modulation. Personalized dosing based on head morphology and other factors may improve antidepressant outcomes and reduce side effects.
Source: Molecular Psychiatry
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $5,490
Awards: ECT current amplitude and medial temporal lobe engagement, Imaging biomarkers of ECT response in major depressive disorder, G49387463, Multimodal Imaging of Neuropsychiatric Disorders (MIND): Mechanisms &, Title: Neurobiology of seizure generalization during electroconvulsive therapy for major depression, G9000028854, G9000039612, G9000095507, 1/4-Deciphering Mechanisms of ECT Outcomes and Adverse Effects (DECODE)
OpenAlex ID: W4416505685