A group of Scottish researchers claim that they have finally solved the question of how electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treats depression. These findings are contained in a new study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Researchers from University of Aberdeen and University of Dundee revealed that ECT works by affecting how different areas of the brain communicate with each other. ECT is a controversial treatment for depression which involves connecting electrodes to the temples and passing a small electric current through them.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders affecting approximately 340 million people in the world. No one is immune from depression - it occurs in people of all social classes, all countries and all cultural settings.
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The effectiveness of ECT has been debated every since the treatment has been in use since the 1930s largely due to the fact that its exact effect on the brain is not yet known. However the researchers said that their study on 9 depression patients proves that ECT works by reducing the "connection strength" between different areas of the brain.
"This theory has suggested a 'hyperconnection' between the areas of the brain involved in emotional processing and mood change and the parts of the brain involved in thinking and concentrating. Our key finding is that if you compare the connections in the brain before and after ECT, ECT reduces the connection strength between these same areas - it reduces this hyperconnectivity", lead researcher Professor Ian Reid said.
Source: Medindia
Source: Medindia
Adolescent Depression
Adolescent depression is an ailment that occurs during the teenage characterized by persistent melancholy, disappointment and loss of self-esteem.
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Holistic Management for Depression
Depression is a common disorder and many worldwide suffer from depression. Early recognition of symptoms and signs of depression can help in taking a holistic approach to the management of depression.
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