February 19, 2025

New Research Explains How Electroconvulsive Therapy Works

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a treatment that involves inducing controlled seizures in the brain using electricity, has long been effective in treating certain mental illnesses, particularly depression. However, the exact reason behind its effectiveness has remained a mystery. Now, researchers from the University of California San Diego may have found an answer.

In two studies published in Translational Psychiatry, the researchers propose a new hypothesis that ECT alleviates depression symptoms by increasing aperiodic activity in the brain. Aperiodic activity refers to electrical activity that does not follow a consistent pattern and is considered the brain’s background noise.

ECT has been used for almost a century, but scientists and doctors have struggled to understand its mechanisms. The recent studies aim to demystify one of the most effective yet stigmatized treatments for severe depression.

Contrary to popular belief, ECT is not as depicted in movies or television. The modern procedure involves highly controlled doses of electricity administered under anesthesia. It is not the painful high voltage shocks often associated with the therapy. In fact, ECT has a success rate of up to 80% in patients with depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.

However, while ECT is safe and effective, it does have drawbacks. Temporary confusion and cognitive impairment can occur, and multiple outpatient visits are required. These factors can pose a barrier to individuals who could benefit from the treatment.

One reason why ECT is not more widespread is the convenience of taking medication. For many people, it is easier to opt for pills rather than undergoing a series of sessions. However, ECT can be life-saving for individuals for whom medication does not work. By understanding how ECT works, researchers hope to enhance its benefits while minimizing side effects.

To investigate the brain activity during ECT therapy, the researchers used electroencephalography (EEG) scans. They also studied another form of treatment called magnetic seizure therapy, which induces seizures using magnets instead of electrodes. Both therapies showed increased levels of aperiodic activity in the brain after treatment.

For years, aperiodic activity was considered as the brain’s background noise, and its importance was overlooked. However, the new research suggests that aperiodic activity plays a vital role in the brain and that ECT helps restore this function in individuals with depression.

One function of aperiodic activity is to regulate the activation and inhibition of neurons, which correspond to different mental states. Aperiodic activity enhances inhibitory activity in the brain, effectively slowing it down. EEG scans of individuals who received ECT or magnetic seizure therapy consistently showed a slowing pattern in the brain’s electrical activity, which had been unexplained until now. Accounting for the inhibitory effects of aperiodic activity helps explain this pattern and suggests that both therapies have similar effects on the brain.

Although these findings provide insight into the link between aperiodic activity and the benefits of ECT, further research is necessary to apply these insights in clinical applications. The researchers are exploring the possibility of using aperiodic activity as a metric for treatment effectiveness in other depression treatments, such as medications.

While the primary concern for patients and doctors is that the treatment works, it is the role of scientists to understand the underlying mechanisms. By answering these questions, researchers hope to improve the effectiveness of ECT and minimize negative effects.

*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it

Money Singh
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. 

Money Singh

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. 

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