Study on the Influence of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) on Homocysteine Levels

BACKGROUND:

Elevated homocysteine levels have been found in depressive disorders. The modulating effects of homocysteine on glutamatergic neurotransmission have been discussed to be an underlying cause of depression and can also lead to cognitive impairment and may facilitate seizures. Electroconvulsive therapy is the most effective treatment for depression, but often leads to cognitive impairments.

HYPOTHESIS:

Homocysteine levels normalize during rECT. This normalization is associated with the clinical improvement of depression. Short term changes in homocysteine levels (i.e. increase directly after ECT) may explain the cognitive impairments of the patients.

METHOD:

10 patients with therapy-resistant depressive disorder are to be enrolled into the trial. Patients are treated with rECT, two to three times a week. Blood withdrawal and psychometric analysis will be performed before, directly after and one day after ECT treatment 1,4,7,10,(13). Necessity of further treatment will be checked after the first 6 ECTs.

Key Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women aged 18 years or above
• Diagnosis of major depressive disorder (according to DSM IV)
• Secured therapy resistance (at least two trials with antidepressive medication of different classes for more then 4 weeks in adequate dosage)
• Written, informed consent

Key Exclusion Criteria:

• Major neurological or other diseases
• Current medication with antiepileptic drugs
• History of major head trauma
• Any medical condition not allowing anesthesia