Effect of electroconvulsive therapy on oxidative metabolism in major depressive disorder

WOS: 000414860000016Purpose: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been shown to be effective for major depressive disorder. This study aimed to evaluate the association between ECT and the effects of ECT on total antioxidant level, total oxidant level, oxidative stress index in major depression. Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 23 inpatients with major depressive disorder defined by DSM-IV criteria and 22 healty volunteers. Socio-demographic and clinical information were collected using structured questionnaire. Venous blood samples were taken from patients and controls. The biochemical parameters analyzed were serum total antioxidant level, total oxidant level. Results: Total antioxidant level was lower in the major depressive disorder group compared with those of the controls before ECT. Total antioxidant levels were significantly increased with electrocunvulsive therapy in patient group. There was no significant difference for total antioxidant levels after ECT. There was no significant difference between patient and control groups in terms of total oxidant level and oxidative stress index before and after ECT. Conclusion: The results suggest that ECT leads to an increase in antioxidant levels in patients with major depressive disorder