Posted by OldSchool on January 11, 2002, at 18:59:33
In reply to How does ECT Work?, posted by Denise528 on January 11, 2002, at 8:55:52
> Does anyone know how ECT works? Does it effect the neuro transmitters or does it work in a different way?
>
> DeniseECT works by causing a massive generalized seizure. In a nutshell thats how it works. No seizure induced from the electricity equals no antidepressant effect. When the seizure occurs massive amounts of brain neurotransmitters are released like serotonin, dopamine, etc. Serotonin actually has anticonvulsant properties in addition to antidepressant qualities. Its like a super MAOI. It also raises your seizure threshhold, creating a strong anti-convulsant effect. When you have ECT, it makes it harder to have more seizures. When you get shocked and have a seizure, its like the brain says "whoa there, another seizure is probably coming so I better start making some changes." The changes include automatically raising the seizure threshhold and creation of a strong antidepressant effect.
poster:OldSchool
thread:89710
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020110/msgs/89779.html