Posted by linkadge on June 9, 2008, at 17:11:24
In reply to Re: ECT and confirmed cognitive deficits, posted by Zeba on June 8, 2008, at 17:14:36
Another thing to consider is that many of the same forms of cognitive deficits are present in individuals who have epilepsy.
Poorly controlled epilepsy is associated with hippocapal volume loss as well as a host of cognitive problems.
Doctors harp on about how wonderful is the fact that ECT raises BDNF. They consider it to be part of the theraputic effect.
Not all researchers agree. BDNF is both a trophic and protective brain chemical. It is released in high quantities during times that the brain is under a precived stress.
For instance, BDNF increases after traumatic brain injury. It is an attempt for the brain to protect itself from what is occuring. Its the same with ECT. The brain precieves that it is being insulted and releases BDNF to protect itself.
GFAP is another protein that is increased by ECT and is generally a sign of neuronal insult.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:832202
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080606/msgs/833835.html