Neural Mechanisms and Cognitive Outcomes Of Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Transdiagnostic Approach

Introduction. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for severe mental health disorders (e.g., depression, psychosis). However, cognitive side effects and neural mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effect are not well understood. This study aims to probe the mechanisms of ECT using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and investigate cognitive outcomes in a diverse psychiatric population. Methods. Sixteen individuals receiving ECT completed three assessments (baseline/72-hrs post-/1-month post-ECT). Clinical symptoms were assessed and cognition was measured with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and ElectroConvulsive therapy Cognitive Assessment (ECCA). Nine of those individuals underwent TMS to probe cortical inhibition and excitation. Results. Clinical symptoms significantly improved following ECT. MoCA scores significantly declined 72-hrs post-ECT, while ECCA scores were unchanged. Cortical inhibition significantly increased post-ECT and was correlated with cognitive and clinical changes. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that cortical inhibition is involved in the mechanisms of ECT and potentially linked to clinical and cognitive outcomes.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Master's

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Neuroscience

Grantor dc:publisher

Carleton University

Year dc:date.issued

2023

Author dc:creator

• Watson, Molly Christine

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2023 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, distribution to students, research and scholarship. Theses may only be shared by linking to the Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be copied without proper attribution to the author; no part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

10.22215/etd/2023-15545

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:carleton.scholaris.ca:20.500.14718/41019