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A Neuroendocrine View of ECT

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Stephen J. Cooper
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL
Allan I. F. Scott
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh EH10 5HF
Lawrence J. Whalley
Affiliation:
Metabolic Unit, Thomas Clouston Clinic, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, 153 Morningside Drive, Edinburgh EH10 5LG

Abstract

“A neuroendocrine hypothesis to explain the clinical activity of convulsive therapy is described. The hypothesis is based on the diabetes/insulin model and suggests that hypothalamic dysfunction with an insuffiency of a mood-maintaining peptide is the basis for affective disorders. Repeated seizures enhance the production and release of the hypothalamic peptide antidepressin – the active principle that relieves both neuroendocrine and behavioral abnormalities.”

Type
The Current Literature
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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