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A Neuroendocrine View of ECT

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Stephen J. Cooper ,
Allan I. F. Scott  and
Lawrence J. Whalley
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
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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
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 157 , Issue 5 , November 1990 , pp. 740 - 743
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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