AUTHOR=Li Ming , Yao Xiaoxiao , Sun Lihua , Zhao Lihong , Xu Wenbo , Zhao Haisheng , Zhao Fangyi , Zou Xiaohan , Cheng Ziqian , Li Bingjin , Yang Wei , Cui Ranji TITLE=Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Depression and Its Potential Mechanism JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology VOLUME=11 YEAR=2020 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00080 DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00080 ISSN=1664-1078 ABSTRACT=

Depression is one of the most common disorders causing mortality around the world. Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is, along with antidepressants and psychotherapy, one of the three major treatments of depression, it is still considered as the last resort for depressed patients. This situation is partially due to limited studies and uncertainty regarding its mechanism. However, decades of increased research have focused on the effects of ECT on depression and its potential mechanism. Furthermore, these investigations may suggest that ECT should be a first-line therapy for depression due to its profound effects in relieving desperation in certain situations. Here, we outline recent clinical and preclinical studies and summarize the advantages and disadvantages of ECT. Thus, this review may provide some hints for clinical application.