Biomedical subjects

John K. Hsiao

Publications and source records attributed to John K. Hsiao.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1988

Disparate Biochemical Actions of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Antidepressant Drugs.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effects on monoamine transmitter metabolites in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were evaluated in three patients after completion of a course of bilateral or unilateral ECT. Each patient had earlier undergone an unsuccessful trial with an antidepressant drug. Despite the disparate nature of the basic pharmacology of the antidepressant drugs used, common chronic effects were observed in the CSF, with reductions in 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations in all patients despite lack of therapeutic response. Homovanillic acid (HVA) changes were inconsistent. After ECT, however, no CSF changes were observed in the one nonresponder to that treatment. The two ECT responders showed marked increases in CSF 5-HIAA and HVA over their respective baselines, with an elevation in MHPG in one patient only. Further study of the mechanisms of action of ECT should focus on the serotonin and dopamine systems and on the differences between responders and nonresponders.

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PubMed1987

ECT and Neurological Disorders.

Clinicians become concerned when ECT is contemplated in an individual with a neurological disorder. In this review, the authors summarize the reports on the use of ECT in the presence of neurological disease. Because blood pressure, cerebral blood flow, and intracranial pressure rise with ECT, space-occupying lesions with increased intracranial pressure, cerebral aneurysm, recent head trauma, or active CNS infection pose special concerns for ECT treatment. In this review, we conclude that epilepsy and states with lowered seizure threshold may predispose to prolonged seizures. A history of head injury or stroke probably does not increase risk. Toxic/metabolic disorders are not contraindications to ECT, although correction of the underlying imbalance is a first priority. Extrapyramidal, demyelinating, and neuromuscular disorders pose little increased risk. Indeed, in Parkinson's Disease, ECT may be beneficial for the motor symptoms. As a general rule, it seems advisable to treat the underlying disorder prior to beginning ECT.

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