Shared effects of electroconvulsive shocks and ketamine on neuroplasticity: A systematic review of animal models of depression.

Electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) and ketamine are antidepressant treatments with a relatively fast onset of therapeutic effects compared to conventional medication and psychotherapy. While the exact neurobiological mechanisms underlying the antidepressant response of ECS and ketamine are unknown, both interventions are associated with neuroplasticity. Restoration of neuroplasticity may be a shared mechanism underlying the antidepressant efficacy of these interventions.

Changes in perfusion, and structure of hippocampal subfields related to cognitive impairment after ECT: A pilot study using ultra high field MRI.

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with major depression is associated with volume changes and markers of neuroplasticity in the hippocampus, in particular in the dentate gyrus. It is unclear if these changes are associated with cognitive side effects.

Objectives: We investigated whether changes in cognitive functioning after ECT were associated with hippocampal structural changes.