Changes in heart rate variability before and after ECT in the treatment of resistant major depressive disorder.

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on cardiac autonomic functions (CAF) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.

Method: Fourteen men joined the study. Nine ECTs were administered.

[Event-related potentials in major depressive disorder: the relationship between P300 and treatment response].

Objective: Although conflicting results have been obtained regarding P300 amplitude and latency in major depressive patients, most studies have reported that major depressive patients have smaller P300 amplitudes and longer latencies than healthy people. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between P300 and treatment response in major depressive disorder patients.

Methods: Twenty-eight patients suffering from major depression who completed 12 weeks of follow-up appointments and 28 healthy people, whose age and gender were matched with patients, were included in the study.

The association between serum levels of neopterin and number of depressive episodes of major depression.

Background: There is an interaction between the immune system and the central nervous system by means of hormones, peptides, and neurotransmitters. The aims of the present study were to determine whether the serum neopterin levels in patients with major depression (MD) differ from a healthy control group and to investigate the relationship between previous MD episodes and serum neopterin levels.

Methods: Thirty patients who were admitted to the GATA Psychiatry Outpatient Clinics and were diagnosed with MD according to DSM-IV, and who agreed to participate in the study, were included in the study.

Acute and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy for treatment of psychotic depression in a pregnant patient.

Depression may relapse during pregnancy in women with a history of depression. Treatments which may be effective for mothers may be harmful to the fetus. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been widely used in patients with different medical illnesses.