Optimization of electroconvulsive therapy for drug-resistant depression based on neurotrophic factor dynamics as a prognostic factor

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Level of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) and Hamilton rating scale for depression symptoms were measured before, during and after electroconvulsive therapy(ECT) in patients with depression. Increased BDNF level was shown immediately after ECT, followed by improvement of the depressive symptoms. Increased BDNF level was maintained for 4 weeks after completion of ECT, while the depressive symptoms recurred 1 week after completion of ECT. These results show relationship between temporal dynamics of serum neurotrophic factor and severity of depressive symptoms induced by ECT.