What did the research discover?
Researchers studied two different treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD): Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). They wanted to see which one worked better for treating depression and which had fewer effects on memory and thinking skills.
The study gathered data from 10 different studies, including a total of 285 people with depression. Some received MST, while others received ECT. The researchers measured how well each treatment reduced depression symptoms and how they affected memory and thinking.
The results showed that MST and ECT were equally effective in treating depression. However, MST had some advantages. People who had MST recovered faster after treatment. They also had fewer problems with memory and thinking compared to those who had ECT. Specifically, MST patients did better in recalling words, remembering visual information, and verbal fluency. MST also led to better immediate and delayed memory recall, meaning patients had an easier time remembering things right after treatment and later on. Additionally, MST had a shorter recovery time, allowing patients to return to normal activities more quickly than those who had ECT. This suggests that MST may be a better option for patients worried about memory problems after treatment.
How can I apply this information?
This study suggests that MST could be an effective treatment for depression, with fewer side effects on memory and thinking compared to ECT. However, it is still a new treatment, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
If you or someone you know is considering treatment for depression and is concerned about memory issues, it may be helpful to talk to a doctor about MST. Since ECT is more commonly used, MST may not be available everywhere. This study helps doctors and patients make informed decisions about depression treatments, but more studies are needed to fully understand the long-term effects of MST.
Source:
Chen M, Yang X, Liu C, Li J, Wang X, Yang C, Hu X, Li J, Zhao J, Li X, Xu Y. Comparative efficacy and cognitive function of magnetic seizure therapy vs. electroconvulsive therapy for major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Translational Psychiatry. 2021 Aug 21;11(1):437. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8380249/
