Effects of modified electroconvulsive therapy on the electroencephalogram of schizophrenia patients

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) on the electroencephalogram (EEG) of schizophrenia patients. A total of 26 schizophrenia patients who received MECT were recruited. EEG recording was initiated at 30 min before 1st and 6th MECT and terminated on the 2nd day. Images without artifacts were selected for the analysis of δ, θ, α1, α2 and β bands. The wave energy at each frequency, index of waves at different bands from the same lead, index of waves at the same band from different leads, time of epileptic discharge, time of resting state, and time to the stable EEG were determined and compared. RESULTS: The energy of slow waves increased. α waves reduced, but θ waves increased in the frontotemporal area. The index of θ waves increased. After resting state, brainwaves first occurred in the frontal area. Significant difference was observed in the time to waves returning to normal (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After MECT, the θ waves in the same lead increases, and its energy also elevates; α wave in the frontotemporal area reduces; there is transient reduction in cerebral function during MECT. After electric resting state, brainwaves mainly occur in the frontal area, and the time to brainwaves returning to normal reduces over time after MECT.