ELECTROCONVULSIVE-THERAPY INCREASES CIRCADIAN AMPLITUDE AND LOWERS CORE BODY-TEMPERATURE IN DEPRESSED SUBJECTS

Background: Reduced amplitude of the circadian temperature rhythm and elevated nocturnal body temperature normalize after successful pharmac otherapy of major depression, Methods: Core body temperature was conti nually monitored in three groups: a) 6 depressed patients before an el ectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) course and b) after an ECT course; and c ) 6 healthy, sex-matched controls of similar age, Results: The 24-hour profile of temperature was significantly different in patients pre-EC T than in patients post-ECT or in controls, Post-ECT subjects and cont rols manifested 24-hour profiles similar to one another. Circadian tem perature rhythm amplitude increased after ECT. The mean asleep and mea n 24-hour temperatures were significantly higher in patients pre-ECT t han post-ECT and controls. Conclusions: Ne Sind that ECT restores a di srupted circadian temperature rhythm in depressed patients. (C) 1997 S ociety of Biological Psychiatry.