Project Summary

Boro Ilievski, M.D. (Young Investigator 2002) of New York State Psychiatric Institute, is exploring an alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is highly effective for depression but has cognitive side effect.  Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) is the use of magnetically-induced seizures for the treatment of depression.  Preliminary work indicates that MST produces less disorientation than does ECT.  Using a Rhesus monkey model, Dr. Ilievski will explore if both treatments (MST and ECT) induce growth of intra-hippocampal axons (mossy fibers) by determining whether there are changes in the dendrites with which the mossy fibers make contact.  Understanding the mechanisms of action of convulsive therapy will guide the development of new treatments with reduced cognitive side effects.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Depression (Unipolar)

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