Pain thresholds during and after treatment of severe depression with electroconvulsive therapy

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2003.11.015
• Publication Date: 2004-01-27T10:22:43Z
• Authors: Lise Gormsen; Anette Riisgaard ...; Peter Raun; Raben Rosenberg; Poul Videbech; Per Vestergaard; Flemming W. Bach; Troels S. Jensen
• Keywords: Depression; Pain tolerance; Cold pressor test

Abstract Pain and depression are often associated suggesting that both conditions share a common neurobiological mechanism, which modulate emotional function processing of noxious information. thresholds hypothesized to be altered in depressed patients normalized with the amelioration depression. The purpose this study was therefore determine pain during after treatment electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) severe healthy controls. Seventeen (Hamilton score > 18) an age gender matched control group same size participated study. detection tolerance pressure Cold Pressor Test by exposure ice‐water measured twice ECT controls similar time interval. While significantly improved Hamilton (from mean 23.9 (SD:5) 12.5 (SD:5.7)) there no significant change patient group. However, had lower on examinations second examination day than their corresponding subjects. differential effect indicate mood not medicated directly systems but complex relationship between exists.