Korean J Schizophr Res.  2025 Apr;28(1):11-18. 10.16946/kjsr.2025.28.1.11.

Structural and Functional Brain Changes Following Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients With Schizophrenia: A Literature Review

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Public Health Service, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea

Abstract

This review synthesizes research findings on the structural and functional brain changes observed after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with schizophrenia. Structural neuroimaging studies suggest that the hippocampus, amygdala, and right insular cortex are the most critical areas implicated in ECT-related changes for these patients. Functional neuroimaging studies also highlight the involvement of the hippocampus, amygdala, and insular cortex, along with the prefrontal cortex, default mode network, and thalamostriatal system. We examine and discuss the potential implications of these incorporated findings. Given the relative scarcity of related studies, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of ECT in patients with schizophrenia.

Keyword

Amygdala; Electroconvulsive therapy; Hippocampus; Magnetic resonance imaging; Neuroimaging; Schizophrenia; Treatment-resistant schizophrenia; 편도체; 전기경련요법; 해마; 자기공명영상; 뇌영상; 조현병; 치료 저항성 조현병
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