Evaluation of the Electroconvulsive Therapy’s Impact on Retinal Structures in First-Episode Psychosis Patients Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Background and Hypothesis Schizophrenia is a complex disorder thought to have neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative aspects. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of schizophrenia patients revealed that the retinal layers of these patients were thinner than those of healthy controls. This study aimed to examine retinal changes in first-episode psychosis patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) via OCT. Study Design Thirty first-episode psychosis patients (13 men, 17 women) aged 18 to 65 years who had no comorbidities and no smoking, alcohol, or substance use disorders and who were treated with ECT were included in the study. The patients were evaluated using OCT before treatment and after an average of 7.4 sessions of ECT in remission, and the results were compared. Study Results Statistically significant increases were observed in retinal layer thickness, inner plexiform layer, outer plexiform layer, and total retinal thickness within the 1 mm ring (P = .015, P = .045, and P = .025, respectively). The inner nuclear layer thickness significantly increased within the 6 mm ring (P = .037). Conclusions In conclusion, ECT noticeably affected retinal structures, particularly according to similar measurements, indicating potential improvements in and the ability to reverse neuronal degeneration after one month of treatment. This study highlights the potential impact of ECT on retinal structures in individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis, as it can enhance specific retinal layers and reverse neuronal degeneration.