Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Alterations after Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients with Mental Illness.

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that the ongoing neurotrophic effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) might be detected in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS

This study was conducted using a prospective design. The RNFL thickness alterations of 18 psychiatric patients undergoing ECT were assessed using OCT. The results were compared with the RNFL thicknesses of 18 age and gender-matched healthy controls.

RESULTS

In the left eye, the average RNFL (p = 0.025), superior quadrant (p = 0.029), and nasal quadrant (p = 0.021) thicknesses were significantly increased after the last ECT treatment. In contrast to the right eye, the basal left-eye superior RNFL thickness (p = 0.038) and inferior quadrant (p = 0.007) thicknesses were significantly lower in the patients than in the healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Here, we have revealed a significant lateralized influence of ECT on the left-eye RNFL. However, larger case series should be conducted before interpreting our current findings.