Electroconvulsive therapy increases circadian amplitude and lowers core body temperature in depressed subjects

Abstract

Reduced amplitude of the circadian temperature rhythm and elevated nocturnal body temperature normalize after successful pharmacotherapy of major depression. Core body temperature was continually monitored in three groups: a) 6 depressed patients before an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) course and b) after an ECT course; and c) 6 healthy, sex-matched controls of similar age. The 24-hour profile of temperature was significantly different in patients pre-ECT than in patients post-ECT or in controls. Post-ECT subjects and controls manifested 24-hour profiles similar to one another. Circadian temperature rhythm amplitude increased after ECT. The mean asleep and mean 24-hour temperatures were significantly higher in patients pre-ECT than post-ECT and controls. We find that ECT restores a disrupted circadian temperature rhythm in depressed patients.