172. Decrease in N-Acetylaspartate in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex After Electroconvulsive Therapy is Reversible

Based on previous electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) research we have proposed a model where disruption, potentiation, and rewiring occur in sequence and serve as the underlying mechanism of ECT. The model implies that a temporary disturbance of neuronal networks (disruption) is followed by a trophic effect (potentiation) resulting in the rewiring of neuronal circuits to a euthymic brain. Disruption of neuronal networks could cause a temporary decrease in N-acetylaspartate (NAA, considered a marker of healthy neurons), as suggested by previous studies with smaller samples. In this investigation, we tested the disrupt, potentiate, and rewire hypothesis on tNAA-levels (NAA + N-acetylaspartylglutamate).