Objective To examine the effect of modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) on the plasma oxida-tive stress level in bipolar depression. Methods Forty-two patients with bipolar depression were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group (n=18) received antidepressants and 12 times MECT for 6 weeks and the control group (n=24) received antidepressants and Li2CO3 for 6 weeks. The Chinese versions of the 17 items Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI-S) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) were used to assess participants at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. The plasma levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA)were detected at baseline and after 6 weeks to assess the level of oxidative stress. Results Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that the plasma level of SOD was higher in MECT group than in Li2CO3 group (F=15.26, P<0.01), and the level of MDA was higher in Li2CO3 group (F=18.18, P<0.01). The interactive effect of group and time was significant in GSH-Px level (F=6.39, P=0.02). The level of GSH-Px was lower in MECT group than in Li2CO3 group after 6 weeks (P<0.05). The CAT level was higher in the response patients than in non-response patients after 6 weeks (P<0.05). Con-clusions Both MECT treatment and Li2CO3 treatment can alter oxidative stress levels in patients with bipolar depression. The mechanisms underlying its therapeutic regimen may correct the imbalance of the plasma CAT level.

Objective To evaluate the effect of assertive case management on relapse and health economic evalua?tion in schizophrenics living in communities. Methods Two hundred outpatients were randomly divided into the study group (107 enrolled, 107 completed) which received assertive case management and the control group (93 enrolled, 91 completed) which received normal management treatment for 12 months. Clinical global impression scale (CGI) and the cost of treatment were assessed every three months. Medication adherence and family burden were evaluated before treat?ment and 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment using Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS) and Family Burden Instructing, respectively. Results The study group was less likely to relapse compared with the control group over the 12-month follow-up and the relapse rates were 1.9%and 11.0%in study and control groups, respectively (P<0.01). The repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated that time main effect was significant in severity of illness factor score of CGI (P<0.01). The time main effect and group main effect in factor 1 and factor 3 scores of MARS were significant (all P<0.05) and there was an interaction effect in factor1 score of MARS (P<0.01). In the study group, time effect were signifi?cant in factor 1 score of MARS (P<0.01). The time main effects in indirect cost and total cost were significant and so were interaction effects in direct cost and total cost (P<0.05). In the study group, time effects were significant in direct cost and total cost (P<0.01). Comparison of FBI dimensions before and after the intervention showed that family relation?ship was much more decreased in the study group than in the control group (P<0.01). Conclusions Assertive Case Man?agement can reduce the recurrence of schizophrenia living in communities, improve compliance medication and family re?lationship as well as reduce the cost of treatment.