Electroconvulsive Therapy
What is the common media portrayal of ECT? correct answers Punishment
*Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)*
- How does it work? correct answers *Series of brief treatments under general
anesthesia*
- brief controlled seizure lasting 30-90 secs.
- 2-3 times per week - *not a one time thing*
*Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)*
- What is done to *reduce cognitive side effects*? correct answers 1. *Right Unilateral*
placement of electrode
-As opposed to Bitemporal/bilateral
- near-equivalent efficacy
2. Administering brief *pulse currents*
*Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)*
- What are the primary indications? correct answers 1. *Major Depressive Disorder*
2. *Bipolar Disorder*
3. Catatonia non-responsive to meds
*Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)*
- What are the contraindications? correct answers *NO absolute contraindications*
- maybe recent intracranial or heart complications
Mortality similar to anesthesia mortality rate
*Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)*
- What are the adverse effects? correct answers 1. Postictal distortion = following
seizure
2. Interictal confusion = RARE delirium
3. *MEMORY IMPAIRMENT* = Anterograde and retrograde amnesia
- Usually completely resolved by 6 months post treatment
- Anterograde resolves more quickly
- *Retrograde can last longer and more specific for events near time of ECT treatments*
How does ECT work? correct answers Stimulates release of NTs like dopamine and
serotonin
What is the common media portrayal of ECT? correct answers Punishment
*Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)*
- How does it work? correct answers *Series of brief treatments under general
anesthesia*
- brief controlled seizure lasting 30-90 secs.
- 2-3 times per week - *not a one time thing*
*Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)*
- What is done to *reduce cognitive side effects*? correct answers 1. *Right Unilateral*
placement of electrode
-As opposed to Bitemporal/bilateral
- near-equivalent efficacy
2. Administering brief *pulse currents*
*Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)*
- What are the primary indications? correct answers 1. *Major Depressive Disorder*
2. *Bipolar Disorder*
3. Catatonia non-responsive to meds
*Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)*
- What are the contraindications? correct answers *NO absolute contraindications*
- maybe recent intracranial or heart complications
Mortality similar to anesthesia mortality rate
*Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)*
- What are the adverse effects? correct answers 1. Postictal distortion = following
seizure
2. Interictal confusion = RARE delirium
3. *MEMORY IMPAIRMENT* = Anterograde and retrograde amnesia
- Usually completely resolved by 6 months post treatment
- Anterograde resolves more quickly
- *Retrograde can last longer and more specific for events near time of ECT treatments*
How does ECT work? correct answers Stimulates release of NTs like dopamine and
serotonin
