title: Electroconvulsive therapy in 1985--a review.
abstract: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has recently been re-examined in randomized, double-blind controlled trials. Although a variable placebo influence has been demonstrated, the effectiveness of ECT in severe depression is now well established. ECT may also have a role in the treatment of resistant schizophrenia. A bilateral convulsion is essential for therapeutic efficiency. Unilateral electrode placement is as effective as bilateral placement and reduces subsequent memory impairment considerably. A reduction in the total electrical energy used to produce the convulsion (with unidirectional squared wave forms and brief pulses) lessens cognitive difficulties after ECT. Long-term memory is not impaired but selective impairment of verbal and non-verbal learning can occur in the short term. Psychopharmacological studies suggest that postsynaptic dopamine transmission may be enhanced by ECT.
authors.forename: F T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Varghese
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D011897:Random Allocation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents