title: Studies in brief-pulse electroconvulsive therapy: the voltage threshold, interpulse interval, and pulse polarity parameters.
abstract: Three studies of parameters of short-pulse ECT are reported: (i) voltage threshold, (ii) interpulse interval, an (iii) pulse polarity. Using a defined standard stimulus, voltage thresholds were found to vary from 110-250 V with a mean of 185 V. Some patients also required an increased number of pulses. The interpulse interval study demonstrated that intervals from 30 to 50 msec were successful in over 90% of the group. An interpulse interval of 30 msec was adopted as a standard treatment. The third study demonstrated no difference in efficiency of convulsion production when all positive, all negative, or alternating positive and negative pulse stimuli were applied.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged