title: [Electroconvulsive therapy of affective disorders].
abstract: Compared with Europe and North America, fewer psychiatrists in Japan use electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) when treating affective disorders. We reviewed 25 papers focusing on this Modern ECT is a safe treatment, even in patients with severe systemic disabilities, as well as, in those who may be intolerant of tricyclic antidepressants. Modern ECT is considered to be as effective as or even more effective than antidepressant therapy. These facts indicate that Japanese psychiatrists should reconsider the application of ECT for treating affective disorders. In addition, knowledge derived from the study of ECT, can lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of depression and permit the design of more effective pharmacologic treatments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ohta
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Matsushima
mesh_terms: D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents