title: ECT in mixed affective states: a case series.
abstract: There is limited information regarding the effectiveness of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment for patients in a mixed affective state. The authors report their experience using this treatment in medication-resistant patients meeting Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) for both mania and major depression. Clinical and response characteristics of these patients are described. Forty-one consecutively admitted patients meeting the RDC for mania received pharmacotherapy. Eight patients failing to respond to pharmacotherapy were referred for ECT, and seven consented. All met RDC for both mania and major depressive disorder. All patients receiving ECT remitted. The patient who did not accept ECT did not improve and ultimately needed transfer to a state hospital for longer term care. Mixed manic-depressive states are responsive to ECT, even in medication-refractory patients.
authors.affiliation: UT-Harris County Psychiatric Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas-Houston Health Sciences Center (UT-HHSC) 77021, USA.
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Gruber
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Dilsaver
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Shoaib
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Swann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral / Q000502:physiology; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy; D005260:Female; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018692:Antimanic Agents