Seizure threshold rise during electroconvulsive therapy in schizophrenic patients.
A rise in seizure threshold during a course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been demonstrated in patients with depression and mania, but no information has been available as to whether the same result occurs in schizophrenia. Ninety-three patients with schizophrenia underwent estimation of the seizure threshold by the dose-titration method, at the first and second, seventh, fourteenth, and twentieth treatments over an index ECT course. The 3-week stabilization period was used as a response criterion. Eighty-six patients (92%) showed a rise in threshold. The magnitude of increment was 269+/-244%. The rise in seizure threshold could be predicted by the number of treatments, initial seizure threshold and EEG seizure duration, and these factors explained 42% of the variance.
Chanpattana
W
W
Department of Psychiatry, Srinakharinwirot University, 681 Samsen, Dusit, 10300, Bangkok, Thailand. worch@loxinfo.co.th
Buppanharun
W
W
Raksakietisak
S
S
McCall
W V
WV
Somchai Chakrabhand
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome