title: Change in seizure threshold during electroconvulsive therapy.
abstract: The seizure threshold (ST) is a measure of the minimum electrical energy necessary to induce a grand mal seizure. Dose titration of the ST has been suggested to optimize stimulus dosing in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The change in ST with remission is examined in a large sample of unipolar depressed patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a study of continuation treatments after successful ECT, the ST was determined at the first treatment and again 1 week after remission using a conventional ST measurement protocol. Patients were treated with bilateral electrode placement at 150% above the measured ST.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 80 subjects, the ST measured the same in 70%, increased in 21%, and decreased in 9% at remission.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In a study of bilateral ECT, the ST did not rise conclusively with remission.
authors.affiliation: Long Island Jewish-Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY, USA. mafink@attglobal.net
authors.forename: Max
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Petrides
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kellner
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Knapp
authors.forename: Mustafa M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Husain
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
authors.forename: Teri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rummans
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology*