Change in seizure threshold during electroconvulsive therapy.
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.
Fink
Max
M
Long Island Jewish-Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, NY, USA. mafink@attglobal.net
Petrides
Georgios
G
Kellner
Charles
C
Mueller
Martina
M
Knapp
Rebecca
R
Husain
Mustafa M
MM
Rasmussen
Keith
K
Rummans
Teri
T
O'Connor
Kevin
K
D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology*