title: A conceptual introduction to cognitive remediation for memory deficits associated with right unilateral electroconvulsive therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Although electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for people with severe depression, many patients report that treatment-induced memory problems are the most disturbing and serious adverse effects, affecting quality of life after treatment and willingness to consent to further ECT sessions. To date, no intervention to mitigate these cognitive deficits has been developed. We introduce the methodology of a novel cognitive training program called Memory Training for ECT (Mem-ECT) that is based on cognitive training in seizure disorders. Mem-ECT is designed to help memories that are usually compromised after ECT to remain relatively preserved.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated the feasibility of implementing Mem-ECT in 8 adult patients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who underwent right unilateral ECT. This open pilot trial assessed recruitment procedures and treatment feasibility such as patient's burden and compliance, exercise length, and how best to integrate treatment sessions around the patient's schedule before undergoing ECT.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found Mem-ECT to be fairly well tolerated by depressed inpatients and easily implemented within ECT treatment services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We discuss issues for future development, including an ongoing treatment-masked controlled study we are conducting to test the efficacy of Mem-ECT. Developing a safe and effective behavioral strategy to minimize ECT's adverse effects on memory may make ECT a more easily tolerated treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. Jc3110@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Jimmy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Sarah H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lisanby
authors.forename: Alice
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Medalia
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Prudic
mesh_terms: D015331:Cohort Studies; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D004493:Education; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires