title: Mirror-Image Study of Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a technique with proven efficacy in the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders. However, studies regarding its use as a maintenance therapy are scarce. The aim of the present study was to build knowledge in this area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from 28 patients receiving maintenance ECT (M-ECT) were retrospectively collected and analyzed using a mirror-image design. Length of stay and readmissions were compared before M-ECT (control condition) and after M-ECT (experimental condition).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our results showed a decrease in both length of stay and number of readmissions after M-ECT, although the decrease in readmissions was moderated by a site effect.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study results reveal the potential benefit of M-ECT. Further studies are urgently needed to establish its usefulness as an alternative treatment for severe psychiatric disorders.
authors.affiliation: From the *ECT Unit, Hospital Magalhães Lemos; and †Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Healthcare Center, Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mota
authors.forename: Nuno
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rodrigues-Silva
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010359:Patient Readmission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D012107:Research Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome