Indications/Contraindications
True of False: ECT is contraindicated for pregnant patients
False
First step of ECT?
Informed Consent!
True or False: ECT is a risky procedure but the risks outweigh the benefits
False. ECT is considered a very safe procedure, with most of the risk being from having general anesthesia
What does ECT stand for?
Electroconvulsive Therapy
most common indication for ECT?
Refractory cases of melancholic depression
How to prevent relapse after a pt has completed their 6-12 ECT sessions?
maintenance therapy every 1-8 weeks in combination with pharmacotherapy
Most of the risk from ECT come from...
the risk of the general anesthesia
Where to get ECT in El Paso?
Only offered at El Paso Behavioral Health
Name some relative contraindications for ECT
increased ICP, brain mass, recent MI, severe HTN, cerebral aneurysms or angiomas
In addition to EEG, how else does a psychiatrist monitor seizure activity during the ECT procedure?
Torniquet on the hand/leg to prevent muscle relaxant from affecting that area.
most common side effect? (be specific)
reversible memory loss (retrograde amnesia)
Less invasive and more accessible alternative procedure to consider for pts who would benefit from ECT
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Give an example of a situation when ECT is indicated due to the need for fast anti-depressive effects.
severe suicidality, severe psychosis, malnutrition due to food refusal 2/2 depressive illness
What is the difference between unilateral and bilateral electrode placement?
unilateral: safer, less effective
bilateral: more effective, associated with more adverse effects
Name some of the less common side effects
skin burns, temporary short-term functional disorders (such as amnesic aphasia), prolonged seizure
What happened in the 1950s that made ECT safer?
advancements in anesthesia