Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
AANA Journal course: update for nurse anesthetists--anesthetic management during electroconvulsive therapy: effects
Abstract:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for some types of depression and psychotic disorders. Although ECT is considered effective and relatively safe, the treatment team must know how to deal with adverse effects. The American Psychiatric Association recognizes no absolute contraindication except brain tumor with increased intracranial pressure. However, patients who have other medical problems are at risk of complications. Optimizing the safety and efficacy of treatment is a goal when providing ECT. Muscle relaxants, barbiturate anesthesia, anticholinergic agents, and oxygenation are used to reduce the risk of complications. The use of ECT requires a knowledge of the effect of anesthetic agents on seizure activity. This article reviews ECT, anesthesia for ECT, and the effect of propofol and methohexital on seizure duration and seizure efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
