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Impact of maintenance ECT on concentration and memory.
C J Datto1, S Levy, D S Miller
1Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Friends Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. cdatto@mail.upenn.edu
The Journal of ECT
|August 31, 2001
Summary
Telephone assessments may effectively monitor cognitive effects of maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (MECT). This pilot study found some patients experienced temporary cognitive deficits after MECT treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Outpatient electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is increasingly common.
- Monitoring for adverse treatment effects is crucial.
- Existing monitoring methods may not suit outpatient maintenance ECT (MECT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate telephone assessments for monitoring cognitive deficits in MECT patients.
- To determine if cognitive function is affected by individual MECT treatments.
Main Methods:
- Recruited outpatient MECT patients.
- Conducted telephone cognitive assessments (e.g., Orientation-Memory-Concentration, Verbal Fluency) on three occasions: pre-treatment, post-treatment, and one week later.
- Assessed test-retest reliability and group-level cognitive changes.
Main Results:
- Sixteen patients completed the pilot study.
- Test-retest reliability varied across cognitive tests.
- Verbal Fluency Category showed performance decrements post-treatment.
- One patient exhibited global cognitive deficits after a treatment.
Conclusions:
- Telephone assessment shows promise for monitoring outpatient MECT patients.
- Findings can guide clinicians in advising patients and caregivers on post-treatment activities.
- Results support the overall tolerability of MECT.