Anaesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy

The results of a prospective study of 3,500 Anaesthetics for electroconvulsive therapy is presented. Minimal differences were observed between thiopentone and methohexitone. Propanidid and Diazepam were found to be unsuitable induction agents. Other findings included minimal serum potassium elevation and a low incidence of post treatment muscle pains. The place of the single-handed operator and the place of unmodified electroconvulsive therapy is questioned as being unacceptable practice.