[The practice of electroconvulsive therapy: current contribution. II.--administration and evaluation of treatment]

In this second of a two-part review about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) practice, the author highlights recent advances in ECT course management with a special emphasis on pre-ECT evaluation, treatment procedures, evaluation of outcome and post-ECT course. Pre-ECT assessment should include an evaluation of medical risk factors and concomitant use of psychotropic or medical agents have to be reconsidered. Practical and technical aspects of stimulus administration and their relationships with post-ECT cognitive disabilities are then presented. Monitoring of treatment response and cognitive changes during ECT course is also discussed as well as post-ECT pharmacotherapy maintenance or continuation ECT.