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Seizure duration over ect sessions: influence of spacing ects
N Janakiramaiah1, K M Rao, J Praveen
1Department of Psychiatry, National institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry
|July 22, 2011
Summary
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effectively treats depression. Twice-weekly ECT showed comparable results to thrice-weekly sessions, with less reduction in seizure duration, indicating a potentially gentler approach.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a recognized treatment for severe depression.
- Optimizing ECT protocols, including frequency, is crucial for balancing efficacy and tolerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and impact on seizure duration of modified bilateral sinewave ECT administered twice versus thrice weekly in melancholic patients.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind trial involving 30 melancholic patients receiving ECT twice or thrice weekly for two weeks.
- Seizure duration was monitored using single-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) tracings.
Main Results:
- Seizure durations significantly decreased over the study period in both groups.
- Twice-weekly ECT resulted in significantly smaller reductions in seizure duration compared to thrice-weekly ECT.
- Therapeutic outcomes for depression were comparable between the two ECT frequency groups.
Conclusions:
- Modified bilateral sinewave ECT is effective for treating melancholic depression.
- Administering ECT twice weekly may offer a comparable therapeutic benefit to thrice-weekly administration with a potentially reduced impact on seizure duration.
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