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Published on: August 15, 2017
Electroconvulsive therapy for mood disorders in pregnancy.
Mahmut Bulut1, Yasin Bez, Mehmet Cemal Kaya
1Department of Psychiatry, Dicle University School of Medicine, Diyarbakir, Turkey. drmahmutbulut@yahoo.com
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for pregnant patients with mood disorders. This study found significant mood improvement with minimal adverse events in 12 women undergoing ECT during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Perinatal Mental Health
Background:
- Mood disorders pose significant risks during pregnancy.
- Treatment options for pregnant individuals with severe mood disorders can be limited.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a recognized treatment for mood disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for mood disorders in pregnant patients.
- To assess treatment outcomes and adverse events in this specific population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective examination of 12 pregnant patients treated with ECT for mood disorders.
- Data collection on patient demographics, number of ECT sessions, and clinical outcomes.
- Assessment of mood changes using the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) score.
Main Results:
- Mean age of patients was 28.1 ± 4.8 years.
- Average of 9.8 ± 4.5 ECT sessions were administered.
- Significant reduction in mean CGI scores from 6 to 2.6 ± 0.7.
- One case of early delivery and one case of pes equinovarus deformity were noted, with no clear causal link to ECT.
Conclusions:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) demonstrates effectiveness in improving mood symptoms in pregnant patients.
- ECT appears to be a safe treatment option for mood disorders during pregnancy, with a low incidence of significant adverse events.
- Further research may be warranted to confirm these findings in larger cohorts.
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