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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
Mirror-Image Study of Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy
Jorge Mota1, Nuno Rodrigues-Silva
1From the *ECT Unit, Hospital Magalhães Lemos; and †Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Healthcare Center, Center for Research in Health Technologies and Information Systems, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Objectives:
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a technique with proven efficacy in the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders. However, studies regarding its use as a maintenance therapy are scarce. The aim of the present study was to build knowledge in this area.
Methods:
Data from 28 patients receiving maintenance ECT (M-ECT) were retrospectively collected and analyzed using a mirror-image design. Length of stay and readmissions were compared before M-ECT (control condition) and after M-ECT (experimental condition).
Results:
Our results showed a decrease in both length of stay and number of readmissions after M-ECT, although the decrease in readmissions was moderated by a site effect.
Conclusions:
The present study results reveal the potential benefit of M-ECT. Further studies are urgently needed to establish its usefulness as an alternative treatment for severe psychiatric disorders.
