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Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
Published on: August 15, 2017
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Beta-blockers for electroconvulsive therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Toshiyuki Shimizu1, Yoshiteru Takekita1, Nobuatsu Aoki1
1Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|February 27, 2025
Summary
Adding beta-blockers to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduces maximum heart rate post-stimulation. This meta-analysis found no increased risk of adverse events, suggesting a safer ECT experience for patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a vital treatment for severe mental health conditions.
- ECT can cause significant cardiovascular side effects, including rapid heart rate and arrhythmias.
- Managing these haemodynamic fluctuations is crucial for patient safety during ECT.
Conclusions:
- The addition of beta-blockers to ECT regimens effectively stabilizes heart rate following stimulation.
- Beta-blocker use during ECT does not appear to elevate the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
- Beta-blockers may be a beneficial adjunct for high-risk patients undergoing ECT, improving tolerability and safety.
Keywords:
Beta-blockerElectroconvulsive therapyHeart rateHemodynamicsMeta-analysisSeizure durationSystematic reviewMore Related Videos
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