Anesthesiologic considerations in psychiatric convulsive therapy

The authors, drawing from their very large experience, describe technics of administering anesthesia and muscle-relaxing agents for convulsive therapy. After a brief historical review, they mention in detail the materials used and the set up for this modified electroconvulsive treatment. They describe the signs of amnesia and those of muscular relaxation in order to administer a modified electroconvulsive treatment properly. A comparison of this modification with various other methods used in different centers is made. A section of the paper is devoted to the less common use of Indoklon. Contraindications for the various therapeutic methods are mentioned and a critical evaluation is provided. The authors draw conclusions from their clinical experience and give the results of their observations. The management of various side-effects and possible complications is discussed. The article should be considered as a guide in the use of modified convulsive therapy.