Comparison of propofol and methohexitone in anaesthesia for ECT: effect on seizure duration and outcome

The effect of the induction agents propofol and methohexitone on seizure duration and clinical outcome was assessed in a prospective, randomised, double blind study in 32 depressed patients receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Assessments comprised Hamilton rating scales pre-ECT, weekly during the course, and at one month follow-up. Patients showed a significant improvement in depression as measured by the Hamilton rating scale across the course of the ECT treatment. This improvement was not significantly different in the propofol and methohexitone groups. Nor was the amount of improvement related to either the total duration of seizure experienced by the patient during the ECT series or the use of tricyclic antidepressants by some patients.