Biological Therapies: ECT

Question 1

What are the uses, rational, aim and processes of ECT?

Answer 1

For pregnant, suicidal, old or catatonic. Shock disrupts abnormal neurotransmitter activity (how?), small electric current (70-130mv) for 0.5-5 secs, several session over few weeks, anaesthetic/muscle relaxants before shock, electrodes on head bi/uni-laterally

Question 2

Who conducted a Cochrane review comparing ECT with sham ECT and anti psychotics?

Answer 2

Tharyan and Adams 2009: 26 studies, more patient improved with ECT, less relapse in short term, no evidence if this is maintained, drugs favoured, limited evidence for more improvement when ECT with drugs

Question 3

Who conducted a meta analysis on research conducted on ECT?

Answer 3

Greenhalgh 2005: no randomised evidence for old, young, catatonic or women with postpartum depression/schizophrenia,need more research on long term effect of ECT, still no conclusion from research on what ECTs mechanism is

Question 4

Who conducted a meta analysis on research conducted on ECT?

Answer 4

Greenhalgh 2005: no RCTs for old, young, catatonic or women with postpartum depression/schizophrenia,need more research on long term effect of ECT, still no conclusion from research on what ECTs mechanism is, cognitive functioning should be tested

Question 5

Who conducted research on the effectiveness of ECT in schizophrenic patients who had proved resistant to treatment?

Answer 5

Chanpattana 2007: ECT = marked reduction in positive symptoms, especially when with drugs, also led to improved quality of life and social functioning, better when used 3 not 2 times a week

Question 6

What are the major side effects of ECT?

Answer 6

Confusion on waking up (confusion after 1 hour), some memory loss (unsure if permanent -no research), possible neurological and cognitive damage