ECT Flashcards
What is ECT?
The passage of a small electrical current through the brain with a view to inducing a generalised fit which is therapeutic
What are the indications for ECT?
Depression- severe, suicidal, life threatening or moderate/ severe resistant
Uncontrolled mania
Catatonia
Is bilateral or unilateral ECT more effective?
Bilateral
Are cognitive side effects more severe with bilateral or unilateral ECT?
Bilateral
What is the dose for bilateral ECT?
ST*1.5
What is the dose for unilateral ECT?
ST*6
What physiological changes are seen during ECT?
First pulse slows then rises sharply : 130-190/min
Falls to resting rate around end of seizure then less marked tachycardia for a few minutes
BP rises up to 200mmHg systolic
Cerebral blood flow increases by up to 200%
What are the possible side effects of ECT?
Nausea and vomiting Headache Muscle aches Cognitive effects - immediate confusion, retrograde and anterograde amnesia Prolonged seizures Anaesthesia risks
What are some relative contraindications for ECT?
Raised intracranial pressure Aneurysms MI in last 3 months Risk of embolism - recent stroke, DVT Uncontrolled BP/HR Acute glaucoma
Is ECT contraindicated in pregnancy?
No
What monitoring is done during ECT?
EEG
O2 saturations
BP
HR
Should antidepressants be stopped when commencing ECT?
No but safely reduce them to minimum dose