Treatment Delays in the Course of Electroconvulsive Therapy
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often delayed because the patient develops cognitive disturbances. The authors reviewed the charts of 45 depressed patients who received ECT and found that 25 patients developed cognitive dysfunctions severe enough to cause a delay in treatment. The development of organic symptoms causing delays in treatment was positively correlated with increased age and the presence of preexisting cognitive dysfunction, and the treatment delays led to longer periods of hospitalization. The authors emphasize the need for early identification of the causes of cognitive dysfunction after ECT and for careful selection of the treatment strategy for each patient to reduce the risk of adverse effects.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).
