Electroconvulsive Therapy: An Update
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, rapidly acting, and very effective form of treatment for severe affective illness. In recent years the limitations of available psychopharmacotherapies and the pressures of cost containment appear to be encouraging the increasing use of ECT. The authors provide an overview of electroconvulsive therapy as a treatment modality, focusing on indications, contraindications, adverse effects, and contemporary ECT technique, including recent modifications in electrode placement, stimulus wave form, and dosage intensity. They urge that adequate training be provided for medical and nursing personnel who administer ECT and that facilities monitor practitioners' competence by specific privileging.
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.).
