Abstract
Electroconvulsion therapy (ECT) is the generation of an epileptic seizure by means of a brief pulse of electrical current under general anaesthesia and is used to treat psychiatric disorders. The principal indication for ECT is severe depression, with or without psychotic characteristics. ECT works quicker and is more effective than antidepressants and has a lower risk of side effects. The principle side effect is retrograde amnesia. ECT can be administered with unilateral or bilateral electrodes. In the Netherlands the unilateral electrode is used, as this probably gives rise to fewer cognitive side effects.
| Translated title of the contribution | Electroconvulsive therapy: Indications, efficacy, safety and side effects |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 2012-2017 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde |
| Volume | 153 |
| Issue number | 41 |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2009 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Affective Disorders, Psychotic/therapy
- Amnesia, Retrograde/etiology
- Depressive Disorder/therapy
- Electroconvulsive Therapy/adverse effects
- Electrodes
- Humans
- Treatment Outcome