Electroconvulsive Therapy Flashcards
1
Q
What is ECT used to treat?
A
Severe depression refractory to medication e.g. those with psychotic symptoms
2
Q
What is the contraindication for ECT?
A
Raised ICP
3
Q
What are the short-term side-effects of ECT?
A
Headache Nausea Short-term memory impairment Memory loss of events prior to ECT Cardiac arrythmia
4
Q
What is the long-term side effect of ECT?
A
Some patients report impaired memory
5
Q
How should antidepressant medication be adjusted when a patient is starting ECT?
A
Should be reduced but not stopped (definitely don’t switch drugs)
