ECT

Question 0

What are the indications for ECT?

Answer 0

To gain rapid improvement of severe symptoms after an adequate trial of medications that aren’t working, or if the condition is life threatening in:
Severe depression
Catatonia e.g. in schizophrenia
Severe mania

Question 1

How does ECT work?

Answer 1

Evidence from MRI scans that ECT interrupts the hyperconnectivity between areas of the brain that maintain depression

Question 2

What is the typical course length for ECT?

Answer 2

6 sessions

Over 3 weeks

Question 3

What are selma absolute contraindications for ECT?

Answer 3

Recent intracranial bleed
No consent
Brain tumour

Question 4

What are some relative contraindications for ECT?

Answer 4

Recent stroke
Recent MI
Arrhythmia
CNS vascular abnormalities

Question 5

Name some side effects of ECT

Answer 5

Amnesia
Headache
Anaesthetic problems
Delirium or agitation

Question 6

What is the mortality rate of ECT?

Answer 6

1 in 10,000 for a full course

Question 7

What is the most common cause of mortality in ECT?

Answer 7

Anaesthetic complications