Therapy-resistant major depression When to consider ECT: Algorithm seeks respect for neglected therapy
Current Psychiatry. 2003 June;02(06):49-56
June 1, 2003|Current Psychiatry
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Using ECT early—instead of as a last resort—is highly effective for ‘therapy-resistant’ depression.
Further, the quality of the seizure—like the dosing of medications—directly influences outcome. Seizure monitoring is essential for assessing the adequacy of each treatment and the treatment course.21,22
Related resources
- Petrides G, Fink M, Husain MM, et al. ECT remission rates in psychotic versus non-psychotic depressed patients: a report from CORE. J ECT 2001;17:244-53.
Drug brand names
- Amitriptyline • Elavil
- Clozapine • Clozaril
- Imipramine • Tofranil
- Nortriptyline • Pamelor
- Perphenazine • Trilafon
Disclosure
The author reports no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.
Acknowledgment
Preparation of this manuscript was aided by grants from the Scion Natural Science Association, Inc., St. James, NY.
