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Electroconvulsive Therapy

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Psychiatry for Neurologists

Part of the book series: Current Clinical Neurology ((CCNEU))

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Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the oldest somatic treatment still used in modern psychiatric practice, but is also laden with controversy. Although there are effective antidepressant medications, ECT continues to be widely used and may effectively treat depression in patients who have not responded to psychotherapy or medications. However, some patient advocacy groups lobby for bans on this treatment, claiming it is “inhumane” and citing possible cognitive and memory side effects. Regardless of the debate, it is an important treatment option for severely ill patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Internal Medicine and Psychiatry, Veterans Administration Hospital, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC

    Eric J. Christopher MD

  2. Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC

    Warren D. Taylor MD

Authors
  1. Eric J. Christopher MD
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  2. Warren D. Taylor MD
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego

    Dilip V. Jests MD

  2. Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA

    Dilip V. Jests MD

  3. Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, NeuroHealth, Warwick, RI

    Joseph H. Friedman MD

  4. University Medical School, Providence, RI

    Joseph H. Friedman MD

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© 2006 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Christopher, E.J., Taylor, W.D. (2006). Electroconvulsive Therapy. In: Jests, D.V., Friedman, J.H. (eds) Psychiatry for Neurologists. Current Clinical Neurology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-960-8_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-960-8_25

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-483-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-960-8

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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