THE IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH A HIGH-RISK FOR CARDIAC-ARRHYTHMIAS DURING MODIFIED ECT

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  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 43  (4) , 140-143
Abstract
The cardiovascular complications of ECT [electroconvulsive therapy] were described in 42 patients undergoing this procedure during a 1-yr period at a psychiatric referral center. Of the entire group of patients, 28% developed ischemic and/or arrhythmic complications following ECT. Of the patients who had a history, physical of ECG evidence of cardiac disease, 70% developed cardiac complications. On the basis of this data, a high risk category for ECT is defined more precisely than previously. Recommendations are made for managing this high rish category of depressed patients to treat them with maximum safety and effectiveness.