[Chapters from the history of biological psychiatry: efforts made to increase the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy]

Abstract

Efforts to increase the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy are reviewed from a historical perspective. The 'intensive' method, the 'regressive technique' and the 'de-patterning' method are discussed in more detail based on available publications. Side effects and complications of these methods are also dealt with in detail. Finally, an attempt is made to critically evaluate these methods in the context of contemporary ethical standards.