Cognitive functions after only one ECT session: a controlled study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of one electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) session on learning, attention, and frontal and visuospatial functions. Twenty-four psychiatric patients receiving maintenance ECT participated in the study. The 12 patients in the experimental group were assessed before and 90 min after the ECT session. The twelve patients in the control group were assessed on arrival at the hospital and 90 min afterwards. They were then given their ECT session. The experimental group did not show significant learning, attention or frontal decline in the second assessment after the ECT session, in comparison with the control group. However, visuospatial ability was lower in experimental patients' second assessment than it was in the control group's second assessment. This preliminary study showed that there was no significant clinical cognitive decline in psychiatric patients 90 min after a single ECT session. However, patients presented visuospatial dysfunction, suggesting that ECT sessions may cause some acute, mild dysfunction of right hemispheric cognitive functions.