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. 2020 Apr;141(4):304-315.
doi: 10.1111/acps.13134. Epub 2019 Dec 23.

When to consider electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

C H Kellner  1   2 , J Obbels  3 , P Sienaert  3
Affiliations

When to consider electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

C H Kellner et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2020 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: To familiarize the reader with the role of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in current psychiatric medicine.

Method: We review clinical indications for ECT, patient selection, contemporary ECT practice, maintenance treatment and ECT in major treatment guidelines.

Results: ECT is underutilized largely due to persisting stigma and lack of knowledge about modern ECT technique.

Conclusion: ECT remains a vital treatment for patients with severe mood disorders, psychotic illness and catatonia.

Keywords: ECT; Schizophrenia; affective disorders; depression; electroconvulsive; treatment.

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References

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    1. Leiknes KA, Jarosh-Von SchwederL, Høie B. Contemporary use and practice of electroconvulsive therapy worldwide. Brain Behavior 2012;2:283-344.
    1. NICE puts curb on use of ECT. Ment Health Today 2003;6.
    1. Livingston R, Wu C, Mu K, CoffeyMJ. Regulation of electroconvulsive therapy: a systematic review of US state laws. J ECT 2018;34:60-68.
    1. Cooper JJ, Brakel SJ, Dinwiddie SH. Limiting legal intrusions in ECT practice, a commentary on "Regulation of Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Systematic Review of US State Laws". J ECT 2018;34:69.

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