• electroconvulsive therapy

    Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a Treatment for Refractory Depression

    As many as 30% of people suffering from depression do not respond to antidepressant treatment1. When treatment options are exhausted psychiatrists often turn to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).  An electric current is used to cause a brief seizure in the brain. Although this is a relatively safe method of treatment, impairments of both cognition and memory are potential side effects2.

    ECT for Postpartum Psychosis

    Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious psychiatric illness, occurring in about 1 to 2 per 1000 women after delivery.  Because postpartum psychosis carries significant risks for both the mother and her child, most women with this illness are psychiatrically hospitalized. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for postpartum psychosis and may reduce the risks associated with medication exposure in the nursing infant; however, very few research studies have focused on the use of ECT in this setting and it is less commonly used in the United States than in other countries.  A recent study explores the safety and advantages of ECT for the treatment of women hospitalized for postpartum psychosis.

    Ultra-Brief ECT for the Treatment of Severe Postpartum Depression

    This is a small case report but is an important one, demonstrating the effectiveness of ultra-brief electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of severe postpartum depression.  While most women with postpartum illness have mild to moderate illness, there are some women with severe depression that significantly impairs their ability to function and to care for their child.  Women with severe PPD are also at higher risk for suicide. 

    ECT and Pregnancy

    Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most effective treatments for depression, with response rates that are consistently higher than those observed in clinical trials of antidepressants. Furthermore, ECT may be more effective than medications for treatment-refractory depression. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends ECT for patients who have had previous positive response to ECT or who are non-responsive to pharmacological treatments, as well as for those patients who experience severe psychiatric symptoms, including depression with psychosis. suicidal ideation, and mania.

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