ECT

Question 1

Indications for ECT

Answer 1

Treatment-resistant depression
Life-threatening severe depression
Treatment-resistant mania
Catatonia

Question 2

Absolute contraindications for ECT

Answer 2

Cochlear implant

Question 3

Relative contraindications for ECT

Answer 3

Raised intracranial pressure
Intracranial aneurysm
History of cerebral haemorrhage
Recent myocardial infarction (less than 3 months)
Aortic aneurysm
Uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmias
Decompensated cardiac failure (ECHO may be helpful)
Acute respiratory infection
Deep vein thrombosis

Question 4

Side effects

Answer 4

headache
confusions
impaired cognitive function
temporary retrograde and anterograde amnesia

Question 5

longer term side effects

Answer 5

Specific components of retrograde memories before ECT may be affected longer term

Question 6

Bilateral vs unilateral electrode placement

Answer 6

Unilateral less effective

Bilateral more cognitive side effects