Front
Back
What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
Mnemonic: ‘CONTROLLED SEIZURE FOR RELIEF.’ Anesthetized, electrically induced generalized seizure for rapid treatment of severe psychiatric illness.
Key neurotransmitter/trophic effects of ECT?
Mnemonic: ‘SER-DA-NEURO-GROW.’ Increases monoamines, modulates HPA, boosts BDNF and neuroplasticity.
Key network effect of ECT?
Mnemonic: ‘FRONTOLIMBIC RESET.’ Normalizes dysfunctional connectivity among PFC, hippocampus, and limbic regions.
Why mechanism remains uncertain?
Mnemonic: ‘PAIRING PROBLEM.’ Current ECT always combines current + seizure → hard to disentangle contributions.
What is Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST)?
Mnemonic: ‘MAGNETIC, MORE FOCUSED.’ Uses magnetic fields to induce seizures with more focal cortical stimulation.
ECT vs MST for depression?
Mnemonic: ‘ECT WINS ON SPEED.’ Similar efficacy; ECT achieves remission in fewer sessions, MST less disorientation.
Non-seizure neuromodulation trio?
Mnemonic: ‘tES-TMS-VNS.’ Neuromodulation without therapeutic seizure; less robust for life-threatening states.
Goal of new ECT protocols (LAMP, iLAST, FEAST)?
Mnemonic: ‘TARGET MORE, HURT LESS.’ Sharpen dosing and reduce cognitive side effects.
Core indication theme?
Mnemonic: ‘WHEN ILLNESS IS EXTREME.’ Use in the most severe, resistant, or high-risk presentations.
Guideline source anchors?
Mnemonic: ‘RANZCP & CANMAT.’ Modern evidence-based ECT recommendations.
Key mood indications for ECT?
Mnemonic: ‘PM-TRIP.’ Psychotic, Melancholic, Treatment-resistant, catatonic, peripartum MDD/bipolar episodes.
Key psychotic indications?
Mnemonic: ‘TRS & POSTPARTUM.’ TR schizophrenia/schizoaffective, acute or postpartum psychosis.
Emergency indications?
Mnemonic: ‘3S: SUICIDE, STARVATION, STUPOR.’ High suicide risk, refusal to eat/drink, catatonia/NMS.
When is ECT first-line in MDD per CANMAT?
Mnemonic: ‘CRISIS OR CAN’T WAIT.’ Suicidality, psychosis, catatonia, rapid decline, prior good ECT, meds not feasible.
ECT vs ketamine in TRD?
Mnemonic: ‘ECT STILL GOLD.’ Evidence supports at least equal, often superior, effectiveness.
Who should select patients for ECT?
Mnemonic: ‘ECT-TRAINED DOC.’ Or consult experienced ECT service.
Elderly and ECT?
Mnemonic: ‘AGE ≠ NO.’ Often excellent response; monitor cognition.
Adolescents and ECT?
Mnemonic: ‘RARE BUT RESCUE.’ For severe, refractory illness with proper oversight.
Pregnancy and ECT?
Mnemonic: ‘OFTEN SAFER.’ Reasonable for severe episodes; coordinate with OB.
Children and ECT?
Mnemonic: ‘SPECIAL SCRUTINY.’ Very rare; requires expert and legal review.
Absolute contraindications?
Mnemonic: ‘NONE ABSOLUTE.’ Only serious relative risks needing optimization.
High-risk brain/cardiac conditions?
Mnemonic: ‘BRAIN-BP-HEART.’ Masses, raised ICP, recent MI/ICH, unstable aneurysm, severe cardiac disease, pheochromocytoma.
Autonomic pattern during ECT?
Mnemonic: ‘BRADY THEN BURST.’ Brief vagal brady/asystole then sympathetic tachy/HTN.