ECT

Introduction top

Bookstop

• Electroconvulsive Therapy Fourth Edition
  

  Abrams, R. Electroconvulsive Therapy Fourth Edition. Oxford University Press, Oxford 2002. ISBN 0-19-514820-7.
  The first book on the modern use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), now in its fourth edition. An excellent book and very readable, it begins with a history of the development of ECT, and then discusses its usefulness, physiological consequences, application techniques, side-effects, and possible explanations of its functioning.

  The author's depth of experience is evident throughout the book.  For example, his long-held contention that to be as effective as bilateral placement, the stimulus dosage in unilateral application must be high has recently been scientifically born out. This practical experience makes this book more readable than The Practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy, which is more of a reference book and focuses on the scientific evidence for ECT. Every new edition is updated for the most recent findings.  This edition provides a clear overview of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

  In conclusion a readable, well organised, practice-focused book.  The fact that the author is a proponent of this treatment and his nuanced discussion explain the readability, enthusiasm, and the attention to detail with which it is written. It was my first book about ECT and since first reading it during a vacation I have not lost my enthusiasm for ECT.

• Handbook of ECT
  

  Kellner, Ch. H., Pritchett, J.T., Beale, M.D. & Coffey, C.E.. Handbook of ECT. American Psychiatric Press, Washington D.C. 1997. ISBN 088048683X.
  A short and concise paperback.

• Practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy, The
  

  American Psychiatric Association Committee on Electroconvulsive Therapy, Weiner, R.D., APA, American Psychiatric Association. The Practice of Electroconvulsive Therapy: Recommendations for Treatment, Training, and Privileging (A Task Force Report of the American Psychiatric Association). 2nd Edition. American Psychiatric Press, Washington D.C. 2001. ISBN 0890422060.
  The American guideline for ECT but also the most complete, practical handbook for practitioners. An absolute must!

Informative sitestop

• ECT during pregnancy
  

  A fairly complete overview of what is known about the use and dangers of ECT in pregnancy.

• ECT On-Line
  

  Site of Dr. Carl S. Littlejohns, psychiatrist in Wrexham, North Wales, with many links to articles, statements, and books about ECT.

• Mental Health Infosource
  

  A general site with a search engine that yields many links about ECT.

• Psycom.net
  

  This section of Dr. Ivan Goldberg's Depression Central (New York) provides links to other sites about various aspects of ECT (memory in ECT, ECT in Parkinson's, books about ECT, statements from experts, etc). Kept up-to-date.

Education and trainingtop

• Duke University
  

  ECT Fellowship: a complete one-week programme during which the use of ECT can be learned. Caution: this site is not always available.

Publicationstop

• Indications
  

  Cochrane Review of the effectiveness of ECT for schizophrenia.

• A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Comparison of...
  

  Sackeim, H.A., Prudic, J., Devanand, D.P., Nobler, M.S., Lisanby, S.H., Peyser, S., Fitzsimons, L., Moody, B.J., Clark, J. (2000). A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Comparison of Bilateral and Right Unilateral Electroconvulsive Therapy at Different Stimulus Intensities. Archives of General Psychiatry, 75, 425-434.
  Long awaited outcome study of the results of follow up with medication after successful ECT. Nortriptyline and lithium can significantly reduce the relapse rate in therapy resistance.

• Technical aspects
  

  EEG monitoring and ECT efficacy: Article by Prof. M. Fink and Prof. R. Abrams about the results realised with ECT and its relationship to the anticipated outcome; an introduction to a research area that is yielding exciting results and is very promising for clinical application.

Journaltop

• The Journal of ECT
  

  The only journal devoted exclusively to ECT. Begun in 1985, it is usually the first to report new research results.  Published four times a year. The link provides issue table of contents for the last two years.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)top

• International Society for Transcranial Stimulation (ISTS)
  

  A particularly informative website which includes a literature database regarding research into the use of TMS for depression.  Also includes information about meetings of the ISTS, and a lot more!

• InterScience
  

  A thorough exploration of the differences and similarities between ECT and TMS. Very informative!

Associationstop