Mechanism of Action of ECT

doi:10.1017/9781911623175.002

Chapter 2 - Mechanism of Action of ECT

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 June 2019

Philip J Cowen

Edited by

I. Nicol Ferrier and

Jonathan Waite

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I. Nicol Ferrier: Affiliation:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Jonathan Waite: Affiliation:
University of Nottingham

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Summary

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) possesses several key therapeutic actions, having antidepressant, anti-manic and antipsychotic effects. The adverse effects of ECT, particularly loss of autobiographical memories, are also of great clinical importance. Whether the same ‘mechanism’ underpins all these properties is unknown. Most information about the mechanistic effects of ECT has been obtained in relation to the treatment of depression and the current review will focus on this area.

Type: Chapter
Information: The ECT Handbook , pp. 13 - 23

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781911623175.002 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2019

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