Update on electroconvulsive therapy dosing strategies : review article

Abstract

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) remains a controversial treatment modality, with a wide range of clinical practice and application. Recently significant advances in the technique of application of ECT have been made. These new approaches incorporate a variety of advances in ECT dosing strategies and techniques, including stimulus dosing and high-dose delivery mechanisms. The purpose of this paper is to review the various advances in ECT dosing strategies and to review the impact of these changes on the delivery of ECT as a treatment modality.

Key Words: Electroconvulsive therapy, Stimulus dosing strategies, Age-Rule

South African Psychiatry Review Vol.8(2) 2005: 53-57