Anticonvulsants during electroconvulsive therapy: review and recommendations

Antiepileptics in Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Mechanism-Based Review of Recent Literature

ABSTRACT

Although prior conventional wisdom strongly recommended complete discontinuation of medications increasing the seizure threshold before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), more recent literature suggests that anticonvulsants should be considered a relative rather than an absolute contraindication to proceeding with therapy. Most literature regarding the use of use antiepileptic drugs in ECT focuses on antiepileptic mood stabilizers with which most psychiatrists are familiar. However, there is considerably less information available about the use of newer antiepileptics in conjunction with ECT, which may be prescribed to a patient with epilepsy or off-label for psychiatric reasons.In this article, we provide a mechanism-based review of recent available literature concerning the use of antiepileptics during ECT and discuss which medications have the most robust evidence supporting their continued use in select patients. Finally, we highlight important considerations for psychiatrists when deciding how to proceed with patients on antiepileptics who require ECT.

Carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine and valproate have different effects on the electroconvulsive therapy seizure threshold

Patients receiving mood stabilizers such as valproate (VAL) and carbamazepine (CMZP)/Oxcarbazepine (OX) may be referred for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The relative effects of these anticonvulsants on seizure threshold and seizure duration are unknown. We extracted data for a 20-month period from the medical records of patients who received bilateral ECT while on treatment with VAL (n=102) or CMZP/OX (n=31; 20 on CMZP, 11 on oxcarbazepine). Age-matched ECT-treated anticonvulsant-free patients (n=133) formed the control group. Seizure threshold in these patients had been determined by stimulus dose titration. The effect of VAL vs CMZP/OX on seizure threshold was examined using multivariable regression with adjustment for confounders. The mean (standard deviation) seizure threshold at the first ECT was highest in the CMZP/OX group (243.9 [106.1] mC), intermediate in the VAL group (177.7 [97.0] mC), and lowest in the control group (138.7 [86.0 Mc]). The regression model explained 37.5% of the variance in seizure threshold at the first ECT. Age, use of CMZP/OX, and anticonvulsant dose were each significantly associated with higher seizure threshold. CMZP/OX was associated with a higher initial ECT seizure threshold than VAL. ECT practitioners may prefer to start with a higher initial stimulus dose in patients receiving CMZP/OX or VAL, and more so for CMZP/OX than VAL, to avoid repeated sub-convulsive stimuli being administered.

Association of Anaesthesia-ECT time interval with ECT clinical outcomes: A retrospective cohort study

AIM

To examine the association of the anaesthesia to ECT stimulus TI (anaesthesia-ECT TI) with efficacy and cognitive outcomes after ECT treatment.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 690 patients who received ECT from July 2017 till December 2019. Generalized linear regression was utilized to analyse the association of mean anaesthesia-ECT TI (from session 2 to session 6 ECT treatment) with Clinical Global Impression-Severity scale (CGI-S) scores and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score after 6 ECT treatments, and with EEG quality during the treatments (post ictal suppression scores).

RESULTS

The averaged TI was 106.6±20.2 (mean±SD) seconds. There was significant improvement of overall CGI-S score after ECT treatment (3.3±1.0) vs pre-ECT treatment (5.0±0.8, p<0.001) while there was no significant change of MoCA score over the course of 6 ECT (p>0.05). The anaesthesia-ECT TI had no association with post-ECT CGI-S while longer anaesthesia-ECT TI was associated with poorer post-ECT MoCA scores [adjusted β, -0.056; 95% CI (-0.099, -0.013), p=0.011] and better EEG quality score [adjusted β (0.001), 95% CI (0, 0.002), p=0.011].

CONCLUSION

Longer TI between anaesthesia and ECT stimulus administration resulted in higher seizure quality, suggesting more effective stimulation. This was associated with more cognitive impairment but not higher efficacy. The assessment of outcomes after only 6 ECT limited the ability to fully explore associations between the TI and clinical outcomes. This was a retrospective analysis of clinical data from a real-world treatment setting. A controlled study would provide greater potential to fully explore the association between TI and clinical outcomes.

Influence of an adjuvant antidepressant on the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The primary indication for electroconvulsive therapy is medication-resistant major depression. There is some evidence that combining electroconvulsive therapy with an antidepressant, instead of electroconvulsive therapy monotherapy, might improve remission rates. However, data on this topic have not been systematically studied. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effectiveness of an adjuvant antidepressant during electroconvulsive therapy for major depression.

METHODS

Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, PsychINFO Ovid and Google Scholar were searched up to January 2019. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies reporting on the influence of an adjuvant antidepressant on the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy for major depression were included. Authors independently screened records, extracted data and assessed study quality. We reported this systematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significant advantage of adjuvant antidepressants versus placebo. The overall effect size per category of antidepressant was as follows: tricyclic antidepressants: Hedges' g 0.32 (95% confidence interval: [0.14, 0.51]) (k = 6) with low heterogeneity (I2: 4%, p = 0.39); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors: Hedges' g 0.27 (95% confidence interval: [0.03, 0.52]) (k = 2) with a lack of heterogeneity (I2: 0%, p = 0.89); and monoamine oxidase inhibitors: Hedges' g 0.35 (95% confidence interval: [-0.07, 0.77]) with moderate heterogeneity (I2: 43%, p = 0.17) (k = 3).

CONCLUSION

An adjuvant antidepressant enhances the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy for major depression. Tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors showed the same effect size. However, the effect sizes of tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors are most likely underestimated, due to insufficient doses in most of the included studies. We recommend the routine use of an adequately dosed antidepressant during electroconvulsive therapy for major depression.

Psychotropic Medication Effects on Seizure Threshold and Seizure Duration During Electroconvulsive Therapy Stimulus Titration

OBJECTIVES

Decisions about psychotropic medication administration before electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are central to management of a very psychiatrically ill patient population. Given that many psychotropic medications are thought to either promote or prevent seizures, there is ongoing concern about concurrent psychotropic medication and ECT administration. This study examined the effect of psychotropic medications on seizure threshold and duration during ECT stimulus titration.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of 550 patients receiving ECT stimulus titration at a single site during a 27-month period. Systematic chart review provided clinical data, including patients' demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, medications administered in the 48 hours before ECT, and information on the ECT procedure. Referring psychiatrists were advised to discontinue lithium before ECT but otherwise managed psychotropic medications as clinically indicated. A fixed charge titration schedule was used to estimate seizure threshold. Electroconvulsive therapy motor seizure duration was estimated by the cuff method, and electroencephalogram seizure duration was estimated by review of a 2-lead strip.

RESULTS

Administration of psychotropic medications, including benzodiazepines, antiepileptics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, bupropion, and stimulants, was not associated with seizure threshold as estimated by electrical charge eliciting a generalized seizure or duration during the initial ECT titration. Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressant dosage was associated with seizure threshold.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychotropic medications may have little effect on seizure threshold and duration during titration of electrical dose at ECT initiation. Integrating this work with other literature supports making recommendations for medication discontinuation before ECT on an individual basis.

[Electroconvulsive therapy in combination with psychotropic and non-psychotropic pharmacological treatments: Review of the literature and practical recommendations]

CONTEXT

Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for treatment resistant mood disorders and catatonia. ECT also appears to be an effective treatment in combination with clozapine in the context of treatment resistant schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Although increasingly codified (guidelines on indications, contraindications, methods of implementation), the practice of ECT still lacks consensual protocols. The concomitant use of psychotropic and/or non-psychotropic medication is a common situation when ECT treatment is considered. To our knowledge, there is to date no summary of studies or case reports in France, nor any proposal for guidelines concerning the management of medication of the patient to whom ECT sessions are offered. Indeed, several particularities must be considered. This article proposes to specify for each pharmacological class the possible interaction between ECT and medication. A first section of this article will be devoted to non-psychotropic treatments, and a second section to psychotropic treatments. A practical summary table is also provided.

METHOD

A review of the literature was conducted including all articles published prior to January 2019 referenced in Pub Med database, combining research with Medical Subject Headings "Electroconvulsive Therapy" and each following pharmacological class: "Cardiovascular Agents" "Bronchodilator Agents" "Bronchoconstrictor Agents" "Theophylline" "Anticoagulants" "Hypoglycemic Agents" "Insulin" "Potassium" "Benzodiazepines" "Valproic Acid" "Carbamazepine" "Lamotrigine" "Lithium" "Antidepressive Agents" "Antipsychotic Agents".

RESULTS

After reading the titles, abstracts and whole articles, then searching for additional articles in the references, 50 articles were selected. A summary table summarizing the main risks and proposing a course of action has been produced.

DISCUSSION

It is essential to take into account the specificity and the different physiological mechanisms involved in the ECT treatment in order to adjust the associated pharmacological treatments. The prescription for each molecule should be reviewed when ECT treatment is initiated.

Self-assessed remission rates after electroconvulsive therapy of depressive disorders

BACKGROUND

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effectively treats severe depression, but not all patients remit. The aim of the study was to identify clinical factors that associate with ECT-induced remission in a community setting.

METHODS

Depressed patients who underwent ECT in 2011-2014 were identified from the Swedish National Quality Register for ECT. Remission was defined as self-rated Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores of 0-10 after ECT. Other registers provided data on previous antidepressant use, comorbidities, and demographics.

RESULTS

Of 1671 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 42.8% achieved remission. Older age, education length over 9 years, psychotic symptoms, shorter duration of preceding antidepressant use, pulse width stimulus≥0.50ms, absence of substance use disorders, anxiety diagnosis, lamotrigine, and benzodiazepines, were associated with remission.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that psychotic subtype of depression and older age are clinically relevant predictors of a beneficial ECT effect. Additionally, ECT outcomes can be further improved by optimizing the treatment technique and concomitant medication.

Concomitant Anticonvulsants With Bitemporal Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Clinical and Neurobiological Application

BACKGROUND

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for major affective disorders. The combined use of ECT and anticonvulsant mood stabilizers is a common clinical scenario. There is dearth of systematic studies on the use of this combination with regard to clinical or cognitive outcomes.

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to compare clinical improvement and cognitive adverse effects between patients who received only ECT versus those who received ECT and anticonvulsants. We hypothesized that improvement would be fastest in patients who received only ECT.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in which patients prescribed ECT while being treated with anticonvulsants were randomized into 3 groups: full-dose (FD), half-dose (HD), and stop anticonvulsant. A blind rater assessed clinical improvement in patients using rating scales [Young's Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinical Global Impression] for clinical improvement and cognitive adverse effects (Postgraduate Institute memory scale). Analysis was done using mixed-effects modeling to delineate differences in clinical and cognitive outcomes across the 3 arms of the study over the course of ECT.

RESULTS

Of the 54 patients recruited, 36 patients went into treatment allocation arms per the initial randomization plan. The main anticonvulsants prescribed were sodium valproate and carbamazepine. Patients in the 3 groups were comparable on clinical features. The most common diagnosis was bipolar affective disorder-with current episode of mania. Overall, there was no difference across the 3 groups in final clinical outcome scores (YMRS and Clinical Global Impression) when analyzed as intention to treat (ITT) or "as treated." In both analyses, group × time interaction was significant when comparing trend of YMRS scores between the FD anticonvulsant group and the HD group from baseline to last ECT (P = 0.0435 in ITT and P = 0.0055 in as treated). Patients in the FD group improved faster than those in the HD group. There were no differences across the 3 groups with regard to their cognitive adverse effects in the ITT analysis; "as-treated analysis" showed the HD patients to have performed poorly on some domains. Seizure parameters showed no significant difference across the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

This is a preliminary prospective study examining whether coprescription of anticonvulsants with ECT affected clinical or cognitive outcomes. The most important takeaway point from this study is the significant reduction in YMRS scores when ECT was given with FD anticonvulsant compared with halving the dose (HD) of anticonvulsant. This difference was shown in both ITT and as-treated analysis. There is a need for more prospective studies to examine this clinical question.

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2016 Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder: Section 4. Neurostimulation Treatments

BACKGROUND

The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) conducted a revision of the 2009 guidelines by updating the evidence and recommendations. The scope of the 2016 guidelines remains the management of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, with a target audience of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals.

METHODS

Using the question-answer format, we conducted a systematic literature search focusing on systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Evidence was graded using CANMAT-defined criteria for level of evidence. Recommendations for lines of treatment were based on the quality of evidence and clinical expert consensus. "Neurostimulation Treatments" is the fourth of six sections of the 2016 guidelines.

RESULTS

Evidence-informed responses were developed for 31 questions for 6 neurostimulation modalities: 1) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), 2) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), 3) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), 4) magnetic seizure therapy (MST), 5) vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and 6) deep brain stimulation (DBS). Most of the neurostimulation treatments have been investigated in patients with varying degrees of treatment resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

There is increasing evidence for efficacy, tolerability, and safety of neurostimulation treatments. rTMS is now a first-line recommendation for patients with MDD who have failed at least 1 antidepressant. ECT remains a second-line treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression, although in some situations, it may be considered first line. Third-line recommendations include tDCS and VNS. MST and DBS are still considered investigational treatments.

Medication management during electroconvulsant therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has demonstrated to be highly effective and safe, even life saving for many psychiatric disorders such as major depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Most patients who require ECT are also on concurrent pharmacotherapy. As such, the objective of this article is to provide a review of the most recent literature focusing on the medications used during an ECT procedure and on the effects of concurrent psychiatric and non-psychiatric medications on the effectiveness and safety of ECT. The review also attempts to summarize the recommendations derived from existing documents to guide pharmacotherapy decisions for patients undergoing ECT. For this purpose, using electronic databases, an extensive search of the current literature was made using ECT and medications or drug classes as keywords.

Effect of age and anticonvulsants on seizure threshold during bilateral electroconvulsive therapy with brief-pulse stimulus: A chart-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Efficacy and adverse effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) depend on the extent to which the electrical stimulus exceeds patients' seizure thresholds (STs). Titration method of estimating ST is recommended. Age and co-prescribed anticonvulsants (ACs) are known to affect ST. Literature on ST in bilateral ECT (BLECT) is sparse.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical and demographic determinants of ST in a clinically representative sample of patients prescribed with BLECT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ECT records of 640 patients who received BLECT in 2011 in an academic psychiatric setting were studied. Demographic, clinical, pharmacological, and ECT details were analyzed. As per the standard practice, during the 1(st) ECT session, ST was determined by titration method, starting with 30 milli-Coulombs (mC) and increasing by 30 mC and thence in steps of 60 mC. Increase in ST over up to 6(th) session of ECT was noted. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to find age cut-off with high specificity for ST ≥120 mC. The associations of ST and increase in ST with the age cut-off and other clinical factors were assessed using Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The mean age was 30.98 years (+11.23 years) and mean ST at 1(st) ECT session was 130.36 mC (+51.96 mC). There was significantly high positive correlation (r = 0.37, P < 0.001) between age and ST. Cut-off age of 45 years had high specificity: Only 4.6% of those older than 45 years had ST <120 mC. Higher proportion of patients on AC had ST ≥120 mC. These associations were seen even after controlling for potential confounds of each other using logistic regression analysis. The results were similar for increase in ST over the course of ECT. Sex, diagnosis, use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, lithium, and benzodiazepines (BZPs) had no effect on ST or its increase.

CONCLUSIONS

For BLECT using brief-pulse stimulus, ST depends on age and use of AC. For patients above the age of 45 years, ST estimation may be started at 120 mC with least risk of using unduly higher stimulus. Other medications including BZPs have little influence on ST.

Influence of valproate on the required dose of propofol for anesthesia during electroconvulsive therapy of bipolar affective disorder patients

BACKGROUND

Propofol is often used as an anesthetic agent for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In recent studies, propofol was shown to possess significant seizure-shortening properties during ECT. "Valproate" is a mood stabilizer used mainly in the treatment of bipolar affective disorder. It is reported that valproate, being an anticonvulsant, raises the seizure threshold, thus decreases the efficacy of ECT treatment.

AIM

The purpose of our study was to compare the dose of propofol in valproate-using patients and valproate-free patients.

METHODS

In an open design, 17 patients with bipolar affective disorder manic episodes who were to be treated with valproate and ECT in combination, were compared with 16 manic-episode patients who were to be treated with ECT but not valproate. The two groups were compared on the basis of electroencephalography-registered seizure duration and the propofol dosage required to induce anesthesia.

RESULTS

Valproate, compared with no valproate treatment, results in a decrease in the propofol dose required to induce anesthesia. In the valproate group of study participants, seizure duration was significantly shorter than in the valproate-free group.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that valproate reduces the dose of propofol required for anesthesia during ECT treatment in patients with bipolar affective disorder manic episodes. Although propofol is a safe and efficacious anesthetic for ECT treatment, lower doses of propofol should be used to induce anesthesia for patients under valproate treatment. When the clinician needs to prolong seizure duration in patients treated with valproate, interruption of the valproate treatment or an anesthetic agent other than propofol should be considered.

Delirium during the course of electroconvulsive therapy in a patient on lithium carbonate treatment

OBJECTIVE

The safety of concurrent mood stabilizers during the course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is yet to be clearly established. Delirium with concurrent administration of ECT and lithium carbonate is described in this case report.

METHODS

A 30-year-old male with a past history of significant head injury developed delirium during the course of bitemporal ECT.

RESULTS

The clinical picture and the details of the cognitive impairment have been discussed in the report with a focus on relationship between the lithium carbonate administration and the concurrent ECT.

CONCLUSION

Patients with preexisting organic brain damage could be prone to develop the cognitive adverse effect while on a combination of lithium and ECT. Possible interactions between lithium and ECT need further systematic evaluation.

Assessment of cognitive impairments and seizure characteristics in electroconvulsive therapy with and without sodium valproate in manic patients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was two-fold: (1) to compare, in a controlled double-blind quasi-randomized clinical trial, treatment improvements, treatment outcome, and cognitive impairments in patients suffering from current manic episodes, while treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with and without concurrent sodium valproate therapy, and (2) to compare ECT seizure characteristics in patients with and without concurrent sodium valproate therapy.

METHODS

A total of 40 inpatients (mean age = 31.80 years, SD = 8.06; 75% males) suffering from bipolar disorders and currently in a manic state took part in the study. They were quasi-randomly assigned either to the target (continuation of sodium valproate administration) or to the control group (discontinuation of sodium valproate administration). All patients underwent bifrontal ECT for at least 6 sessions. Improvements and cognitive impairments were assessed, and seizure characteristics (duration, threshold) were also recorded.

RESULTS

Manic episodes improved significantly over time, and irrespective of the group (target vs. control group). Cognitive impairments did not alter over time or between groups. Seizure duration did not change over time or between groups. Seizure threshold did not change over time, but was lower in the target than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuing the administration of sodium valproate neither adversely affects, nor enhances cognitive impairments or seizure duration, but reduces seizure threshold during ECT in patients suffering from manic episodes. Moreover, gender appeared to be more strongly associated with cognitive impairment and seizure activity than treatment approaches in these psychiatric conditions.

Physical treatments for bipolar disorder: a review of electroconvulsive therapy, stereotactic surgery and other brain stimulation techniques

BACKGROUND

Despite pharmacological advances, bipolar disorder continues to be difficult to treat. This article reviews the evidence base for the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other brain stimulation therapies in bipolar disorder.

METHODS

The evidence base for the efficacy of ECT and transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of mania, bipolar depression and mixed affective states was reviewed. Reports on the use of vagus nerve stimulation, stereotaxic surgery, deep brain stimulation, magnetic seizure therapy and transcranial direct current stimulation in treating depression, as well as bipolar disorder were also reviewed. Studies were identified from Medline and Embase database searches.

RESULTS

There are a few randomized controlled trials of ECT in mania and bipolar depression, and none in mixed affective states. Nevertheless, such studies consistently reported clinically meaningful efficacy, with a majority of pharmacotherapy resistant patients responding to ECT. Evidence for the use of other brain stimulation therapies in treating bipolar mood states is preliminary and limited.

CONCLUSIONS

ECT is an effective treatment for acute mania, bipolar depression and mixed affective states and has useful efficacy even in pharmacotherapy-resistant patients. Other brain stimulation techniques may have potential for the treatment of bipolar disorder and should be further researched.

Concurrent use of lamotrigine and electroconvulsive therapy

OBJECTIVE

: To evaluate the effect of lamotrigine (LMT) on electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)-induced seizures.

METHODS

: Charts of all patients receiving LMT while undergoing an ECT course from July 2001 through May 2009 were reviewed. Apart from demographic variables, data collection consisted of diagnosis, indication for ECT, index or continuation ECT, electrode placement, stimulus dose, motor and electroencephalographic seizure duration, LMT dose, and number of restimulations. The stimulus dose and the seizure duration of ECT treatments with concurrent LMT (≥200 mg/d) were compared with the stimulus dose and seizure duration of ECT treatments without concurrent LMT.

RESULTS

: Lamotrigine was used by 19 patients (16 women, 3 men) during 289 treatment sessions. Eleven patients had ECT treatments with and without LMT, of which 8 were at a dosage of 200 mg/d or higher. Analyses did not reveal a significant difference in seizure duration and stimulus dose. Missed seizures, however, occurred more frequently during ECT treatments with concurrent LMT.

CONCLUSIONS

: In all patients, seizures of adequate duration could be elicited. The combination was well tolerated. Therapeutic doses of LMT do not seem to have a clinically significant influence on the length of ECT-induced seizures nor on the stimulus dose.

What we have learned about electroconvulsive therapy and its relevance for the practising psychiatrist

In this narrative review, the current knowledge base on the efficacy and the practice of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is reviewed, and its relevance for the practising psychiatrist is appreciated. In the past decade, several large-scale studies have confirmed the significant superiority of ECT in the treatment of severe and refractory psychiatric conditions, such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. However, the efficacy of ECT is not reflected in current treatment algorithms, where ECT is often reserved as a last resort. However, clinical characteristics, such as the presence of psychotic symptoms, suicidality, or catatonic signs, should prompt the clinician to consider ECT earlier in the treatment course. ECT is a safe procedure, without absolute contraindications for its use. Nevertheless, patients' fears and complaints should be acknowledged, and patients should be adequately informed about expected benefits and possible risks, such as memory problems, that are generally transient. Research focusing on further minimizing memory problems, while maintaining a superior efficacy, is ongoing. Adequate continuation treatment, either pharmacotherapy or continuation ECT, after a successful ECT course is of vital importance to maintain the benefits achieved and should be the focus of future research.

Comparison of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with or without anti-epileptic drugs in bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

Guidelines regarding the combination of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and ECT have been contradictory. Evidence based knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of this combination is sparse.

METHOD

We studied the records of consecutive non-epileptic bipolar disorder patients referred for ECT between the months of January 2006 and January 2008 in an academic psychiatric hospital. Seizure threshold, failure to achieve adequate seizures, maximum electrical charge received and the number of ECTs administered were compared between those who were on AEDs during ECT (AED patients; n=79) and those who were not on AEDs (NAED patients; n=122). Two raters who achieved good inter-rater reliability assessed the clinical outcome from the records using the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale.

RESULTS

AED patients had significantly greater proportion of males, longer duration of episode and treatment and higher co morbidity. AED patients had significantly higher seizure threshold, higher incidence of failure to obtain seizures and shorter duration of motor seizures. Both groups achieved comparable symptomatic improvement at the end of the ECT course [Mean (SD) CGI-I=2.0 (0.4) and 1.96 (0.3) in AED and NAED patients respectively; t=1.4; p=0.15]. However, AED patients had received significantly higher number of ECT sessions [mean (SD)=7.9 (3.0)] than NAED patients [mean (SD)=6.3 (2.1); t=4.3; p<0.01] and stayed for significantly longer time (days) in the hospital [Mean (SD) 25.1 (16.1) and 20.6 (10.5) in AED and NAED patients respectively; t=2.4; p=0.02]. The difference in the outcome remained significant even after controlling for the effects of duration of illness, gender, drug treatment and presence of co morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic improvement of patients who are on AEDS during ECT is comparable to those who are not. However, AED patients required a significantly higher number of ECT sessions to achieve this. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings and also to compare cognitive adverse effects.

What works for delirious catatonic mania?

Delirious mania is an under recognised clinical syndrome and little evidence is available to clarify its clinical characteristics and treatment. We analyse a case of delirious mania that was a challenge to treat. It shows the importance of recognising catatonia as a symptom of delirious mania. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and mood stabilisers (lithium and valproate combination) proved to be effective treatments in our case, but a variety of factors contributed to a delay in treatment response.

[Acute and long-term treatment for bipolar depression]

Bipolar depression is linked with substantial burden and a high suicide risk, making a rapid and highly efficacious treatment mandatory. However, similar to mania, aspects of long-term treatment should already be considered at treatment initiation. With comparable efficacy, drugs with a beneficial safety and tolerability profile should be preferred. Additional psychotherapy can also noticeably improve both short- and long-term outcome of bipolar depression. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) still has its place in severe, treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Whereas ECT is a domain of specialised centres, correct diagnosis and both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment initiation are essential tasks of primary care practitioners and secondary care psychiatrists.

Frequency of and rationales for the combined use of electroconvulsive therapy and antiepileptic drugs in Austria and the literature

Our aim was to observe the frequency of combination therapy using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in Austria and the literature, and to provide rationales and recommendations based on clinical and molecular properties. The responsible ECT leaders of eight Austrian departments were contacted for information about combination therapy. A computerized PubMed database search was performed and supplemented by cross-referencing from papers, review articles and psychiatric manuals. The frequency of combination therapy in Austrian departments ranges between 0 and 85.7%. In 17 studies enrolling a total of 189 patients, 87 (46.0%) patients received combination therapy. Of these 87 patients, nine (10.3%) reported adverse effects. ECT and AEDs show overlapping clinical and molecular properties. Combination therapy is an observed reality and, according to the currently available literature, feasible. A comparison of clinical and molecular properties indicates possible augmentative effects, making combination therapy a promising alternative in treatment-resistant cases. But there is still a clear need for prospective case controlled data concerning side effects, safety profiles and effectiveness until it can be recommended.

Occurence of ultra-rapid cycling during electroconvulsive therapy in bipolar depression

BACKGROUND

Treatment of bipolar depression with antidepressants has often been reported to be associated with a certain risk of rapid cycling (RC). Also, non-pharmacological treatment approaches such as sleep deprivation or light therapy can induce affective shifts. Moreover, during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is considered a powerful antidepressant treatment, manic switches and episodes of rapid cycling can occur.

METHODS

Here we report the case of a 66-year-old female patient with bipolar depression, who underwent electroconvulsive therapy because of a therapy-refractory depressive episode.

RESULTS

During ECT, highly frequent mood alternations were observed, fulfilling the criteria of ultra rapid cycling (URC). These symptoms were successfully treated with lithium carbonate while ECT was continued.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of URC during ECT. URC might be considered a rare but potential side effect of ECT. In our case, lithium was used successfully for the treatment of URC and might be suggested in similar cases, where anticonvulsants are not the first choice of treatment. However, in view of the risk of cognitive side effects the combination of ECT and lithium requires a careful clinical monitoring.

Don't be afraid to treat depression in patients with epilepsy!

Major depression and related depressive disorders are highly prevalent in the general population and even more so in patients with epilepsy. Yet depression in these patients remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. This is particularly worrisome as depression has greater negative impact on quality of life than seizure frequency. Additionally, depression is associated with poorer seizure control, and the risk of suicide in patients with epilepsy is greatly increased. Reluctance to treat depression results from the traditional belief that antidepressants should be restricted in epilepsy because of a supposed decrease in seizure threshold. However, there is growing evidence that many antidepressants rather have anticonvulsant effects. Experimental studies show that in critical brain regions such as the frontal lobes and the limbic system enforced serotonergic circuits increase seizure threshold. Clinical data suggest that modern antidepressants may reduce seizure frequency in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Here we review the concept that selective reuptake inhibitors of serotonin (SSRIs) have a positive effect on the mood disorder as well as on epilepsy. When adhering to the usual precautions, treatment with SSRIs in patients with epilepsy and depression is safe and should not be withheld.