Can ECT-induced cognitive effects be altered pharmacologically?

Khan Arifulla, Mary Helen Mirolo, Hugh A. Mirolo and Sheree Miller: Can ECT-Induced Cognitive Effects be Altered Pharmacologically? Prog. Neuro-Psychopharmacol. & Biol. Psychiat. 1993, 17(6): 861–873.

1. 1. A systematic review of the literature revealed twelve clinical trials that evaluated nine different drugs, and used three different conceptual models to prevent, restore or treat ECT-induced cognitive deficits.

2. 2. This review indicated inconclusive results regarding clinical utility of any of the drugs.

3. 3. Major factors discussed include the complexities involved in the evaluation of ECT-induced cognitive deficits, and the techniques of evaluating changes in cognitive functions.

4. 4. Our conclusion is that future research should emphasize understanding the neural mechanisms related to ECT-induced cognitive deficits. We suggest several areas for future exploration.

Author Keywords: cognitive deficits; electroconvulsive therapy; research models