Minimizing Therapeutic Differences Between Bilateral and Unilateral Nondominant ECT

Conflicting results continue to be reported for studies contrasting the therapeutic efficacy of bilateral and unilateral nondominant electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). At least in part, the therapeutic advantage for bilateral ECT observed by some investigators may be related to the use of nonoptimum unilateral ECT technique. Consideration of technique-related factors, such as stimulus electrode location, contact at the electrode-scalp interface, stimulus dosing, and seizure monitoring, will allow unilateral ECT to be carried out with maximal therapeutic potency.