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Propofol Anaesthesia in Electroconvulsive Therapy

Reduced Seizure Duration may not be Relevant

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Christopher F. Fear ,
Carl S. Littlejohns ,
Eryl Rouse  and
Paul McQuail
Christopher F. Fear*
Affiliation:
North Wales Hospital, Denbigh
Carl S. Littlejohns
Affiliation:
North Wales Hospital, Denbigh
Eryl Rouse
Affiliation:
Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, Clwyd
Paul McQuail
Affiliation:
North Wales Hospital, Denbigh
*
Dr C. F. Fear, Academic Subdepartment of Psychological Medicine, North Wales Hospital, Denbigh, Clwyd LL16 5SS
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Abstract

Background

The induction agent propofol is known to reduce electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) seizure duration. It is assumed that outcome from depression is adversely affected by this agent. This study compares propofol and methohexitone as induction agents for ECT.

Method

In a prospective, randomised, double-blind study 20 subjects with major depressive disorder (DSM-III-R criteria) received propofol or methohexitone anaesthesia. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess depression before therapy, at every third treatment, and at the end of therapy. Seizure duration was measured using the cuff technique.

Results

Mean seizure durations (P < 0.01) and mean total seizure duration (P < 0.01) were shorter in the propofol group. There was no difference in outcome.

Conclusions

Use of propofol may not adversely affect outcome from depression and it is not necessarily contraindicated as an induction agent for ECT. Our results should be interpreted cautiously, and larger studies are needed.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 165 , Issue 4 , October 1994 , pp. 506 - 509
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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