The Effect on Cognition of Terminating ECT Induced Seizures With Propofol
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2010-03-24
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Participating subjects are those who are referred for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for
severe depression who have agreed to the protocol. The control group receives ECT as usual.
The other group receives propofol to terminate the ECT-induced seizure timed so that the
seizure lasts at least 25 seconds. Extensive neuropsychological testing is being done on both
groups before beginning ECT and within 48 hours after the 6th treatment. Multiple markers of
the rapidity of recovery from anesthesia are being obtained from all subjects for 6 ECTs.