SCHIZOPHRENIA IN A PATIENT WITH GAUCHER'S DISEASE TREATED WITH MODIFIED ECT
JAMES F. SUESS M.D.1, and
HARRY LITTLE M.D.
1 Warren State Hospital, Warren, Pa.
This method can be used with ECT and succinylcholine chloride for maximum muscular relaxation when pentothal or "petit mal technic" to avert anxiety is contraindicated because of liver damage or fragile bony structure as in the present case of Gaucher's disease. The average person can hold his breath for 20-30 seconds without difficulty, especially if he has received several oxygen inhalations beforehand. Thus, he would not be aware of the temporary respiratory paralysis. Correct timing and the patient's confidence are most important in the breath holding routine described. We have tried it in several other less complicated cases with excellent results.
