ELECTROCONVULSIVE TREATMENT AND SEVERE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
ROLAND M. ATKINSON M.D.1, and
ROBERT T. RUBIN M.D.1
1 The Neuropsychiatric Institute, University of California Center for the Health Sciences, Los Angeles, Calif.
Two psychotic patients with severe cardiovascular disease, in whom ECT was successfully used to treat the psychoses, are reported. The specific technique of ECT administration is outlined, including preparation of the treatment room and the patient. The indications for ECT in this category of patient and the rationale of the treatment technique are discussed. The need for careful pre-treatment evaluation and preparedness for cardiac emergencies is emphasized.
