FURTHER OBSERVATIONS WITH NONCONVULSIVE ELECTROSTIMULATION
Abstract
The mode of action of the nonconvulsive current is still speculative. Only a small portion of the total energy reaches the intra-cranial contents and this apparently spreads through the cerebrum and deeper structures. Whether the effects noted are the result of action on the diencephalon or some specific portion of it is still an unresolved question.
Electrostimulation is a safe, simple procedure particularly useful for outpatient treatment. Suggestions for making the procedure more practical are outlined. The immediate posttreatment period is particularly amenable to psychotherapeutic exploration and psychotherapy. Maintenance treatment can be continued for long periods without deleterious side-effects.
The chief areas of usefulness are in certain paranoid schizophrenics, anxiety states, psychosomatic conditions, epilepsy in conjunction with standard anticonvulsant medication, and finally in combating the lethargic confused state resulting from either barbiturate action or convulsive therapy.
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).