Cardiovascular Effects of Ect

acute instances, relief can be hastened by applying ECT on three or four successive days, a course described as "ECT en bloc"(Stromgren, LS.,1997). ECT is also an effective anti-manic agent. It relieves not only the catatonic features, but the manic episode as well. For continuation treatment, antipsychotic medicines should be avoided. Continuation ECT is a safer effective option. Dr. Andrade's patient would probably have had a better clinical course with this continuation option. Considering the dramatic nature of manic excitement, it is surprising that so few examples are described in the literature. A goorily number of the patients are reported in descriptions of NMS. More than half the recorded cases of NMS are preceded by a manic phase, with the toxic syndrome precipitated by high doses of haloperidol. Dr. Andrade is to be congratulated in bringing this treatable, life-threatening condition to our attention. Effects of ECT on the pulse rate, blood pressue (BP), and electrocardiogram (ECG) were studied in fifty six consecutive physically healthy psychiatric inpatients undergoing ECT for their psychiatric disability. The patients were included in the study with their consent. Patients with systemic or neurological illnesses, substance dependence, concurrent anticonvulsant drugs or ECT in the past six months were excluded. All patients underwent a thorough physical examination and routine hematological and biochemical investigations. VDRL, ECG, skull radiograph and fundus copy. Pre-anaesthetic check up was carried out by the anesthesiologist. All patients were given ECT in overnight fasting condition, modified with inj. atropine 1.2 mg IV, inj. thiopentone 5 mg/kg body weight IV and inj. succinylchoiine 0.75 mg/kg body weight IV. Vigorous mask ventilation with ox/gen was begun during induction of anesthesia and continued until the patient could resume effective ventilation.