Cognitive functioning in patients treated with electroconvulsive therapy

Abstract

BackgroundElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment method for severe mental illnesses. ECT has gone through significant modernization. Side effects of ECT have largely decreased. Temporary disturbance of cognitive performance can be still present as a side effect of electroconvulsive treatment.MethodsCognitive functioning in the sample of patients with severe and acute mental illness treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was assessed. Basic assessment of cognitive functions was applied in the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of ECT course treatment with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Complex and detailed testing of cognitive functions using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was done at two points in time – within the first week of and then 6 weeks after the end of ECT.ResultsParticipants had cognitive deficits at baseline, which were most likely influenced markedly by the psychopathology of the illness itself. The improvement in cognition came together with the reduction in psychopathology; psychopathology scores were significantly reduced during ECT treatment. Compared to the baseline, all scores for cognitive testing were significantly improved but remained low in comparison with the controls. After 6 weeks, there was further significant improvement.ConclusionOur results confirm the safety and efficacy of ECT in the treatment of severe mental disorders.

Geriatric Depression and Cognitive Impairment—An Update

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Appraising the effectiveness of electrical and magnetic brain stimulation techniques in acute major depressive episodes: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

“…In addition, long-term short-term memory impairment has been reported in some patients who underwent ECT. 79 Finally, there are still no evidence-based safety recommendations for DBS, 62 although the procedure involves all the risks inherent to a neurosurgical procedure. 80 …”

Terapia elektrowstrząsowa i jej wpływ na funkcje poznawcze – przegląd piśmiennictwa

“…Prawie 30% pacjentów wykazywało zaburzenia poznawcze po tygodniu od EW, jednocześnie po trzech miesiącach notowano dużą poprawę w tym zakresie [40]. Wynik badania Kalisovej [41] opublikowanego w 2018 roku również wykazał, że wielu pacjentów poddawanych EW ma deficyty w zakresie funkcji poznawczych wynikające z choroby podstawowej. Podkreślono, że mimo pogorszenia ich bezpośrednio po EW, to dzięki terapeutycznemu działaniu samego zabiegu, po kilku tygodniach wracają one do sprawności wyjściowej, a w dalszym okresie ulegają poprawie.…”