Comparing Methods of Seizure Response Monitoring During Electroconvulsive Therapy: Comparer les méthodes de surveillance des interventions en cas de crise durant la thérapie par électrochocs.

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used to treat several mental illnesses. Seizure duration is used to determine if the administered stimulus was adequate. Duration is estimated by electroencephalogram (EEG) interpretation and/or observed motor response (OMR). Neither method is considered the gold standard. This study investigated the relationship between the 2 methods. The hypothesis was that both EEG and OMR would be significantly positively correlated. Previous researchers have suggested that the 2 methods resulted in different estimates. A case series was conducted using recorded estimates obtained prospectively from 102 ECTs on adult psychiatric inpatients. A strong positive association was not observed in this study, correlation coefficient 0.510 (p < 0.001). This study suggests that the 2 methods differ, and further research is needed to determine the best indicator of adequate treatment.