Preliminary curarization in electric convulsive shock therapy

Abstract

1. The treatment of affective disorders particularly the depressions, by the induction of grand mal seizures is an established, highly-effective procedure. 2. The introduction of the electric shock method has been a material improvement over previous methods. 3. Trauma is still an important but neglected factor in convulsive shock therapy, and the traumatic hazards have not been eliminated by the adoption of electric shock. 4. The traumatic complications are not confined to the vertebrae and the long bones; and sufficient attention has not been given to visceral complications in the form of petechial hemorrhages, increased incidence of tuberculosis, etc. 5. The writers believe that a direct, safe and effective means of eliminating trauma incident to convulsive shock therapy is available in curare and that straight, unmodified electric shock is unjustified. 6. Preliminary curarization increases the scope of usefulness of convulsive therapy and makes the treatment available in cases where it might otherwise be contraindicated. 7. Results obtained in 139 cases treated by the combined curare-electric shock method are reported. The best results were seen in the depressions with an increased percentage of complete recoveries in the older age groups. 8. One death incident to electric shock therapy is reported.