Anesthetic Management of Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy

Abstract

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for mood disorders, particularly treatment-resistant depression, and several psychiatric illnesses. Anesthetic management of patients undergoing ECT requires an understanding of ECT, the physiologic changes induced by electrical stimulus, the anesthetic agents used, and the potential complications associated with the procedure. Numerous medical and surgical conditions can impact procedural approach and anesthetic management. ECT is challenging due to its typically off-site location, fast-paced general anesthesia with bag-mask ventilation, selection of anesthetic agents that minimally affect the seizure, patient's comorbidities, and unique physiologic responses. This comprehensive review aims to update anesthetists on the periprocedural management of patients undergoing ECT.

Keywords: anesthesia; electroconvulsive therapy; management.