ECT is most effective in:: (A) Conversion disorder, (B) Severe depression, (C) Mania, (D) Dissociative disorder
Answer is B. Ans: b (Severe depression) Ref: Ahuja, 6th ed, p. 213; Kaplan & Sadock, 8th ed, p. 2968ECT is the most effective treatment for major depression currently available. Major severe depression with suicidal risk is the first and most important indication for ECT. Mania is mainly treated with mood stabilizers e.g lithiumIndications of ECTContraindications* Severe schizophrenia not responding to treatmentAbsolute* Catatonic stuporRaised intracranial tension* Catatonic excitementRelative* Psychosis not responding to treatment1. Recent myocardial infarction* Severe depression with suicidal tendency2. Severe hypertension* Severe depression with somatic syndrome3. Cerebrovascular accident* Delusional depression4. Severe pulmonary disease* Acute mania5. Retinal detachment 6. Pheochromocytoma