Abstract
Objectives: The aim of the workshop is for participants to review and discuss the areas of stimulus electrode placement, stimulus dosing, and EEG monitoring as they apply to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Content: The content will cover (1) the choice of stimulus electrode placement, as well as the various applicable techniques; (2) decision making regarding choice of stimulus dose with ECT, both initially and throughout the ECT course; (3) the use of EEG monitoring with ECT, including recording site, placement of recording electrodes, and interpretation of recorded data to determine the occurrence, endpoint, and adequacy of seizure activity.
Process: The facilitator will present a 10–15 minute talk on each of the three topics; each talk being followed by the opportunity for interaction with and among the participants. It is anticipated that it will be clear that a range of clinically acceptable options exists in many cases.
Participants: This workshop is intended for psychiatrists who administer ECT or who frequently treat patients with disorders for which referral to ECT may sometimes be indicated, particularly major depression.