An EEG Measure of the Effect of Mood Change on the Thiopentone Tolerance of Depressed Patients
GEORGE W. FENTON M.B., M.R.C.P., M.R.C.P.E., D.P.M.1,
DENIS HILL M.B., F.R.C.P., D.P.M.2, and
LEILA SCOTTON
1 Senior Lecturer, Academic Department of Psychiatry, Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London, W.1
2 Professor, Academic Department of Psychiatry, Middlesex Hospital Medical School, London, W.1
A new technique for measuring the sedation threshold of an individual is described. In a group of depressed subjects, the threshold dose decreased significantly in those who showed recovery or marked improvement after E.C.T. It was higher in patients with neurotic depression than in those with endogenous illness; but this last finding may merely reflect the age difference between the two groups.
Submitted on June 1, 1967
