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Post-ECT Cognitive Defect and Elevation of Blood Pressure

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Max Hamilton
Affiliation:
St Luke's Hospital, Crosland Moor, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD4 5RQ
Malcolm J. Stocker
Affiliation:
St Luke's Hospital, Crosland Moor, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD4 5RQ
Christopher M. Spencer
Affiliation:
St Luke's Hospital, Crosland Moor, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD4 5RQ

Summary

There is evidence that ECT causes a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier through the rise of blood pressure it induces. Using the Benton test of cognitive function the day before and three hours after ECT treatment in 27 depressed patients, impairment of function was highly correlated with the maximum rise of systolic BP during the treatment.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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References

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