ECT risk in cardiac patients
Abstract
,through 1983, are as follows: than 13,400 people received than 61 ,600 treatments. Theremore werebelief have not been done. The statistics you report from California are interesting, but do not address this ques-in the February26:9 1 - 102(Psychosomatics1985),no reported1\venty-oneor lacerations.that this the not orDrs. James L. Levenson and Robert 0. Friedel give a very thorough andinformative subject, tientsof âcardiaction. I think it is clear in our article that we regard both ECT and antidepressant medication as not without risk, but nowhere do we suggest that either should therefore be abandoned. Thechoice of treatment, whether somaticreported,but it appearsof theirdisease:â âin paDiagnosisis a questionable statistic, since Department ofMental Health does discriminateâand somatictreatment.(ECT)Electroconadvo-is amplyarrestâin tabulatingthat theseand âcardiac the annual figEvenor psychological, should always involve an assessment of the potentialrisks and benefits James Medical Robert Richmond, of the treatment. L. Levenson, College 0. Friedel, Va. M.D. of Virginia M.D.cated effectiveas both an alternative treatment optionand a more in appropri-ures on ECT cases ofcardiaccomplications.cases.However,arrest,this wouldrep-unfortunately tend hensions for those periencedto heighten apprenot adequately exfaitsresent a 0. 16% cardiac arrest risk per person. It must be recognized that ahigh age 1983), percentagesafety.with EDâ or adequately the literature regarding obtainedof patients in California a significant