A cross sectional study showing association between Electroconvulsive therapy and memory loss

Abstract

The most effective treatment of major depression with suicidal tendencies is Electroconvulsive therapy. Autobiographical memory loss and defects in new learning are the side effects of it. Although the side effects are transient, the physicians should be aware of this. Materials and Methods: The study examines psychiatric patients diagnosed by ICD-10 criteria, after giving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with a sample size of 20 and is a cross sectional study. The study is conducted in Madurai Govt. Rajaji hospital Psychiatry ward ECT room and cognitive side effects are assessed both short and long term. Studies say new learning is immediately impaired post ECT with the mean scores return to base line of normal by 1 month. Evidence suggests that ECT causes defects in autobiographical memory for a short time. Conclusion: There is definite correlation between acute side effects of memory loss and ECT. Clinicians should be well aware of these.