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Should An Antidepressant Be Used Before Electroconvulsive Therapy?
Question: It has been said that antidepressants are also the mainstay of inpatient treatment and, when considered together with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), represent the first line of treatment for the most severe and incapacitating forms of depression. My question is even with positive and immediate result ECT treatment should be followed with ongoing antidepressant medication, of which I would use an SSRI. Would you try an antidepressant before you used ECT? It is also done outpatient, what is your opinion about such use?
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for questioning Health care magic
In cases of severe depression ECT is helpful (for speedy recovery, in short term).
Antidepressant need to be continued for stipulated period.
Sometimes, before trying ECT, one can try Antidepressant for adequate period and in adequate dose.
However, if someone is suicidal, gross neglect of self-care, psychomotor retardation, combining ECT with antidepressants are preferred, usually
Hope I could be of some help in clarifying your confusion
I am available for further discussion
Wish you a good mental health
Thanks for questioning Health care magic
In cases of severe depression ECT is helpful (for speedy recovery, in short term).
Antidepressant need to be continued for stipulated period.
Sometimes, before trying ECT, one can try Antidepressant for adequate period and in adequate dose.
However, if someone is suicidal, gross neglect of self-care, psychomotor retardation, combining ECT with antidepressants are preferred, usually
Hope I could be of some help in clarifying your confusion
I am available for further discussion
Wish you a good mental health
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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