Electroconvulsive Therapy

In this fully-revised fourth edition of what has long been the standard textbook for the field, Dr. Richard Abrams once again demonstrates his unique ability to analyze and present a wealth of new(and often technical) material in a lucid, compelling, and highly readable fashion. Hundreds of new clinical studies called from the more than 1500 published since the third edition appeared have been analyzed in depth and incorporated throughout the book. An important new chapter has been added on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation(TMS) therapy, a treatment for depression that is widely-used in Europe and expected to become available soon for clinical use in the United States. Dr. Abrams exposes the scientific flaws in several widely-cited reports, while focusing on the few carefully-controlled studies that provide solid support for the results claimed. The sections on the electrical stimulus, seizing introduction, seizure quality, and treatment electrode placement have been completely revised and updated with new information on those clinical and technical issues that are presently of greatest concern to practitioners and researchers. A comprehensive critical assessment of the nature of the seizure threshold and the validity of the stimulus titration method for ECT dosing is presented for the first time, with conclusions and recommendations that many will find surprising. The continued controversy over the relative efficacies of unilateral and bitemporal ECT is revisited in light of the latest dosing strategies and treatment outcomes reported, and of the latest results obtained with bifrontal ECT. The potential clinical and theoretical advantages of the recently-rediscovered technique of ultrabrief pulse therapy are explained in detail. The chapter on the memory and cognitive consequences of ECT has been expanded to focus on the subjective memory effects of treatment, with new analysis of the possible biological basis for the improvement in subjective memory so often reported. Recently-published claims of persistent or permanent memory effects of ECT are refuted in detail. In full accordance with the American Psychiatric Association's new guidelines for the practice of ECT, Dr. Abrams' book remains the essential practical guide and reference work for all those who prescribe, perform, or assist with ECT, or are interested in learning more about the subject.

Table of Contents:
1: History of Electroconvulsive Therapy 2: Efficacy of Electroconvulsive Therapy 3: Prediction of Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy 4: The Medical Physiology of Electroconvulsive Therapy 5: Electroconvulsive Therapy in the High-Risk Patient 6: The Electroconvulsive Therapy Stimulus, Seizure Introduction, and SDeizure Quality 7: Treatment Electrode Placement: Bitemporal, Unilateral, Bifrontal 8: Technique of Electroconvulsive Therapy: Theory 9: Technique of Electroconvulsive Therapy: Praxis 10: Memory and Cognitive Functioning After Electroconvulsive Therapy 11: Neurobioogical Correlates and Mechanisms 12: Patients' Attitudes, Medicolegal Considerations, and Informed Consent 13: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS)

Review :
"This excellent text is a complete synopsis of the current status of ECT and an important volume to be aware of. The more knowledge the clinician has about the facts of this treatment, the more likely a patient will accept the referral." -University of Washington School of Medicine From reviews of previous editions: "This book is unique in the field...written in an engaging style, [it] reflects the author's intimate knowledge of an indispensible psychiatric treatment...the result is a refined and up-to-date disquisition on a complex and multifaceted subject...highly recommended for both the clinician and researcher."--Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience "This is an outstanding and comprehensive third edition of Dr. Abrams' textbook on ECT. Any clinician who is involved in the treatment of patients with mental illness should read this book. All psychiatry residents should be required to know the relevant topics that this book covers. 4 stars."--Doody's "Dr. Abrams has produced a masterpiece that summarizes...much of what psychiatrists want to know about ECT. The style is crisp and the ideas flow cogently and clearly."--Annals of Clinical Psychiatry "This single-authored text is clearly written from a unique and independent point of view. It expresses the opinions and experiences of more than a quarter century of active study of electroconvulsive therapy....Abrams may justly be proud of this accomplishment which will surely improve the standard of modern psychiatric practice."--Convulsive Therapy "Virtually all of the issues of concern to clinicians are covered. This is a well written, easy-to-read book on ECT that should serve as a standard reference for both clinicians and researchers in the field."--Journal of Neuropsychiatry "This book represents the standard of practice for electroconvulsive therapy.... I recommend this book to all training programs in psychiatry and active ECT practitioners. It is the most authoritative text in ECT at present."--The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease "This excellent text is a complete synopsis of the current status of ECT and an important volume to be aware of. The more knowledge the clinician has about the facts of this treatment, the more likely a patient will accept the referral." -University of Washington School of Medicine "A thorough, scholarly addition to the field of ECT. The textbook draws upon the extensive clinical and research experience of the authors and displays his comprehensive knowledge of the literature and serves as an adequate guide for the administration of ECT.... I highly recommend Dr. Abrams'...textbook. This is, overall, the best general textbook covering the topic presently available. It provides a comprehensive overview of the preclinical and clinical use of electroconvulsive therapy and should be considered must reading for psychiatric residents and clinicians who practice ECT."--Depression "An excellent, concise, fair, and up-to-date review of this form of therapy.... Abrams' book should help the practitioner weigh the pros and cons of ECT himself and aid him and his patients in making enlightened treatment decisions."--Psychiatry "A book that has proven to be influential in the area of somatic treatments for affective disorders.... There is an abundance of information that would be useful to the psychologist working in a setting where ECT is used.... This book provides a synopsis of the important areas to be considered and is therefore very useful in a clinical setting. It is easy to read and understand, and it is the best source of information on ECT for the clinician."--Contemporary Psychology "This book remains the gold standard for the analysis of the ECT literature and the practices of using ECT in clinical practice. I highly recommend it."--Doody's