Assessment of cognitive impairments and seizure characteristics in
electroconvulsive therapy with and without sodium valproate in manic patients.
Author(s): Haghighi M(1), Bajoghli H, Bigdelou G, Jahangard L, Holsboer-Trachsler E, Brand
S.
Affiliation(s): Author information:
(1)Research Center for Behavioral Disorders and Substance Abuse, Hamadan University
of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
Publication date & source: 2013, Neuropsychobiology. , 67(1):14-24
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was two-fold: (1) to compare, in a
controlled double-blind quasi-randomized clinical trial, treatment improvements,
treatment outcome, and cognitive impairments in patients suffering from current
manic episodes, while treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with and
without concurrent sodium valproate therapy, and (2) to compare ECT seizure
characteristics in patients with and without concurrent sodium valproate therapy.
METHODS: A total of 40 inpatients (mean age = 31.80 years, SD = 8.06; 75% males)
suffering from bipolar disorders and currently in a manic state took part in the
study. They were quasi-randomly assigned either to the target (continuation of
sodium valproate administration) or to the control group (discontinuation of
sodium valproate administration). All patients underwent bifrontal ECT for at
least 6 sessions. Improvements and cognitive impairments were assessed, and
seizure characteristics (duration, threshold) were also recorded.
RESULTS: Manic episodes improved significantly over time, and irrespective of the
group (target vs. control group). Cognitive impairments did not alter over time
or between groups. Seizure duration did not change over time or between groups.
Seizure threshold did not change over time, but was lower in the target than in
the control group.
CONCLUSIONS: Continuing the administration of sodium valproate neither adversely
affects, nor enhances cognitive impairments or seizure duration, but reduces
seizure threshold during ECT in patients suffering from manic episodes. Moreover,
gender appeared to be more strongly associated with cognitive impairment and
seizure activity than treatment approaches in these psychiatric conditions.
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